Makeup primers have become an essential part of many beauty routines in recent years, but where did this trend come from, and why are they so popular?

 

A Brief History of Makeup Primers

Makeup primers have been around for a while, but they started to gain popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. These early primers were often silicone-based primers and designed to create a smooth, even canvas for makeup application. They were marketed as a way to extend the wear of makeup and make it look more natural.

Since then, makeup primers have come a long way. Today, primers are available for just about every skin concern, from oily to dry skin to aging skin. Some primers cater to specific makeup needs, such as helping your foundation stay put, keeping lipstick in place, or making eyeshadow more vibrant.

 

Types of Makeup Primers

• Hydrating primers: These primers are designed for dry or dehydrated skin. They contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help moisturize and plump the skin.
• Mattifying primers: These primers are ideal for people with oily or combination skin. They contain ingredients like kaolin clay and silica to absorb excess oil and create a matte finish.
• Color-correcting primers: These primers contain pigments that help neutralize skin discoloration or redness. They are available in shades like green (to neutralize redness), purple (to brighten dull skin), and yellow (to neutralize purple or blue tones).
• Pore-minimizing primers: These primers contain ingredients like silica and dimethicone to help blur the appearance of large pores and fine lines.
• Illuminating primers: These primers contain light-reflecting particles to create a radiant, glowing finish. They are ideal for people with dry or mature skin.
• Primers for specific makeup: In addition to the above categories, primers are also available for particular makeup products, such as foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick. These primers help the makeup stay in place longer and look more vibrant.

 

Benefits of Using Makeup Primers

• Creates a smooth, even canvas: Primers help smooth out the skin's surface, filling in pores and fine lines to create a more even canvas for makeup application. This can help your makeup go on more smoothly and look more natural.
• Extends makeup wear: Many primers are formulated to help makeup stay in place longer. This is especially useful for people with oily skin, as oil can cause makeup to break down and wear off more quickly.
• Can improve the appearance of skin: Some primers contain ingredients that can benefit the skin, such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. Using a primer can help nourish and protect the skin while creating a better base for makeup.
• Can enhance the appearance of makeup: In addition to helping makeup stay in place, specific primers can also improve the appearance of makeup. For example, an illuminating primer makes your foundation look more radiant, while a pore-minimizing primer can help the foundation look smoother and more flawless.

"Makeup primers create a barrier between your skin and makeup, so your makeup goes on more smoothly and lasts longer. They also help to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, giving your skin a more even and flawless appearance." - Celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff