A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin
Primers used to be one-size-fits-all, silicone-based, transparent veils that helped create a buffer between your skin and makeup so your face looked flawless. They got the job done, but in truth they weren’t always that targeted to specific skin types or concerns like large pores, redness or fine lines. Now you can customize your primer to target your concern and suit your skin type.
Primers
Skin type: Oily
Oily skin types tend to see their morning makeup slide by the time they clock their first coffee break. Oil-absorbing formulas will mop up excess oil before it disrupts your foundation. If you’re afraid of breakouts, try a primer mist. It’s super lightweight, keeps your makeup in place and it won’t clog pores.
De-Slick Complexion Primer, $38, Urban Decay
Skin type: Oily
Skin type: Dry
Dry skin types need primers that are spiked with line-plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid so makeup doesn’t settle in to lines. Serum-based boosters and/or primers with light-reflecting pigments help to boost skin’s glow.
The Smoother Primer, $44, Estee Lauder
Skin type: Dry
Skin type: Dry
Skin type: Dry
Skin type: Combination
Combination skin can deal with a whole host of skin issues, depending on the day from redness to excess oil to dry patches. A light-reflecting primer base will help give your skin uniformity by muting redness and/or uneven skintone and keeps your makeup on lock.
#InstaReady Face Primer, $16, Physicians Formula
Skin type: Combination
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