Foundation primers have become a hot and trendy beauty item. Mostly silicone based, these priming products have been used by models and makeup professionals for years. Yet it wasn't until 1995, when Laura Mercier introduced her foundation primer, that there were any makeup primer products readily available to the general public.
What a Foundation Primer Can Do For Your Skin Type
The essential function of a foundation primer is to make the skin ready for the application of foundation. It smooths out fine lines and wrinkles by lightly filling them in and creating a flat, even canvas. It also diminishes the appearance of larger pores by coating them and filling in the uneven skin texture they produce in the skin. Primers also reduce shininess in oilier skin types, and if using a color-correcting primer, it can help even out skin tone and discoloration.
In addition to the smoothing benefits mentioned above, foundation primers also assist in keeping makeup on the skin longer, lessening the need for touching up throughout the day. The foundation primer aids in absorbing the excess oils that our skin produces, which reduces the shine that occurs in combination or oily skin types . For drier skin types, the silicones help to trap moisture, keeping skin hydrated and smooth all day long.
One of the final benefits to using a foundation makeup primer is that you will use less of your makeup. Instead of your foundation absorbing directly into your skin, the primer acts as a base, with the foundation adhering to the primer rather than the skin itself. With a primer reducing the imperfections of the skin's surface, less product is required to cover those areas.
What Makes a Foundation Primer Work?
While there are water-based foundation primers, the vast majority of the makeup primers on the market are silicone-based. The two most popular ingredients are Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone. Derived from silica, a naturally occurring mineral, they are both safe for use on the skin. You can find cyclomethicone in almost any hair conditioner, as it is emollient and known to reduce frizz and keep moisture in the hair. It works the same way on the skin. Dimethicone is found in many skin care products and cosmetics, and even contact lenses. In a primer, it works as a binding agent, keeping everything smooth.
Steps To Using a Foundation Primer:
- Moisturize your skin and let your daily moisturizer soak into your skin for a few minutes
- Apply a dime-sized amount of your foundation primer to clean fingertips
- Gently rub into the skin as you would your moisturizer, paying special attention to the T-Zone areas and fine lines and wrinkles
- Wait one to three minutes before applying your foundation
