If you’ve ever wondered why your makeup looks worse after you’ve applied primer, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, standing in front of the mirror with a cakey mess on our face, wondering what went wrong.
Applying primer before makeup: does it really make a difference?
Primer is one of those products that can be a little bit of a mystery. Do you really need it? Is it worth the extra step? We did some digging to find out once and for all what primer is, exactly, and whether or not it’s worth using before you apply your makeup.
Simply put, primer is a base for your foundation that creates a smooth, even canvas. It fills in fine lines and blurs pores so your makeup can go on more evenly and last longer throughout the day. In short, yes, it does make a difference. But that doesn’t mean you need to use it every single day.
If you have dry skin or uneven texture, you may benefit from using primer more often. If your skin is relatively clear and you don’t wear heavy foundation, you can probably get away with using primer only occasionally or not at all. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not the extra step is worth it.
The benefits of using primer
Primer can be extremely beneficial for your makeup routine. It can help your makeup last longer, creating a smooth canvas for your foundation and concealer. Additionally, primer can help to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, creating a more even complexion. However, it is important to choose the right primer for your skin type in order to avoid any adverse effects. If you have oily skin, for example, you will want to choose a primer that is specifically designed for this skin type in order to avoid making your makeup look worse.
How to choose the right primer for your skin type
When it comes to primers, there are seemingly endless options on the market, each one claiming to be the best at providing a smooth and long-lasting base for makeup. With so many products to choose from, it can be hard to know which primer is right for you. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of primers and help you find the best one for your skin type.
There are three main types of primers: silicon-based, oil-based, and water-based.
Silicone-based primers are ideal for those with dry or mature skin, as they help to create a smooth base and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, silicone-based primers can actually make your skin look worse by clogging pores and causing breakouts.
Oil-based primers are a good option for those with dry skin, as they help to hydrate and plump up the appearance of fine lines. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, oil-based primers can cause breakouts.
Water-based primers are the most versatile type of primer and can be used on all skin types. They help to create a smooth base for makeup and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.
The best primers for a flawless makeup look
‘Now that you have your foundation, it’s time to talk about primers. A good primer will help your foundation go on smoothly and last all day long. But with so many primers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for a primer that will control oil and help keep your makeup in place. If you have dry skin, you’ll want a primer that will hydrate and smooth your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want a primer that is gentle and won’t cause any irritation. And if you have acne-prone skin, you’ll want a primer that will mattify your skin and prevent breakouts.
Once you know what type of primer you need, it’s time to choose the best one for your needs. Here are our favorite primers for a flawless makeup look.’
Tips for applying primer for a perfect makeup finish
When used correctly, primer can help your makeup go on more smoothly, last longer, and look more natural. But if you’ve ever had the experience of your foundation looking cakey or creasing shortly after applied, chances are you’re not using primer correctly. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your primer:
-Start with a clean, moisturized face. Before applying primer, make sure your face is clean and well moisturized. Otherwise, the primer will just end up clinging to dry patches or accentuating fine lines and wrinkles.
-Apply a pea-sized amount of primer to your face. A little goes a long way when it comes to primer, so start with a small amount and build up as needed. Apply the primer evenly over your entire face or just to the areas where you tend to have trouble with your makeup (e.g., around the nose or under the eyes).
-Wait a few minutes for the primer to set before applying foundation. Once you’ve applied the primer, give it a few minutes to set before reaching for your foundation. This will give the primer time to do its job and create a smooth canvas for your makeup.
-Apply foundation as usual. Once the primer is set, apply foundation as you normally would (with a brush, sponge, or fingers). You should find that it goes on more smoothly and evenly than it does without primer.
How to make your own DIY primer at home
Makeup primers are one of those products that you can find at just about any beauty counter, but they can be pretty pricey. If you don’t want to spend the money on a commercial primer, you can easily make your own at home with just a few household ingredients.
There are a few different recipes for DIY primer, but one of the most popular is made with milk and cornstarch. Combine 1/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl and mix until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into a clean, empty bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store in a cool, dark place. To use, shake the bottle well and apply a small amount of primer to your face before applying your makeup as usual.
Another popular recipe uses gelatin as the base. Combine 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and mix until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into an empty bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To use, shake the bottle well and apply a small amount of primer to your face before applying your makeup as usual.
Both of these recipes will help to create a smooth canvas for your makeup and prolong the wear time of your foundation and concealer. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to test the DIY primer on a small area before using it all over your face.
Troubleshooting: why does primer make my makeup look worse?
Primer is meant to be applied before your foundation to create a smooth, even canvas. However, sometimes primer can have the opposite effect and leave your makeup looking patchy and cake-like. If you’re experiencing this problem, there are a few possible explanations:
1) You’re using too much primer. A little goes a long way with this product, so start with a pea-sized amount and build up if needed.
2) You’re not waiting long enough for the primer to set. Once you’ve applied primer to your face, give it a minute or two to dry before moving on to foundation.
3) Your foundation isn’t compatible with the primer. If you find that your makeup looks streaky or patchy after applying primer, it may be because the formula of the primer doesn’t play well with your foundation. In this case, you may need to switch to a different brand of primer or foundation, or use them from different companies altogether.
4) You’re not blending properly. When applying foundation on top of primer, be sure to blend thoroughly using circular motions. If you see any lines or streaks, continue blending until they disappear.
The bottom line: is primer worth the hype?
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether or not primer is worth the hype. If you’re someone who tends to have oily skin or who struggles with makeup staying in place, then primer could be a game-changer for you. On the other hand, if you have dry skin or you don’t have any trouble with your makeup staying put, then you might not need primer at all. Ultimately, it’s all about finding what works for you and your skin type.
