Makeup
11 Makeup Primers That'll Keep Your Face in Place All Day LongIs your makeup literally melting off your face? Prepare for the warmer months ahead with these reader-approved makeup primers |
Obvious foundation streaks, noticeable pores, redness around the nose — these are all makeup blunders on par with a glaringly large flake of spinach stuck between your teeth. Napoleon Perdis, celebrity makeup artist and beauty brand founder, says these makeup faux pas can be avoided by adding one simple step to your morning routine: applying makeup primer
"Not to prime is a crime," says Perdis. "It's been my career-long mantra. It helps finesse your foundation, helping your skin stay flawless longer." And it's not just Perdis. Celebrity makeup artists everywhere stress the importance of priming. Makuep primers are crucial at keeping oil at bay while filling in fine lines and providing a smooth canvas for your foundation to stick to, says celebrity makeup artist Charlie Green. Now that we've converted you into a primer believer, here are tips to help you choose the best one for you:
Skin tone: Primers come in different hues to address specific skin concerns. Green-colored primers will combat redness from rosacea or acne. Mauve/light purple counteracts sallow undertones, while pink helps brighten complexions.
Skin type: First, figure out whether you have oily, dry or combination skin. Then, choose a primer that is suited for those needs.
Once you've got the right formula, apply the primer after your moisturizer. "It's like waterproofing your skin," says Jim Hammer, a cosmetic chemist at Pharmasol Labs in Easton, Mass. If you apply it before your day cream or sunscreen, those water-based products can't penetrate through to reach your skin. "If you smooth [the primer] on after, your skin can absorb your moisturizer before the primer forms a slick film on top of it," says Hammer.
See what our readers think are the best makeup primers out there.
Image via Imaxtree
SEE NEXT PAGE: Best Makeup Primer No. 11: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36
"Not to prime is a crime," says Perdis. "It's been my career-long mantra. It helps finesse your foundation, helping your skin stay flawless longer." And it's not just Perdis. Celebrity makeup artists everywhere stress the importance of priming. Makuep primers are crucial at keeping oil at bay while filling in fine lines and providing a smooth canvas for your foundation to stick to, says celebrity makeup artist Charlie Green. Now that we've converted you into a primer believer, here are tips to help you choose the best one for you:
Skin tone: Primers come in different hues to address specific skin concerns. Green-colored primers will combat redness from rosacea or acne. Mauve/light purple counteracts sallow undertones, while pink helps brighten complexions.
Skin type: First, figure out whether you have oily, dry or combination skin. Then, choose a primer that is suited for those needs.
Once you've got the right formula, apply the primer after your moisturizer. "It's like waterproofing your skin," says Jim Hammer, a cosmetic chemist at Pharmasol Labs in Easton, Mass. If you apply it before your day cream or sunscreen, those water-based products can't penetrate through to reach your skin. "If you smooth [the primer] on after, your skin can absorb your moisturizer before the primer forms a slick film on top of it," says Hammer.
See what our readers think are the best makeup primers out there.
Image via Imaxtree
SEE NEXT PAGE: Best Makeup Primer No. 11: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36
Older comments
Purminerals color correcting primer is the absolute best, it neutralizes under eye darkness as well as the redness from zits and acne scars. I honestly could wear it alone, it stays on the entire day and basically does the job of foundation. My skin has never looked more even, it keeps oil at bay and yet is not drying whatsoever.
by esmyth217 Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 11:17AM Report as inappropriate
I really like the smashbox primer, but it gets pricy so i dont use it everyday.
by brianna121791 Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 11:39AM Report as inappropriate
I really love The Body Shop Skin Primer Matte It. It feels like the Smashbox primer, but at a much better price (especially if you catch one of the 50% off sales).
by LindaDD Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 03:21PM Report as inappropriate
I never buy anything sally hansen, but that is a good price. I was surprised it got a good rating. As much as smashbox feels great i will probably check out another brand from all these listings.
by Dee Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 05:29PM Report as inappropriate
I would like to see some more mass market, drugstore brands on here.
by tonyadiamond Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 09:56AM Report as inappropriate
The DHC Velvet Skin coat is a good primer. Prime Time too. I was very surprised not to see Clarins Beauty Flash Balm on this list. It is the gold standard. Any time I have a client that does not take care of their skin I use it first. It is very forgiving and makes skin look like silk.
by Galatina Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 03:16PM Report as inappropriate
Been wanting a good primer. This will help narrow the choices.
by Alana_Danes Monday, April 8, 2013 at 04:01AM Report as inappropriate
Except for the first one, they are all so expensive!
by Tucsonmom Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 08:50PM Report as inappropriate
love this
by littlesweets801 Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 02:47PM Report as inappropriate
I am familiar with most of these brands.. makes me want to explore and buy a different primer. I love my Smashbox though.
by Joana84 Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 12:32PM Report as inappropriate