5 Clever ways to use your primer in your beauty routine

Whether it’s obvious foundation streaks, pores, redness or even dull looking skin, these makeup mishaps can easily be fixed by adding one more step to your routine – using a primer.

Many often feel they do not require one as it may feel heavy or that a makeup setting spray can help fix anything. However, a makeup setting spray is only going to help seal in your makeup – it’s not going to fix the minor problem areas. Essentially, most of us can’t do without primers, especially in humid Singapore. Not only do they serve as a base for more products to adhere to, these products also help to extend the longevity of our makeup look by helping to smooth the overall texture of your skin, conceal and minimize the appearance of pores.

Ever wondered how you can use a primer to get the best effects out of it? Well, here are 5 simple ways.

GOLDEN RULE: LESS IS MORE

This is a mantra you need to keep repeating when it comes to the rules of primer-art. A single pea-sized amount is sufficient to work its magic on your skin. Applying more than required on the face might end up causing whatever products you layer over it to disintegrate, especially your foundation. The trick is to use the tiniest amount so that the other base products have something slightly adhesive to stick to. Once you’ve squeezed out a sufficient amount, rub the product in between your fingers to warm it up before massaging it well into your skin.

USE IT UNDER YOUR EYES

Ever wonder why there are very few under-eye primers in the market? That is because you can use your skin primer under your eyes. Start off by moisturizing the skin around your eyes with a hydrating eye cream. Once the product has fully absorbed, apply 3 tiny dots of primer under your eye. Gently pat using your ring finger. Apply your concealer as usual and you’ll notice that there is less under eye-creasing or smudging from your eyeliner. For those with crow’s feet, primer will help to reduce the appearance of it under makeup.

BRIGHTEN YOUR SKIN

We are loving how brands are coming up with different types of primer formulas for the varying skin types. Primer world started off with silicone based primers. It has not evolved into an upgrade with colour correcting primers. They still have the sillicon content but are infused with colour correcting pigments to help even out the skin tone. If you struggle with dull looking skin, opt for a light pink primer to draw light to your face.

LIP PRIMER

Do you dream of preventing your lipstick from bleeding? Apply some primer on your lips and massage it well. Blot off any excess and apply your favourite lip colour. You’ll notice that the lipstick does not feather as much and settle into your lip lines.

MIX WITH FOUNDATION

Is your foundation too dewy for your liking? Depending on the coverage level of your foundation, mix 2-3 drops with 1 drop of primer on the back of your hand. This helps to change the formula of the foundation into a slightly more matte finish. Once you have achieved a well mixed consistency, apply the mixture to your face and buff away using a dense foundation brush.

Now, head over to the gallery up top for a round up of primers to try with these tips and tricks.

Perin Sidhu

Photo: Getty Images

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