What Does a Face Primer Do?

What does makeup primer do? In short: It provides grip and helps your face makeup apply smoothly and evenly. Our lightweight formulas help prep your skin, so your makeup goes on like a dream (and looks fresh all day—and night—long).

Why Do You Need Primer Before Makeup?

Creasing, flaking, slipping, and sliding—these aren’t things you want your makeup doing. The right primer for your skin type can help address your skin concerns (like dryness or oiliness) and give your skin a smooth, even canvas for you to work your art on. Plus, skin primer helps make sure your makeup sticks around all day without fading or fizzling out.

Can I Use Primer Alone?

Face primers are meant to be used before liquid, powder, or cream foundation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them on their own, too. If you feel like rocking a no-makeup makeup look, smooth on your favorite primer after completing your skincare routine to give your skin a subtle boost. Pro Tip: Some face primers can actually double as skincare (hello, multi-tasking!). Our Plump Right Up Primer + Serum provides the moisturizing and replenishing benefits of a face serum while helping to create a smooth canvas for makeup application.

How Do I Choose a Primer?

Which primer you use should be guided by your skin type and the sort of makeup look you’re after. If you have oily skin prone to shininess, a mattifying primer like Shine Killer Primer can help keep your skin balanced, not greasy. When you’re feeling tired (we all have those days), try a brightening primer like Bright Maker Primer to ditch dullness and give your skin a sunkissed glow.

What Kind of Skin Needs Primer?

Listen up: Primer isn’t just reserved for one skin type. Anyone can use it. There are hydrating formulas for dry skin, mattifying formulas for oily skin, and countless options in between. If you’re looking for a lightweight primer, try one that’s water-based. For a more obvious skin-smoothing effect, silicone-based primers are your friend.

Can You Use Primer Daily?

You can absolutely wear primer every day. In fact, making primer a regular part of your routine may even help your skin in the long run. Just make sure to use the right primer for your skin type, whether that’s dry, oily, or something in between.

How Long Should You Leave Primer On Before Applying Foundation?

You shouldn’t apply your foundation immediately after smoothing on your foundation primer—give it a few minutes to set before reaching for your base makeup. While you wait for it to dry, you can go ahead and get started on your eye makeup or brows. That should give you enough time to make sure your skin is (ahem) primed and ready for the rest of your face makeup.

Makeup, Face & Foundation Primers | NYX Professional Makeup

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