How To Choose And Apply The Best Primer For You

What is a primer and what are the benefits of using one?  

While it goes without saying, you need to wash and clean your face thoroughly before you start applying makeup. If your face is grimey and sweaty, the makeup won’t sit well and also prove unhealthy for your skin. It will make your skin more susceptible to breakouts and blackheads. Next up, make sure you blur your pores and create a smooth canvas for your makeup by using a primer that's right for your skin type. A primer is a liquid substance that not only blurs out your pores but also takes care of other imperfections like blemishes and hyperpigmentation.

Since a primer acts as a base for the makeup, it gives you the satisfaction of having your hard-earned masterpiece last longer. Don’t believe us? Try out the Lakmé Absolute Glow Primer that makeup lasts all day long. And if you’re worried about the heavy layers of makeup on your face, this one is as light as they come, making it perfect for all skin types whether you have dry or oily skin, sensitive or combination skin. Literally blended with glowing pearls, blend it on your face to get the natural dewy glow that’s all the rage now.

How to pick the right primer for you  

Primer for dry skin  

If you have dry skin, you need to let it breathe. But if wearing makeup is a must, you need a better alternative and that is where a hydrating primer does its magic. The Lakmé Absolute Undercover Gel Primer has a gel base with vitamin E that not only moisturises your skin but also makes sure that your skin does not dry out further when you apply makeup. It blends easily even if you have flaky patches and helps achieve a smooth finish.  

Primer for oily skin  

Opt for a mattifying primer if you have oily skin as it keeps excess sebum production in check. It also helps get rid of that sweaty and shiny look by giving a matte effect. These types of primers like the Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Matte Face Primer also treat the buildup on your face so that you can get to applying your foundation without worrying about a textured finish as it smoothens your skin. It is also known for its powerful mattifying effect.

Us oily-skin girls really have it tough but thankfully primers seem to work in our favour. Another lightweight choice for you is the Lakmé Absolute Undercover Gel Primer as well. Yep, the very same primer that moisturises dry skin, uses its gel formula to work wonders on oily skin as well. Since a full face of makeup can take a toll on your skin, it keeps your face hydrated while quickly absorbing into your skin so you don’t have to worry about any sticky finish as such. 

Primer for sensitive skin  

All primers in general are good for sensitive skin. As we said, it creates a barrier between your face and the products that make up your final look. If you are prone to acne or irritation, they also happen to soothe your skin. Opt for a non-comedogenic primer as they prevent breakouts, moisturise and are gentle on the skin. 

How to apply primer like a pro  

Step 1 

Prep your face by washing it well with a mild face wash and moisturise it so that your skin is ready. You can also use ice to tighten your skin and minimize the pores. 

Step 2  

Make sure your hands are clean and dry. Then squeeze out a dollop of primer onto the back of your hand. Using a finger start dotting the product all over your face.  

Step 3 

Start dabbing the primer into the skin and make sure it reaches every part of your face – around your cheeks, the nose, forehead and chin.    

Step 4  

This is optional, but if you are not happy with the coverage, take a damp beauty blender and get to dabbing the primer into crevices that did not reach with your fingers. And voila, you’re done! Just wait for a minute or two for the primer to settle and then move on to the foundation. 

What are the different types of face primers?   

If you thought that smoothening the skin and helping the makeup last long were the only benefits of this holy grail of a product, boy are you in for a surprise. From colour-correcting redness and blemishes to mattifying oily skin, there are tons of primers that serve different purposes and help work around different skin conditions. If you feel like skipping out on a full face of makeup, you can simply opt for a hydrating primer as your base and go on about your day. That’s not all as we also have eye primers specifically for your elaborate eye makeup so that they do not crease and last all day long. 

Colour Correcting Primers  

Kill two birds with one stone as we now have CC creams and primers being combined into one. Colour correcting primers are of different shades so that they cancel out different blemishes. If you have red and irritated skin, use a green colour primer. Pink does wonders for dark circles while purple is for yellowish blemishes.  

Anti-Ageing Primers  

Anti-ageing primers smoothen the skin and have repairing elements that help the skin’s texture. They also have SPF which acts as a shield for your skin against harmful UV rays and delays ageing signs. It even hides fine lines by using a lighting trick as the light reflects off the skin and blurs imperfections instead of magnifying them. 

Illuminating Primers  

Illuminating primers go even further as they consist of luminescent elements that add a glow to your skin. It makes your skin look dewy and moisturised, especially if you apply it on the high points of your face like your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. You can also forego the foundation, as it doubles up as a base and gives your face a natural highlight.  

Pore-Minimizing Primers  

Say you have dealt with your acne, redness and blemishes. But clogged pores are a bane that simply acts as a catalyst for all your problems to return tenfold. While a normal primer creates a protective barrier between your pores and the foundation, a pore-minimizing primer also helps reduce the appearance of large and open pores. It works well in tightening and shrinking them too. 

If you need to reduce the appearance of large pores, we recommend you try the Lakmé Absolute Glow Primer, which blends seamlessly, is light and easy to layer, makes your look last longer, and provides a highlighter-like glow due to luminescent pearls.

Mattifying Primers  

If you have oily skin and are tired of looking sweaty all the time, then a mattifying primer is your best friend. It soaks all the oil and sweat and literally gives a matte finish to your face. It is also non-greasy and is usually made of lightweight formulas so that your base doesn’t get cakey. 

Hydrating Primers  

Now on the other hand, if you deal with dry and flaky skin, your best bet is a hydrating primer. Wearing makeup can sometimes dry out your skin and so a hydrating primer comes to your rescue. A hydrating primer smoothens the texture of dried and flaky skin while also moisturising it so you don’t have to feel guilty about wearing full-face makeup all day long and every day of the week. 

FAQS on how to apply primer 

Can we apply primer directly on the face?  

Yes, you can. Primer is the first step to applying makeup and is often used on a clean and dry face. 

Is primer applied before or after moisturizer?  

Beauty gurus recommend moisturising your face first so that it is all prepped up before applying the primer. 

Is primer applied all over the face?  

Yes, a primer is applied all over the face so that it helps the foundation last longer. 

What do you put after primer? 

The fun starts after the primer as you finally get to the actual makeup. You can either start with concealer if you need to hide redness or heavy discolouration or go the traditional route by applying foundation, followed by concealer, contour and highlighter. 

What to apply first primer or foundation?  

A primer always goes first as it creates a pre-base and acts as a shield between your skin and other makeup products. It also helps with the blending of the foundation, as well as making it last longer.