How to Choose a Makeup Primer

Makeup primers are an extremely useful tool, but they are also a product that can be a little intimidating. There are many different kinds of make-up primers, and it is a little difficult to know what kind will work best for your skin type. I am going to go through and answer your most asked questions regarding makeup primers, and by the end you will be able to pick a primer without any difficulty.

What the heck is it?
A makeup primer is applied to the face before you put on foundation to help your make-up stay on all day. This is especially useful for people with oily skin because the primer creates a barrier between the oil on your skin and your makeup and prevents your makeup from sliding off throughout the day. A makeup primer also creates a smooth surface for your makeup and fills in pores so they are less noticeable.

How do you use it?
Before you apply the primer you need to wash your face, and then apply your moisturiser. Once your moisturiser has completely dried, you are able to take a small amount of primer and apply it to your face. Make sure that every inch of your face is covered, and that the product is nicely rubbed in, and then you need to wait a few minutes for it to dry. Your primer needs to be dry before you apply your foundation or the products are not going to layer nicely.          

Cream vs Silicone?
There are two different types of makeup primers that you can buy, cream and silicone. Depending on your skin type there maybe one that will work better for your skin.

Cream Primers - this formula works well on people with normal to dry skin. The cream will help give extra moisture to their skin, and won't cause dry skin to flake like the silicone primers do. Cream primers usually come in an "oil free" version as well, so if you have sensitive skin this one may be less likely to break you out.
* My favourite Cream Primer is by Laura Mercier and retails for $32.00 at Sephora

Silicone Primers - this formula works well on people who have normal to oily skin. Silicone primers apply very smoothly and almost feel like silk on your face. They also have a really good staying power, so the oil on your skin will not make them slide around and the product still sticks in place. Silicone primers will also prevent people with oily skin from looking shiny throughout the day.
*My favourite Silicone Primer is by Tarte and is the "Clean Slate Poreless 12-hour perfecting Primer". It retails for $30.00 at Sephora

Why are some primers coloured?
You may see that there are primers that come in peach, green, and purple shades, this is to correct certain colours on your face.

Green primers - Green primers are used to conceal blemishes, and counteract redness associated with acne and rosacea

Orange primers - Orange primers are used to hide under eye circles, and diminish the appearance of age spots and freckles.

Purple primers - Purple primers are used to brighten dull skin, counteract discolouration, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and even out skin tone.

*Smashbox is one brand that carries these colour correcting primers. These retail for $38.00 at Sephora
                                                                     
Let me know in the comments below what your favourite makeup primer is!
~Jess.♥