What textures you should be looking for in a primer, how is it best applied for flawless skin, what are the benefits, can you wear it alone and do you actually really need one? All questions, and more, that the lovely lot at SheerLuxe posed to me. I had a good rummage through my kit, gathered all my top tips and product recommendations together which you can read all about it below...
Remember A Primer Always Comes First
“A primer should always be the first step in your make-up routine. Make sure all of your skincare is complete, then apply a primer before any foundation or concealer. You can also get primers that have an in-built sunscreen, so that’s taken care of, too. Chantecaille’s Anti-Glycation Primer comes with SPF45.”
Be Strategic With The Application
“A primer's job is threefold. Primarily, it acts as a fine barrier between your skincare and make-up, ensuring the two don’t mix. But it also fills in your pores and fine lines, while holding everything in place. Application-wise, try starting in the middle of the face – think the nose and forehead. These are the places we all tend to get shine and oiliness, as well as make-up movement and visible pores. It's also the most prominent part of your face when you’re talking to someone, so it pays to focus on these areas.”
Use Your Fingers For Even Coverage
“It comes down to what you feel most comfortable with, but primers are easy to apply with your fingers. This is because they’re mostly colourless and lightweight, so you never have to worry about mess. With areas that have enlarged pores or fine lines, use your hands to really push the formula in, working it right into the skin for seamless coverage that stays put.”
Always Let Your Primer Set
“It does depend on the texture, but as with skincare, give your primer a minute or so to settle before applying anything else. They need time to dry and become one with the skin, filling in any stubborn areas properly. If you’re keen to get going, start with your eye make-up first and do your base just after.”
Wear It Without Base Make-Up
“People often think primers are only to be worn with foundation, but that’s not true. There are so many formulations available that give a great ‘no make-up, make-up’ finish and can be worn solo. You’ll find some will warm up your skin tone, while blurring out imperfections, like Vita Liberata’s Beauty Blur, which diffuses uneven texture and gives a beautiful, healthy radiance. Shop around to find a formula that fits, but know they don’t always have to be used with your base make-up – in fact sometimes they look better alone.”
Understand Your Skin Type
“The type of texture you choose depends on your skin type. For example, if you’re oily or prone to shine, look for a mattifying primer – Flower Beauty do a brilliant one that balances the skin. Enlarged pores, fine lines and skin with scarring all suit a silicone formula that ‘fills’ everything in, like Trinny’s Miracle Blur. If you veer on the drier side and are seeking some extra glow, try a primer that offers both radiance and hydration – the Victoria Beckham Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser illuminates skin while feeding it with moisture and long-term benefits – it’s genius.”
Try To Work In Outward Motions
“Primer is a quick and simple part of your routine, so don’t spend too much time on it – you don’t need a matching base product either. Avoid slathering it on and instead be strategic with your application. Try working from the middle of your face outwards. You don’t need primer around the side of your face or neck, so keep blending with your fingers or a brush until the formula has disappeared.”
Keep Your Primer From Pilling
“Pilling is usually the result of skincare you’re using underneath a primer. Always allow your skincare to be totally absorbed before you go in with any primer. Primer is considered make-up, not skincare, and generally speaking it’s not meant to be absorbed by the skin. Think of it as a thin shield that protects your skin and enhances your make-up. Be sure to ‘smooth’ it on – don’t massage it in like you would a moisturiser as this could cause issues.”
Taken from the Q&A I did with SheerLuxe, read the full article here