What is a makeup primer for | Expert material

Makeup artists and make-up masters shared with journalists a secret that will help make makeup not only beautiful, but also lasting. The thing is that the skin of the face must be prepared for applying the foundation. For this, not only cleansing milk and moisturizing cream are used, but also a primer – a special tool that acts as an ideal multifunctional base for make-up.

This drug has many tasks that it successfully accomplishes. The main ones are masking defects, protecting and restoring the epidermis. And also the creation of a good base so that decorative cosmetics will last all day without correction. There is also a separate type of primer that is used for manicure.

What is a primer – definition, purpose, types and types

In English, the word 'prime' has several meanings, one of which is 'original' or 'original'. Accordingly, a cosmetic product called a 'primer' is like a 'primer' – a base or base for makeup. There are primers not only for the skin of the face, but also for the makeup of the eyelids, lips, eyelashes, nails.

Why don't make-up artists recommend neglecting the primer, what is it for? This cosmetic product has many functions. Consider what the use of a primer for the epidermis of the face gives:

1. The skin is better protected from dirt and the negative effects of UV rays. Pigments and other components of decorative cosmetics cannot penetrate the pores, clog them, and provoke the onset of an inflammatory process.

2. The use of the base helps to maintain normal metabolic processes and the water balance of the epidermis.

3. The surface of the skin is leveled and smoothed.

4. The shade of the epidermis is evened out.

5. Small imperfections such as enlarged pores, pimples, wrinkles are masked.

6. The make-up is easier to apply, the foundation lays down with a more even, even layer.

7. The use of the base provides comfort, as there is no feeling of tightness or oily skin.

8. Makeup lasts longer, does not smudge, requires less correction during the day.

9. If a girl uses facial contouring techniques, primer will facilitate blending the boundaries of light and dark shades of cosmetic products.

Some primers have additional properties that help improve the condition of the epidermis. For example, on sale you can find a base for make-up, which narrows the pores on the face, and not only masks this defect. There are also a variety of matting primers that are useful for owners of oily and combination dermis. The assortment of cosmetic stores contains products with enhanced moisturizing and sunscreening properties. And women over the age of 40 often use anti-age primers.

Primers differ not only in properties, but also in texture, which can be absolutely any – and cream, and liquid, and silicone. The shade of the preparation can also be different – from completely colorless and transparent to greenish.

You really need a primer if you answer 'yes' to 4 of 7 questions

We will conduct a small test in order to find out whether you need to spend money on buying a primer, or if it will be a waste of money. Answer the questions suggested by the makeup artists, answer options – 'Yes', 'No':

1. Do you use makeup often (at least 4 days a week)?

2. Are you dissatisfied with the durability of your makeup, in particular of foundation?

3. Do you want to apply makeup once a day, it should last until the evening without correction?

4. Do you have a problematic dermis (oily, dry, with aesthetic flaws)?

5. Do you have a combined type of skin and foundation unevenly on different parts of your face?

6. Do you have aging skin, age-related changes such as flabbiness, flaking and wrinkles?

7. Do you often use stage images, take part in photography or attend special events?

If you answered 'Yes' to 4 or more of the following questions, the right makeup base will make it look better – longer lasting and more beautiful.

Classification of primers for the skin of the face by consistency and properties

Consider all possible forms of release of a makeup base:

1. Liquid primer (sometimes labeled as lotion, lotion primer) is needed to prepare any type of dermis for makeup – from dry to oily. It can be produced in water and oil base. For owners of oily skin, it is better to give preference to the first option. The liquid primer can be purchased as a spray, tube (optionally with a dispenser), or a bottle with a pipette. The advantage of a liquid foundation is that it can be applied in an extremely thin and light layer.

2. A creamy primer is needed more for dry dermis of the face, but is suitable for any type of epidermis. The consistency of the preparation can be different – from thick and rich creamy to semi-liquid, close to the texture of milk. You can buy a creamy primer in a tube or in a bottle with a dispenser.

