15 Benefits of Using Makeup Primer before You Apply Your Makeup ...

By Heather

15 Benefits of Using Makeup Primer before You Apply Your Makeup ...

Perhaps you’ve been at the beauty counter before and have seen makeup primer, but aren’t really aware of all the benefits using a makeup primer. If that’s the case, more than likely, you’re not going to want to pay extra for an item you might not think you need. Quite honestly, until I worked for Estee Lauder, neither did I. Then, I got a free sample of makeup primer and I was hooked. Recently, I stopped using it and can really tell a difference in my skin, which brought me back to purchasing it again. Makeup primer is one item I will no longer go without, and if you’re wondering if there are really any benefits to using a makeup primer, I’d like to enlighten you: there are! Here are my top favorite reasons to use one, along with specific product recommendations.

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1

Seals Pores

One of the main benefits of using a makeup primer is it seals your pores. I’ve never had large pores, but if you choose a liquid foundation, you already know that no matter how small your pores are, liquid foundation can make them more visible. Makeup primer takes care of all that by sealing pores and creating almost a blanket over them.

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This not only gives your skin a silky, even texture, which is the perfect canvas for your foundation, but it also means your makeup will glide on more smoothly and stay true to its color. By filling in fine lines and wrinkles, makeup primer allows your skin to look its most youthful and ensures your look stays put from day to night. It's as if you're applying a filter in real life, giving you that flawless finish we all crave.

2

Softens Skin

Another reason I love makeup primer is for the way it softens your skin. It seems to make it velvety soft, which enhances the smooth effects it has on your makeup appearance.

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Makeup primer acts as a hydrating barrier between your skin and makeup, ensuring that your face retains its moisture throughout the day. This is particularly beneficial for those with dry or flaky skin, as the primer’s soothing properties help to combat dryness. For an extra touch of pampering, some primers are infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamins and hyaluronic acid, plumping the skin and giving it a healthy, youthful glow. The result? Not only does your makeup glide on more effortlessly, but your skin feels supple and smooth—making you feel pampered and prepared for any beauty routine.

3

Smoother Makeup

While we’re talking about how smooth it makes your makeup look, that’s another benefit all in itself. Using a makeup primer before you apply makeup makes your entire face look like velvet. It’s really such an alluring appearance, it’s hard to go without using one after you get used to it.

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A primer creates an impeccably even canvas, reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. Your foundation will glide on with a silkiness that's otherwise hard to achieve. Plus, your concealer and blush will blend seamlessly, looking natural. Say goodbye to caked-on or patchy spots, because with a good primer, everything stays put in a flawless, airbrushed manner. It's the secret to that perfectly polished look professional makeup artists master. Whether you're going for full glam or a subtle enhancement, the smoothness a primer provides is undeniable, and transforms your makeup routine into a luxurious experience.

4

Non- Comedogenic

Most makeup primers (though not all) are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t break your face out or irritate your skin. They also won’t clog pores at all for this reason, so don't worry if your skin is prone to clogged pores or acne.

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For individuals with sensitive skin, finding the right makeup products can be an ordeal. Thankfully, the non-comedogenic nature of many makeup primers means that it's one less product to worry about. By creating a barrier between your skin and makeup, primers not only enhance the durability of your makeup look but also maintain the integrity of your skin by preventing potential irritants from causing inflammation or acne. Moreover, investing in a good non-comedogenic primer can save your skin from the stress of heavy makeups, enabling it to breathe and stay healthy beneath the layers.

5

Anti-aging

Most makeup primers don’t really have anti-aging properties, though some may include anti-aging ingredients. Yet what they do is make your skin appear much more youthful since they smooth out fine lines. This creates a more youthful appearance and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

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6

Makeup Stays on Longer

The main reason for using a primer is because it helps your makeup stay on longer. Primers help decrease sweating through the pores, which makes your makeup stay in place longer. They also act as a natural shield for dust, water and debris that might make your makeup wear off.

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Moreover, primers often contain ingredients that optimize adhesion, providing a smooth canvas for your foundation, concealer, or powder to grip to. This means not only does your look remain intact from morning to evening, but touch-ups can become less frequent, saving you time and product. Whether you face a long workday or a night out, your makeup remains fresh and flawless. With the right primer, issues like fading, creasing, or smudging become worries of the past, and your beauty confidence stays at its peak all day long.

7

Light in Weight

If you’re worried about a makeup primer making you feel like you have a mask on, don’t! They create a nice, soft finish to the skin that’s almost like a velvety, super soft lotion. Honestly, my skin feels lighter and more beautiful with a makeup primer, than without.

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Makeup primers are the unsung heroes when it comes to a weightless makeup experience. They're designed to be incredibly lightweight, allowing your skin to breathe and move freely, without feeling heavy or clogged. The sensation is akin to a second skin—a barely-there barrier that elevates your natural beauty. This feathery touch ensures that your makeup routine doesn't weigh you down, keeping you fresh and flawless throughout the day. With a good primer, you can say goodbye to that dreaded cakey feeling and embrace a more vibrant, youthful-looking complexion.

8

Easy to Apply

Another reason to use a makeup primer is they are incredibly easy to apply. They go on almost exactly like lotion on your face, but they are much lighter and not greasy at all. They go on as liquid, and then quickly dry after that. Don’t worry, it’s nothing like glue on your face, or anything like that. Instead, they feel like a pillowy cloud of softness that’s almost like an exotic treat.

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Moreover, primers can be a time-saver for your beauty regimen. The simplicity of their application means that you can effortlessly glide primer over your skin, creating a seamless canvas in moments. Whether you're in a rush for your morning routine or need a quick touch-up before a night out, a dab of primer can refresh your look without the hassle. It's a fuss-free addition to your cosmetics collection that enhances the durability and vibrancy of your makeup, ensuring you look polished all day long.

