Matte primer. Which face primer is best? What types are there

Makeup base, or primer, is the product with which any makeup should begin. Apply it after day cream.

Facial primer is a reliable basis for decorative cosmetics. Those with oily skin will definitely need it, as it visually tightens pores and mattifies them. And for those with combination skin, it will provide the effect of #nophotoshop and #nofilters.

There are several types of makeup base.

Functions of the tool

Those who think that primer is an extra layer of “plaster” that makes your makeup heavier are most likely out of luck with a particular product. New generation makeup bases are true multi-tool operators; they can be entrusted with several tasks at once:

smoothing skin texture;

makeup fixation;

reduction in pore diameter;

smoothing out small wrinkles;

“highlighting” the skin;

matting;

protection from UV radiation;

hydration.

By the way, primers came to us straight from theater and television dressing rooms. Previously, these products were used exclusively for makeup of actresses and TV presenters.

The new generation bases are several times lighter in texture than their predecessors, but work just as flawlessly. If you are going to a party with a subsequent photo report, be sure to use a makeup base.

Selection rules

Just as with day cream, when choosing a makeup base, you should focus on your skin type.

Normal

Pores are not enlarged, there is no oily shine, no irritation, redness or dry areas on the face? You will most likely want a base with moisturizing properties and additional UV protection. A little sparkle wouldn't hurt either.

Fat

Your choice is a mattifying formula. It contains components that absorb excess, so you don’t have to grab matting wipes every half hour. In addition, a primer for oily skin will tighten the pores and protect the skin from bacteria that can cause acne.

Dry

Choosing a base for dry skin is perhaps the most difficult thing: the product should consist of moisturizing components for a good half. In this case, it is better to invest in light creamy textures.

Age

Primers for mature skin fill in fine lines and wrinkles. The main thing is to choose textures without shining particles, but with good moisturizing properties. As a rule, makeup base formulas intended for older women contain antioxidants.

Sensitive

Make sure that the product does not contain perfumes. And don’t forget to check: apply the primer to the back of your hand or the crook of your elbow and wait a day. If there is no redness or burning, feel free to use it on your face.

If you have a tendency to redness and rosacea, a primer with a green undertone will suit you - it will neutralize redness. Also look for calming ingredients, like green tea or niacinamide.

Choose a makeup base according to your skin type. © iStock

Types of makeup bases

Primers vary in texture.

Silicone

Soft gel products are better than others at filling wrinkles and giving the skin smoothness, but sometimes they sin by clogging pores. Silicone bases are not always suitable for those with oily and problem skin.

In lotion form

They are lighter in texture than others. Sometimes they have a slight toning effect and perfectly refresh the skin, as if you had spent a couple of days in nature.

Cream

Suitable for any skin type. Delicate texture plus soothing and moisturizing substances prepare the surface for applying makeup.

Apply primer to well-moisturized skin. © iStock

Rules of application

With a makeup base, everything seems to be simple, but before using it you need to take into account several nuances.

Carefully study the composition and instructions: it is recommended not to apply the foundation to some areas of the face (for example, to the skin around the eyes).

If you are at the treatment stage, it is better to avoid using primers so as not to clog your pores and cause new breakouts.

If you have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation, test the primer on your wrist or elbow first and make sure it doesn't contain fragrance.

Here's what you should keep in mind when applying makeup base.

Before using the primer, thoroughly moisturize your skin with the cream - if you feel that it is not completely absorbed, blot your face with a napkin.

Apply the base using a brush in a circular motion, barely touching the skin, or tap it in with your fingertips. Pay special attention, and distribute the remainder over the cheeks and chin area. A pea-sized amount of product is enough for the entire face.

Before applying foundation, let the primer absorb, this will take a couple of minutes. If you're wearing liquid foundation, set your makeup with a translucent powder, using a large fluffy brush to sweep across your T-zone.

Apply a primer designed specifically for these delicate areas under your eyes and on your eyelids.

Composition of the product

Any makeup base contains silicones and a complex of polymers that are responsible for the “adhesion” of cosmetics to the skin.

Base for oily skin should be non-comedogenic. That is, it should not contain irritating ingredients (mineral oils, for example), which can cause acne and irritation.

Natural extracts of wheat proteins, ginseng root or linden bark will soothe irritated skin and prevent new inflammations from appearing.

