What is Makeup Primer & How Do You Apply It?

When it comes to beauty products, we consider makeup primer to be the holy grail. Let’s be honest—is there anything more frustrating than looking at yourself in the mirror, and noticing that your makeup is fading in the middle of the day? Or even worse—that your lipstick or eye shadow is migrating to other parts of your face? If you’re wondering how to avoid this unappealing situation, the answer is makeup primer! You may be asking, “What is face primer?” or “What does makeup primer do?” We’re here to break it down for you. Let’s get started!

What is Makeup Primer?

{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-makeup-primer-and-how-to-apply-it" }

Primers are products formulated specifically for the face, eyes, lashes or lips, and each primer can help your makeup stay in place and enhance your makeup look. Generally, primers are applied as the first step in your makeup routine after skincare. They create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup products, and they keep your foundation, eye shadow, mascara and lipstick in place. Primer for the face and eye makeup can be great for those who battle oily skin and have issues with their makeup moving around. Primer formulas can also come in the form of gels, creams, tinted, untinted or face mists.

Are you itching to try out makeup primer for yourself? We’ll get you on the right track with some application tips to prevent a midday makeup meltdown and create a gorgeous makeup look.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-makeup-primer-and-how-to-apply-it" } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (event) { const element = document.getElementsByClassName('oap_hairdiagStart_divbtn'); if (element.length > 0) { let urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); if (urlParams != "" || urlParams != null) { var keyValuepairs = urlParams.toString().split('&'); var qrUtmfound = 0; keyValuepairs.forEach(function (item, index) { if (item === "utm_source=pos" || item === "utm_medium=qrcode") { qrUtmfound++; } }); if (qrUtmfound == 2) { let relocHref = document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").getAttribute("href"); let relocUpdatedurl = relocHref + window.location.search; document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").setAttribute("href", relocUpdatedurl); } } } });

How to Apply Primer

Do you find yourself reaching for foundation and concealer straight away? Stop what you’re doing! Firstly, you’ll need to prime. What is face primer? It’s the answer to keeping your makeup in place—day and night. Once you’ve completed the final step in your skin care routine, apply your primer in small dots onto your skin, then blend in a circular motion over your face. You can wear primer either on its own or under foundation, giving you a smoother, more even look.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-makeup-primer-and-how-to-apply-it" } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (event) { const element = document.getElementsByClassName('oap_hairdiagStart_divbtn'); if (element.length > 0) { let urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); if (urlParams != "" || urlParams != null) { var keyValuepairs = urlParams.toString().split('&'); var qrUtmfound = 0; keyValuepairs.forEach(function (item, index) { if (item === "utm_source=pos" || item === "utm_medium=qrcode") { qrUtmfound++; } }); if (qrUtmfound == 2) { let relocHref = document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").getAttribute("href"); let relocUpdatedurl = relocHref + window.location.search; document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").setAttribute("href", relocUpdatedurl); } } } });

Our Best Face Primers

Great news—there’s a face primer out there for just about everyone! Whether you’re looking to smoothen lines, pores, mattify your skin or give your face a highlighted glow, there’s an option that fits. Choose one of our favourite face primers:

Prime Lab 24H Pore Minimizer:

Concerned with visible pores? The Prime Lab 24H Pore Minimizer works to instantly blur pores and help your makeup stay all day. Formulated with 1% AHA, LHA, and BHA to resurface the skin over time for smoother and brighter skin.

Prime Lab 24H Matte Primer:

Looking for 24-hour oil control and makeup that will stay in place all day? Look no further than the Prime Lab Matte Primer, formulated with 1% LHA & Salicylic Acid to reduce excess shine and rebalance skin over time. 

Editor's tips: Regardless of your skin type, make sure you’re following a regular skin care routine, prior to applying your primer. Your skin will thank you later!

