Blurring, gripping, jelly—it’s like a whole new language. Don’t worry, we’ve prepared a helpful guide for you.
Related: Beauty Beat: Best Beauty Launches Of August 2023
We need to talk about a makeup product that’s collecting dust on beauty shelves—primers. Either you can’t live without them, or you’ve never even tried them in the first place. While it’s the first step of my makeup routine, some beauty enthusiasts often overlook the full potential of a good primer. Here’s the thing: a must-have moisturizer and SPF 50+++ aren’t enough if you want your makeup to last throughout the entire day.
What are primers, exactly? Essentially, it’s like the foundation for your foundation (pun intended). A primer forms a barrier between your skincare and makeup. Whether you’re blurring wrinkles, controlling oil, or minimizing pores, primers are the ideal starting point for your base routine. While it takes an extra minute to apply another layer of product, imagine a camera-ready makeup look? I think that’s a minute well spent. Believe me, once you begin incorporating primers into your routine, you’ll be left wondering why you hadn’t given them a shot earlier.
A Primer’s Purpose
Now, why should you bother with primers at all? Here are a few reasons why they deserve a space in your trusty kikay kit:
- Less Is More: With a good primer, you can dial down on the foundation, concealer, and all that jazz, which means less cake-y makeup and a way more natural look. Speaking of makeup staying…
- Makeup Life Span: Every primer serve as a barrier between your skin and makeup, preventing your foundation from breaking down or fading throughout the day. It’s not just that; a good primer protects your skin from breakouts when makeup and excess oil tend to clog pores.
- Texture Troubles: If you’re dealing with the drama of uneven skin texture or those stubborn scars, here’s the 411: they work some major primer power by blurring out large pores, correcting pesky discolorations, and smoothing out texture troubles.
Truthfully, searching for the perfect primer can be overwhelming. Blurring, gripping, jelly—it’s like a whole new language. But for starters, primers are just like skincare, where each type serves specific purposes depending on your skin concerns. So, if you’re feeling uncertain about your next makeup purchase, don’t worry—we’ve prepared a helpful guide for you. A ~primer~ of sorts.
Blurring Primer
Yes, it’s all about moisturizing and slathering on that broad-spectrum sunscreen. Keeping it hydrated? Check. Protecting your skin from the sun’s rays? Check. But now, it’s time to apply a blurring primer. Picture your skin with a little less texture because blurring primers give your skin a soft-focus look. Whether you add a layer of foundation or a skin tint, their job becomes easier since the primer has created a smoother canvas.
Note: Blurring primers are perfect for texture troubles. We’re talking reduced appearance of pores, filled-in fine lines, and an even-toned complexion. My personal favorites? GRWM Cosmetics Blurmatte Primer and Careline Cosmetics Instant Filter Pore-Refining Primer.
Gripping Primer
Compared to blurring primers, a gripping primer feels like a gel serum that leaves a slight sticky residue on the skin. No need to stress, that stickiness is all part of the plan to give your makeup base a solid grip. BTW, what makes gripping primers a fan fave is that they work wonders on every skin type. Note that these babies don’t have a mattifying or oily effect, but they hydrate the skin and extend the longevity of cream-based products. My personal picks are Vice Cosmetics Aqua Grip Primer and GRWM Cosmetics Life-Proof Primer.
Jelly Primer
If you’re into that natural glow and avoiding matte looks, jelly primers are your best bet. They allow the skin to have that glass-skin shine without unnecessary dewiness. Imagine healthy-looking skin without a pore-blurring filter. Jelly primers are actually new to the local market, but they’re a must-have in your makeup bags. So far, my best purchases are the GRWM Cosmetics Jelly Primer and the E.L.F Cosmetics Jelly Pop Primer.
Continue Reading: Beauty Beat: Recent Drops From Our Favorite Filipino Beauty Brands That Deserve The Hype