Some brands add salicylic acid or salicylic acid to their primers. This product gently exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, preparing it for the application of decorative cosmetics.

It is very important for every girl or woman that her makeup always looks perfect. To do this, it is not at all necessary that it be applied by a professional makeup artist; it is only important to master the basic rules. One of them is the mandatory use of a foundation or primer.

What it is?

A facial primer is a special base cosmetic product that is used as a base before applying the makeup itself. It must be applied first, even before foundation. The main task of the foundation is to make makeup more durable and prevent it from “swimming.” It can also help make skin imperfections less noticeable.

There are several types of primers depending on skin type and the purpose for which they are used.

What is it needed for?

As already mentioned, primer is the base for makeup. However, in addition to the basic effect, the product has a number of useful properties:

Moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Makes the complexion more uniform and lighter.
Helps hide skin problems.
Doesn't clog pores (unlike foundation).
Mattifies oily skin.
Provides protection against ultraviolet radiation.
Can add shine to the face (highlighter).
Makes under-eye circles less noticeable.
Thanks to the primer, cosmetics applied on top of it do not roll off.
It is a very convenient basis for subsequent contouring.

Which to choose?

Depending on the composition and the type of skin for which the foundation is selected, it can be:

Reflective.
Silicone.
Mineral.
Smoothing.

Let's take a closer look at each of the listed types.

Reflective

The second name for this foundation is highlighter. Helps add shine and radiance to the skin due to the content of special particles in the product. They have the ability to scatter and reflect the light that comes to them. For owners of light skin tones, cooler foundations are suitable, and for dark skin tones, light ones are suitable.

A reflective face primer can be applied both before and after makeup.

Silicone based

This basis is the most universal. It is best suited for dry skin types, evens out the complexion, including visually reducing various wrinkles and scars. This primer fills, but does not clog, enlarged pores. It can also be used separately to contour the lips or eyelids.

Mineral

Based on the name itself, this type of primer contains a large amount of beneficial minerals for the face. The product has an excellent effect on oily skin types:

Makes it more matte.
Removes excess deposits of sebaceous gland secretion from pores.
Smoothes hyperemia and irritation on the skin.
Inhibits the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Mineral primer is often used in the treatment of acne and acne.

Smoothing

The principle of operation of this type of primer is similar to silicone, but is suitable for all skin types. This foundation smoothes out all imperfections on the face as much as possible, maintains the necessary moisture balance and fills enlarged pores.

How to use at home?

To apply facial primer correctly, you need to follow certain rules:

Before applying, you need to thoroughly wash your face with a cleansing gel or scrub.
Wipe dry.
Apply a small amount of primer (no larger than a pea) to clean skin.
The product should be applied in a very thin layer.
The T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) should be treated first, and then the cheeks.
Liquid primer should be applied using a sponge or fingertips.
To obtain a leveling effect, the base must be “hammered”, especially into places with defects, but under no circumstances should it be rubbed. Otherwise, streaks may appear.
After the primer, you can use foundation, but this is not necessary. Often the means are interchangeable.

All primers should be used in moderation so as not to create a “plaster” effect on the face.

Why is it needed and how to use it?

Facial primer is necessary not only as a base for makeup, but also to disguise visible skin imperfections. Depending on the initial defects, the base is classified by color:

Violet. It is used if the skin has a sallow, dull color. After applying the primer, it becomes more pink and vibrant.
Pink. This color is suitable if the face has pale gray shades, for example, after a serious illness.
Green. Used to hide rashes, irritation and scarring on the skin.
Orange. With its help you can perfectly disguise bruises and bruises.
Yellow. Helps hide dark circles under the eyes.

It is worth remembering that if the primer is colored, it will not be noticeable with the makeup itself; the product only evens out the skin color. It should be applied in the same way as a regular foundation, using a sponge or fingertips.

For the skin around the eyes

Silicone-based primers and smoothing primers are excellent for skin care in the eye area. If we talk about colors, then you can choose yellow base products. The advantage is that they are able to retain moisture in the dry and thin skin around the eyes. They will also visually change the color in this area due to their yellow tint, smooth out wrinkles under the eyes and tighten “bags”.

You can also try using a reflective primer, which will help add a slight glow to the skin around the eyes.