9

Reduce Redness

Another benefit to using makeup primers is they reduce redness and won’t irritate your skin. Truly, I hope you decide to give them a try if you have redness issues, since they seem to help dramatically.

10

Lessens Acne Appearance

If you suffer from acne, makeup primers can help lessen the appearance. While they don’t help fight acne, they do help conceal it better and more subtly than concealer, though I’d suggest still using that after you apply primer.

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Primers create a smooth canvas for your makeup, filling in pores and fine lines. This effect means when you layer foundation and concealer over the top, they glide on effortlessly and adhere better. The result is a more polished look that puts the focus on your makeup artistry, rather than any blemishes or breakouts. Always remember that a good skincare routine is essential for acne-prone skin, but a primer can be your secret weapon for a flawless appearance while you tackle acne with other products.

11

Any Skin Type or Color

The absolute best part about using a makeup primer is they work with any skin type, along with any skin color. There are no shades to choose from, so selections are easy. If you’d like to know the best brands of primer to use, read on for my favorites.

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Makeup primers are designed to suit everyone, so no one has to feel left out. They create a versatile base that's exceedingly friendly to oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types. Plus, you don't need to worry about matching it to your skin tone, which can be a hassle with foundations and concealers. For those conscious about ingredients, there are options that are silicone-free, oil-free, and even with added skin-care benefits like SPF or anti-aging properties. A good primer also helps to address specific concerns such as redness or dullness, making them a true cosmetic chameleon.

12

Estee Lauder Idealist

While this is technically not labeled as a primer, it is actually. It was the first primer I was introduced to before Estee Lauder came out with their own labeled “primer.” Idealist is every woman’s dream product. Truly, it is so pricey, but makes your skin feel like velvet. It also nourishes the skin, illuminates the skin to give you a natural glow and goes on weightless. It also protects, polishes and enhances youthfulness. It’s a luxury product, but one I definitely recommend trying if you can afford it. You can get 1.7 ounces for $60 at Estee Lauder.

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Idealist by Estee Lauder is a stellar pick for anyone seeking to indulge in a bit of skincare opulence. This product doesn't just prime your skin for makeup; it bathes it in luxury, hydrating and smoothing with every application. What makes it a standout is its multi-purpose nature – not only does it prep the skin beautifully, but it also imparts a subtle radiance that shines through even the most matte of foundations. And for those concerned about long-term benefits, Idealist is infused with ingredients aimed at improving skin’s texture and clarity over time.

13

Estee Lauder Illuminating Perfecting Primer

Another wonderful product by Estee Lauder is their official makeup primer, which is newer on the market. It works much like Idealist above and truly, I can’t tell too much difference between the two. However, it is more affordable, which makes it worth a try if you’re short on money for a primer, but want a top quality brand to choose from. One ounce is just $34.

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The Estee Lauder Illuminating Perfecting Primer not only preps your skin for a flawless foundation application but also provides a subtle glow that shines through your makeup. It's especially useful for those with dull or uneven skin tones, as it brings a luminous quality to the skin without feeling greasy or heavy. With the addition of this primer to your routine, you can expect your makeup to adhere better and last longer throughout the day, ensuring that your look stays fresh and radiant from morning to evening. Plus, considering the luxury branding of Estee Lauder, the accessible price point is an added bonus.

14

BareMinerals Prime Time

This is a much more affordable product, and great if you’re not as concerned with aging and fine lines and just want a basic primer. While it does help conceal fine lines and goes on smooth, it doesn’t contain specific anti-aging nutrients like the products above. It is, however, very easy to use, works like a dream and won’t irritate your skin. Plus, it’s mineral based and from one of the best mineral makeup companies out there, which makes it a top quality product to try. You can find it at bareMinerals, Ulta and Sephora.

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BareMinerals Prime Time stands out for its simplicity and efficacy, especially for those who may not need heavyweight age-defying formulas. It's perfect for creating a smooth canvas on your skin, ready for the foundation or any other makeup you choose to apply. Its mineral-based formula means it's free from harsh chemicals that could cause irritation, making it a safe choice even for sensitive skin types. The product's popularity is a testament to its gentle yet effective performance, proving that a primer doesn't need to be expensive to do a great job.

15

Ulta Fabulous Face Foundation Primer

If you’re really on a budget like I am, this is your primer of choice! I love Ulta products, and their makeup primer is definitely one to try if you want a great primer without the price. It has all the same benefits of other primers, but doesn’t have specific anti-aging ingredients. I personally love it though, and if you want to try a primer but have never used one, definitely give this a try. It’s definitely worth the small amount of money and lasts a long time. Find yours for $12.50 at Ulta.

To apply your primer, just shower or wash your face as normal before your makeup routine. Dry your face, apply the primer in about a dime sized amount and then simply let it dry for about 3-5 minutes. I usually roll my hair in curlers or straighten it after I apply the primer, and when I get done, I’m ready to apply my foundation and continue on with my makeup routine. If you use makeup primer, what’s your favorite brand? Or, if you’ve never used makeup primer, do you think you might try one now?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Benefit

Yassssss gurl

Ive used a Laura Mercier primer once, perhaps hadn't used it correctly. After this article, will definitely try out the estee lauder one.

please the uses n benifits of toner

Love those reasons lol people always ask me why do you use that primer and I'm like it works!!! Now I can say all if the points loved it❤️

Good points, yes i have used one from the body shop but have never been regular. I don't use makeup every day and wonder if i should be using it daily?

Love the Elf Mineral Primer

Great help! Going to start using primer to minimise these nightmare pores!

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