How to choose the right face primer for you

Primer is a relatively recent invention in the makeup world (the first ones started to appear on the market less than a decade ago), but those who try it once cannot imagine how they could go so long without it. The best definition for this product is to be a skin preparation for make-up, a pre-make.

The overwhelming passion for the primer is mainly explained by its multiple functions: in addition to helping to control oiliness, it helps to even out the skin and increase the duration of makeup.

“The primer is important because it waterproofs the skin, especially the oily one. It closes the pores and makes it easier for the foundation to adhere to the skin”, explains makeup artist Ricardo Tavares, from Sonia Nesi Beauty Studio, in Rio de Janeiro.

The product is suitable not only for oily skin, but for all skin types and should be applied on a clean face, after hydration and before foundation. The step by step is simple:

1. Clean the skin with a neutral soap to remove all the oil;
2. Apply your moisturizer with your usual sunscreen and wait for it to dry;
3. Apply the primer with your fingertips lightly and without excess. Do not pass it more than once in the same place and, if you prefer, use it only in the T-zone;
4. After drying, apply foundation as normal and do your makeup.

The benefits are many, the use is easy, but choosing the ideal face primer may not be a very simple task. Today there are a multitude of products on the market, suitable for each skin type and need, and therefore, it is important to research a lot before buying yours.

“The ideal is to choose a product that comes with more than one function. If your skin is dry, you choose a more hydrating primer and, if it is oily, you can use one that closes the pores and keeps the skin dry”, advises Valentim Bruno, makeup artist at Ophicina do Cabelo, also in Rio.

To help you in this mission, see some product options available on the market:

As it is a product that sets makeup and closes pores, it is essential that you use it only when necessary and that you remove makeup completely before going to bed. Abusing the primer and not cleaning the makeup can cause oil and acne on the skin.

6 questions you should ask yourself before buying a primer

Check out some fundamental questions to ask yourself before choosing the ideal primer:

1. Primer, what do I want you for? Rule number one is to think about what your main problem is: oiliness, blemishes, dark circles, pimples? Depending on which it is, you should look for the most suitable primer to remedy it;

2. What is your skin type? Valentim gives a simple tip: those who have dry skin, should prefer an illuminating primer, which will help to give a more natural look. Those who have oily skin, should look for a mattifying primer to help control oil throughout the day;

3. Opaque or glossy? Although the product comes under everything, it is important to apply it according to the result you expect from the make-up. To work every day, you should prefer a more opaque primer, while for going out to the club, the glossy option is more interesting;

4. Colored or colorless? The neutralizing primer is another invention of the gods, especially for those who have dark circles or blemishes on their skin. There are several color options, indicated to alleviate each type of problem. Valentine cites the main ones:

• Green: indicated for those who have a very red face;
• Yellow: indicated for those who have very dull skin, for giving more luminosity, and to help disguise dark circles;
• Lilac: indicated for those who have a yellow face or brown spots.

5. Face, eyes or mouth? Pay attention to the existence of products indicated for each region of the face. In addition to the face primer, whose main objective is to even out the skin, you can also count on the lip primer, a friend of the “mouth”, or the eyeshadow primer, which helps to set the makeup on the eyes;

6. Do crow’s feet bother you? Another class of primers that is gaining more and more space is the one that includes HD and optical masking, indicated to reduce the appearance of pores and expression lines. The main difference is that the HD is usually more powerful, while the optical disguise is indicated for those with less marked skin. The difference that this product provides is impressive: you can see it well in the photos!