Moisturizing

A facial primer that aims to moisturize should be used primarily for dry skin. Such a base should contain hyaluronic acid, silicone and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is very important, because it is hyaluronate that ensures complete saturation and moisture retention in the skin. This type of primer smoothes out fine wrinkles, visually tightens the face, and makes the skin firmer and more elastic. It makes it easier to apply contouring. The moisturizing base masks peeling well.

It must be remembered that oil-based moisturizing primers cannot be combined with water-based face creams and vice versa, because a more oily product will repel the water-based one.

How to apply pudding base correctly?

Pudding base is a new primer that has only recently been produced. In its texture and appearance, it resembles ordinary powder. Pudding is ideal for oily skin types because it makes the face matte and slows down the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

The best way to apply the pudding base is with a cosmetic sponge (the kind used for powder) or a wide brush.

First, you need to wash your face and lubricate it with a water-based moisturizer. In this case, there will be no excessive oily shine and redness.

Cream texture base

The primer with a creamy texture has a creamy consistency. It is suitable for aging skin as it moisturizes it well. Due to its thickness, the foundation must be applied in a very thin layer and literally “driven” into the skin. This will help hide enlarged pores, retain moisture and visually tighten fine wrinkles and unevenness.

Cream primer is not particularly suitable for problem skin because it “closes” the pores. In this case, their excess secretion can accumulate for a long time, and in the future even become inflamed, which will lead to the appearance of acne or rashes.

How to choose the best?

To choose the perfect primer, you first need to determine your skin type. As you know, there is normal, dry, oily and combination. Choosing a foundation for normal skin is not difficult, but other types require more careful attention.

For combination skin

Owners of this skin type need primers that combine both moisturizing and drying properties. A smoothing base with a low mineral content is ideal. In this case, the primer should be applied in a thicker layer to the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), and thinly to the cheeks. Bases with UV protection will also be effective.

For oily skin

Oily skin needs constant drying. Mattifying primers are suitable for this; they are mineral in composition and green in color. They will saturate the skin with essential nutrients, neutralize the secretion of sebum by the glands, and due to the color base, they will visually smooth out rashes and make redness invisible. Also, mineral primers have antibacterial properties, which will prevent new pimples from appearing.

As for texture, a pudding primer is ideal, as it is similar to powder and will not clog pores.

Makeup base for dry skin

A makeup base for dry skin should have moisturizing and moisture-saving properties. Such primers most often come in the form of a cream in texture. They lie on the face in an even thin layer and completely hide flaking.

It is equally important that the base for foundation for dry skin is silicone based. This will also provide adequate hydration and mask dryness.

How to choose?

Currently, there are a huge number of different cosmetic brands. Each of them has its own cost. Before making a purchase, you should definitely consult a dermatologist to see if using a primer will harm your skin. After visiting the doctor, you can consult with a makeup artist. From a professional point of view, he will talk about different companies and the features of the products they produce.

Let's look at some of the most popular brands.

Mattifying Avon

Avon primer is offered in two types: matting and matting-leveling.

The first type of foundation ensures complete neutralization of facial skin oiliness. It has the appearance of powder and is applied with a sponge or brush. The foundation stays well on the skin for 12 hours and makes the makeup quite long-lasting. It is important that the applied product allows the face to breathe fully and does not close the pores. This database can be used daily.

A mattifying-evening facial primer not only dries the skin, but also visually removes fine wrinkles and acne scars. It is more durable and lasts throughout the day.

The second name of Avon primers is “Perfection”.

Spray Mas

This spray is multifunctional. It can be used both as a base and as a makeup fixer. As a primer, it has pronounced moisturizing properties and closes the lumen of wide-open pores. As a result, it is recommended for dry and oily skin.

After applying makeup, you can only spray your face with spray once to prevent the makeup from running. It is in such a small amount that the product will help fix the makeup for a long time.

Rive Gauche oil

This primer is oil-based, which moisturizes the skin very well. Naturally, it is most suitable for dry types. The oil should be applied to previously cleansed skin without using a moisturizer. It is well absorbed and does not leave greasy marks behind. The product should be used in small quantities and in a very thin layer.

Rive Gauche oil is silicone based and contains a large amount of nutrients. It combines well with mineral and reflective primers.

What is a face primer? What is it for? We tell you all the most important things about the product and offer a list of the best that you can rely on.

