A make-up primer is the layer between your skincare and your foundation. It evens out the skin so make-up stays put longer and sinks less into pores and fine lines. Which one you choose depends on your skin: a mattifying primer for shiny skin, a hydrating one for dry skin. A safe all-rounder is the Rimmel London Stay Matte primer in 003 Transparent.
Do you really need a primer?
Not always. If your foundation stays put all day and you don't get shiny, a primer adds little. If you notice your make-up fading after a few hours, settling into fine lines, or your T-zone getting shiny, that's exactly what a primer is for. You use it after your day cream and before your foundation, in a very thin layer.
Which primer suits your skin?
Primers mainly differ in what they do to the skin: mattify, hydrate or visually refine pores. Below is what it says on the packaging for each product.
| Primer | What the packaging says | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Rimmel London Stay Matte primer | Stay Matte, transparent (003) | Oily or shiny skin, T-zone |
| Golden Rose primer | Mattifying and pore-minimising, long-lasting | Visible pores you want to refine |
| Max Factor Miracle Prep primer | Miracle Prep: illuminating & hydrating | Dry or dull skin that could use a bit of glow |
How to apply a primer
- First apply your day cream and let it absorb briefly.
- Take a small amount of primer, about the size of a pea, for your whole face.
- Spread it with your fingers from the centre outwards, paying extra attention to the T-zone or to dry cheeks.
- Wait half a minute, then apply your foundation.
A primer in pictures
Don't use too much: too thick a layer of primer actually works against you and makes the foundation slide on top of it.
Can you use a primer without foundation?
Yes. A mattifying or pore-refining primer can also be worn on its own, if you just want to even out and mattify the skin without colour. A hydrating primer then mainly gives a fresh, well-cared-for finish.
Does a primer work against shine?
A mattifying primer, like the top two in the table, reduces shine in the T-zone. With very oily skin, you combine it with a little powder; the primer alone usually lasts about half a day.
Is a primer the same as a hydrating day cream?
No, they do something different. A day cream cares for and hydrates the skin itself; a primer is there to help your make-up adhere better and stay in place longer. With dry skin, you simply use them one after the other: first let your day cream absorb, then a thin layer of hydrating primer, and only then your foundation.
How long does a tube of primer last?
Since you only use a pea-sized amount each time, a tube usually lasts a good few months. Here too, check the symbol of the open jar with a number in it: that's the number of months the primer stays good after opening. If it smells or feels different from when you started, replace it.
