Let’s get to the bottom of what it is and why you need it!
Posted on March 10, 2025 Written by: 100% PURE®
For us, makeup falls into one of two categories; either gotta have it, or total gimmick. And we’ll be honest, we’ve been somewhat skeptical about primers. First, just look at all the different options. From spray to putty (and even a certain aftershave balm), it seems almost impossible to choose a makeup primer out there and feel confident that it’s actually working. So really we’re here to debunk the whole issue. What does a face primer do, how does makeup primer work, and is it something we need in our makeup routine? Let’s talk about it.
At first glance, the idea of a makeup primer sounds self-explanatory enough. Acting as a base for follow-up beauty products, we expect the main purpose of a face primer is to enhance the longevity of our base products. But stopping to consider just how many different types of primers there are on the market, such as eye and lip primers, we realize that there’s much more to makeup primers than meets the eye.
A face primer is actually most purposeful in creating an appropriate canvas for makeup. Even though our main complexion product might be called foundation, a primer acts as just that. By adding this nearly undetectable layer onto the skin prior to adding makeup, we can achieve not only a longer lasting makeup look, but an improved makeup application that allows all of our other makeup products to perform at their peak.
Okay, now that we’re pretty clear on what a face primer or makeup primer does, we need to find out just how necessary this product is in our beauty routine. The short answer? Yes, we do need a face primer if we want to have the best chance of achieving a flawless, long lasting makeup application. Long answer, however, we’re going to be using a few factors to decide this. First, how does the makeup we’re currently using perform? Second, how does our skin behave? Next, what’s our desired maintenance level? And finally, what are our makeup goals?
Let’s start by addressing performance. Most of us look to add or change our beauty routines either when there’s a new product available that we’re interested in trying, or when there’s something not working in our existing routine and we need to figure out why. Before we decide to throw off the delicate balance of our beauty routine, we should first consider if we’re happy with the way our makeup looks and wears. Many of us experience a variety of issues with our complexion products especially, such as oxidation or products clinging to dry areas. Other problems, like makeup wearing off quickly or patchiness and flaking are all signs that there’s a breakdown somewhere between our skincare and base makeup applications.
Closely related to how our makeup performs is how our skin behaves, and that’s probably the biggest determining factor in how our makeup looks overall. For example, combination and oily skin types are naturally going to develop shine throughout the day; however these skin types combined with a dewy foundation will look downright oily much faster, whereas looking oily when wearing a matte foundation would be a red flag that we need to consider switching products or adding in a primer.
Next, what’s our desired maintenance level? Besties, we get it - a high maintenance routine is not for everyone. Sometimes the only way to commit to the look or lifestyle we want is to keep it simple. With that said, we can understand the reluctance to add yet another product to our arsenal or beauty regimen. Take a moment to consider, though, that all our other steps are essentially wasted effort if our look degrades quickly without a primer. Taking the extra few seconds to apply face primer is the key to really loving our makeup look all day long.
Where would we be without makeup goals? These dictate everything we wear and guide each and every beauty look - including makeup primer. With everything we know about what face primers do and how our skin care combined with our makeup and skin can dictate how we look, we still have to decide how we want to look and then compare against that. Do we want long lasting? Desiring full coverage? Or going for that no-makeup makeup look? These are all makeup goals that make it much easier for us to decide what’s truly necessary in our makeup routines.
This may be a bit of a hot take, but beauty is both an art and a science. It takes not only the skill to use the makeup with precision to achieve a beautiful outcome, but layering is such a huge part of making the makeup look. Keeping that in mind, our skincare and beauty products often need to be applied in a specific order, combination, and format to live up to expectations.
When using a face primer, we want to first ensure that we’ve completed our skincare routine. This means that toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF have all been applied - with adequate time to set - before we’re moving on to the makeup part of our beauty routines.
Primer is really the bridge between our moisturizer or sunscreen and our makeup products. A face primer should be applied on set, moisturized skin. We want to focus the product first on the center of the face, spreading it out in long, smooth strokes for a single, even layer. A sponge or the hands are typically the best tools to use to apply primers. And unless otherwise stated, an eye specific primer should be used for the lid area, rather than the overall face primer or makeup primer.