What is a face primer?

It doesn't matter whether you like full-coverage foundation or stick to a regular BB cream, a primer is a tool that will come in handy in both cases.

Many are sure: makeup base is an optional stage of makeup, only professional makeup artists use the product, but this is not so. If you are faced with the task of evening out your skin tone and extending the durability of your foundation, this product will definitely come in handy.

Alliance Perfect face primer, L’Oréal Paris

This can be used in three ways at once: firstly, apply it to the face as a base for makeup to create the effect of a slight radiance of the skin “from the inside”; secondly, mix with foundation; thirdly, apply to the prominent parts of the face as a highlighter.

The product has a light gel texture, a formula that is suitable for any skin type, and one universal (for fair skin) shade.

Elena(panther_em***@mail.ru)

I tried Alliance Perfect liquid highlighter from L’Oréal Paris and did not regret it. Very nice, a little pearly tint. I tried it using the strobing technique, it applies perfectly and immediately provides shine. It can be put richly and lightly. I apply it to my cheekbones like a regular dry highlighter. The effect is great!

Anastasia(SN-g***@mail.ru)

I've been using the Lumi Magique Primer Pure Light makeup base from L'Oréal for a long time. I bought it on the advice of a friend. The bottle, to be honest, is inconspicuous. But I'm so glad I took it. I have dry, dull skin. This base perfectly moisturizes it, preparing for further makeup. Gives a natural healthy glow and light blur. I usually apply it until the tone, but it doesn’t even out the skin, but I don’t need a super base!

Catherine(mimishe***@gmail.com)

Lumi Magique makeup base, L’Oréal Paris. This primer has a very light and delicate texture. When you apply it to your face, you notice that this primer refreshes the skin, giving it a natural glow. Also, thanks to this base, the foundation applies smoothly, does not crease and lasts quite a long time. Now using this primer, I can not worry about my makeup all day long. You should definitely buy this foundation!

Regina(garifyanov***@mail.ru)

Lumi Magique Primer Pure Light makeup base, L'Oréal Paris, is perhaps one of the best makeup products that every woman should have. The cost is low. The bottle is very convenient, which plays an important role for me. The product lasts me a long time, although I always carry it with me. The most important thing is that the base has a delicate and pleasant consistency and can be easily mixed with other cosmetic products. This product is widely available in retail outlets and online stores, and this makes me very happy.

master prime face primer, Maybelline

Maybelline New York has a new product: a collection of corrective facial primers Master Prime. Each of them prepares the skin for applying makeup and corrects the tone.

White smoothes the skin and minimizes pores, pink gives a healthy glow, green neutralizes redness, yellow corrects dark circles under the eyes and dull complexion, and blue hydrates and instantly refreshes the skin.

We tested moisturizing and pore minimizing. The first one has a rather dense texture, which nevertheless is practically not felt on the skin. The colorless product instantly improves complexion, softens and gives the skin a delicate glow. It can be used on its own, as a moisturizer, or paired with foundation.

The second has a flesh tint and adapts to the skin tone. It instantly softens and smoothes it out, and also makes pores visually less noticeable. Suitable for those with oily and combination skin as it provides a mattifying effect. It applies evenly and lasts longer than usual.

Sonya(sofi.doch***@gmail.com)

I recently purchased Baby Skin foundation from Maybelline, but I have had enough time to appreciate all its advantages. Firstly, it has a pleasant smell and a complete absence of color, which makes it possible for even the most fastidious girls to use it. Secondly, a wonderful, almost velvety covering of the skin. Thirdly, this is undoubtedly the best makeup base I have used. The foundation goes on smoothly and without smudging. The skin seems to glow from within. Fourthly, the base moisturizes and nourishes the skin, like all my favorite Mabylline products with the word Baby in the name. Thus, the foundation not only strengthens makeup, but also helps the facial skin recover. Well, I would like to mention the extreme durability of the product. The foundation helps your makeup stay on all day without creasing or leaving marks on the skin.