3. A gel primer is needed to prepare the skin for aging or weakened skin. Of course, this primer is suitable for any type of skin. But due to the fact that it contains caring and moisturizing components, it can be considered an excellent anti-age remedy. Manufacturers include such highly effective ingredients as collagen and hyaluronic acid, as well as honey and a complex of vitamins and microelements in the gel bases. The texture of the gel primer is slightly more viscous than the liquid formulation.

4. Silicone primer is needed to mask defects with increased fat content of the skin. The components of the product, in particular the silicone, fill the pores, bumps and wrinkles. They also prevent increased sebum secretion. This makeup base is the perfect solution for oily, combination, aging and aging dermis. But if the girl's skin is problematic (with foci of inflammation, irritation, acne or pimples) or is very sensitive, it is better not to use a silicone primer.

5. A powdery (creamy powder texture) primer is needed to create a makeup base in case there are post-acne, scars, scars on the face. This preparation has increased density and excellent overlapping properties. Even a thin layer of creamy powder will reliably hide aesthetic defects that foundation and powder cannot cope with.

Primers can also be classified according to their distinctive features, additional functions that a particular cosmetic product performs:

1. A reflective primer is needed to highlight and highlight certain areas of the face. It can function as a highlighter for contouring. Or it can be applied to the entire surface of the face – in this case, the skin will glow, look fresh and rested. However, a reflective primer is categorically contraindicated for owners of problematic and fading dermis, since the shining elements emphasize all the imperfections, defects and unevenness of the skin.

2. A matting primer is needed to mask oily sheen, comedones, blackheads and other small imperfections of the skin. Base texture – silicone or cream, relatively dense. Often, a matting primer that visually makes pores less visible is called a blur cream, is labeled as blur, pore eraser or pore minimizing.

3. A color-correcting primer is needed for girls who have persistent problems with the condition of the skin. For example, if pimples, red spots or bruises under the eyes constantly appear on the face. Or if the skin looks tired and has an unhealthy yellowish or greenish tint. In this case, the color of the corrective drug must be selected based on the nature of the problem. A green shade primer levels redness, a purple shade primer is needed to mask yellowness. A beige or flesh-colored primer is needed to mask dark circles under the eyes and small scars, traces of acne. A white primer is needed to eliminate age spots, freckles, darkening of the skin. A peach-colored primer is needed to refresh fading, aging dermis.

4. A specialized primer with anti-age markings for mature and aging skin. Its tasks include not only refreshing the epidermis and masking wrinkles, but also creating additional protection from the sun's rays (SPF filters, sanitary protectors are used). And also nourish and moisturize the epidermis, slow down the progression of age-related changes.

5. A moisturizing primer is needed for dry and moisture-deficient dermis. In the composition of such a product, in addition to moisturizing components, there may be additional, for example, oils, youth vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, which restores the structure of the epidermis at deep levels.

6. Sunscreen primer is needed mainly in the warm season, but it is widely used in winter. This product is labeled as a makeup base with an SPF filter.

How to choose a primer – makeup artist tips for girls with different skin types

The skin on the face can be roughly divided into several types – normal, oily, dry and combined dermis. Additionally, you can distinguish such types as mature (aging, fading) and sensitive skin. The optimal primer can be selected only taking into account what type of skin the skin belongs to:

Normal skin makes it possible to use absolutely any primer, focusing on your own preferences, priorities and cost of drugs. You can take into account additional properties – the presence of moisturizing ingredients, vitamins and SPF in the composition of the product.

Oily dermis suggests that the girl will use water-based matting (mineral) preparations, without oils, which help to narrow the pores on her face. Such preparations are often labeled oil-free and absorbent components, herbal extracts in the composition. Despite the fact that the sebaceous glands work actively, their secretions cannot enter into chemical reactions with the components of cosmetics, changing their composition and color, if a matting primer is used before applying the make-up. In any case, owners of problem skin should consult a dermatologist before the first use of any cosmetic product. This measure will protect against the likelihood of developing additional inflammatory processes of the skin of the face.

