What do makeup primers do exactly, and do you even need to use them? We’re pulling back the curtain on this oh-so-essential product so that you can benefit from all its skin-smoothing, makeup-extending powers.

What is Primer?

First things first: What even is primer?

Primer is a lightweight product that goes on after your skincare routine but before your makeup. Its job is to create a smooth, even surface that your makeup can more easily grab onto.

Think of applying makeup primer like prepping a canvas before you paint it. If you skip the canvas prep, the paint might go on unevenly or chip a little faster. The same concept applies here: Primer reduces the look of pores & fine lines and visibly smooths out skin texture so that makeup blends more seamlessly and lasts longer.

Primer also only takes a few seconds to apply. If you ask us, that’s a pretty solid return on investment for a low effort step. 

Do You Really Need Primer?

If you want your makeup to look better and last longer, the short answer is yes.

The long answer?

Primer is a must. That’s because it comes with a few impossible-to-ignore benefits:

●      Extends your makeup’s wear time – Without primer, your foundation sits directly on skin that’s producing oil, sweat, and moisture throughout the day. Primer creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup, which helps your look stay put.

●      Smooths your skin’s surface – Primer fills in the tiny dips in texture across your skin (think pores and fine lines) so that foundation glides on evenly instead of clinging to some spots and skipping others.

●      Works without makeup too – You don’t have to wear foundation on top of primer for it to earn its keep. On its own, a smoothing face primer like The POREfessional can minimize the look of pores & give your skin a silky-smooth, natural finish. Basically, it’s a go-to for no-makeup days when you still want a blurred, natural-looking complexion.

For a matte finish that helps reduce oil and shine, opt for The POREfessional Matte Primer. It still refines pores and helps makeup stay put, but also instantly absorbs excess oil (while keeping your skin hydrated). It’s makeup prep and skin support in one simple step.

Primer vs. Setter: What’s the Difference?

If primer is the opening act of your makeup routine, setter is the encore. People tend to confuse the two because they do have something in common: Both products are designed to help your makeup last longer.

The way in which they give makeup its staying power (as well as how and when they’re applied) is where these products differ:

●      Primer goes on before makeup to create a smooth, grippable base and in many cases, easily blendable with just your fingertips.

●      Setters go on after everything else to lock your finished look in place. Whether you use a spray or powder formula, setters help shield your makeup from oil, sweat, and environmental elements.

They’re a true dream team that keeps your makeup fresh from sunrise to sunset (and beyond).

If you’re looking to round out your routine with a setter, consider either:

●      The POREfessional Super Setter – This weightless setting spray delivers 24-hour* staying power to protect you from sweat, shine, and smudges. It also instantly minimizes the look of pores** with a translucent finish.

●      The POREfessional Power Powder – This longwearing setting powder uses mineral-rich kaolin clay and upsalite to absorb excess oil & sweat while sealing your makeup & blurring pores. The result is a smooth, natural-matte finish that won’t leave you dry or cakey.

*instrumental test on 30 participants

How to Apply Primer: Step by Step

Now that you know what makeup primers do & how essential they are to any makeup look, it’s time to incorporate one into your routine.

Here’s how to apply primer to get the most out of its incredible benefits:

●      Step 1: Start with Prepped Skin – Primer works best on a clean, moisturized face. Remove any dirt, oil, and impurities with The POREfessional Good Cleanup pore-purifying foaming cleanser, then hydrate your skin with The POREfessional Smooth Sip. Let the moisturizer fully absorb before applying your primer.

●      Step 2: Use a Small Amount – A pea-sized amount is enough for your entire face. Squeeze it onto your fingertip, then dab small dots across your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

●      Step 3: Blend Outward – Using your fingertips, gently blend the primer from the center of your face outward in light, pressing motions. The warmth from your fingers will help the product melt into your skin for a smoother finish. Pay extra attention to areas with visible pores or texture, like around your nose and across your cheeks.

●      Step 4: Let it Set – Wait for your primer to fully set (about a minute) before applying makeup. This ensures you get that smooth, grippy layer your makeup needs to stay in place.

And voila! You’re primed, polished, and ready to take on the day!

Start Your Day Off Smooth with Benefit

Every makeup product serves a specific purpose, and primer is no different. While it may not get the same spotlight that other products do, it’s the key to starting your routine on the best note possible & keeping other products in place.

For a primer that serves even harder, choose The POREfessional or The POREfessional Matte Primer. They smooth skin texture & provide a lasting finish while blurring the look of pores & absorbing excess oil.

Explore the full primer & setter collection to see what all the fuss is about for yourself. We’ll be here, geeking out about pores, whenever you need us.