Primed for Success

9 Unexpected Primer Tricks That Keep Makeup Flawless All Day Long

Makeup primers may just seem like just another layer of product to slather on your skin, and with folks now cycling through 11-step skin-care routines on a daily basis, we don't blame you for not wanting to partake. However, they aren't as much of an extra and unnecessary step as they may seem. Professional makeup artists swear by primers for brightening and smoothing skin, locking in makeup all day long, and adding another line of defense against skin concerns like acne, uneven texture, and fine lines. See, primers are more versatile and effective than you may have previously thought. Taking this into account, we rounded up makeup artists' best tips for making the most out of primers, including ones for your lashes, lids, lips, face, and body. Keep scrolling to find out their most unexpected suggestions. Hint: A good lash primer could even make you look like you're wearing falsies while eye-shadow primer can double as an under-eye concealer primer to help prevent creasing.

By Lexi Novak

May 18, 2018

Getty Images

Courtesy of brand

1/9

Try a Tinted Formula

If your skin is — and there's no pretty word for it — dull, light pink primers, like Tatcha's The Silk Canvas Protective Primer, can add a subtle glow. Lilac shades (found in the Becca First Light Priming Filter Face Primer) brighten sallow skin, and green formulas (like the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer in 5) neutralize redness.
Getty Images

2/9

Less Is More

You don't need to coat your face with this stuff. "When you overload on primer, it pills under your foundation," says makeup artist Sandy Linter. A small drop (about the size of a raisin) is plenty. Gently rub into the skin with your fingers for even coverage. "A makeup brush will just drag the primer around," makeup artist Mary Phillips adds.

Courtesy of brand

3/9

Treat Your Eyes

Gently patted around the eyes and on the lids, primer acts as a three-in-one product. It prevents makeup from smudging by absorbing oils, softens fine lines, and counteracts redness. We like the Laura Mercier Eye Basics. Tap the pastel blue-toned one called Eyebright on your under-eyes before putting on concealer to help cancel out dark circles and illuminate the area. Adele’s makeup artist Michael Ashton uses this tip to keep undereye concealer from caking and creasing.
4/9

Boost Your Lashes

For thicker, longer lashes, layer an eyelash primer under your regular mascara. These formulas amplify sparse fringe and contain vitamin E or glycerin to condition lashes. We like the Lorac Royal Treatment Primer & Mascara Duo because you can swipe on as many coats as you want without your lashes becoming a clumpy mess. Plus, it will make you look like you got lash extensions, without dropping $200 on actual ones.

Courtesy of brand

5/9

Go Easy on Acne

Skip any spot treatments if your primer already contains anti-acne ingredients. (We like the Cover FX Mattifying Primer With Anti-Acne Treatment, which is formulated with willowbark extract, an ingredient that naturally contains salicylic acid.) Layering on too many acne-fighting products at once could irritate the skin and cause inflammation.
Courtesy of brands

6/9

Consider Your Skin Texture

If fine lines and wrinkles are your concern, set aside your face primer in favor of a different one. "Use an eye shadow primer on wrinkles to prevent creasing and create an even canvas for makeup," makeup artist Hung Vanngo suggests. Try the Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer. Prefer to smooth out bumps and raised texture your skin? Mary Phillips, a makeup artist who has worked with Bella Hadid and Jennifer Lopez, recommends blending a creamy foundation atop your face primer. (We're fans of the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream.) The combo "will be just thick enough to smooth over the unevenness," she explains.

Courtesy of brand

7/9

Prime Your Lips

Dab on a lip primer, like the E.L.F. Lip Primer & Plumper, to prevent lipstick from feathering or settling into lines. If you don't have a lip primer on hand, one designed for your lids works as well. "A trick to keep your lipstick from rubbing off throughout the day is to use a creamy eye shadow primer under the lipstick for longer wear," says Daniel Chinchilla, a makeup artist who has worked with Ariana Grande. "Eye primers typically have more holding power than lip primers and keep that color on all day long."
Courtesy of brand

8/9

Finish With Powder

To set your makeup for all-day wear, follow this magic order: primer, liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer, translucent powder. Without the last dusting of powder, like the Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder, "the water in your makeup and the silicones in most primers repel each other," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson. "If you touch your face, both will come right off."

Courtesy of brand

9/9

Smooth Your Décolletage

In addition to your eyes, cheeks, lips, and lashes, primer works miracles on other areas, too. The silicones in primers help fill facial fine lines and even out makeup, but they can work on other areas as well. Dab some on your hands, neck, and chest, "and your skin will look plumper for the rest of the day," says Linter. The Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream is ideal for allover application. It instantly smooths and hydrates skin while giving it a dewy glow.