The Art of Makeup: Introduction to Make-up Priming By: Anita Adetoye

The secret to a flawless makeup finish is as well prepped face. We established this in the last beauty edition.  Still on the topic of Introduction to the art of makeup, I will be talking us through ‘Priming’.
Priming is a step that a lot of people skip when applying makeup, and I believe that in one way or the other, priming would be someone’s cannot-live-without after I am done covering this topic, be it for the eyelid, the face or the brows.

The Primer has four main functions;

• It temporarily smoothens out the fine lines on the face to create a smooth canvas
• Gives the skin an even texture, allowing for ease of makeup application.
• Makes your product last longer
• For the eyes, it makes your eye-shadow colour stand out and last a lot longer.

There are so many different types of primers available to us nowadays but I will be sure to cover the most essential ones today.

• Face/foundation Primer: The face primer is also known as thefoundation primer. Many companies put various claims on their primer but as stated above, the primer temporarily smoothens out the fine lines on the face giving you an even canvas to work with. A tip for obtaining a positive outcome with the foundation primer is to let your moisturizer set for 3-6 minutes before applying the primer, same tips should be applied in the application of primer then eye-shadow. Product I use: GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer

• Eye-Shadow Primer: This to me is one of the most innovativeproduct the beauty industry has produced. Constant movement ofthe eyelid causecreasing and wear-out/fading of an eye-shadow colour, this is where the eye-shadow primer comes in. The primer is applied on the eyelid acting as a base for the eye-shadow to hold on to. This primer does not only prevent creasing and durability, it also allows for ease of application and colour vibrancy no matter how dull or bright your eye-shadow colour is. Products I use: Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Mascara Base/Makeup base/Eyelash primer:  There are different names for the Eyelash Primer but they all serve the same purpose, which is to prevent your lashes from clumping, smearing and fading. Then there is the lash conditioner; constant use of mascara can damage the lash, the conditioner keeps it healthy and soft, it also prevents breakage. You can now get mascaras that come two-sided (duo); one being the conditioner (usually white in colour) and the other side is the mascara. Product I use: Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion and Victoria Jackson Extreme Mascara Duo
• Lip Primer: Same as every other primer, it serves the purpose of a longer lasting lip colour, smooth base for easy application and colour vibrancy. I personally think a good lip-liner can act as a primer and has worked well for me. Product I use: Any good lip-liner

Oil Free Primer;
If you have an oily skin type, you suffer from acne, breakouts or even the odd spots constantly, it is very vital you check the ingredients in a primer before purchase it. It’s important you search for products that have fewer ingredients, dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and oil-free.

Personally, the type of primer I cannot live without is the eye-shadow primer because I love my eye-shadow colour to be distinct no matter how bright or neutral it is. So why don’t you pick up a primer product next time you go beauty shopping and your life will never remain the same. Ok I’m starting to sound like a preacher but trust me it’s the gospel truth; I went primer a few years back and never gave up.
Till next time, stay beautiful.

Anita’s Beauty Tips: For my oily skin type chics; If you suffer from oily skin, use a foundation that’s suited for your skin type (read the label) and always remember to use powder after you’ve applied liquid foundation to set it.