Primer Vs No Primer in Makeup: What Happens?

In the world of makeup, trends always come and go, but one debate has remained constant for years and confused everyone till now: Primer or No Primer? Some makeup lovers, who are fluent in makeup, swear by primer and consider it a very important step, while others who are not comfortable skip it, relying only on skincare and foundation. This raises an important question and utmost confusion: What actually happens to your makeup and skin when you use primer versus when you don’t?

What Is a Makeup Primer?

A makeup primer is a base product which is applied after skincare and before foundation. Its main purpose is to prepare the skin for seamless makeup application. Unlike moisturizers or serums that focus on skin health, primers are specifically formulated to improve how makeup looks and lasts on the skin.

Primers create a thin layer between your skin and makeup, helping foundation adhere better while minimizing common skin concerns such as excess oil, visible pores, dryness, redness, or uneven texture.

Types of Makeup Primers according to the Skin Type

Just like any other makeup products, primers are also available to take care of different skin types and different skin concerns. Not all primers are meant to smoothen the skin surface, illuminating primers provide natural radiance to your skin and grip primers help makeup stick to your face. But that’s not it, primers will only work if chosen according to your skin type. To know in detail, read our blog on different types of primers according to your skin type and the face primer benefits. 

What Happens When You Use Primer Before Makeup?

The main role of a primer in makeup is to create an even base and improve the longevity of your makeup. But apart from this, there are many more uses of a primer, like:

1. Creates a Smooth Base for Makeup

Primer fills in fine lines, open pores but does not clog and hide any imperfections on the face. This creates a smooth surface for easy blending and even makeup application. 

2. Improves Makeup Longevity

One of the biggest benefits as to why makeup artists never skip primer is that it helps makeup last longer. Foundation, blush and concealer stay intact for long hours without fading or melting or making your look like a clown at the end of the event, which makes primer useful for long days. 

3. Controls Oil and Shine

For oily skin types, primer regulates oil production and keeps your face shine-free. This prevents makeup from breaking down and keeps the face looking fresh instead of greasy.

4. Enhances Makeup Finish

Primers are also available to give you your desired finish. You want a dewy and hydrated finish, we have a primer for you. You want your makeup matte and intact throughout the day, try Colors Queen Grip Primer for a professional makeup finish. 

5. Prevents Creasing and Caking

A few facial expressions like smiling and frowning, make your makeup prone to creasing. Primer minimizes movement, preventing concealer and foundation from settling into lines

What Happens When You Skip Primer?

Skipping primer does not always mean that your makeup will fail completely, if you are looking for a simple makeup look, you can hold your look without primer but if you use primer, it will affect performance in several noticeable ways. Let's discuss a few of them,

1. Reduced Makeup Wear Time

Without primer, foundation tends to fade faster or turn grayish sometimes, especially in high-movement areas like the nose, chin and mouth. This will create an uneven complexion and ruin your makeup.

2. Visible Pores and Uneven Texture

Foundation can only hide pigmentation and uneven skin tone, but primer helps in settling any open pores and fine lines which creates a rough texture on face. Applying primer before foundation will help create a smooth skin texture. 

3. Patchy Application

If you have dry skin, your makeup can cling to dry patches or slide off easily from oily areas, which results in uneven coverage or uneven blending.

4. Increased Creasing

Concealer and foundation are more likely to crease under the eyes and around smile lines without the primer but when you apply primer, it fills the fine lines and prevents your makeup from settling into patches and fine lines.

5. Makeup Breakdown in Heat and Humidity

In warm or humid climates, if you skip primer, this can cause your makeup to melt, oxidize or separate much faster.

Primer Vs No Primer: A Quick Overview

The debate between primer vs no primer ultimately comes down to the performance and longevity of your makeup. While some say primer is mandatory, others will contradict the same by saying primer is just another step in your makeup routine with no relevance. If your makeup goal is long-lasting makeup that stays together without creasing or fading, then face primer is a relevant addition to your makeup vanity. Colors Queen primers are made to provide your skin the care of skin-loving ingredients and the high performance for a flawless makeup base.

FAQs

Q.1 When can you skip primer?

In a few cases, skipping primer is okay and it will not harm or dull your makeup look. Like,

• When you prefer a no-makeup look
• Your skin is already smooth 
• You are only wearing makeup for a short time

Q.2 When should you definitely use a primer?

Primer is non-negotiable in a few situations, like:

• Long events or weddings
• Professional shoot 
• Hot or humid weather conditions

Q.3 Can good skincare replace primer?

This is a very common misconception, skincare is important to improve your skin health and your skincare products get absorbed into your skin. But primer creates a layer between your skin and makeup to prevent any harmful substance in your makeup to get in direct touch with your skin.