If you want your complexion to look younger, fresher and more even than everyone else, and if you want your makeup to last all day, the key is to use a primer.

Primers are pre-makeup bases that help mask fine lines and wrinkles, make your skin look smoother, help your foundation to go on evenly, and help it to last.




Model Katie Bunn
Photographer Eric Cassee
Hair Will Zecco
Makeup Corinna Cooke


Your skin needs to be well moisturized (makeup grabs onto dry areas, making it look uneven and patchy),
and your facial SPF needs to have a couple of minutes to absorb before you apply your primer. If your skin still feels a bit dewy give it another minute or two.

You only need a small amount - about the size of a raisin. Massage it into your skin focusing on your T Zone first, and then across your cheeks.
Apply your primer sparingly - if you use too much it will ball up under your makeup.




Primers can be slippery, making it easier for your foundation to blend. Ideally apply your foundation with a duo fiber foundation brush to get a gorgeously even and light application.

There are many different types of primer. Here are a few:

For Dryness if you battle a drier complexion, look for a primer with hydrating ingredients lick glycerin, that will help provide a barrier that holds moisture in.

For Dullness primers with a pink or lilac hue can color correct out sallowness in the skin, making it look a little fresher. I particularly love Makeup Forever HD Primer in Lilac to cancel out too much yellow or dullness in the complexion.

For Redness use a green tinted primer, but be careful - too much green will leave your complexion looking very ashy.

For Fine Lines, Wrinkles and Enlarged Pores use a primer with peptides to reduce lines or even with tea tree oil to reduce shine.

For Acne use an oil free primer with anti acne ingredients and with silica to absorb excess oils.

* Using primer on your throat, chest and the backs of your hands can leave your skin looking silky and smooth all day.


Eye Shadow primers are a must too.

They will make your eye shadow go on more evenly, make the colors more true, and will make your eye makeup hold throughout the day.
I particularly like Lorac Behind The Scenes Eye Primer




If your lipstick tends to feather, or if you have trouble keeping lipstick on, try using a lip primer, or even dab a little of your facial or eye shadow primer onto your lips first.
Give it a few moments to settle in before applying your lip liner and  lipstick.'
But remember - use it sparingly...

 
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