Full transparency - makeup primers can be tricky to use at first. It’s important not to use too much product or to disturb the layer of primer before it can do it’s job of holding onto our next layer of makeup.
Once the makeup primer has had time to set (usually no more than a minute or so), adding complexion products are the next step to complete the base routine. Again, want to avoid disturbing the primer, so avoid aggressive back and forth motions with a brush or sponge, and dot product directly on the face where it’s needed, then use gentle motions to blend it out.
Face Primers We Love (and What to Pair Them With)
A flawless makeup application starts with the right base, and the perfect primer is key. Whether you're looking for a radiant glow, a mattified finish, or extra hydration, these 100% PURE® products will help you achieve a smooth, long-lasting makeup look.
There’s never a bad time for glowing, radiant skin. This primer is infused with age-fighting antioxidants to act as skincare for ageless skin while enhancing makeup with its hydrating and conditioning formula.
- Pair it with: Fruit Pigmented® Tinted Moisturizer for a sheer, dewy complexion that looks fresh and natural.
Long-wearing makeup in a soft matte finish? Yes, please! This primer is crafted with balancing botanicals like green tea, tea tree, and aloe to create an airbrushed, shine-free effect—without drying or weighing down the skin.
- Pair it with: Fruit Pigmented® 2nd Skin Foundation for buildable, lightweight coverage that lasts all day.
If your skin craves hydration, this milky, nutrient-rich formula preps and plumps the skin before applying primer, ensuring a smoother foundation application and a healthy, supple glow.
- Pair it with: Luminous Primer to lock in moisture and create a luminous, hydrated base.
Okay, it’s not technically a primer, but this lightweight setting powder is a game-changer for long-wearing makeup. Made with mattifying bamboo silica, it blurs fine lines and minimizes pores for a soft-focus, airbrushed finish.
- Pair it with: Any of our primers to set your base and extend wear time.
A face primer isn’t just about longevity—it’s also about protection! This antioxidant-rich sunscreen layers beautifully under makeup, providing SPF 30 protection while keeping skin hydrated and balanced.
- Pair it with: Mattifying Primer for a shine-free, protected base that won’t feel greasy.
With these power-packed primers and prep products, your makeup will last longer, look better, and stay fresh all day.
FAQ: Face Primers & Application Tips
1. Can I use a face primer without wearing foundation?
Absolutely! A face primer can be worn on its own to smooth skin texture, control shine, and give a naturally polished look. Some primers, like our Luminous Primer, even provide added skincare benefits and a radiant glow.
2. What’s the best primer for oily skin?
If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer like our Mattifying Primer, which helps absorb excess oil and keeps makeup from sliding off throughout the day. It contains ingredients like tea tree and green tea to help balance sebum production.
3. How do I stop my primer from pilling under makeup?
Pilling happens when skincare or primer doesn’t fully absorb before applying makeup. To avoid this, apply primer after your moisturizer has set for a minute or two. Use a thin, even layer and let it settle before layering foundation.
4. Do I need a different primer for my eyes and lips?
Yes! Eye and lip primers are specifically designed to enhance wear time and prevent creasing in those areas. A face primer won’t grip eyeshadow or lipstick as effectively as dedicated primers, so use an eye primer for lids and a lip primer for smoother, longer-lasting color.
5. Can I mix primer with foundation?
You sure can! Mixing a primer with foundation can sheer out coverage and make application smoother. If you want a radiant glow, mix a luminous primer with foundation, or for a more airbrushed effect, mix with a mattifying primer.
Conclusion: Is Face Primer Worth It?
The verdict is in—yes, face primer is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their makeup routine. Whether you need a glow boost, shine control, or just want to extend the wear of your makeup, the right primer makes all the difference. By choosing a primer suited to your skin type and makeup goals, you can create a flawless base that keeps your makeup looking fresh and polished all day long. So next time you’re getting ready, don’t skip this game-changing step!
- Tags: Makeup, March-2025
We carefully hand-select products based on strict purity standards, and only recommend products we feel meet this criteria. 100% PURE™ may earn a small commission for products purchased through affiliate links.
The information in this article is for educational use, and not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as such.
