Primers: The Key to Flawless Skin

Contrary to popular belief, makeup primers are not exclusive to top makeup artist—-and they’re easy enough to use on a daily basis. Considered to be the key for perfect skin and makeup by the pros, primers are a must-have, regardless of how light or heavy you wear your makeup. 

So, why should you use a primer? Like spackling on a wall, primers create a soft, smooth, surface that allows for makeup, like foundation, concealer and powder, to glide on effortlessly and, more importantly, to stop makeup from settling into imperfections in the skin and creating a “cracked” look.

Always the first step in applying makeup, primers help make lines and wrinkles less noticeable by temporarily filling them in since they act as a layer of the surface of the skin. Primers also help to prevent your makeup from creasing and shifting throughout the day with the added bonus of keeping the color true to form. “Makeup changes color on the skin because of oils on the surface. A primer absorbs the oils to avert this from happening,” says celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic.

Additionally, Not only do primers help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, but they also reduce clogged pores altogether. “They prevent makeup from traveling inside the pores and clogging them,” says celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal. 

Application couldn’t be easier. “When it comes to applying primer, put it on like you would a cream, after you’ve applied your moisturizer,” says Roncal. “This way, your makeup will stay fresh all day long.”