If you have ever been inside a beauty supply store like Sephora, you’ve probably scanned the displays only to notice the forever-baffling inventory of “primers.” What exactly are these mysterious makeup products? Well, although they may be complicated to understand, they are simply a variety of different formulas for the lips, face, lashes, and eyelids to keep your makeup lasting hours beyond what you’re used to. Many of us suffer from particular beauty catastrophes such as lacking lashes, evaporating eye shadow, lifeless lipstick, and fading foundation. However, these all too familiar makeup mishaps can be put to rest if you’re introduced to the correct priming products. Luckily, I have complied a list of my favorite bases in order to keep you informed and give you the ultimate guide to priming.
Mascara Primer
I don’t know about you, but having celebrity-like lashes is a must have on my list. I’m the type to pile on a hundred coats of mascara in order to achieve that extra long, extra dark, extra clumpy and full look. The “do you have eyelash extensions?” style may not appeal to all, but either way, a mascara primer is essential in the interest of having it stay in place all day or night. There’s nothing more irritating than flaking black specs all over your face.
Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer $20
Smashbox Layer Lash Primer $19
Lancome Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base $25
Eye Shadow Primer
Creasing eye shadow may be something you’ve had to deal with in the past, but fear no further. Although it may be tempting to quickly run your foundation primer over your eyelid, the effect of using an eye shadow primer will make for a flawless look. An eye shadow primer will be especially useful if you experience oily eyelids. They typically come in liquid form in a neutral tone.
Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion Tube $12
Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil $18
Too Faced Shadow Insurance $20
Lip Primers
Unfortunately, we all know how often lipstick fades. However, there’s a way to eliminate this struggle. A lip primer is a base, which creates a smooth surface for your lipstick to stay put all night long. It also enhances color, adds vibrancy, and establishes smooth lips.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer $18
Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer $20
Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Lip $16
Foundation Primer
There are many types of foundation primers that take care of different needs for your skin. For example, there are mattifying primers, which create an even canvas for your foundation and eliminate pores and shine. There are color-correcting primers, which reduce skin redness and even out your overall complexion. Usually these primers are green in color because they adjust your skin tone. Whichever primer you choose, it will help your foundation stay put for as long as possible.
Giorgio Armani Fluid Master Primer $57
Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer $34
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer $39
Givenchy Mister Mat Mattifying Foundation Primer $37