How To: Face Primers

I recently have been getting requests on YouTube asking how to use and place face primers, and also what the difference is between a water based and a silicon based primer. I just posted my video on How To Apply primer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YxD2jZb3Xk), but for those who wish to read about it, lets get down to it!

First off, a primers' purpose to to even out and smooth the facial skin preparing it for foundation application. You can wear it alone, too, if you wish. Often times primers work to full in lines, creases, pores, and to have your make up last all day and wear evenly.

Steps:

1. Clean your face

2. Moisturize! (Note: some people don't need primer, a good moisturizer suffices!).

3. Apply primer. Let it dry for about 1 minute.

4. Apply makeup.

How to apply primer:
While sponges and brushes may be suitable for this, I tend to dislike the effect that they give leaving me to apply it WITH MY FINGERS.

A) Water Based Primer/HD Primer Application: I use about a chick pea sized amount and begin gently patting it on my entire face - for these types of primers, you want a nice and even layer - a little goes a long way! Yet due to their already thin (or in the case of HD, it diffuses the light and shine) you want it to go on and set in a ayer - DO NOT RUB IN A WATER BASED or an HD PRIMER!

B) Silicon Based Primer Application: Apply about a chick pea sized amount to finger tips and rub on face (lightly!) as you would with a moisturizer, but UNLIKE a moisturizer, you do not want to rub it in "all the way" so to speak. You want a layer (thin) on your face to prep your skin for foundation application.

So what are the differences between Water Based, HD, and Silicon? Who should use them?

Water Based - Best for those with acne prone skin or for those who could get away with no primer at all, yet still wish to use one. Water Based Primers are OIL FREE.

Silicon Based Primer - As the name suggests - it has silicon as its base, not water. This is my primer of choice; it gives a cashmere finish and tends to fill in fine lines a bit better. This would be ideal for those with visible dark spots, pores, and lines/wrinkles.

HD Primer - This type of primer is best for those who are having photographs taken or will be appearing on film - HD Primers diffuse light and offset shine for flawless photos.

I hope this helps those of you looking for primer info!!

My primers I use most:
- NYX HD Studio
- Sheer Cover Base Perfecting Primer
- Hard Candy Sheer Envy
- Laura Geller Spackle
- MAC Prep & Prime Skin

Brightening Primer