Julia(dolgovslava1***@mail.ru)

I really liked the Baby Skin makeup base, Maybelline, it really hides pores, there is no greasy shine, you spend less time on makeup to cover up all the imperfections, the main thing is that it doesn’t slide, it’s just super, I found my product, the consumption is small, it moisturizes, I recommend)) )

Anastasia ([email protected])

Baby Skin, Maybelline Foundation has been my go-to product in my makeup bag for the last couple of months. I used to have a serious problem with makeup; foundations and shadows of all brands would roll off or simply disappear from my face within a couple of hours. But when I started using Baby Skin foundation, I noticed two fantastic things. Firstly, my shiny, porous skin becomes matte and smooth (after the first use it was a shock =D), and secondly, the tone, shadows and even contouring on this basis last from evening to morning. Really cool stuff.

Shine killer face primer, NYX Professional Makeup

If you have oily or combination skin with visible pores, take a closer look at this NYX Professional Makeup base. It visually makes pores less noticeable, mattifies, evens out tone and prolongs the durability of makeup without weighing it down.

Apply with a synthetic brush or fingers - as a stand-alone product or before applying foundation. In the latter case, after applying the primer, you need to wait a few minutes for it to set - this way the foundation will fit better and last longer.

Primer born to glow, NYX Professional Makeup

If your goal is not to mattify the skin, but rather to give it a delicate glow and moisturize, use the Born To Glow base. It has a light texture, is instantly absorbed without leaving a sticky film on the skin, and evens out the tone.

The base can be used as a standalone product, mixed with foundation to highlight the skin, or applied as a highlighter to the prominent parts of the face for a subtle glow effect.

primer honey dew me up, NYX Professional Makeup

Are you looking for a primer that not only performs decorative functions, but also cares for your skin? Check out Honey Dew Me Up. The formula includes honey, fine gold particles and collagen, which is responsible for strengthening and smoothing the skin.

Apply the product to cleansed skin - it will instantly neutralize redness (if any), moisturize and even out the tone. Wait a few minutes before applying foundation as the primer needs time to absorb.

Maria(maria_dobroskok***@mail.ru)

NYX Professional Makeup's Studio Perfect Primer is perfect for those with oily skin. The primer has a pleasant gel structure, is easy to apply and mattifies perfectly without a mask effect. Oily shine does not appear throughout the day, and the foundation applied to this base does not crease and does not leave stains. The product is available in three colors: clear, green (neutralizes redness) and violet (neutralizes unhealthy yellow or green skin tones). Contouring and strobing products also work well with this foundation.

Facial primer le base pro, Lancôme

This Lancôme base smoothes the skin, preparing it for applying makeup, and cares for it - softens, moisturizes, tightens pores. A pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face.

After using the base, the foundation will be distributed more evenly, and the makeup will last throughout the day. Suitable for any skin type.

Primer fluid master primer, Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani base will help prepare the skin for applying foundation and make makeup more durable. It fills skin unevenness - pores, fine wrinkles and others, and also mattifies, maintaining natural radiance. The transparent base is completely invisible on the skin.

Primer maestro UV SPF 40, Giorgio Armani

The Maestro UV primer line includes three shades: beige, pink and lilac. Each is needed to correct the complexion (pink will help refresh an “earthy” complexion, and purple will cope with unhealthy yellowness and hyperpigmentation).

If there are no visible imperfections, it is better to use a beige primer - it will even out the skin tone, provide it with 12-hour hydration and protect it from UVA and UVB rays. Extends the durability of the foundation up to eight hours and copes with it “excellently”.

Primer Touche Éclat Blur Primer, YSL Beauté

A universal option for those who want to instantly “invigorate” the skin and prepare it for applying makeup. Primer Touche Éclat tightens pores, evens out tone, gives skin radiance and softens it (contains four nourishing oils), without leaving a greasy film. Suitable for any skin tone and type, including sensitive.

How to properly apply primer in different ways, watch our video tutorial.

What is a primer?
Why do you need a makeup base?
Types of primers
How to choose a primer?
The best makeup foundations: ranking

What is a primer?

The primer acts as a kind of barrier between the skin and makeup products. It promotes uniform distribution of tonal products and prolongs their durability. These basic functions are performed by all primers without exception, but some provide additional benefits. Let's talk about everything in order.

Why do you need a makeup base?

It creates an excellent base for applying cosmetics, prolongs and improves the overall appearance of the skin.
If you notice that upon contact with the skin, the foundation oxidizes and changes its shade, a primer will come to the rescue. It will become a layer separating the foundation and sebum. As a result, you don't have to worry about unexpected tone changes.

