The world of Primers

                                                    Maybelline Smooth Prima 

Ok we've covered brushes so now its time to talk the makeup and we are gonna start with our base, yes you got it todays post is all about primers. So sit back, relax and lets get down to the nitty gritty. 

What is a primer? 
A primer is basically a product you apply to your face before applying foundation/powders etc which smoothens/brightens/mattifies your skin and prepares it for foundation. Using a primer helps the foundation to apply more easily and smoothly, helps it to last longer and may also perform other functions like oil control, skin tightening, brightening etc. depending on which type of primer you use. Primers fill out the imperfections in texture of the skin like lines, pores etc. and give a smooth surface on which foundation can be applied with better results as compared to being applied on bare skin. They are generally liquid or cream based formulations.

 How to choose the best primer for yourself :
 Many primers have light-reflecting particles to make your skin look more radiant and give you an overall glow. There are also tinted primers for those looking to add some subtle colour (you know this is really helpful when you have that pasty winter complexion). The rule of thumb for choosing your primer base are the same as choosing moisturizer:

There is no set classification for primers but I’m going to try to  give a broad categorization here to help you choose the best primer for yourself :

 Mattifying Primers : These are best suitable for oily or combination skin and as the name suggests, help in controlling oil. These prevent the skin becoming dull and oily  These can also be applied just on the T-Zone to control shine in that region. You can also use  Milk of Magnesia. Just rub it all over & let it dry then put on your makeup. It does  work.

 Pore Minimizing Primers : These are meant for people with large open pores and as the name suggests, these primers help in making the pores appear smaller. I have not tried any of these personally so I don’t know well these work. 

 Brightening Primers : These primers generally contain a  dose of nutrients that work on the skin and impart a lovely glow to the skin. Some brightening primers may also contain light reflective particles that are responsible for the shine and glow. They are generally more moisturizing and creamy than the mattifying/pore minimizing primers and are suitable for all skin types (Except very oily). 

 Smoothening Primers : These are the primers that contain silicones and have a smooth, slippery touch. These products create a very smooth base on the skin on which foundation glides much more easily. They also make the foundation last longer and sometimes have oil control properties as well. Some women may be sensitive to silicones and they should avoid these smoothening primers. 

 Color Correcting Primers : Some primers contain trace amounts of color to counteract the red/yellow/orange tones in the skin. ELF and NYX make affordable color correcting primers which help in neutralizing the overly warm tones of the skin. Complimenting colors are used to get the neutralization for example Green tinged primer works for red tones, Lavender tinged primer works for yellow/orange tones.

Smashbox do a good selection of primers

For oily skin types: Stick to a gel-based or light lotion primer. Some primers tote extra protection for those plagued by oily skin complications. In case of an oily skin you should absolutely choose a makeup primer to refine your pores and to make sure your skin stays matt all day long. In case of dehyrated of dry skin you should choose a makeup primer with a richer texture, to prepare your skin for the foundation.

For dry skin types: A lotion or cream-based primer will help fill in and smooth any leftover dryness your moisturizer doesn’t take care of.  The BB cream is a very different product for all other makeup primer because you can also leave you BB cream on and don't apply any other foundation, if it has SPF in it.This is a very imporant step because in case of dry skin foundation is not even and gives lighter and darker patches. With a good moisturizing makeup primer you foundation will look nice and even.

BB cream are also very good makeup primers and they are formulated so that they suit almost any type of skin. You can use them as a makeup primer for dry skin, for oily skin, for redness and sensitive skin and to cover fine lines and wrinkles.

   Top colour gives skin tone and bottom colour gives 

an indication of coloured primer to use 

Some points to keep in mind while purchasing primers :

1. If you have sensitive skin and acne issues, please  check the ingredients of the product before purchasing.
2. Choose a texture meant for your skin type, if you have oily skin go for a light lotion or gel type product. If you have dryness, go for a richer cream texture.
3. Do a few test trials at home before using ANY new makeup product for the first time for a big event to make sure the formula works. If you’re purchasing a brightening primer for a special event like a wedding etc., try it out at home and take a few pictures to see how it looks in flash photos so that there are no unpleasant surprises.
4. If you have skin that is prone to tanning, buy a primer which contains SPF. Some primers contain SPF .
5. If you’re not sure how a product will react to your skin, ask for samples. Most high end brands like Clarins, MAC, Clinique, Shiseido offer samples with purchase. The samples have enough product to be used a few times which is sufficient to determine how the product fares with your skin.

I hope you find this post helpful. Watch out tomorrow for building a good foundation post which will hopefully be filled with everything you need to know about foundations. 

Hopefully you are not finding these posts to long. Would if be better if I did them in part 1 and 2 like I did the brushes? what do you prefer? 

Have a good day all stay safe and warm and dont forget to sparkle. 

Love and Primer 

Vikkie