Do You Really Need A Primer?
March 16 | 3 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
Priming is a step many people either forget – intentionally or unintentionally – or one they see as an unnecessary extra. Not Global Pro Lead Artist at Smashbox Lori Taylor Davis, who says that when you find the right formula, it changes everything.
“Primer has always been really important to every single makeup application at Smashbox, because we know that if you can get your skin at its tip-top performance, makeup will just look better and last longer.”
It’s not only about helping to make your makeup last an entire day. An excellent primer smooths texture, blurs imperfections and creates the ideal base for your complexion products, helping them glide over skin rather than sinking into pores and clinging to dry, uneven patches. In the same way you’d notice a difference if you were to paint your walls without prepping and priming them (if you’ve ever painted, you know you’d just never skip this step), your makeup will have that professional edge when you use a primer.
“You don’t need a lot of product,” explains Taylor Davis, adding, “And all you need to do to apply it is use your fingertips.”
Just like there’s no one-size-fits-all for any makeup product, not all primers work for every skin type. Here, we’ve broken down the best formulas according to your skin type.
Primers For Oily or Breakout Prone Skin
Primers For Dry Skin
Primers For Redness or Irritation
If redness is a concern, a colour-correcting primer like Stila’s iconic One Step Correct will help tone it down. The swirled serum formula includes three colour-correcting pigments to even skin tone, brighten and help skin look fresh and vibrant with just one pump. Try it on makeup-free days when you need a little something to even out your complexion. MECCA COSMETICA’s Complexion Perfection Anti Redness Primer has a slight green tint that fades as it neutralise redness, and a combination of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate.
Primers For Normal Skin
If you want to look like you’re carrying around your own personal light crew at all times, try NARS’ Light Reflecting™ Hydrating Primer. With 93% skincare ingredients, including two types of hyaluronic acid molecules to deliver hydration to the surface and beneath the skin, you’ll be amazed at the smooth, luminous finish you’ll be able to achieve once you’ve applied your foundation. M·A·C Cosmetics have added new shades to the iconic Strobe Cream offering, the iconic vitamin-packed cream that’s been taking complexions from dull to downright radiant for more than two decades. Once you try this skin-perfector, alone or under makeup, skipping it is just not an option.
Still think primers are a myth? Well, perhaps only if you’ve been using the wrong one! And if you’re looking for personalised tips or would like help matching your primer to your skin type, head to your local MECCA store for a complimentary 15-minute makeup consultation.
