How to Choose and Apply Foundation Primer

Relatively new on the consumer cosmetics market, foundation primer is quickly becoming a must-have beauty product. There are good reasons for this. Few other cosmetics can help you get smooth, flawless skin the way foundation primer can. Here are some tips on getting the most out of your primer.

What is foundation primer?
Foundation primer is a clear, non-greasy gel that creates a barrier between your skin and your foundation. If you've noticed your foundation has a tendency to highlight fine lines or exaggerate your pores, foundation primer can help. Primers invisibly fill in wrinkles and pores, creating a smooth, soft surface. This even surface also helps make up cling to your skin better so it's less likely to wear off, smudge, or become shiny during the day. Primers also protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun, wind, and pollution, especially if you choose a foundation primer with an SPF of 15 or more.

Choose the right primer for your skin
Primers are designed to be non-intrusive, so most are colorless and come in forms that let you apply it exactly where you want it. If you plan to apply the primer to your whole face, gel will work great for you. For spot applications, stick or compact primer is a better choice.

While all primers do basically the same thing, each brand has its own individual characteristics. If you have dry skin, try Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer, which is quite moisture rich. If you have oily skin, a lighter primer like the one by Laura Mercier Cosmetics will suit you better. Be aware that some women find poor quality and/or oil-based primers cause break outs, so if you tend to get acne, make sure you pick a light, oil-free brand like Laura Mercier or DHC Velvet Skin Finish.

Tinted primers are another option. Some work as a sort of light foundation themselves and are perfect if you want to improve the texture of your skin a little, but don't want to apply "real" make up.

Wash your face
First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh cleansing products that strip the natural oils from your skin as you may end up leaving dry patches that will make it harder for your skin to absorb the foundation primer.

Apply moisturizer
If you use moisturizer, apply if before you apply foundation primer. Give your skin a minute or two to absorb it.

Apply foundation primer
Liquid/gel foundation primer can be applied with your fingers or with a make up brush. If you use a stick or compact type foundation primer, though, a damp make up sponge will help application. For liquid/gel primer, pour a quarter-sized amount into your hand and massage it into the areas of your face where your make up tends to rub off or where you have problems with shine. For some, this may just be the chin, forehead, lips and eyelids. If you're using primer to minimize pores, though, you'll want to apply it over your whole face. For the foundation primer to work properly, it's vital that wait a few minutes to let your skin absorb it. If you apply foundation immediately afterward, the primer will just get mixed in with the foundation and won't be able to do its job.

Apply foundation
Once you've given the foundation primer a chance to sink in, you can apply your foundation and other make up as usual. You should find that the primer helps your foundation go on more smoothly. If instead your foundation slips or is harder to apply, the problem probably has one of two causes: either you didn't give the primer enough time to soak into your skin or you've got the wrong primer for your skin type. Another possibility is that you've applied more primer than your skin can absorb. With primer, a little goes a long way.

Foundation primer is an easy way to help your skin look younger and healthier and keep your make up in place longer. If you're hoping for that magazine-model pore-less look, don't hold your breath. Photo re-touching is the only thing that accomplishes that. Foundation primer, however, is probably the next best thing.