What Does Face Primer Do? Benefits, Uses & How to Apply It Correctly

Everything you need to know about Face Primer, what it’s made of, how it can be used. Choose the best kind of Face Primer for Dry, Oily, Combination skin.

Modern makeup is a marvel of chemical engineering, and there’s no better example than makeup primer. Many people think of primer as something extra and unnecessary, like glitter eyeshadow. However, this innovative product is actually the magical secret to flawless and long-lasting makeup. 

Human skin is, of course, a living, breathing organ with pores and laugh lines, tan and texture. Face Primer has been specifically designed to provide a smooth transition between skin and makeup for a photoready finish. 

What is face primer exactly, and how does it work? Read on to find out everything you’ve ever wanted or needed to know about this miracle makeup product. This blog explains what most primers are made of, the different kinds of primers for different skin issues, and how to apply face primer for the best results. 

What is Face Primer?

Face primer is what you get when skincare meets makeup. For centuries, makeup users struggled with a dilemma: foundation, concealer, and eyeshadow don’t just sit on the face. They interact with it, either by being absorbed or by mixing with the natural oils on the skin. This causes the individual ingredients to shift, the shades to change, and layers to either cake up or streak. 

Not attractive at all. 

That’s where Face Primer comes in. It provides a smooth base layer for makeup to adhere to, filling and covering imperfections. It is a recent invention, created when chemists figured out how to incorporate silicone into products meant to be applied to the face. 

Modern Face Primers are made from several different kinds of ingredients, depending on their specific purpose. Here’s a list of some of those ingredients and what they do:

Silicone Derivatives:

The star of the show is typically dimethicone or similar silicone derivatives. They form the water-resistant, yet lightweight film that is meant to cover the skin. The beauty of these chemicals is that they also have a variety of other properties. For example, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer also absorbs sebum and mattifies the skin. 

Moisturisers and Skin Conditioners:

Light, natural oils hydrate the skin, and emollients such as glycerine soften it. These are important for a product that needs to adapt to multiple skin types, including dry ones. 

Mineral Clays and Extracts:

Various mineral clays help absorb oil in more mattifying formulas while also filling in fine lines.  Many natural primers also include plant extracts that provide anti-aging benefits, such as tightening the skin. 

Thickening Agents and Colorants:

Various waxes and silicone derivatives provide primers with their body and texture. Tinted primers contain pigments that help reduce redness and other kinds of discoloration. 

Which Face Primer is Best?

Here’s a table that will help you choose the right kind of primer for your skin type. Remember that multi-tasking primers combine multiple benefits in one formula:

How to Apply Primer on Face?

The product is supposed to do most of the work, so the application is a breeze. Here’s how you do it:

1. Prep the face and neck with your usual cleansing and moisturising routine. Allow your moisturiser to be fully absorbed into the skin. 
2. Start with a pea-sized amount and gently pat it onto your face and neck. Add more where needed, focusing on problem areas such as the T-zone. 
3. Allow the primer to dry before continuing with concealer and foundation. 

FAQs

When exactly should I apply face primer in my makeup routine?

Apply face primer after moisturiser and sunscreen but before foundation, concealer, and blush. 

Can I wear face primer without makeup?

Absolutely! It's a great oil-controlling and mattifying product that can be worn on its own. 

Can I use multiple primers at the same time?

You can use different types of primers on different parts of the face to target different skin concerns. Be sure that the formulas are compatible, for example making sure to use all oil-based or all water-based products. 

Can I use face primer on the eyelids?

It is possible, but not the best idea. Face primers can be heavier on the eyelids and cause creasing. If you do your eyes often, invest in an eyelid primer. 

Can I mix primer with foundation?

If the formulas are compatible, then yes. However, it will not provide the ideal results that using each product as a separate step will. 

Conclusion

Face primers can often feel like an unwanted extra in your makeup kit. There’s nothing to fear, however, as these products are incredibly easy to use and many are formulated to tackle multiple issues on the skin. Figure out what kind of face primer works best for you and watch your pores, fine lines, and discoloration simply disappear. Apply it after your skin care and just before other kinds of face makeup, or wear it on it’s on for a clean, no-makeup look. 

Multiple Benefits, One Face Primer

The Haya Beauty Face Primer packs a ton of benefits into one small container. Formulated to mattify and hydrate, it contains Okra and Peach Resin extracts that lift, tighten, and revitalise the skin. 

Sources

1. Facial primer provides immediate and long-term improvements in mild-to-moderate facial hyperpigmentation and fine lines associated with photoaging - A research article that measures the improvement in the skin with face primer use.
2. Dimethicone: Your Complete Guide to This Common Skin Care Ingredient - A Healthline article on Dimethicone, listing its uses and benefits in skin care and cosmetics.