How to Use A Makeup Primer Like A Pro And Change Your Skin for Good
Primers are a lot more effective in creating good skin than they’re often given credit for. They can brighten and smooth a complexion far better than any foundation on its own, while also locking in your base for hours. They’re multi-tasking too, thanks to cutting-edge new hybrid skincare and makeup formulas. Case in point: the new Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Collection. These six silicone-free, good-for-skin iterations of the makeup pro staple tackle a multitude of concerns over the long-term (think fine lines, redness and acne), while adding an instant skin-smoothing filter at the same time. And when you find one that works for you, it will transform your routine.
To help you discover your perfect match, we’ve got you covered. Take the quiz below to find the ultimate Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer for you and your skin. Make sure you click on the link at the bottom of this article to get a free sample of Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating to try out too. It brightens dull, dried-out skin – ideal for a winter-weary complexion. For more pro hacks for deciphering which Laura Mercier primer you need in your life and how to apply it properly, swot up on the notes below.
What exactly does a primer do and do you really need one?
At their most basic, primers make applying foundation a little easier as they provide a much smoother canvas. Plus, your makeup will simply last longer when applied on top of a primer. That alone is incentive enough for us. But they also serve to blur lines, control oil, diminish redness and create a healthy glow. The added skincare benefits in the Pure Canvas Primer formulas mean they go one step further, turbo-charging your skincare routine with an extra layer of skin-loving ingredients. If you’re still unsure as to whether you need a primer, look at your skin with only foundation on. If you feel that something is off, a primer can make a huge difference to your makeup’s finish.
Which formula should you use?
All primers aren’t created equal. They’re made to do different things – from hydrating to illuminating and mattifying skin. Finding the right one is personal. To start, evaluate what bothers you about your skin and look for a primer that addresses this. You should take into account your skin type (eg: oily, dry, combination) and the finish you want to achieve.
In general, hydrating or brightening primers work best for dry and combination skin. Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating banks on marine hydra botanicals to boost skin’s own moisture reserves for a smoothed-out finish. Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating uses light-reflecting micronized pearls for a lit-from-within effect and antioxidant-rich porcelain flower extract to boost your skin’s glow over time.
Mattifying or blurring formulas are ideal if you’ve got a lot of shine going on. The oil-absorbing powders in Pure Canvas Primer Blurring help to blur the appearance of pores and soften fine lines with a matte finish. Antioxidant powerhouses vitamin C and green tea extract – found in Pure Canvas Primer Perfecting – shield skin from damaging air pollution and UV rays, while simultaneously smoothing out imperfections. Added aloe vera acts like a soothing balm for stressed out and irritated skin, so any redness is also diminished.
If it’s sun protection you’re after, Laura Mercier’s cult classic Pure Canvas Primer Protecting has been reformulated with a potent free-radical fighting mix of vitamins C and E blended with an SPF30 that doesn’t go on chalky.
Finally, Pure Canvas Power Primer Supercharged Essence is a must-try and works best for normal to combination skin types. It feels ultra-lightweight and is packed with a skin-strengthening peptide complex and light-reflecting marimo pearls for a professional finish at every angle.
How should you apply your primer?
It’s not as challenging as crafting a winged liner or a precise red lip, but a few simple tricks can make a huge difference when it comes to a seamless finish.
Less is more. Too much primer pills under foundation. Apply it with your fingers for an even coverage.
Wait one minute before applying foundation. Allow your primer to dry completely first to prevent caking and patchiness.
Yes, you can use it under your eyes. Pat it on gently to soften fine lines and prevent your undereye concealer from creasing.
Follow this magic order: Primer, foundation, concealer, powder. Embrace these four steps for a naturally glowing finish.