Dry dermis obliges the girl to use a foundation with a rich creamy texture without a mattifying effect. The preparation is suitable for both water and oil bases. If there is no flaking on the epidermis, a reflective primer can be used.

If a girl has a combined skin type, she has two options. The first is to buy a primer with a light texture without a matting effect. The second is the purchase of a matting base, which should be used only on those areas of the face where oily shine occurs and pores are enlarged.

For women with mature dermis, a specialized anti-age primer is needed. Or, alternatively, a primer with moisturizing ingredients, SPF and no pearlescent, shiny, reflective particles.

For those with sensitive skin, a primer with a color correction effect is needed. The green tint of the drug will help hide the characteristic redness on the skin. An additional bonus will be the presence of soothing ingredients in the product. It can be an extract from cucumber, green tea, niacinamide.

Primer, Concealer, Foundation and Concealer – What's the Difference?

Make-up experts advised journalists to answer the question of what is the difference between similar types of decorative cosmetics:

1. Primer – used at the very beginning of the makeup application process, serving as a necessary base or 'foundation' for the subsequent application of various cosmetics.

2. Concealer – can be applied pointwise to problem areas, increasing the effectiveness of the primer.

3. Foundation – applied to the entire face, finally leveling its tone. It can be supplemented with the application of powder.

4. Concealer – applied to the foundation in case of need to mask significant defects that could not be hidden with the first three preparations.

Some girls are worried about the question – if so much decorative cosmetics are applied to their face, will it not look like a layer of plaster? Experts answer – no, if you use cosmetics in the right dosages. Each layer is not even a millimeter, but a much smaller value. Only the concealer, which is used mostly in a spot, creates a denser coverage on the epidermis. But careful shading helps to ensure that the skin looks natural, and flaws are not visible visually.

If you need a face primer, learn how to apply it correctly

Using the base for the make-up is not difficult, but just in case, let's outline the main stages of this procedure:

1. We cleanse the epidermis with water or a preparation that is used every day. Girls with oily skin can wipe problem areas with an ice cube made from a decoction of medicinal chamomile.

2. Apply a light moisturizer to the face, preferably not a greasy cream. We are waiting for about 20 minutes until it is completely absorbed. At this time, you can wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water so that you can apply the primer with your fingers without fear of infecting your face.

3. Apply a few drops of primer to the back of the hand (if it is in liquid or semi-liquid form). Dip your finger in a cosmetic product, put points on the forehead, nose, chin (zone-T), if necessary, then on other areas of the face – on the cheeks, under the lower eyelids. In some cases, a second light coat of primer can be applied to areas of high problem.

4. Distribute the preparation thoroughly over the face with the help of fingertips or using special accessories. Wait 5-10 minutes for the base to settle and adjust to the epidermis temperature.

5. After that, you can continue to apply makeup, starting with a foundation.

Leading cosmetics manufacturers that produce make-up bases

In the assortment of decorative cosmetics it is difficult not to get confused, the choice is wide, it is not always clear which product should be preferred. Over time, make-up artists say, you'll be more confident in navigating the variety of makeup products. And you can start with the products of reliable brands that have already proven themselves to be excellent:

1. 'MAS' – make-up bases of this brand are widely used both by professional make-up artists and 'at home'.

2. 'Max Factor' – the products of this company have a light structure, hypoallergenic composition, sunscreen properties and the ability to control the formation of oily sheen.

3. 'Loreal' – a primer from this manufacturer moisturizes the dermis for 8 hours.

4. 'Smashbox' is the brand that has the broadest range of color-correcting makeup bases. These are about 10 shades for all occasions. It is applied easily, in a thin layer, eliminates excess secretions of the sebaceous glands.

The cost of primers depends on the brand and the country of production, in the range of 500-2000 rubles or more.

