A primer is an essential makeup product, yet the one that you probably forget about the most. If you love makeup, you’ve probably had at least one experience where you thought your makeup looked perfect. But within a few hours, you stare at your reflection and almost have a heart attack! Because the makeup has melted away and lines have got blurred, and the colours have bled all over. It makes for a hilarious story now, but it probably didn’t seem that way at the time, did it?
That is why a primer is essential in your makeup kit. A good primer makes your makeup last way longer than it would have on its own. Using a primer is one of those experiences; you can never go back once you start because it changes your makeup experience forever.
A primer is a hybrid between makeup and skincare. It moisturises your skin while creating a barrier between your skin and makeup so that your foundation doesn’t clog pores. It smoothens the surface of your skin and evens out the pores. That helps your makeup to sit on your skin beautifully. A good primer also reduces the amount of makeup that you need to use, saving you product and thereby saving you money in the process.
How to use a Primer?
- The first step is to prep your skin. Primer and makeup sit best on hydrated, plump skin.
- Next, find out more about moisturisers and serums for radiant skin like Ponds Gold Radiance and many more. Don’t miss this step!
- Then, take a small amount of your primer, apply it to your face, and rub it in like a moisturiser. Let it sit on for a few minutes and create a smooth canvas to work with the foundation and other makeup products.
- One tip is that you don’t need too much; a small pea-size amount is more than enough. But, on the other hand, a little goes a long way.
- Make sure that you choose a primer that matches the formula of your foundation. For example, if you get a silicone-based primer, make sure you use a silicone-based foundation. Apply the primer to your eyes as well to make your eye makeup last longer and prevent creasing.
- Our last tip to you is, choose a primer based on your skin type. For example, choose a hydrating or replenishing primer; if you have oily skin, choose a mattifying, pore-diminishing primer.
- If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, avoid silicone-based primers. They can sometimes clog your pores and irritate the skin, instead go for a water-based primer.
Things to remember while buying a Primer
There is a primer in every price range, and you don’t always have to break the bank. You deserve to treat yourself with good makeup regardless of your budget. However, there are some things along with the primer price that you must know before deciding.
You can get primers starting at 300-350 rupees. Some of them come with added benefits like an illuminating finish. You get them in gel, stick or cream texture. They are ideal for different skin types.
Some of them are tinted and might even look like liquid highlighters. However, they give you the “glass skin” effect, and yes, you can save some extra money by using them as a highlighter. The only con to these primers is that they may become greasy on your skin over time based on the products you use and might not be as long-lasting.
The average price of a primer is between INR 500-750 rupees. Although you can get a primer from prestige brands with an extra 50-100 rupees, most primers in this range are silicone-based mattifying primers. They give you that blurred effect and reduce the look of pores and fine lines. In addition, they are slightly more long-lasting. While silicone-based primers are somewhat heavy, you can also find beautiful water-based, lightweight primers in this range. These are long-lasting and give your skin a healthy glow.
Some primers are very expensive and are usually tinted. However, they come with colour-correcting benefits. You can consider them if you suffer from hyperpigmentation and have uneven skin tone. They are also the most lightweight while mattifying and are best for hiding acne scars or dark circles.
We hope that we have given you enough information to help you choose a primer. After all, makeup is a form of art, and even artists use primers on their canvases to make their art last longer. So we hope you’ll be able to choose the perfect primer for yourself or as a gift, and we’re waiting to hear about it!