Should you be using Primer?
Britney on instagram asks:
“Primer, is it necessary? Also which one is your favorite?”
Here’s my pro take on primer:
It’s a tool in the tool bag.
There are different camps about this in the pro makeup artist world.
The old school film pros will say “primer didn’t exist at one time and we did just fine. Do good skin prep”
Many wedding pros and brand reps will say “It’s a CRIME not to prime! I carry 10 different primers!”
The truth is - your overall makeup look is like baking a cake. All the different ingredients and amounts need to be added and mixed the right way for you to get the result you want. Things can be swapped out, added, and done different ways - but it’s about having the right recipe.
Primers have Pros and Cons.
Pros:
Extends the wear of makeup like a glue
Fills in pores and fine lines, can help smooth out texture
Seals in skin care and creates a protective barrier for makeup to go on top of
Cons:
As a general makeup rule, every new layer of makeup product adds a layer of visible texture.
Primer included. I know I just said “can smooth texture”…but it’s complicated.You have to get the combination right. There are different kinds of primers (mainly water based and silicone based) and many different kinds of foundations and powders. If the formulas don’t play well together - it can spell disaster.
I’m talking your foundation balling up, separating, or at the least looking really caked on. Not pretty. So if you’re not a cosmetic chemist, good luck rolling the dice!No but you seriously you can always shoot me a DM on instagram for help.
Tip For Makeup Artists: When working on set you may need to do makeup changes or reset the makeup many different times. Primer will only get in the way of this - as the makeup will not move easily back into place, take on more layers seamlessly, or remove as easy. If I know I will be there to maintain it, I almost never use a primer.