What Is Foundation Primer?

Like moisturizing and applying an SPF, prepping your face with a foundation primer is a key step in any expert makeup routine. Makeup primers are one of those mysterious products that many of us buy just because our favorite beauty blogger tells us to.

But have you ever wondered what foundation primer actually is, or what it’s made of? What it does? How it helps elevate your look? We’re eager to answer these questions and more! Continue reading for an insider exclusive on all things makeup primer.

What does foundation primer do?

Applied after your moisturizer but before your foundation, makeup primer preps your face like an artist would ready their canvas. Foundation primers can be formulated to mattify the skin, shrink your pores, fill in fine lines, or reduce redness. Additionally, primers lock in your look, ensuring your makeup stays put whether you’re hustling for that bag or dancing the night away.

Benefits of Foundation Primer

Reduce the appearance of Pores
Smooth Skin and Pores
Fill in Fine Lines
Reduce Redness
Mattify the Skin and Control Oil
Make Makeup Last Longer

Most makeup primers are either silicone or water-based and come in the form of creams, serums, and even sprays. Primers are nothing new, though they seem to be becoming more mainstream. Nowadays, foundation primers have evolved to work overtime. In other words, they don’t just smooth your skin and keep your cosmetics in place. Most foundation primers have active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and vitamins such as C & E to simultaneously treat underlying skin concerns.

Silicone-based primer

If it’s a flawless finish you desire, then a silicone-based primer is your best choice. Silicone primers have smoothing properties that give your skin a near poreless appearance. For our readers with dry skin, silicone-based primers can be ultra-hydrating. However, individuals with oily skin may want to seek an alternative as a silicone base may cause breakouts.

H20-based primer

Sheer and lightweight, water-based primers almost act as a second moisturizer. Water-based primers mattify oily skin without ingredients that have been found to cause blemishes. Be sure not to mix water and silicone primers, as this can result in your product pilling.

Why use primer before foundation?

In a nutshell, face primer prolongs the longevity of your gorgeous glam. Ideal for instances when you need your makeup to go the distance, primer gives something for your products to “stick” to. Do you have an upcoming wedding date with your new boo? Where are all of our boss babes graduating this semester? Raise your hand if you’re a full-time mama putting her best foot forward! Each one of you can extend the life of your look by enlisting a quality primer.

In addition to preserving your makeup masterpiece, primer builds a barrier between your makeup and the skincare products you wear each day. This way, your vitamin C serum, eye cream, and SPF can do their jobs while you still look fabulous and fresh-faced.

How to apply foundation primer

Apply Primer after your skincare
Apply Primer before any makeup is applied
Use fingers, brush or sponge to apply a base all over face
Allow time to absorb into skin before applying makeup

Similar to setting powders and sprays, makeup primer works to lock in your look. The difference is in how and when you apply a foundation primer. Primer is best-applied once you’ve thoroughly cleansed your skin, after your skincare products but before your makeup.

No tools are necessary to apply a makeup primer, your fingertips will work just fine. You can also use a beauty sponge if you’re concerned about cleanliness, or even application. Smooth a dime-sized amount of primer in a thin layer atop your skin, just like you would moisturizer or serum. Be sure to extend the product onto your neck, and anywhere you might apply your makeup.

Best facial primer for long-lasting foundation

Why waste your time scouring the shelves of the local drugstore when you know just where to go for the best must-have makeup primer? As you might’ve expected, the gorgeous beauty gurus at Moody Sisters have formulated the ultimate foundation primer you’ll want to have on hand. Fortified with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, green tea leaf, and much more, you’re sure to go gaga over our Natural Makeup & Face Primer.

This pore-perfecting primer is long-lasting and lightweight, and a little goes a long way. One pump, and you’re good to go. Apply evenly to your face with your fingertips, and allow it to dry briefly before moving forward with makeup.