Makeup Primer Basics

Covering the color crimson with tan can be an impossible feat when painting a room, unless you first paint the room with primer. White and opaque, primer is a preventive measure that can treat walls with bright colors before you paint them a lighter shade. It also functions as a primary layer of coverage, smoothing out any nicks sanding might not have fixed.

The purpose of facial primer is no different from paint primer -- just think of your skin as the wall with its natural imperfections and color challenges. Makeup primer, a gel applied after moisturizer and before foundation, provides a smooth surface on which to apply makeup, and it can also help keep your makeup in place, which is especially important during humid summer months or long days at the office.

When using certain brands and types of primer, the benefits can go beyond smooth, flawless skin. Many primers contain minerals that can even out skin tone, decrease breakouts and prevent dryness. Silica, also known as silicone dioxide, is the mineral commonly found in primers to control shine [source: Cosmetics Info]. In addition to silica-type ingredients, primers that contain waxes and polymers help makeup stay put by creating a stronger bond between your skin and your foundation.

Finding a primer that works for all occasions and skin needs is a process not unlike choosing a foundation. Keep reading to find out how to choose the primer that's right for you.

When you shop for a primer, you may be overwhelmed by the variety of choices on the market. The first step is to identify whether you need an oil-reducing or hydrating base from which to start your makeup application. Primers come in many shades and several types, but they're labeled by function and where they're intended to be applied. If you like to keep your eye makeup in place and prevent creases, there are primers that are transparent and safe for eyes. If you want to avoid smearing or feathering lipstick, there's a type of primer that will keep your lip color in place.

If you're interested in full-face coverage, there are both translucent and tinted primers that go on like a moisturizer and keep your foundation from sweating or rubbing off. These primers minimize wrinkles and provide extra coverage for areas with dark spots or blemishes. If you don't have many lines or spots that require added cover, makeup primers could actually save you time -- they're tinted in many skin-matching shades, so you can skip foundation and go right for the finishing powder.

Once you've chosen the perfect primer, learn how to apply it by reading the next page.

It's no laughing matter when your eye makeup makes you look like a clown, but makeup primer can keep everything in place on your face and get you through the rigors of the day. Begin the application process with a gentle cleaning and then pat skin dry. Rub a moisturizer into your face in outward strokes with a sponge, and then wait at least three minutes before applying a thin layer of primer [source: Langston].

When applying primer, use the same technique you use to apply moisturizer. Put a small amount of primer on the back of your hand, and then dab a makeup sponge into the gel and apply it to your face using sweeping motions. Wait a few minutes for the gel to sink into your skin before applying your next layer of makeup. In some cases, women opt not to use foundation and simply follow primer with finishing powder. If you're using an eyelid primer, you can also mix the primer gel with eye shadow for even longer-lasting color.

In areas where makeup feathers, creases and fades the fastest, and on hard-to-cover areas such as wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, experts suggest applying more primer and using your fingertips instead of a sponge [source: Hertzig]. If you're prone to breakouts or uneven skin texture, proper exfoliation each week coupled with the right primer for your complexion can help create a flawless look. In some cases, primer can even minimize the appearance of large pores.

Adding primer to your makeup bag can improve fine lines and wrinkles and provide long-lasting coverage for all skin types. For more information on using makeup primer, check out the links on the next page.