How to Pick the Right Primer According to Your Skin Type

A good makeup application begins with good skin prep. Using a makeup primer after cleansing and moisturizing can help makeup go on smoothly and last all day.

While many people choose to skip this step, it makes a difference. Face primers provide a protective layer between other products and the skin. Moreover, they ensure that the makeup adheres well to the skin, resulting in a seamless blend.

However, not all primers are suitable for all types of skin. As we have different moisturizers for different skin types, we have different primers to address various skin concerns while layering. In case you're wondering which is the best makeup primer for you, here's a guide to help you decide.

Let's start by figuring out what your skin type is.

How to Determine Your Skin Type

Oily Skin: People with oily skin produce more sebum, the skin's natural oil. Often, excess oiliness contributes to skin concerns such as blackheads and enlarged pores.

Those who have oily skin may also suffer from breakouts in part because of clogged pores.

Dry Skin: The opposite of oily skin is dry skin—it doesn't produce enough oil. Dry skin may look dull or feel tight, and severe conditions can result in cracking, flaking, and peeling. 

Despite how they're sometimes used interchangeably, dry skin and dehydrated skin are different things. Dehydration is a lack of water and can occur to anyone, regardless of skin type.

Combination Skin: Combination skin refers to skin that has two or more distinctive characteristics at once—such as dryness and oiliness.

The T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) of people with combination skin will usually be greasy, and the cheeks will be drier.

Sensitive Skin: Among the characteristics of sensitive skin is heightened sensitivity to stressors, such as some skincare products.

Different people experience varying degrees of sensitivity—Some experience mild irritation when exposed to stressors, while others experience redness, itching, and discomfort on a regular basis.

Acne-prone Skin: As the name suggests, those with acne-prone skin get frequent breakouts (or those that stay around for a long time).

Because their pores tend to clog easily, they are more prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules than other skin types.

Normal Skin: Even though we argue all skin is normal, normal in skincare terms refers to skin that is well-balanced and doesn’t display any persistent skin concerns.

Find The Perfect Match Primer For Your Skin Tone

Primer for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you should choose a primer that controls excess sebum production while giving your skin a matte finish. A silicone-based primer can also aid in blurring large pores, a common problem among oily skin types. 

You don't want to skip the primer step if you have oily skin because it keeps your complexion matte without letting it look flat! Even the most matte foundation could end up looking greasy later on without the best primer for oily skin since the primer will ensure your foundation sets and looks matte all day.

Primer for Normal or Combination Skin

People with normal and combination skin types require a little bit of everything, so primers that cater to all skin types are ideal. The best primers for combination skin are those that combat the excess shine that sometimes appears on the T-zone but don't feel greasy or heavy.

If you have normal or combination skin, then a neutral primer that smoothens your skin's texture and prolongs the wear of your makeup would be perfect.

Primer for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you're likely to suffer from skin tightness and flakiness. Hence, your main concern should be hydration. Use a hydrating face primer that sinks in well and provides good moisture to the skin. 

Some makeup primers for dry skin prevent the skin from losing moisture, making them ideal for days when you need some extra moisture. You can also mix a few drops of the best primer for dry skin into your matte foundation in order to make it appear dewy.

Primer for Acne-Prone Skin

A primer is especially important if you have acne-prone skin since you deal with oil and sensitivity at the same time. A person with acne-prone skin is also more likely to develop breakouts if they aren't protected and prepped properly, or if they wear heavy makeup. It's ideal to pick an oil-free primer since oil (especially when heavy makeup is applied) can clog pores further.

Heavy layers can trap bacteria on the skin, so picking a lightweight primer that ensures skin is matte, reduces redness, hydrates, and provides sun protection is a fantastic idea. It will also eliminate the need for too many products on top.

Primer for Sensitive Skin

A sensitive skin primer is composed of ingredients that are gentle and do not aggravate the skin. Make sure the primer you choose does not contain alcohol, parabens, or fragrances, since these ingredients can irritate your skin.

If you have a lot of redness on your face, you can use a green color-correcting primer. By using a green-tinted primer, you can reduce the appearance of redness on your skin and make your makeup look and feel more natural.

Do You Really Need Makeup Primers?

Primer is applied before foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and contour to create a smoothing effect. This will allow makeup to last longer while targeting oily and dry skin issues. Most of them blur large pores, smooth unwanted textures, and remove discoloration. They even treat fine lines and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Magical, huh?

Still uncertain whether you need one? A primer could be just what you need if your makeup looks a bit messy by the end of the day, or if you have an extra shine in your t-zone.

Takeaway

Whatever the occasion, whether it's going to work, a party with friends, or a day at the beach, you want your makeup to look flawless and last all day. And a makeup primer helps do just that!

Try out the tips above and find the perfect foundation for your skin type. Still have questions? Ask away in the comment section below!