What is a lip primer for?

It should be noted right away that a specialized base for lip makeup is rarely found on sale. Manufacturers of cosmetics simply do not produce drugs in this category and recommend using the same primers for the lips as for the face or eyelids. However, if you have a thin and sensitive dermis on your lips, you can buy a base for lipstick from famous brands 'Urban Decay', 'Lancôme', 'NYX Professional Makeup', as they have a line of such products.

Usually lip base comes in the form of a stick or pencil to make it easier to apply. The shade can be colorless or as close as possible to the natural skin color, that is, nude.

Let's take a closer look at the properties of lip primers:

1. If a girl uses matte lipstick, which is fashionable in our time, she needs a base for her lips more than ever. Matte lipstick greatly dries the skin, with constant use, the lips can peel off, crack, and look unaesthetic without lipstick. A moisturizing primer solves this problem, as it creates a reliable barrier between the epidermis and lipstick, preventing dryness, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

2. If a girl has thin lips lacking volume, she also needs a primer. The base for lip make-up fills in all the folds, smoothes the skin surface and smoothes it. As a result, the lips look more voluminous.

3. If a girl wants a clear contour of perfectly drawn lips to last for a long time, she also needs to apply a foundation before using a pencil and lipstick.

4. If you use a primer, the lips will look well-groomed and attractive with or without makeup. Indeed, such products contain vitamins and patented moisturizing ingredients. As well as sun protection factors and special silicone polymers.

How to use lip primer correctly:

1. You need to start by preparing the skin – exfoliate the skin before applying the makeup base. For this purpose, use purchased scrubs, or homemade products. For example, you can mix a teaspoon of sugar, some natural non-liquid honey, and a few drops of any vegetable oil. You can add a couple of drops of liquid vitamin E or A. A homemade remedy is applied to the surface of the lips and the area around them. In circular massaging movements, the scrub is distributed, as if rubbed in, then washed off with cool water. The procedure can be repeated again to consolidate the effect.

2. The second step is to apply the primer all over the lips, from corners to edges. The tool can be rubbed in a little, shaded and after a couple of minutes, remove the excess by blotting your lips with a paper napkin.

3. The last step is to emphasize the contour with a pencil (if necessary) and apply lipstick or gloss, following your usual technique.

4. A primer is also needed for lip makeup with tattooing, since moisturizing the skin, increasing the makeup durability will not hurt in any case.

Primer for eyelids – what it is used for, types

An eyelid primer is needed for all girls who prefer to focus on their eyes in makeup. It is useful for both evening and daytime make-up, as it performs the following functions:

1. Evens out the tone of the eyelids, masks such defects as swelling, red capillary mesh. It can be used to mask dark circles under the eyes.

2. Absorbs excess sebum and perspiration.

3. Prevents shadows from rolling into balls.

4. Prevents eyeliner spreading, prevents pigment from printing under the eyebrows.

5. It overlaps the shade of the eyelid dermis, so it helps that the color of the eyeshadow applied to the eyelid exactly matches the shade indicated on the package.

6. Facilitates the application of shadows, drawing arrows, shading cosmetics.

The texture of the eyelid primer can be different, as well as the form of release, special features. For example, there are products that are matte and luminous for aging or sensitive skin. They are available in the form of sticks, pencils, cream tubes.

Eyelash base – what is a primer for and how often you can use it

If you were looking for a primer for eyelashes, then, most likely, you are convinced that individual mascara bases are very rare on sale. The range of such products is not large, since they are mainly used by professional makeup artists. Most often, the so-called double mascaras are found on the shelves of cosmetics stores. At one end of the product there is a tube with a primer and a brush for applying it. And on the other end is a tube of mascara, usually black. However, some manufacturers also produce separate bases for eyelash makeup. They can be used before applying any mascara. This is, for example, the 'Subversion' tool from the maker Urban Decay, which specializes in make-up basics.

