Face primers are most commonly used to help prepare your
skin for foundation application by smoothing out the texture of your skin. It
helps you apply foundation easily and smoothly as well as help eye shadows,
blush, and lipstick last longer.
I like using clear (colorless) face primers, since my
foundation does most of the work to even out my skin tone. There are also other
primers out there with a tint, like green ones that are supposed to counteract
redness. However, I’ve found it easier to correct redness and other
discolorations with concealer after I apply my foundation.
When looking for a face primer, find one that is water-based
with a small amount of silica in it. Silica helps fill in and smooth out lines
and minimize pores. Silica is also a drying agent. With such a small amount of
it in the primer, I don’t feel my skin to be dry at all after use. More
importantly, my skin doesn’t feel or look oily!
The face primer I’ve been using is Bare Escentuals
bareVitamins Prime Time. First I apply moisturizer, and then I use one full
pump of the face primer (about the size of a dime) on my face before I apply my
foundation. I apply and blend the primer with my fingers. I target specific
areas of my face, such as under my eyes, on and around my nose, cheeks, etc.,
but I end up blending the primer to cover most of my face. You don’t need to
put it everywhere if you don’t need to. For example, you might just want to use
it under your eyes to knock out fine lines.
I like using face primer because it really makes my skin
feel silky smooth, and it helps make foundation look flawless! However, I don’t
use it as part of my everyday routine (as it’s pricey) — just those days when
I’ll be out the whole day taking pictures or when my skin is having a bad day.
If I had a lifetime supply of it, I would definitely use it all the time! :)
Just remember, when it comes to face primers:
* Apply moisturizer before the primer.
* Less is more — only use as much as you need; otherwise, it
could end up looking oily.
* Use your fingers to apply and blend — this helps save
product (and works just as good if not better than using sponges or brushes).
* Wait for the primer to dry before applying foundation —
this only takes about 20 seconds.
* Not everyone needs it! Use it when you want your makeup to
really look flawless or if you have areas on your face with uneven texture.
Read this awesome article here: http://www.nerdygirlmakeup.com/2010/02/23/face-primers-and-how-to-use-it/