{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-makeup-primer-and-how-to-apply-it" } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (event) { const element = document.getElementsByClassName('oap_hairdiagStart_divbtn'); if (element.length > 0) { let urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); if (urlParams != "" || urlParams != null) { var keyValuepairs = urlParams.toString().split('&'); var qrUtmfound = 0; keyValuepairs.forEach(function (item, index) { if (item === "utm_source=pos" || item === "utm_medium=qrcode") { qrUtmfound++; } }); if (qrUtmfound == 2) { let relocHref = document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").getAttribute("href"); let relocUpdatedurl = relocHref + window.location.search; document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").setAttribute("href", relocUpdatedurl); } } } });

Complete Your Flawless Base Regime

For the perfect flawless base for normal/dry skin, pair with our favourite hyaluronic acid infused foundation with long-lasting hydration True Match. For lighter coverage with a luminous finish, use with True Match Tinted Serum. For medium coverage with a dewy finish, use with True Match Liquid Foundation.
For long-lasting full coverage with added skincare benefits, pair with our Infallible 32HR Freshwear Foundation. Infused with SPF25 for UV protection and Vitamin C for more radiant-looking skin.
{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-makeup-primer-and-how-to-apply-it" } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (event) { const element = document.getElementsByClassName('oap_hairdiagStart_divbtn'); if (element.length > 0) { let urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); if (urlParams != "" || urlParams != null) { var keyValuepairs = urlParams.toString().split('&'); var qrUtmfound = 0; keyValuepairs.forEach(function (item, index) { if (item === "utm_source=pos" || item === "utm_medium=qrcode") { qrUtmfound++; } }); if (qrUtmfound == 2) { let relocHref = document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").getAttribute("href"); let relocUpdatedurl = relocHref + window.location.search; document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").setAttribute("href", relocUpdatedurl); } } } });

How to Apply Lash Primer

Did you think mascara was the only product meant for your eyelashes? Think again! Lash primer does exist, and if mascara is an absolute beauty staple for you, then you may want to consider adding lash primer to your daily beauty routine. Lash primers can make lashes look longer and more voluminous—yes, please! When applying lash primer, place the bush at the base of your lashes and sweep upwards. Allow the primer to dry, then layer your mascara on top. Be sure to completely coat your lashes with mascara, as lash primer tends to be very light in colour.

If you’re keen to know what is our best primer for lashes, look no further than our Paradise Lash Primer. This is our first 2-in-1 lash primer to boost volume and condition your eyelashes, truly taking them to next-level paradise! The ultra-soft brush coats lashes with a silky smooth formula enriched with jojoba oil and vitamins, leaving you with longer, fuller, stronger eyelashes.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-makeup-primer-and-how-to-apply-it" } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (event) { const element = document.getElementsByClassName('oap_hairdiagStart_divbtn'); if (element.length > 0) { let urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); if (urlParams != "" || urlParams != null) { var keyValuepairs = urlParams.toString().split('&'); var qrUtmfound = 0; keyValuepairs.forEach(function (item, index) { if (item === "utm_source=pos" || item === "utm_medium=qrcode") { qrUtmfound++; } }); if (qrUtmfound == 2) { let relocHref = document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").getAttribute("href"); let relocUpdatedurl = relocHref + window.location.search; document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").setAttribute("href", relocUpdatedurl); } } } });

How to Apply Lip Primer

Rocking a bold lip colour is the best way to grab everyone’s attention—but you’ve probably spent time worrying about whether your lipstick is blotchy or stuck on your teeth. The next time you reach for your lipstick, use a lip primer beforehand to smooth your pout and ensure a seamless application. Try applying lip liner after the primer, followed by a long-lasting lipstick. Relax—your lip colour isn’t going anywhere!

Editor’s tip: Don’t have a lip primer on hand? That’s okay—your lip liner will suffice just fine. You can achieve a similar priming effect by filling in your lips entirely (not just outlining them) with a lip liner, like the Color Riche Classic Lip Liner.

