Face Primer

A face primer, also known as a makeup primer and foundation primer, is a crucial part applying your makeup. It serves as the first step before of applying your foundation to achieve a flawless and long-lasting makeup look. It helps smooth and refine fine lines, minimizing the appearance of pores, and even out imperfections on your skin. It is especially helpful in mattifying oily skin types, absorbing excess oil, and eliminating unwanted shine. By creating a smooth and even canvas, face primer ensures that your foundation and the rest of your makeup stays put throughout the day.

Choosing the best type of primer for your skin depends on your specific skin type and the desired outcome you want to achieve with your makeup. Face primers come in various formulations, each formulated to address different skin concerns. You can try a Face Primer Finder or read on to find recommendations based on common skin types:

•  Oily Skin: If you have oily skin and struggle with excess shine throughout the day, look for a matte primer to help with oil production and keep your makeup in place.
•  Dry Skin: For those with dry skin, a hydrating primer would be ideal. These face primers provide an extra layer of moisture, ensuring your skin stays nourished and helps with your makeup from clinging to dry patches.
•  Acne-Prone or Sensitive Skin: If you are prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, go for an acne-fighting primer. Look for products that are labeled as suitable for sensitive skin to avoid any potential irritants.
•  Tone Adjusting: If you have specific skin tone concerns, such as redness, dull, or uneven skin tone, you can go with a color-correcting primer. Green-tinted primers help neutralize redness, while purple or peach tones can brighten dull skin.
•  Pore Minimizing: For those concerned about your pores, look for a liquid face primer that minimizes the appearance of large pores. These products work to fill in and blur the look of pores, creating a smoother base for your makeup.
•  Gripping: If you need your makeup to stay put for an extended period, consider a gripping primer. These primers help prolong the wear of your makeup, making it ideal for events or long days.

Always start with a clean moisturized face. To apply face primer, start with a pea-sized amount of primer on your fingertips or a primer brush. Start by applying the primer in the centre of your face and blend it outwards towards your hairline and jawline. Make sure to focus on areas with large pores or uneven texture. Gently pat the primer onto your skin, rather than rubbing it in, to ensure an even distribution. Allow the primer to set before applying your foundation or makeup creating a smooth canvas for your makeup and helping it last longer throughout the day.

e.l.f. face primers come in liquid, putty and jelly formulae. They also address various skin needs. e.l.f.'s Luminous Putty Primer contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen to help plump skin. e.l.f.'s Mattifying Primer contains kaolin clay to help absorb excess oil. And e.l.f.'s Acne-Fighting Primer offers breakout-fighting treatment with salicylic acid for acne-prone skin.

Read more about All the Different Types of Face Primers

You can absolutely wear primer without makeup. Many people use face primer on its own to achieve a smoother and more even complexion. Primer works by filling in fine lines, blurring pores, and creating a smooth canvas for foundation or other makeup products. It can also be used on its own to improve the appearance of your skin. By applying primer alone, you can achieve a natural, matte, or radiant finish depending on the type of primer you use. Additionally, some face primers have added skincare benefits, such as hydrating, mattifying, and even acne-fighting properties, which can be beneficial for your skin even without makeup.

Read more about How To Choose the Best Makeup Primer for Your Skin Type

*Source: The NPD Group/U.S. Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Face Primer Division Sales, 12 months ending December 2022 and Nielsen U.S. xAOC, Cosmetics Category, Face Makeup Segment, Primer Type, L52 weeks ending 12.31.22