Primers 101.

Most people believe make up starts with foundation. However it actually starts with applying a primer. Primer is a product that I personally feel does not get its due. There are some who believe it's unwanted and avoid applying it. For those who don't know or want to know more about what a primer is, keep reading.

 

 What is a primer? 

Applying a primer is the first step in a makeup routine. It keeps your makeup fresh and long lasting. The primer is basically used to even out the skin, cover redness and blur out imperfections like fine lines and large pores.

Types of Primers:

According to your skin type, there are specific primers that help with the requirements of your skin.

Pore filling primer: Primer that fills your pores.

Mattifying primer: Primer that controls oil and keeps the face matte.

Longevity primer: Primer that helps your make up look fresh for long hours

Colour correcting primer: Primer that reduces redness and any other discolouration.

How to apply a Primer?

A primer should be applied typically 5 minutes after putting some moisturiser, so that the primer does not slip off. The primer can be applied with your fingers. All you need to do is, take some primer on the back of your hand , dot it on your face and gently massage it into your pores. Once massaged on your face, let it settle and then get started with the rest of your makeup.

What are the benefits of using a Primer?

The primer is helps people with an oily T zone , oily skin or combination skin since it gives a mattifying look. The primer works well for people with dry skin too,  since it gives you a smooth base to apply your foundation. It prevents your foundation or base from looking caked up, creased and keeps it intact for a long time.

Some of the primers available in India :

L’Oreal Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer: It retails for Rs.995 for 15ml. This is not only perfect for oily skin but also for people with normal skin who end up spending a lot of time outdoors. It is packed in a tiny glass jar but is a little heavy, making it less travel friendly compared to other primers. The absence of a pump is a let down since you have to dip your finger in the jar and use it. This not only becomes messy but also a bit unsanitary. However a plus point is that it goes really well with the sunscreen.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer : It retails for Rs. 820 for 22ml (on amazon).This is not available in the Indian market but is available in the US. It is packed in a tube with a nozzle making it travel friendly and easy to apply. It is light, has a smooth texture and glides onto the skin easily.  This primer helps to keep your makeup on for a long time and is a good choice when travelling. 

 

Miss Claire Studio Perfect Professional Makeup Primer: Retailed at Rs.395 for 30ml. This is a dupe for the NYX Primer. It is available in two shades 01 Clear and 02 Beige. It comes in  a tube with a nozzle and applies easily on to the face. The clear one has a similar texture to the Maybelline Baby Skin primer due its high silica content. It also has anti redness properties and is suitable for dry to combination skin. Good packaging, good quantity and easy on the pocket. This is definitely my favourite.   

 

Benefit’s The POREfessional Primer: This is retailed at  Rs.2860 for 22ml. This one of the best primer I have come across. It works for all skin types. You can just skip foundation if you have this on. Even though it claims to be a pore filling primer, it does all that is required of a primer. It gives a matte finish, increases the wear time of your makeup and colour corrects your skin. It is a little heavy on the pocket  but it is totally worth it. It has a little tint in it and comes with a nozzle for easy application. This too is packed in a tube making is easy to carry around.

Nivea Men Cooling After Shave Balm : It retails for Rs.245 for 100ml making it one of the most economic primers available in India. This is a product some of you may already have in your houses. This is not a primer but can be used as one. This was initially tested and made popular by Nikkie Tutorials. Since it is not originally a primer, the packaging seems a little inappropriate and application may get a little messy due to the absence of a pump. The bottle is made of glass and is heavy thus making it difficult to carry around.The texture is creamier than most primers and may feel a little heavy on the skin during application but settles into the skin quick enough. It works best for dry skin. It helps with keeping your make up on for long hours. 

 

Some of the other primers available in the Indian market with good reviews are The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and Sivanna Colors Skin Primer. However since we have not personally used them, we did not include them in the post.

We hope you found this post helpful. 

We will be back with a new post next week.