7 Genius Hacks For The Humble Primer

7 Genius Hacks For The Humble Primer

I absolutely love it when I can make my beauty products do double duty. Like any hardworking beauty junkie, I like to get the most out of my make-up so I’m always on the lookout for hacks and tricks that actually work. I also like to share what I’ve learnt (so you should keep reading Hauterfly!), and here are a few things I’ve picked up on how to use primers in different ways:

1. Use It To Hide Acne

Some primers contain salicylic acid, which makes them perfect for anyone who has acne. These primers offer oil control, prolonging the wear time of your make-up without irritating your acne (it tends to flare up if you use too much make-up to conceal it). I really like Smashbox Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control  and Bare Minerals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer for this purpose.

 

Smashbox Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control_Hauterfly
Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control Primer (Rs 3,990)
Bare Minerals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer_Hauterfly
Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer (Rs 1,566)

 

2. Colour Correct Your Skin Tone

Since primer is the first step in your make-up regime (after moisturiser, as that’s your skincare routine), using a colour correcting formula makes a lot of sense. A lot of brands like NYX, Revlon and Benefit offer colour correcting primers in shades of lilac, which help brighten sallow skin (especially for people with pronounced yellow or green undertones) and neutralise redness. When you have tackled these issues with a good primer, you will need lighter foundation and minimum concealing #win.

3. Use It On Dry Lips

Know that feeling when matte lipsticks leave your puckers feeling arid like the Sahara desert? Or when creamy lipsticks bleed out/settle into fine lines? Lipsticks must NOT look like that. Ever. If you suffer from dry lips, dab on some lip primer as it helps lipstick adhere better to your lips without feathering or fading. We particularly like Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer, Nyx Cosmetics Lip Primer, and E.L.F. Cosmetics Studio Lip Primer & Plumper.

 

Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer_Hauterfly
Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer (Rs 2,490)
Nyx Cosmetics Lip Primer_Hauterfly
Nyx Cosmetics Lip Primer (Rs 1,090)
E.L.F. Cosmetics Studio Lip Primer & Plumper_Hauterfly
E.L.F. Cosmetics Studio Lip Primer & Plumper (Rs 1,132)

 

4. Brighten Your Eyeshadow

Applying primer on your eyelids and around the eyes brings out the colour of your eyeshadow vibrantly, fills in crow’s feet and smile lines, and absorbs facial oil. This prevents make-up from creasing and/or being eaten up by your skin.

5. Plump Your Lashes

These days, you even get primers especially meant to plump and lengthen lashes. Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara Enhancing Base and Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers Volume and Length Lash Primer are both enriched with micro-fibres that intensify your lashes by lengthening, thickening and separating them. You can apply your mascara over this to create an even more intense effect.

 

Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara Enhancing Base_Hauterfly
Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara Enhancing Base (Rs 2,099)
Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers Volume and Length Lash Primer_Hauterfly
Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers Volume and Length Lash Primer (Rs 1,499)

 

6. Smoothen Areas Other Than Your Face

Primers help in filling fine lines, so why not work it on other areas as well? Apply some on your neck, cleavage, and the back of your hands too to make them look smoother. Also, when I say use a pea-sized drop, I really mean it. A little goes a long way with products like this.

7. DIY It

Have you run out of eye primer? Don’t fret. Make your own using lip balm, corn starch and liquid foundation. Easy-peasy!

Have you read our story on the Top 10 Primers Under Rs 1,000 yet?

Hauterfly Staff

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