There are different types of primers - use those that perform the functions you need: correct skin dullness, hide imperfections, moisturize, protect from the sun, and are responsible for the anti-age effect.

Leveling, mattifying, base with silicone: which one do you need? Below we will tell you how to choose a product depending on the condition and type of skin.

Types of primers

Makeup bases vary in texture, properties and areas of application. Below is a detailed guide that will help you understand this diversity.

Primer texture

Primers can have a liquid, cream or gel texture.

Primer properties

Texture is an important parameter that should be taken into account when purchasing any cosmetic product. But it’s even more important to focus on the skin problems that you want to solve with its help.

Primers for different zones

In addition to face primers, there are products for eyelids, lips, eyelashes and nails.

How to choose a primer?

Normal skin

Girls with normal skin, as a rule, do not have enlarged pores, and oily shine does not bother them during the day. A mattifying primer is not needed, but one that will prolong the durability of the makeup and additionally protect from the sun will do. In addition, an illuminating primer can be used. Since normal skin usually does not suffer from redness and inflammation, a makeup base can completely replace foundation.

Oily skin

Obviously, you need a mattifying primer - it will control shine throughout the day. A makeup base that will make pores less noticeable (in oily skin they are often enlarged) or one that contains ingredients that “block” inflammation is also suitable. If your skin is not just oily, but also acne-prone, this primer will control the problem.

Dry skin

When it comes to primer, dry skin is the most capricious type. Choose products that hydrate your skin, have a creamy yet lightweight texture, and provide a radiant finish.

Combination skin

You have two options. You can choose a primer that mattifies, but does not add radiance to the skin: the makeup will be distributed more evenly and will last longer. The second option is to use a mattifying primer and apply it to those areas where unwanted shine first appears, and use a moisturizing primer in “dry” areas.

Mature skin

Primer is an ideal product for mature skin. Use those with a light texture and no shimmer in the composition - they gently fill in and hide wrinkles. Both (they prevent photoaging of the skin) and those that increase skin elasticity and provide a lifting effect are suitable: look for information about this on the packaging.

We have collected other secrets of age-related makeup in the video tutorial below.

Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, primer will provide additional protection against toxins and household pollution. Give preference to fragrance-free products. If redness often appears on your skin, choose a primer with a greenish pigment, which will help correct your complexion (read more about this). Look for green tea extract and niacinamide as part of the products: these components soothe the skin.

How to apply makeup base?

There are two options for applying makeup base: the product can be used alone or in combination with foundation. In both the first and second cases, the base must be applied to clean skin. It is important!

You will find short instructions on how to apply makeup base in our video tutorial.

And in this video - complete instructions for creating makeup using a base. Get inspired!

Common mistakes when using makeup foundation

Makeup bases are designed to hide skin imperfections and achieve flawless makeup. But if you are not a professional makeup artist, you better be aware of the mistakes you can make while applying.

This video shows how to properly prepare your skin for applying makeup base.

best makeup bases: ranking

Here is a review of proven makeup primers that you can confidently trust.

Correcting and smoothing skin texture Micro-Blur Skin Perfector, Kiehl’s

This foundation has not only an immediate, but also a cumulative effect. You can see it within four weeks after regular use: the skin becomes smoother and the pores are reduced. Responsible for this are lentil extract, which renews cells in the pore walls, strengthens them and narrows them, and eperua tree bark extract, which improves the barrier functions of the skin and smoothes its texture. Apply as a final skin care product.

Optical Illusion makeup base, Urban Decay

Extend the durability of your makeup and protect from the sun: a makeup base from Urban Decay will handle these tasks with a bang. Its texture is creamy, is not felt at all on the skin and does not leave a white “film”. Apply base to even out skin surface, minimize pores and provide care throughout the day. And the reflective particles in the composition guarantee a Photoshop effect.

Touche Éclat Blur Primer, YSL Beauté

The texture of this primer is transparent; you can see small shiny particles in the composition, which, however, “dissolve” on the skin and become almost invisible. This primer from YSL Beauté works like an eraser - it erases imperfections, tightens pores, making the skin texture even and smooth, and the complexion fresh and radiant. Its composition, by the way, is non-comedogenic, contains four nourishing oils that soften the skin. There is one shade and it will suit any tone and skin type, including sensitive.

