Beauty

Why you should be using a makeup primer—and how to pick the right one

Why you should be using a makeup primer—and how to pick the right one

How to pick a primer Image by: Getty Images

Beauty

Why you should be using a makeup primer—and how to pick the right one

Primer is the first step to a flawless, everyday makeup look. Find out why and how you should add primer to your beauty routine.

Primer is either something you love or something you haven’t tried yet. The beauty industry is teeming with a new class of these post-skin-care, pre-makeup wonders that meet each of your skin’s individual needs. We spoke with Laura Good, Regional Training Executive at Smashbox Canada, to find out more about why you should be using primer, and how to find the right one for your complexion.

All about that base

Primer provides the perfect base for the skin before applying makeup because it acts as a thin layer that smooths and corrects any imperfections on the skin. “Primer reduces the amount of work you have to do with foundation by perfecting the skin first,” says Good. “Everything goes on smoother, more even, and leaves you looking flawless.” You might even find that with a great primer, you can forgo your foundation.

Skincare meets makeup

Primer acts a meeting point between our morning skincare routine and makeup application. Not only can they address specific skin concerns, like fine lines, redness, or dryness, primers can lock in your makeup and help it last all day long. Adding a primer to your morning routine is easy. “Prep your skin with your usual morning skincare routine, follow it with a pea-sized amount of primer and then perfect with foundation,” says Good. You can even skip the foundation and go for an au-naturel look with the perfect primer. After prepping skin with a moisturizer, smooth out those small imperfections with a bit of primer.

For every skin type and tone

With its invisible, gel-like consistency, primer works on every skin tone—the trick is to find the right one. Good says it’s important to look for ingredients that are good for your skin and to avoid ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, and pthylates. Take into consideration your skin type, your unique skin concerns, and then decide on a matte or dewy finish.

Find a primer that works best for your skin type

Primers are universal and tend to work for every skin type. But primers also help address specific concerns as well. Find out what type of primer would work best with your skin.

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Find a primer that works best for your skin type

Best introduction to primer

This award-winning primer isn’t just a great pick because it’s full of good-for-you ingredients like moisturising vitamin E, and antioxidant rich kakadu plum and green tea—it’s also made with 100% natural ingredients and without the nasties. Yes, this Australian brand proves you can have a clean, silicone-free primer that works!

Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer, $32, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Find a primer that works best for your skin type

For dry skin

Boost hydration levels in your skin by using a primer packed with hyaluronic acid. This primer is a primer/moisturizer combo that provides a 127% instant moisture boost and 24-hour hydration.
 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer, $50, sephora.ca.

Find a primer that works best for your skin type

For oily skin

An oil-free primer is the obvious choice for skin that tends to be shinier. Look for a water-based or gel primer to help control oil throughout the day. This primer from Benefit Cosmetics will leave a matte finish and also helps to minimize the appearance of pores on the skin.
 

The POREfessional: matte rescue, $38, benefitcosmetics.com/ca.

Find a primer that works best for your skin type

For discoloured skin

For those who have more discoloration, whether it’s redness or hyperpigmentation, a colour correcting primer will help even the skin’s complexion. This three-in-one primer brightens, moisturizes, and corrects any flaws on the skin.
 

Stila One Step Correct Primer, $47, sephora.ca.

Find a primer that works best for your skin type

For combination skin

Dealing with combination skin can be frustrating. Your T-zone is oily and your cheeks tend to a bit on the dry side. The best primer is Smashbox’s Iconic Photo Finish Foundation primer. This oil-free primer will leave your skin looking smooth without adding unnecessary oils.
 

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $40, sephora.ca.

Find a primer that works best for your skin type

For aging skin

Blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with vitamin-packed primer. This primer from Tarte is filled with vitamins C and E to help to brighten and nourish skin and protect it from free radical damage. 
 

Tarte Timeless Smoother Primer, $47, sephora.ca.

 

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Why you should be using a makeup primer—and how to pick the right one

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