There are plenty of options that go outside the box — think serum-like primers or even sunscreens that double as a primer — but all of these fall under the umbrella of either silicone-based or water-based primers. Here's your guide: This truly depends on individual preference. If you find that your foundation goes on just fine without primer and stays through the day, you can choose to forgo the additional step. If, however, you're looking for more staying power and a smoother slate for your makeup, you would likely benefit from adding a primer into your routine. "I think it’s necessary if you want your makeup to last and look its best," says Greenberg. Are there any disadvantages to primer? Applying foundation too soon after applying primer. Do make sure your primer is completely dry before applying makeup. If your primer hasn't fully set and you go in with base makeup, you'll application issues like pilling and streaking. Unify your complexion with your foundation by gently tapping on the previously corrected areas." Ingredients If you struggle with foundation, tinted moisturizer, or concealer looking streaky, patchy, or uneven, a primer may be the thing that changes your makeup game. Not only can it make applying your face makeup easier, face primer ensures makeup won't budge through even the longest days.

Mattify your skin with our Step 1 SHINE CONTROL Primer by applying it locally on the shiny areas using your fingers. A texture rich in water and glycols that contributes to the continuous hydratation of the skin and its comfort Start out using a little bit— between a pea size and quarter size amount," depending on your skin type. Generally, oily skin types need less primer than drier skin. If you don't want to use your fingers, Aunique likes applying primer with a damp beauty blender for a seamless finish. Water-based primers are lighter and almost act as a second moisturizer. Many water-based primers offer a mattifying effect that may work well for oily skin.If you want a radiant finish, go for a luminizing primer. You'll get all the benefits of a normal primer, but luminizing primers typically have a touch of highlighter-esque sparkle to give you that "lit from within" glow. This primer works best for combination and oily skin. Its powdery texture mattifies the skin and offers a velvety finish. STEP 1 PRIMER - SHINE CONTROL absorbs excess sebum, reduces the appearance of pores, and ensures your makeup lasts longer. It is mainly applied to the T-zone and can also be used as a base for eyeshadow.

Face primer is a product you should integrate into your makeup routine from the beginning. Its role is to even out the complexion by minimizing small skin imperfections. Don't let your foundation slip away! Whatever your desired finish may be, all Step 1 Primers help keep your makeup in place. Whether generic or specific, there are primers for all different skin types. For beautiful makeup every time, a foundation base (also called a primer) is a must-have item for your makeup bag. Its purpose is to prepare your skin and facilitate the application of your foundation. A foundation primer is the first step of your makeup routine and should be applied to cleansed, dried, and hydrated skin. It is applied very lightly with the fingertips on your entire face or can be dabbed gently onto the pores and fine lines.

You might be worried that primers lend themselves to a certain skin type, but that's actually not the case. "Brands have become savvy and created solutions for every skin issue you could have," says Greenberg. "If you're oily or dry, there’s a primer for you." AQUA (WATER) • METHYL TRIMETHICONE • DIMETHICONE • PHENYL TRIMETHICONE • ISODODECANE • ALCOHOL • BUTYLENE GLYCOL • GLYCERIN • CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE • ACRYLATES/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER • METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER • PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE • ALUMINA • PANTHENOL • DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE • PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) • VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • PROPYLENE CARBONATE • SODIUM BENZOATE • SODIUM CHLORIDE • SILICA • HEXADECENE • LECITHIN • LEPIDIUM MEYENII ROOT EXTRACT • MALTODEXTRIN • SODIUM MYRISTOYL GLUTAMATE • ETHYL VANILLIN • TIN OXIDE • CITRIC ACID • SODIUM CITRATE • ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE • METHICONE • PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE • [+/- CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) • CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES) • CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES)]

When it comes to how to apply primer, how to choose which kind is best for you, and the advantages and disadvantages, we've got you covered: What is makeup primer and what does it do?This is one step of your makeup routine where you can go hands-on: "Use your fingers to blend it on, which will warm up the product and allow it to be absorbed into your skin faster," says Vincent Oquendo, Maybelline New York brand ambassador.

Mineral clay: known for its absorbent properties, it helps control excess sebum for a silky matte finish.

If you have red skin or hyperpigmentation, seek out color correcting primers. These primers help even out any skin tone issues, whether you have redness, dullness, or hyperpigmentation.