Moisturizing makeup base La Base Pro, Lancôme

Moisturize, add radiance, even out the surface of the skin and prepare for makeup: entrust any of these tasks to the Lancôme makeup base. It gives the skin a healthy appearance, deeply moisturizes and nourishes, and also adds radiance (the white pearlescent particles in the composition are responsible for this) and a delicate blush (all thanks to the same pearlescent particles, but now pink). Use it as a base or as a stand-alone product. But don't forget to lightly powder your face to give it a matte finish.

Primer is a real must-have for high-quality daytime or evening makeup. This cosmetic product is applied under foundation and solves 3 main tasks: fixes makeup, protects the face and makes the aesthetic result more perfect. You need to choose primers taking into account several features - skin type, tone, turgor characteristics and microrelief. We will tell you why such beauty products are needed and how to find the perfect one.

Types of primers

First of all, primers differ in consistency. For oily skin, you need liquid products, for example, NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer or gel Honey Dew Me Up Primer. They have a light texture that creates a weightless base for makeup and serves as a protective barrier. The problem with this type of skin is that the sebaceous glands work too actively, and their secretions can enter into chemical reactions with the components of cosmetics, changing their composition and color. The primer eliminates this development of events: the makeup does not float, and inflammation of the epidermis becomes less pronounced. Why deny yourself this?

For dry skin, soft, creamy primers are optimal, for example, NYX Professional Makeup Soft Focus Primer. They are denser, more delicate, and thanks to their thick texture, they improve the microrelief of dry skin - they hide wrinkles, moisturize, and highlight.

For mature facial skin with noticeable wrinkles and signs of ptosis, “silk” makeup bases are needed. They contain proteins that not only eliminate external imperfections, but also improve the condition of the dermis as a whole.

Primers and concealers also differ in base tone. Pink ones remove yellowness, green ones mask redness, i.e. optimal for problematic, irritation-prone skin. The bases of all popular shades are available in the NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Liquid Primer line.

silicone primers- fill pores and wrinkles, create a perfectly even base for makeup, suitable for both normal and oily skin, can be used both locally, for example, for the lip contour, and for the entire face;
reflective primers- contain microparticles with a light-scattering texture, thanks to which the face is literally illuminated from the inside; cool tones are well suited for light skin, dark tones for tanned and dark skin;
mineral primers- a universal option for oily skin: mattifies, absorbs sebaceous secretions without clogging pores, and thanks to the green undertone, hides redness.

Why do you need a face primer?

Thanks to it, pigments and cosmetic components will not penetrate into the pores, causing their inflammation.
Foundations make makeup more durable and eliminate color distortion.
Bases of any tone maintain the normal hydro-lipid barrier of the skin.
With the help of primers, it is easy to hide skin imperfections, both minor ones like spot redness and serious ones - pimples, enlarged pores, acne marks.
Primer, as the first layer of clothing, provides comfort: even on very dry skin, makeup will not cause a feeling of tightness after a few hours.
All foundations contain filters that neutralize the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation and prevent photoaging.
The makeup base greatly simplifies facial contouring: shading and tonal transitions look neat and natural.
The primer moisturizes the skin while maintaining a matte tone and velvety texture throughout the day.

Concealer or primer?

Concealers and makeup foundations have a common “function” - to disguise skin imperfections. Primers prepare the skin for the use of decorative cosmetics: they are applied before foundation, even out the shade, smooth out wrinkles, enlarged pores and scars.

Concealers are used locally: they hide dark circles under the eyes, mask spot redness, age spots on the face and other minor imperfections. Such cosmetics usually have a liquid texture and are as close in tone as possible to the natural color of the skin. The concealer can be spread over the primer in problem areas.

The primer is used only on previously prepared, clean skin.
The foundation is applied after the base has completely dried, otherwise it will smear on the damp base.
Mattifying primers should be transparent. On a face prone to oily shine, you can work the T-zone twice; the ideal option is the colorless liquid NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer.
Bases can be applied locally: such products are usually green in tone and are designed to eliminate redness and inflammation.
Foundation is always the first layer of makeup.

A high-quality makeup base is not just a trend: this beauty product improves the condition of the skin and the quality of the makeup. It is suitable for use throughout the year and can be combined with any decorative cosmetics.