Why you need to use the base for mascara:

1. Protection of eyelashes from aggressive components of mascara and adverse environmental factors, for example, from ultraviolet rays.

2. The special components of the primers (panthenol, vitamins A and E) contribute to the health of the eyelashes. They strengthen hairs, prevent their early hair loss, stimulate growth, making eyelashes longer and thicker.

3. Applying the mascara base creates a larger effect.

Using an eyelash primer is simple – for daytime, simple and modest makeup, apply one coat of primer followed by a light coat of mascara. If you need to make a make-up for a photo shoot, party, stage image, you must first curl your eyelashes with special tweezers, then apply a layer of primer and 1-2 layers of mascara. Since the eyelash primer is useful, you can use it before each mascara application, that is, almost daily.

Manicure primer – what is it for, how to apply

Manicurists shared with journalists such interesting facts about nail primers:

1. In the case of a manicure, the concepts of primer and base or base are not identical. The base is a special product that is applied to the nail plate before using the varnish. The purpose of such actions is to protect the nail from staining. A primer in our case is a preparation that is applied at the very first stage – to the base. The goal is to achieve better adhesion (adhesion) of the gel polish and the nail. A primer is often used to improve the reliability and quality of nail extension.

2. A primer is needed to cleanse, disinfect and dry your nails. But its use does not create a separate layer on the nail plate (unlike the base and the varnish itself).

3. A primer is also needed in order to protect nail plates from yellowing, delamination, and cracking. The tool creates a reliable barrier against microorganisms, which, penetrating into the structure of the nails, cause fungus.

When choosing a primer, you need to carefully read the composition of the product. There are three types of primer – prep primer, acid and acid-free base:

1. The first type of drugs are the most gentle for the health of nails. The composition contains no flavors, dyes, or other unnecessary components. The inner layers of the nail platinum are not affected when using the prep-primer, therefore the likelihood of such negative consequences as dry and brittle nails tends to zero. The prep is not used for nail extension. The scope of its application, however, is quite extensive. For example, this product is suitable for protecting thin and brittle nail plates, to extend the life of regular nail polish.

2. The second type contains large amounts of methacrylic acid. They are almost 30-80% composed of this component and are intended for use in nail extension exclusively by professional manicure masters. The effect of application – the nail softens slightly, which increases the ability of the artificial coating to fix and stay on the surface as long as possible. Do not use if the nail plate is dry, thin and brittle, or has any other signs of impaired health.

3. Drugs of the third type, labeled non-acid, can be used at home. They cannot cause burns to the skin, disrupt the structure of the nail plate or cause any other damage. Such a remedy works for a short time, changing the acid-base balance of the nail immediately before applying the base so that the base is well laid down and firmly held. An acid-free primer is used for pedicure, regular nail polish, gel extensions, shellac and biolac, but it is not suitable for acrylic coating.

You need to use a nail primer at a certain stage of the manicure:

1. First, the nails are given the desired shape.

2. The cuticle and skin around the nail plate are processed.

3. The gloss from the nail plate is removed with a special grainy (abrasive) file. The optimum level of abrasiveness is 220 grit.

4. To degrease nails, remove moisture, possible dirt and dust, a special degreaser for manicure is used.

5. The primer is applied to the entire length of the nail or only along the edges – depending on the purpose and type of manicure.

6. The final stage is the application of a colorless base, colored varnish and topcoat.

In order not to accidentally harm your nails, you need to read the instructions for use before purchasing and using any product. Experts recommend buying drugs from well-known brands, as they have a guarantee of product quality and safety. It is also useful to be guided by the cost of drugs. Contrary to popular belief that cheap products can be safer due to their natural composition, really high-quality manicure primers are relatively expensive. Experts recommend paying attention to the products of such brands as Runail, Yoko, Bluesky, TNL, Kodi, CND, Masura, Runail, Lechat. The average price for cosmetics from these manufacturers is 150-400 rubles and more.

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