In our humble opinion, you can never know too much about how to make your makeup look last longer. Now that you know how to apply primer, continue furthering your knowledge with our article on How To: Budge-Free Makeup!

Also try makeup online with Modiface to visualise the different products and shades before choosing the right one for you.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "WebPage", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["speakable-content"] }, "url": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-makeup-primer-and-how-to-apply-it" } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function (event) { const element = document.getElementsByClassName('oap_hairdiagStart_divbtn'); if (element.length > 0) { let urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); if (urlParams != "" || urlParams != null) { var keyValuepairs = urlParams.toString().split('&'); var qrUtmfound = 0; keyValuepairs.forEach(function (item, index) { if (item === "utm_source=pos" || item === "utm_medium=qrcode") { qrUtmfound++; } }); if (qrUtmfound == 2) { let relocHref = document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").getAttribute("href"); let relocUpdatedurl = relocHref + window.location.search; document.getElementById("hair_color_start_btn").setAttribute("href", relocUpdatedurl); } } } });
{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "subjectOf": { "@type": "ItemList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 1, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/skin-care-hub", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"Skin Care Hub", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/au/articles/local-articles/skin-care-hub/skin-care-hub-banner-v2.jpg?rev=4b51c317b74141c390a2b5791b02d3da", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2020-12-03T00:12:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2024-04-28T12:50:40+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=a43411e171da48ef888a91b0e2ef7b7c", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"<p style="font-size:22px;"><strong>Care about your skincare? So do we.</strong></p><br /> At L’Oréal Paris we create advanced, effective <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/skin-care"><span style="color: #E32847;">skincare</a></span><span style="color: #000000;"> – for all skin types and concerns. From our tolerance-testing to our independent clinical trials, you can be safe in the knowledge we are committed to the safest skincare that really works.<br /> <br /> Our latest obsession: glowing, dewy, youthful skin. The key to your best skin yet? A dedicated skincare routine carefully tailored to your skin type and concerns. With skincare products for <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/face-care/anti-ageing">anti-ageing</a></span><span style="color: #000000;">, brightening, and more, the L’Oréal Paris range is designed to replump and reinvigorate any complexion at any age. With products designed to suit every skin type, whether your skin is <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/face-care/normal-skin"><span style="color: #E32847;">normal</a></span><span style="color: #000000;">, oily, <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/face-care/dry-skin"><span style="color: #E32847;">dry</a></span><span style="color: #000000;">, <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/face-care/sensitive-skin"><span style="color: #E32847;">sensitive</a></span><span style="color: #000000;"> or combination, build your best skincare routine with L’Oréal Paris.<br /> <br /> Not sure which skin type you have? Our experts have made it easy with our foolproof skincare routine . Formulated with active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and retinol, our skin <a href=" https://www.lorealparis.com.au/skin-care/face-care"><span style="color: #E32847;">face care</a></span><span style="color: #000000;"> products deliver effective results. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/retinol"><span style="color: #E32847;">benefits of hyaluronic acid</a></span><span style="color: #000000;"> and <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/hyaluronic-acid"><span style="color: #E32847;">how retinol targets signs of ageing</a></span><span style="color: #000000;"> from our experts. Whether you are building the ultimate anti-ageing skincare routine, mastering hydration basics, or finding the perfect facial serum, our <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/beauty-magazine/skin-care"><span style="color: #E32847;">Beauty Magazine</a></span><span style="color: #000000;"> has the answers for you. Discover our expert tips and tricks, and our range of day moisturisers, night creams, cleansers, facial serums, face masks, and more." } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 2, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/hyaluronic-acid-skin-benefits", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"Hyaluronic Acid Skin Benefits", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/au/articles/skin-care/contextualized/a-serum-to-suit-my-skin-hero.jpg?rev=76513282ec344e0dbf39335a0e5b779e", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2020-06-22T08:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2023-12-05T06:43:21+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=a43411e171da48ef888a91b0e2ef7b7c", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"<p>Uncover the secret behind youthful skin and discover how to maintain fresh and youthful skin at any age. We are all born with naturally radiant, elastic and soft-textured skin, however, these features fade with age due to water loss in our skin cells. To maintain this fresh and youthful plumpness, we must understand that the skin component controlling these features is<a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/hyaluronic-acid"> Hyaluronic Acid</a>.