Makeup Primer for Mineral Makeup. Need it or No?

Applying a makeup primer is crucial for certain skin types, while unnecessary for others. Learn what YOU need for your skin type...

Primers are often misunderstood. People get confused by them. Should you use one? Are they necessary?

What do they actually DO?

There are various types of primers, such as liquid, gel or loose powder.

I generally prefer the loose powder version as they work super well for me, but try several to see what you like best.

Basically a primer PREPARES your skin for your makeup.

OILY SKIN: If you have oily skin, I really recommend you use a primer. In fact, I insist upon it. The only exception might be if your loose powder foundation contains a large amount of clay (usually in the form of kaolin clay). Then you might not need a primer.

Get a loose powder primer that is either arrowroot powder or kaolin clay based. Cornstarch is another option, but that can be irritating to some skin types.

Simply dust the powder on before you apply your makeup, whatever type you use.

This will soak up excess oil on your face, either from your skin or from excess moisturizer you might have applied.

Your skin should then feel satiny smooth before applying the rest of your makeup.

If you do not apply a primer your face might be fine throughout the day. However, it is likely that your foundation will shift. It might collect in certain areas, like around your nose. It might disappear from around your mouth or eyes, thus making you look anything but pretty.

So use a primer!

COMBO SKIN: Follow the same directions for those with oily skin.

NORMAL SKIN: You don't have to use a primer at all. I only recommend using one if you are using a very oily or thick liquid makeup. If using a loose powder mineral makeup, then a primer isn't necessary as you have no problems to correct.

DRY SKIN: Use a primer. You will have a tendency to apply more moisturizer than other skin types (and you should), but this could lead to makeup slipping. Makeup slipping is the process of makeup sliding around on your face throughout the day. Not fun, let me tell ya. :)

Apply a primer for dry skin. These will often have gentle ingredients that are designed to hold moisture, while keeping your makeup intact. My personal favorite ingredient for this is silk powder. Do NOT use any product with clay or cornstarch in it, or other oil-absorbing ingredients, as these will dry your skin out more.

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