Get the Perfect Make-up Look with Primer

There are few make-up moments more embarrassing then looking in the mirror after a few hours out or on the job and realizing that your cosmetics have rearranged themselves on your face. From eyeshadow that looks like it has melted or pooled off to the side, to concealer that has mysteriously disappeared, and base or blush that has sunk into fine lines making you look like an octogenarian, make-up has a tendency to not want to stay put, or look as fresh as when you applied it.

The reasons why cosmetics tend to stray on your face are various and can range from how oily your skin is, to how dehydrated it may be. Humid weather can affect how well cosmetics stay on, and even slightly aging skin can cause make-up that used to look fresh for hours to sink into the fine lines and look unnatural. The best way to ensure that your make-up stays on fresh for hours is to use primer before you apply your make-up.

Primer will not only aid in keeping the cosmetics that you use looking fresh all day or night long, but it will also keep oily skin looking cleaner while at the same time moisturizing dry skin. Make-up artists normally will use primer before starting to work on a model's face in order to diminish pore size as well as keep the pigments of blushes, eyeshadows and concealers true.

Gel based primers are normally the best to use, as they go on smoothly without adding any oil or weight to your skin and create a virtually flawless canvas for your make-up application. If you generally wear moisturizer it is best to use your face lotion as usual and then add the primer once your lotion has dried.

For areas on your face that tend to get oilier, like the nose, chin and forehead, a little extra dab of primer will keep the oil at bay and allow your make-up to stay put rather then slide off. If you have fine lines around your eyes, primer is essential in keeping your concealer and eyeshadows from sinking into the lines and creases which in turn will give you a much more well rested and youthful look. Some primers even have the added benefit of coming with an SPF to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun when you are out.

Choosing the best primer for your skin type is simple as there are so many to choose from on the market today. For oilier skin look for a primer that has mattifying properties while dry skin will benefit from a moisture filled option. If your skin is slightly discolored or reddened, look for a primer that contains light pigments that will help hide discoloration, and for aging skin there are countless primers that contain age defying ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid.

Using a primer before you apply your make-up is the perfect way to keep you looking fresh and beautiful from morning until night. Your cosmetics will stay where you want them to, and your skin will benefit from the sun protection and moisturizing properties of primer.