Wondering why your face looks patchy and dry just when you wanted to look your best for date night or a day out with your girls? It could be because you forgot to apply a face primer before you put on your makeup or probably you used it the wrong way. You either applied too much, or you didn’t take the trouble to blend it properly. In other words, you did not know how to use a face primer. Don’t worry, help is on the way regarding face primers and face primer usage.

A primer about face primers

First off, let’s take a look at what a face primer is, and then we can understand how to use a face primer and the various face primer uses. 

A face primer preps your face and readies it for your foundation and other makeup. Face primers are generally silky, soft creams and gels that are meant to be applied underneath your makeup to ensure that the foundation stays in pace, and the makeupdoes not run. They fill in the fine lines on your face and smoothen out uneven skin texture, giving you an even and oil-free surface to apply your foundation. They also ensure that the foundation bonds with your skin and stays on longer. These are the main face primer uses.

How to use a face primer

Okay, now that you know what a face primer is, and what it does, the next thing to get right is the face primer usage. Remember, when it comes to a face primer, less is more. Take a small amount, work your way outwards, and blend, blend, blend.

Here is a step-by-step tutorial, telling you how to use a face primer correctly:

• Step 1: Clean your face with a cleanser.
• Step 2: Use a little moisturiser to hydrate your face.
• Step 3: If you are going out during day time, use a sunscreen next. If it is a night outing, skip the sunscreen.
• Step 4: Decide on the right kind of a primer, depending on your skin type.
• Step 4: Squeeze a little primer on the back of your hand, and mix it with your finger.
• Step 5: Apply the product to the middle of your face, and gently rub it in all over. Cover the entire face, from the cheeks to around the nose, chin, temples, forehead, under and around the eyes.
• Step 6: Wait a few minutes after application to allow the primer to get absorbed and create a smooth surface. Then apply the foundation. You can also use the primer without going for a foundation, if you want to keep things simple.

Types of primers available in the market

Now that you know about face primer usage and how to use a face primer, the next thing to do is figure out the various kinds of face primers, which of them is the best face primer, and how to choose one that suits you and your skin type.

Here are some of the different types of primers available in the market.

Gel based face primer

A gel-based face primer is the most commonly available primer, which is not surprising, as it is suitable for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, then this is what will work best for you. It is easy to apply, and gives you a smooth base.

Cream based face primer

If you are looking for a hassle-free, easy to apply face primer, a cream-based formula will work very well for you. Cream based face primers moisturize and nourish your skin, keeping it soft and supple.

One of the most popular cream based primers available in India is Plume Silk Blur Moisturizing Primer, which comes with the goodness of hyaluronic acid and avocado extracts. Hyaluronic acid is known to provide hydration and nourishment, while avocado provides a healthy glow to the skin, and hydrates it at the same time.

Plume Silk Blur Moisturizing Primer blurs out fine lines and pores, and other imperfections in the skin. It acts as a silky primer which enables your foundation to glide on your face. It is a great product to apply on a daily basis, and you can use it under your makeup, or alone, to get that perfect, flawless look every day. It is considered to be one of the best face primers in the country today.

Pore-filling face primer

If you have oily skin, chances are you will have enlarged pores. Just any face primer will not do; you will need a pore-filling face primer. Pore-filling face primers are mattifying, and almost always contain silicones, like dimethicone. This ingredient not only curbs excess oil production, but also smoothens out any inconsistencies in the skin of your face. It is the ideal solution for masking fine lines, wrinkles and spots. The silicone in the face primer creates a thin film between your skin and your makeup, which blurs the appearance of enlarged pores, and makes the application of foundation easy. 

Silicone-free face primer

While silicone-based primers have their uses, several makeup experts are now advocating a move away from them as it is feared they may be comedogenic, leading to a breakout of acne and blackheads. Hence, silicone-free primers are becoming more and more popular, with water-based face primers standing out. Silicone-free face primers will work very well for you if you have dry skin, or overly sensitive skin that gets irritated by just about everything. Water-based silicone-free face primers are ideal for hydrating the skin and, at the same time, giving you a satin-smooth look. Knowledge of silicone-free face primer uses will help you to decide whether you should go for them or opt for regular primers.

Other classifications of face primers

Primers can be categorized further on the basis of the functions they perform and the different face primer uses. Take a look at some of these.

Strobing or illuminating face primers

A strobing or illuminating face primer gives you an ethereal glow, making you look dewy and shimmery. These primers create a reflective finish below the foundation that attracts light and literally illuminates the skin. They work just like regular primers, giving you a smooth look, and minimising and concealing your imperfections, with the added advantage of an out-of-the-world glow.

An illuminating face primer can be worn alone, or with a foundation. It gives you a shiny look with just a dab. You can apply it all over your face, or restrict it to specific areas, like cheekbones and the T-zone.

A word of caution – a strobing face primer works for those with normal skin, avoid it if you have large pores or noticeable wrinkles.

Colour-correcting face primers

A colour-correcting face primer is more of a makeup product than other face primers, but it still provides regular face primer uses. These primers have a very light tint -- green or yellow or peach or lavender -- which neutralises the appearance of patchy, dull skin.

A word of caution – use colour-correcting face primers sparingly. Remember, less is more when it comes to some products.

Anti-ageing face primers

Anti-ageing face primers work like regular primers, with the added advantage of an in-built anti-ageing formula. Most anti-ageing face primers fall in the silicone-free category, and contain essential hydrating ingredients. These include vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which go a long way in keeping your skin young and healthy. Anti-ageing face primer uses are obvious, and they prove to be very useful for older women.

Face Primer Price Range

Face primer prices vary from brand to brand and also with the quantity of product that you get in the package. Gel based primers usually come in 30g packaging and can cost anywhere between Rs. 450-Rs.750 for drugstore brands and Rs.1500-Rs.2000 for high end international brands.

Cream based primers mostly come in 50g packaging, like the Plume Silk Blur Moisturising Primer which is priced at Rs. 585. Just like the gel based primers, these ones are also available in similar price range depending on the brand.

You can go for any good Face primer under Rs.1000 to start with. Once you get well acquainted with the art of makeup, you can easily indulge in high end ones too! 

In the end, remember, a face primer is your go-to product. It is simply indispensable for that lasting smooth and flawless look. Just make sure you choose the best face primer that suits your skin type and your skin tone, and you will be ready to stand out in the crowd.