</p>" } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 3, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/serum-guide-which-one-will-work-for-you", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"Serum Guide: Which One Will Work For You", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/au/articles/skin-care/still-life/serum-guide-which-will-work-for-you-hero.jpg?rev=27619b090ae04f5d85ec3046d01bf1e9", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2020-04-24T17:23:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2024-04-10T00:23:10+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=a43411e171da48ef888a91b0e2ef7b7c", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"Serums have quickly gained popularity in the skincare world as they are lightweight while delivering active ingredients deep into the skin. But which one should you go for ? See our guide below for some tips." } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 4, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-retinol", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"What is Retinol", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/au/articles/our-ingredients/banners_retinol_5.jpg?rev=0a133fb67e804181acdad7b1fd038762", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2020-11-19T23:36:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2023-06-21T00:54:42+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=a43411e171da48ef888a91b0e2ef7b7c", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"Let’s face it, wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable. Signs of ageing are simply a part of getting older. Have you started to notice some sneaky lines pop up? Wondering what you can do about it? Look towards <u><a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/5-anti-ageing-all-star-ingredients" target=_self>powerful anti-ageing ingredients</a></u> with proven results. <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/face-care/proretinol" target=_self>Retinol</a> (and retinoids in general) have been touted as a powerful and effective anti-ageing ingredient in recent years – and we’ll tell you why that hype is deserved. So what are retinols and retinoids, and how can they be used to improve the appearance of your skin? Read on to get the lowdown on what retinol and other retinoids do, and how you can incorporate these effective <u><a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/face-care/anti-ageing" target=_self>anti-ageing ingredients</a></u> into your <u><a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/skin-care" target=_self>skin care routine</a></u>." } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 5, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/skin-care-routine-all-skin-types", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"Skin Care Routine All Skin Types", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/au/articles/skin-care/humanity/what-is-your-phototype-article.jpg?rev=f4f5381bc39a44bbb4cfc87f31f11b08", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2020-11-19T23:36:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2024-04-02T20:24:40+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=a43411e171da48ef888a91b0e2ef7b7c", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"Curating an effective and streamlined <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/skin-care" target=_blank>skincare</a> routine, that you are realistically going to use, can be challenging. With so many different products claiming to be miracle workers it is hard to know which deserve a coveted spot in your <a href="https://www.lorealparis.com.au/skin-care/face-care"><span style="color: red;">daily face care</a></span><span style="color: #000000;"> routine. When it comes down to it, often essential face products are all you need for an effective skin care routine. Keeping it simple with a streamlined skin care routine of effective products means you’re more likely to actually be able to follow through morning and evening and stick to the ultimate rule of skincare – never sleep in makeup. Keep reading for an easy skin care routine that works for everyone, along with product recommendations from L’Oréal Paris that are suitable for all skin types." } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 6, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/the-secrets-of-anti-aging-serum", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"The Secrets Of Anti-Aging Serum", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/au/articles/skin-care/humanity/what-is-global-anti-aging-hero.jpg?rev=7f5ceb44f09d482da133263ae63f9fa7", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2020-04-24T09:35:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2023-04-06T03:19:27+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.com.au/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=a43411e171da48ef888a91b0e2ef7b7c", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"The anti-aging serum is an essential part of our beauty regime, it is packed with active ingredients and wonderfully effective. What are the secrets of the serum ?" } ] } } { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "@id": "/", "name": "Home" } } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "@id": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/beauty-magazine", "name": "Beauty Magazine" } } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "@id": "https://www.lorealparis.com.au/what-is-makeup-primer-and-how-to-apply-it", "name": "what is makeup primer and how to apply it" } } ] }