The Backbone Of The Basics: How A Primer Actually Works And If You Need One

Over the past decade, a makeup primer has become a very popular product that promises to smoothen skin, "seal" moisturizer in it and "cement" foundation on the face. However, not only among ordinary buyers, but also among makeup artists, there are those who still treat this product with a certain degree of mistrust. So what does this remedy actually do? And is it really necessary to do without it?

As the name suggests, a primer (prime - primary, initial) is the first step in applying makeup, which tidies up the surface of the skin before applying foundation. Relatively speaking, it can be called a "putty" for the face, without which you can never achieve a perfectly even tone coverage. On skin with wide pores, the primer can smooth the surface and prevent the formation of pinpoint spots throughout the T-zone; For oily skin, the right primer can add mattness, somewhat “dampening” excess shine, and dry skin, on the contrary, can additionally moisturize. However, do not think that this remedy is a panacea for a bad complexion. In fact, we are talking only about the correct procedure, which, as a result, should lead to even, radiant skin.

How did the primer craze start?

The unstoppable success of the Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Smashbox Cosmetics, which debuted more than a decade ago, has shown other brands that there is room in the market for "another very cool product." And then it started: selfmania became fertile soil for the emergence of more and more new products that prepare the skin for applying tone. Lauren Goodsitt, global beautician analyst at cosmetics market research firm Mintel, sees a link between the rise in primer sales and the habit of posting close-ups online. “Social media has created a trend for flawless, smooth skin with no visible pores, both in photographs and in real life,” says Lauren. - According to Goodsitt, 43% of American women aged 25-34 are the ones who are most likely toThey actively use social networks - they use a primer on an ongoing basis, while women with the same “beauty addiction” at the age of 45-54 are by an order of magnitude less - only 23%”(read also:“Selfie culture: when it actually took shape ").

Good or bad is not the main question. But unambiguously, many women began to consider primers as one of the main steps in makeup. Moreover, most often they are sure that these omnipotent "bases" will help make-up stay on the face all day long (and even more, if necessary). In reality, as makeup artists note, the situation is a little more complicated.

When are primers worth it?

“If you have dry or oily skin, then primers can really help with that,” says London-based makeup artist Ashley Rebecca. - I especially recommend the matting base for people with oily skin type, which shines always and everywhere, not just in the T-zone. The right primer will absorb excess sebum, and the foundation will be easier to apply: no rolling and slipping - everything will remain in place until the moment you wash your face. Those with dry skin types can count on a different effect: the primer will create an invisible barrier on the surface, preventing the absorption of water contained in most foundations. Despite the different mechanism of action, the goal will be the same as in the case of oily skin - even imposition of tone and prolongation of its faithful service."

In addition to fighting for makeup durability, cosmetic bases visually smooth the skin and affect how light is reflected off the surface of the face. They can even visually reduce unwanted redness, which makes them so popular with men. And while gender differences in makeup are becoming increasingly blurred, most men still choose to wear as little as possible on their face. One primer is enough for them to put their face in order in the morning.

Recently, cosmetic companies have been creating several types of makeup bases at once, each of which is suitable for a certain type of skin: green masks redness, blue - moisturizes, peach removes yellowness. Of course, CC creams do something similar (read also: "5 Things to Know About CC Cream"), but primers remain valuable helpers for those who want to get closer to perfect skin using the minimum amount of foundations.

Primer Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Smashbox Cosmetics