How to Apply Primer

Last Updated: June 14, 2021 References

Primer is used to even out your tone and prep your skin for makeup.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Expert Interview. 16 April 2020.} It might not seem as essential as concealer or foundation, but primer is actually the key to locking in those products for long-lasting wear, while giving your skin a smooth, warm glow. Dabbing a bit of primer onto your face, eyes, and lips before applying your makeup can give you a radiant, natural look that’ll stay in place all day.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Face Primer

1
Choose a primer that fits your skin needs. Primers are used to brighten and smooth your skin, and they’re essential for keeping your makeup on all day, too.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Expert Interview. 16 April 2020.} There are lots of primers to choose from, and a general, multipurpose one will always do the trick. If you want extra features like acne treatment or brightening power, though, you can also go for specialized primers, like:^{[3]
X
Research source}
- A tinted primer, great for adding a glowy look to dull skin.
- A primer with anti-acne treatment to fight breakouts.
- A combo of creamy foundation and primer to smooth out acne bumps or wrinkles.
2
Apply a small drop of primer to the central parts of your face. Pour out a drop of primer, about the size of a raisin, onto your hand and dap it across a few fingertips. Gently apply it to your cheeks, forehead, chin, and the sides of your nose, starting in the middle and blending outwards.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- The primer might appear slightly lighter than your skin. Simply blend it with your fingertips to help it look more natural.
3
Pat skin primer around your eyes to soften lines and prevent smudging. Used around your eyes, primer is great for holding makeup, like concealer, in place, as well as smoothing out lines and redness. Pat it gently under your eyes and on your lids.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Tip: A primer that’s slightly blue-toned in color will be best for lightening dark eye circles.
4
Dab concealer over any marks or dark circles.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Expert Interview. 16 April 2020.} Let your primer dry for 2-5 minutes, then start with the rest of your makeup routine! You can cover acne and other spots with a small dab of concealer over each mark, and under-eye circles with a thin layer of concealer in the shape of an upside-down triangle. Use your fingers or a brush to blend it into your skin.
- Remember to use a concealer that matches your skin tone.
- Be careful not to get any concealer in your eyes.
5
Apply liquid foundation after your primer and concealer. Use your fingers or a makeup brush to dab a small amount of foundation in the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and on your nose and chin. Spread it outwards and blend it in.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- The primer will help your foundation stay on and will give you a clean, fresh base to work off of.
6
Finish with a light dusting of powder to set your makeup. Use your fingers or a powder brush to gently pat a thin layer of powder over your foundation. Apply it in gentle circles on the apples of your cheek, the bridge of your nose, and the center of your forehead and nose.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- A bit of powder will lock in both your foundation and primer to ensure that they stay in place all day long.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Eye Primer

1
Use eye primer to keep your eye makeup in place. Eye primer can help brighten the skin around your eyes while locking in your eyeshadow and eyeliner all day long.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Expert Interview. 16 April 2020.} It’s an essential step to prep the delicate skin around your eyes and ensure that your eye makeup doesn’t smudge or smear.^{[10]
X
Research source}
2
Dab a small amount of primer from your lash line to your brow bone. Pour a drop of primer onto your ring finger. Apply it in a thin layer on your upper and lower eyelids, extending up to your brow bone.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Tip: Avoid using too much eye primer. It might not dry properly, which can cause your makeup to slide around later.
3
Apply a bit under your eyes to conceal dark circles. Dab a bit of eye primer under your eyes to brighten and smooth out dark circles. You can leave it as is, or apply a bit of concealer to brighten the area even more.^{[12]
X
Research source}
4
Smooth primer over your eyebrows to keep pencil or gel in place. If you want to define or fill in your eyebrows, tinted eye primer is a great first step. Smooth a drop over each eyebrow, following its arch, before applying your brow pencil or gel.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Eye primer might lighten the color of your eyebrows, so look for a primer that’s slightly tinted.
5
Use an eyelash primer to make your lashes look thicker and longer. Eyelash primer will boost your lashes in length and volume, making them look thicker and more amplified—like eyelash extensions, without the cost! Eyelash primer comes in a tube that looks like mascara, and you’ll apply it in the same way, then brush your mascara on top.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You can also look for two-in-one mascara and primer products, which let you apply both at once.
6
Apply concealer, eyeshadow, and mascara to complete your look. Give your eye and/or eyelash primer 2-5 minutes to dry, then apply the rest of your products. Start with concealer for undereye circles, then brush on eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, as desired.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying Lip Primer

1
Use lip primer to keep lipstick smooth. Lip primer typically isn’t necessary unless you’re planning on wearing lipstick—then, it’s essential! Lip primer is all you need to keep your lipstick from feathering out or collecting into lines.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Primer is also great for evening out your lip color to make your lipstick look more uniform.
Tip: You can also use a creamy eyeshadow primer on your lips to get the same long-lasting effect.
2
Use a light primer to emphasize the true shade of your lipstick. Look for a primer that’s a shade or two lighter than your natural skin tone. This will help to bring out the bright color of your lipstick, more so than a color truer to your tone.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- You can buy lip primer either in makeup stores or online. If you’re purchasing online, make sure the store allows returns, just in case you decide you want a different tone.
3
Exfoliate and moisturize your lips to prep them. Before applying your primer, exfoliate your lips with a scrub to smooth over rough patches and get rid of flakes. Then, apply a moisturizing lip balm and let it sink in for about 5 minutes.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- You can use a premade lip exfoliant or make your own by mixing a spoonful each of lemon juice and castor oil. Dab it onto your lips, let it sit for an hour, then gently rub it off with a wet, warm washcloth.
- If your lips are smooth and not too chapped, you can skip exfoliating and go straight to the lip balm.
4
Smooth on some lip primer using a small makeup brush. Lip primer comes in a tube like lipstick, but it’s easier to apply with a thin brush. Rub your brush against the primer lightly, then brush the primer onto your lips like lip gloss or liquid lipstick. Start with the top lip, then move to the bottom, making sure to cover each lip with a thin, even coat.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- You can also even out the application by dabbing and blending with your fingers.
5
Apply your lipstick to finish the look. Let your primer set for 2-5 minutes, then apply your lip color! You can use liquid lipstick, which you’ll apply with a brush, or the traditional tube. Either way, your moisturizing and priming routine will help your color pop and stay in place all day long.

Expert Q&A

Question

When should I use primer?

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Christin Birckhead is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Conceptual Beauty, a beauty service based in Washington, DC specializing in wedding services such as engagements and bridal parties along with fashion shows and executive headshots. She has over 20 years of makeup and beauty consulting experience. She is also the lead makeup artist for Ascender Communications and freelances with the local NBC news team in the DC metro area. Her clients include Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Cartwright, Armin Van Buuren, Hugh Jackman, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, Benjamin T. Jealous, Colin Powell, Wanda Durant, and Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Christin Birckhead

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer
Question

Do you apply primer before or after foundation?

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist
Devorah Kuperland is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Glam By Dev, a New York City-based business specializing in bridal, special events, and editorial campaigns. Devorah has over five years of professional makeup consulting experience and her work has been featured in New York's Bridal Fashion Week.

Devorah Kuperland

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Primer is meant to prime your face to start the makeup process before applying foundation. It should have zero to a little bit of color, and most of the time it is transparent.
Question

What is primer?

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist
Devorah Kuperland is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Glam By Dev, a New York City-based business specializing in bridal, special events, and editorial campaigns. Devorah has over five years of professional makeup consulting experience and her work has been featured in New York's Bridal Fashion Week.

Devorah Kuperland

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

A primer works as a transparent base to even out the skin tone. It is meant to prime your face to start the makeup process.