It’s easy to get overwhelmed when building a pro makeup kit or even a daily beauty routine you can rely on. A smooth canvas prior to applying makeup should always be the goal. One product we recommend never missing out on is a makeup primer, as it serves as a critical step in any beauty routine. After applying your skincare and before foundation, next, reach for a makeup primer to ensure an even skin surface for applying makeup.

Most makeup primers are typically clear in color and silky in texture. They act similarly to a serum but are designed to reduce pores and fill in any fine lines or wrinkles. We love primers most for their ability to enhance the longevity of makeup for those long days and all-nighters. Its smooth texture and formulas are made to make any makeup application instantly easier and, most importantly, have a lasting flawless finish.

Read more on understanding face primer and how to choose the right primer for your skin type.

Whether it’s your first-day priming, let your skin speak for itself. After all, humble beginnings always lead to flawless results! Most makeup routines' three most important steps involve a primer, foundation, and concealer. Each serves different roles, but the first to act as a base is your makeup primer. Applied before your foundation, the primer will set a smooth base, treat personal skin concerns, and extend makeup wear.

Following a primed face, your foundation will typically be the secondary base layer to even out skin tone and complexion. For more targeted areas like dark circles or blemishes, concealers are brought in to be used as concentrated coverage for specific areas. For a long-lasting polished makeup look, simply pair all three together in order. In summary, remember primers prep the skin, foundation sets the base, and concealers target specific imperfections for a signature skinlike coverage.

Get ready to serve face! Always begin with a clean and moisturized base before applying a makeup primer. Once you’ve completed your religious skincare routine, take a small amount (about a pea-size!) and gently massage the product onto your face. You can use either your fingertips or a makeup brush for this step. Remember, upward and outward motions only here, please! Pro-tip: apply more primer to targeted areas where your makeup often fades or creases for extra barrier support.

If you use daily sunscreen, primer should be applied to the skin afterward. You’ll want the sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin for a few minutes prior to applying a primer to form a protective sun-blocking base so that the primer can create a smooth base for your makeup application.

Why Should You Use Makeup Primer and Types

POV: you cracked the case to better makeup, so here’s a run down to finding your perfect primer.

Say hello to our coolest new primer: the Stay Cool Primer Stick. This gel primer stick delivers a burst of hydration while prepping your skin for smooth makeup application. Infused with refreshing aloe water, plus hyaluronic acid, spring water, coconut water and marine water, the chill-as-e.l.f. formula has a watery feel and delivers a cooling sensation that soothes skin, all while gripping your makeup in place.

Say hello to Power Grip Primer! Rated five stars for a reason and hailed as the #1 primer in America, this coveted translucent gel-based primer hydrates the skin and secures your makeup for all-day and night wear. Its non-comedogenic and innovative gel formula is suitable for all skin types looking for that extra, long-lasting makeup hold.

Its sister, Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, is also formulated with the same sticky texture for extended makeup wear but delivers the benefits of 4% niacinamide. This infusion helps to brighten and smooth dull skin while evening skin tone.