Beauty tips : Everything You Need to Know About Makeup Primer

Makeup primer is often overlooked. And yet, it should be an integral part of your beauty regimen, as it gives skin a smooth, matte finish, reflects the light and enhances your makeup. A must-have for your cosmetics bag!

What is makeup primer?

Makeup primer is specially designed to cover up skin imperfections and enhance makeup results. It also extends the lasting look of your foundation.

How to apply it

It's preferable to use a foundation brush. Apply the makeup primer to your whole face, particularly on prominent features, like the bridge of your nose and the tops of your cheeks, so that they reflect light. Wait two minutes (or until the primer is completely dry) before applying your foundation.

Choosing the right primer

Ideally, you should opt for a "multi-tasking" primer; one that mattifies your skin, enhances your makeup, smoothes out your skin, and reflects light. In order to know whether your makeup primer is up to all these tasks, read the label. The product features are usually clearly stated.

We like:

LA BASE PRO Perfecting Makeup Primer from Lancôme

This makeup base refines skin's texture, and diffuses light to visibly reduce imperfections. It makes makeup colours look more vibrant, and leaves skin with a matte, satin-soft finish all day long. Because this primer is oil-free, it is suitable for all skin types, especially oily or combination skin.

Magic Perfecting Base from L'Oréal Paris

Those who want instant smoothing results will love this primer, which boasts a high elastomer content that minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Its creamy formula and combination of powders gives skin a matte look and silky finish.

BASE MIRACLE Pore Minimizing Primer from Lise Watier

Base Miracle makeup primer promises to smooth skin and make imperfections disappear. Say bye-bye to enlarged pores and a dull complexion! If your skin tends to become shiny, this product is for you. Apply a small amount of this primer to problem areas and your skin will have a matte finish all day long.

Soft Illusion Face Primer from StudioMakeup

This makeup primer evens out and smoothes the skin's surface. After you apply it, your makeup glides on perfectly, stays on longer and looks more vibrant. Bonus: This primer also reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles.