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Face primers have several benefits such as longer lasting foundation and filling in fine lines, large pores and acne scarring. However, face primers have no color at all. They are created to enhance and perfect your foundation, concealer and powder application to avoid the need to reapply and to give your skin an even appearance. Every woman has a specific coverage need and may not need a heavy foundation.
Face Primers
Face primers are colorless bases to which your liquid, cream or powder foundation can adhere and maximize their staying power. These primers also fill in any creases, lines, scars or pores to give your skin an even, smooth palette for applying concealers, foundations and powders. When used alone, face primers can give your skin a greasy feel and appearance as well as adding a paleness to your skin. However, there are alternatives to using heavy foundations such as tinted powders, bronzers, concealers and light mineral foundations.
Bronzers
Similar to tinted powder, bronzers work with face primers to give your skin an even complexion but with the slightest hint of deeper color and shimmer. Your bronzer should be 2 to 3 shades darker than your skin tone. Once you have applied your face primer, use an angled bronzer makeup brush to add a hint of shimmery color to each cheekbone, the center of your forehead, down your nose and just a hint of color at your temples. Blend this color in well or you will end up with unnatural streaks of dark color all over your face.
Tinted Powders
Tinted powders come in both pressed and loose textures and are designed to match your skin tone. If your skin doesn't need a full coverage foundation, you can use a face primer to fill in any imperfections and to adhere your powder to your skin. Apply your face primer all over your face, blend it in well and allow it to completely dry. With a large powder brush, buff a layer of tinted powder by making small circles all over your face and down into your neck. This will give you a smooth complexion without requiring any foundation.
Mineralized Powder Foundations
Face primers work well with any skin tone, but if your skin tone is oily, a face primer will only increase your oil factor. This shouldn't stop you from enjoying the benefits of face primers. Instead, fight the oil with a light layer of a mineralized powder foundation. These foundations provide an even, light coverage while working to reduce the appearance of oil and shine. With a fluffy makeup brush, commonly known in the makeup world as a kabuki brush, top off your face primer with a light dusting of a powder foundation. As with any type of foundation and powder, matching your skin tone is most important.
