What Is Primer? All You Need To Know About This Makeup Must-Have

A primer is considered to be a must-have product in your makeup bag, and we hope it holds a special place in your kit too. But if you haven’t started using it yet, have you ever wondered what is a primer and what exactly is its purpose? From smoothening your skin and reducing skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles to blurring the pores on your skin, a primer can do it all, and more! In case, you still feel that primer creams are a fad and you can do without them, hear us out. In this article, we’ll share the benefits of a primer, what is primer used for, and how the right type of primer can transform your makeup game and keep you looking flawless all day long. 

What is a primer used for?

Primer is a base makeup product that makes it easy for other makeup products to glide on, and improves the overall look and feel of your face makeup. To prime a surface is to get it ready for use – think of the wall primers people apply before painting their homes! That is exactly what primers do in face makeup. They get your skin ready for makeup and help you achieve a flawless look with ease. Primers are available in different formulas and textures like liquid, cream, mousse, gel, jelly, mist, etc. and you can choose the type of primer depending on your skin type and needs. 

Benefits of primer

Let’s understand more about the benefits of primers before we get on to the various types of primers available in the market- 

• Smoothens face texture 

• Fills lines and cracks 

• Blurs large pores 

• Improves wear and longevity of your makeup 

• Gives a matte finish 

Types of primers used in a makeup routine

Here is a comprehensive guide to the different types of primers that you can use in your makeup routine-

1. Face primer

What is a face primer, you ask? It is one of the most popular types of primers that people use to achieve flawless base makeup! Face primers are great for prepping the skin and creating a smooth and even base for the makeup to work its magic on. Here are the types of face primers - 

• Foundation primer 

This type of face primer is used before your foundation and concealer to enhance the results the of other face makeup products. A face primer is great to add a boost of brightness and hydration to your skin. No matter if you’re a fan of the no-makeup makeup look or want to go full glam, a face primer is a must-have product for your makeup kit. To find the best face primer, make sure to understand your skin type and choose one that targets specific skin concerns and issues that you want to address. 

• Under-eye primer 

Specifically created for the delicate under-eye area, under-eye primers intensely hydrate the skin and prevent the foundation and concealer from settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Under-eye primers are also formulated to brighten the eye contours, making your complexion appear radiant, fresh, and well-rested. Some primer creams are also infused with ingredients that depuff tired eyes! If you have particularly dry under eyes that are prone to creasing, you need to invest in a moisturising under-eye primer to give your eye contours a hydration boost and keep your makeup in place all day. 

2. Eye primer

We understand that adding additional primers for each part of your face seems excessive, but these seemingly unimportant products can transform your eye makeup look and make your makeup go on better and last longer. Here are the types of eye primers -  

• Eyeshadow primer 

When you don’t prime your upper eyelids before going in with an eyeshadow colour, the eye makeup tends to budge and fade over time. Eyelids can also get greasy as the day progresses, causing your eyeshadow to crease and look like a mess. To prevent your hard work from going to waste, remember to lay down an eyeshadow base before starting your eye makeup. Apply an eyeshadow primer all over your eyelid to ensure that your eye makeup stays in place all day without smudging, fading, or creasing. Adding an eyeshadow base also makes it much easier to blend different colours on top, especially when working with vibrant shades. 

But wait there is more, applying a clear eyeshadow base can also help lock your eyeliner or kajal in place. Imagine the horror when you finally achieve a bold, dramatic winged eyeliner only to watch it smudge off in a couple of hours. Applying eyeliner or kajal on top of an eye primer will help you get a crisp and even application, so definitely give this hack a try. 

• Eyelash primer 

Yes, you read that right – there is indeed a lash primer that you can apply before going in with mascara to boost the length and volume of your eyelashes. The eyelash primer creates an even base on your lashes so the mascara can glide smoothly on top, giving you a fluttery fringe that is not clumpy and heavy. Some eyelash primers also nourish your lashes and make them less brittle. 

• Eyebrow primer 

This is another makeup magnet that helps the product adhere to the base better. Relatively uncommon, eyebrow primers are perfect for occasions when you want to get bold and dramatic brows that do not smudge or fade away as the day progresses. If you do not want to step out and buy a separate eyebrow primer, simply use an eyelash primer or a clear eyeshadow primer to get some major #BrowsOnFleek. An eyebrow primer also helps to increase the lifespan of your eyebrow pencil. 

3. Lip primer

How many times have you gone about your day as usual and then looked at yourself in the mirror only to realise that the stunning lip makeup you did in the morning has faded away, leaving behind an unsightly outline on your lips? If your lipstick never seems to last as long as you want it to, you need to prime your pout with a lip primer. Lip primers are great for improving not only the longevity but also the vibrancy of your lipsticks. Some lip primers also hydrate and nourish your lips, perfect for those who want the look of a matte liquid lipstick without the feeling of one. This type of primer also prevents your creamy lipsticks from creasing or feathering out of your natural lip line. 

Now that you know what is a primer and what it does, it is time to add this product to your makeup kit right away to see the visible difference yourself. Apart from this, finalising the rest of your makeup is also easy with the Maybelline Virtual Try-On tool. This tool helps you to experiment with a variety of makeup products virtually, from the comfort of your home, without having to spend a penny. You can also head to the Maybelline Foundation Finder tool to find your ideal foundation, concealer, and powder shade match on the go and achieve the look of your dreams effortlessly!