Why Everyone’s Talking About Primer (And You Should be Too)
The underdog of your skincare and makeup routine, an introduction to primer, and why you should incorporate it into your life – especially in Singapore’s humidity.
In an endless pool of skincare and makeup products, it’s hard to find what’s really necessary for your routine. If I could pick one essential makeup product though, it would definitely be primer. Worn by itself for a smoothing, glowy look, or used as a prepped canvas for foundation, primer is the perfect way to ensure your makeup stays in place the whole day and night.
Singapore is hot. There’s nothing more infuriating than doing your makeup nicely and then walking outside and feeling it melt off your face. Primer is the solution to that problem – a good primer should help makeup stick to your skin – rain, or shine. So, what is primer, exactly?
What is Primer?
Primer can either be a gel, cream, or liquid. Between your skincare and makeup routine, primer aims for a poreless look, preparing the skin to create a smooth canvas. A lot of primers nowadays also offer a skincare or sun protection component, which tackles specific skin concerns whilst enjoying the benefits of a primer.
How do you use Primer?
To maximise the benefits of primer, proper use is essential. Make sure your hands are washed to avoid clogging your pores with extra dirt or oil on your fingertips, and focus on the areas you want to smooth the most – focus on the T-zone or around your nose, but be gentle to avoid irritating or damaging your skin, especially around your eyes. Apply primer in small dots onto your skin, and blend in an outward circular motion. Your primer should be dry, and set into your skin before any further steps!
Things to Keep in Mind when Choosing Your Primer
Before diving into choosing your primer, make sure you know your skin type. If you have oily skin, aim to find a primer that is oil-free, and mattifies your skin to help control excess oil production. For dry skin, find something hydrating to moisturise to prevent your makeup from clinging to dry patches. For combination skin: find something in between. If you have sensitive skin, like me, I would suggest you stay away from silicone-based products and opt for a water-based product that contains no harsh chemicals and is fragrance-free.
Basically, there are three types of primers: water-based, oil-based, and tinted primers. Tinted primers can be used on their own, or under foundation, and provide a touch of colour that helps to even skin tone and can even reduce redness or discolouration.
- Hourglass Illusion Priming Moisturiser $99 (28.8mL)
This water-resistant priming moisturiser is suitable for all skin types, and works with any type of foundation, from liquid to cream to powder. It feels luxurious, with a milky consistency. Infused with 11 types of Hyaluronic Acid, this skincare formula smooths your skin without even trying.
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- Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops $57 (40mL)
You’ve definitely heard about Glow Recipe on TikTok, but it’s viral for a reason. The slight watermelon scent is refreshing, not overwhelming, and doesn’t smell like the typical artificial watermelon. If you’re looking for a “no-makeup, makeup” look, this is going to be your best bet. It dries quickly, which is perfect when you’re rushing out the door - light and refreshing, it works great for the humid climate here in Singapore.
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- Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas $92 (30mL)
Inspired by bintsuke (鬢付け), the smoothing final step of a geisha’s skincare ritual, Japanese brand Tatcha reveals their hydrating primer that is so lightweight that it’s “featherlike”. Using nutrient-dense ingredients harvested from Japan, and exclusive in Singapore at Sephora, this primer “cocoons skin”, acting as a barrier between your skin and environmental stressors like pollution and blue light.
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- Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer SPF 50 PA++++ $90 (30mL)
Charlotte Tilbury said it best herself: “Darlings, what more could you want from your sun protection?!” Not only is this fragrance-free and hydrating, it uniquely reduces the look of photo flashback - making it the top choice for many makeup artists. Including Vitamins C and E, it brightens the look of your skin. Additionally, it goes on clear, making it suitable for all skin tones. One reviewer on Sephora writes, “Lightweight yet blurs and smooths the skin, it offers minimal coverage, and allows for makeup to glide on afterwards. Most importantly, there's no white cast! No wonder it's always [out of stock]!”
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- ONE/SIZE Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Alkaline Primer $56 (30mL)
If you have oily skin, look no further - a water-based, silicone free product will be your bestie. The Alkaline pH in this product absorbs all excess oil, and is non-comedogenic (that just means it won’t clog pores, don’t worry, I had to search it up too), mattifying your skin instantly.
Shop here.
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