Want to increase the longevity of your foundation? Primers are your new best friend, especially when you’re over 40. Keen to know why? Read on..🌟
Why use a Primer?  Primers today have skin loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C & squalene.  What skin concern do you want to prioritize?  Do you have dry skin & want to add hydration, add a soft focus, minimize pores & fine lines? Or do you find your foundation looks oily after a few hours & you’re looking for a product to extend your foundation’s longevity?
When you choose the correct primer & match it with your foundation, you can achieve all of the above.  If you’re wearing a silicone-based primer it is best to match with a silicone-based foundation; water-based primers are best matched with a water-based foundation.
How to apply your primer:
- Cleanse your face
- Apply your skin care
- Apply your sunscreen (remember last month’s blog)
- Now it’s time for primer, remember most primers go a long way; apply a pea sized amount to your face, concentrating on any problematic areas
I always allow 2-3 minutes between each step to allow the previous product to sink into my skin. Now apply your foundation products.
Primers come in 4 different classes:
- Silicone-based
- Hydrating
- Water-based
- Mattifying
Silicone-Based: If you’re looking for a silicone-based primer, check the ingredient list for dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane & silica.  These ingredients ensure your foundation does not settle into fine lines & pores Creating a blurring effect & silky texture which is water resistant, forming a barrier between your skin & foundation, locking in moisture & controlling oil production.  The benefit for you is your makeup needs less touch ups & wear time is increased.
Being non-comedogenic & hypoallergenic means they are good for all skin types. Â If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you may want to try a different primer.
Hydrating: Problems with your foundation looking flakey at the end of the day or you have dehydrated skin, this is the type of primer you’ll need. Hydrating primers contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid & glycerin & shea butter.  Hyaluronic acid is renowned for helping to lock in moisture. Glycerin & shea butter help add a glow to the skin. Sounding good?  As we mature, we tend to lose our skins natural glow, so this is a great additive to your makeup collection if you’re a girl with dehydrated skin.
Hydrating: Elf Hydrating Primer
Water-Based: When you’re looking at the ingredient list, water should come at the top of that list, often followed by glycerin. Some also contain skin loving hyaluronic acid & niacinamide. Best for dry & sensitive skin, as the ingredients are natural & less irritating. They also have the benefit of extending the longevity of your foundation.
Water-Based: Elf Power Grip Primer+4% Niacinamide
Mattifying: If you have an oily T-zone, mattifying primers are a must have product, they contain oil absorbing ingredients to help reduce shine. Use your preferred primer on the rest of your face & add this to your T-zone, paying particular attention to the nasal labial folds, outer corners of your nose, forehead & chin. If you have combination/oily skin, you may prefer to use this as your all over primer.
Mattifying: Revolution Mattify & Fix
You might be wondering why I’ve provided you with a list of products which are so reasonably priced & easy to get your hands on. I want to demystify the myth that you have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to get great results. I’ve found these products very reliable & have them in my professional makeup kit, along with high-end brands.
Both Elf & Revolution have great websites you can search & often have sales of their products. Products are also available in Priceline. (This newsletter is not sponsored by Elf, Revolution Cosmetics or Priceline) I want you to be using primers, if you wish to give it a go, resulting in the best results from your foundation. (Above pricing correct 11/12/24)
Remember I’m always here to answer any of your makeup questions. Get in touch with my contact page or message me on my socials.
Maria xx💋💛