What is a face primer and do you need one?

3 minute read

Most people, when they hear the word ‘primer’, will think of home renovations – specifically preparing surfaces like walls for painting. We know that one of the recommended steps when painting a wall is to apply a coat of primer paint before applying the final paint colour. The purpose of the wall primer is to help cover imperfections, patches of uneven colour, stains and the like to ensure a blank canvas on which to apply the coats of paint colour.

What is a face primer?

Just as walls sometimes need a primer to ensure the best results when painting, our complexions can often also benefit from the use of a primer before applying makeup. My husband likes to make jokes about ‘spakfilla’ when he sees me applying makeup products to my face but, in principle, he’s not too far off the mark. Using certain ‘prep’ products on your face prior to applying makeup, like concealers and primers, can really make a difference to how well your makeup looks and how long it lasts.

Creating the perfect canvas

We know that concealers are great for camouflaging things like dark circles (around the eyes), blemishes and pigmentation. But there is another product which you can use before concealer and other makeup products to effectively turn your face into a ‘blank canvas’ on which you can apply your favourite natural makeup products.

In fact, face primers have sometimes been described as the ‘photoshop of the makeup world’. That's because, in addition to providing the ideal base for your makeup application and extending your makeup’s staying power, primers can also smooth, blur, reduce the appearance of pores and brighten your complexion, as well as fade fine lines and wrinkles.

(image credit: vovan 13 from Getty Images via Canva and Naturally Safe Cosmetics)

Are there different types of primers?

Some face primers are suitable for all skin types – like the LAMAV Organic Bio-Active Primer, which includes Vitamin C, Kakadu Plum and Organic Rosehip Oil. Others may be targeted to specific skin types like oily or dry skin. The INIKA Certified Organic Matte Perfection Primer has a lightweight texture and oil-absorbing properties and is great for oily skin. The INIKA Certified Organic Pure Perfection Primer, on the other hand, contains hydrating and anti-ageing ingredients, like Kangaroo Paw Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil, making it the best choice for dry and mature skin types. Some primers even have sun protection.

How and when do you apply primer?

Primer is applied after the last step in your skincare routine – just before application of makeup. Apply evenly with your fingers, just as you would with your skincare products. It’s important to allow the primer to completely dry before applying makeup.

Do you need a face primer?

Whether or not you choose to use a face primer is totally up to you. As mentioned above, the purpose of a face primer is to improve the appearance and longevity of your makeup by creating a blank canvas for application of makeup and the ideal, perfectly hydrated surface for the makeup to adhere to. It seems logical that a product that smooths your skin’s surface, controls excess shine and minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines and wrinkles cannot help but improve the appearance of your makeup. For many, it is the secret to achieving a flawless, long-lasting makeup look. So, if you're a makeup fan, try it for yourself and see if it makes a difference for you.