If you are worried about enlarged pores or wrinkles, search for pore-reducing and anti-aging primers. Primer should always be used if you are going to airbrush your makeup. [2] X Research source
Keep in mind you don’t necessarily need to use a color-correcting primer at all. You can absolutely use a primer that goes on clear. Primer with a greenish tint can correct extreme redness. This is especially helpful if you get a sunburn on your face. [3] X Research source Yellow primer works for a light red or pinkish complexion. [4] X Research source If you have bluish dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or bruising, try orange or peach-tinted primer. [5] X Research source If your skin is yellowish or sallow, try a lavender tinted primer.
If your face feels moist or oily, you have oily skin. Try a mattifying primer to tone down shine and soak up the oil. [7] X Research source Primers with salicylic acid also absorb excess oil. If your skin feels tight or dry, you have dry skin. Look for a gel-based or illuminating primer that won’t dry out your skin. [8] X Research source If your skin feels soft and clean, you have normal skin. Experiment with different primers to see what feels best and gives you the effect you want.
When trying out a primer, ask for a sample first and try some on your hand. Once it is dry, apply a little of your foundation. If the foundation goes on smoothly, then you know your foundation and primer can work together. [10] X Research source Patch-test any silicone-based primers before putting them on your entire face–some people with sensitive skin have allergic reactions to silicone.
Make sure you allow your moisturizer to sink in and dry completely before you begin to apply primer. If your skin feels dewy, wait a few more minutes for the moisturizer to be absorbed. [11] X Research source
Don’t forget the skin around your eyes. If you aren’t using a separate eyelid primer, then very gently pat the primer onto your lids so your eye makeup will stay on and really pop all day. Use your ring and middle finger to gently spread the primer over your face. You can use sponge or makeup brush as well, but it’s not necessary. [14] X Research source Apply a thin coat of primer over dry lips to keep your lipstick looking bold and to keep it from settling into fine lines around your mouth. [15] X Research source
Apply a light layer of foundation and build up if you need more. The presence of primer means you will actually end up using less foundation. Your foundation should glide on smoothly and should not settle into creases or wrinkles, as it would without primer. Once you’ve applied your foundation, you may want to set it with a quick dusting of translucent powder. If your primer and foundation are silicone-based and oil-based, this can help keep your makeup from smudging. [16] X Research source
