Makeup Primers: The When and Why

We get a lot of questions about primers – should you use one with Come Closer Skin Perfecting Serum-Foundation? What are the best primers out there? Any ingredients to avoid? We created the ultimate primer guide that has the answers to all your questions in one place.

Do I Need A Primer? Why or Why Not? 

While we would never say primers are absolutely necessary, they come with a ton of helpful benefits. Primers act as a “base” for your complexion products to be layered on top of, which helps extend makeup wear. They fill in pores and fine lines, control oil, and prevent excess shine. The extra layer of product also helps to prevent the oils in your skin from interacting with your other complexion products, which can reduce formula oxidation (translation: when the color of your foundation or concealer begins to darken). This is especially helpful if you live in a warmer, more humid environment, as formula oxidation tends to happen much more quickly.

 

How Do I Choose The Right Primer For Me?

There are a few things to consider when shopping for a primer. First, your skin type. If you have oily skin, we recommend a silicone-based mattifying primer, which is better at controlling oil and shine. If you have dry skin, consider a moisturizer-primer hybrid, as those formulas are much more hydrating.

Also consider that certain kinds of primers work better with certain kinds of foundations. One of our favorite tips is looking at the ingredient list of the foundation you’re using – because as they taught us in high school chem class, “like mixes with like”. The general rule of thumb is that water-based foundations pair best with water-based primers, while silicone-based foundations play better with… you guessed it, silicone-based primers. Not sure how to tell which is which? Words ending in “cone” and “siloxane” indicate the presence of silicone. If these words appear at the top of the list, it means the formula contains relatively high levels of silicone. If these words appear further down the list or not at all, then you’re dealing with a water-based formula. Since Come Closer’s formula is a hybrid of water and silicone, both water-based and silicone-based primers are compatible. 

 

How Should I Apply It?

Primer or no primer – skincare prep is everything. We recommend starting with a fresh, clean face. Wash with a water-based cleanser, then add hydration back to skin with a moisturizer. Follow with SPF (always!). For maximum protection, SPF should be applied directly onto skin – before any makeup. Give your skin a few minutes here before moving onto makeup while it absorbs your skincare products. 

Now onto primer. If yours is silicone-based, you’ll notice it has a smooth, tacky texture which can sometimes pill or ball up as you’re applying. To avoid this, use a very small amount – about the size of a pea – and pat into skin. Rubbing creates friction and exacerbates the pilling. A great trick is applying your primer with a clean beauty blender to avoid rubbing. Again, you want to let it sit for a few minutes while it absorbs.

Then, you’re primed and ready to go. Layer Come Closer Skin Perfecting Serum-Foundation or any other complexion favorites and enjoy longer makeup wear, blurred pores, and mattified skin.