Your Makeup Isn't Reaching Its Full Potential Unless You Know This Primer Trick

We've all experienced it. You dedicate time and effort to creating a makeup look that makes you feel confident and attractive, only to witness its untimely demise after you push it to the limit. No matter how many makeup wipes, oil-blotting sheets, or powders you use in hopes of rescuing your makeup, there's always a chance it won't last. If these circumstances sound familiar, it might be time to invest in a product that can rescue your makeup before you even apply concealer or foundation. I'm talking about a face primer.

And who better to guide us on how to get the most out of a face primer than an industry expert? I asked KVD Beauty Global Veritas Artistry Ambassador and celebrity makeup artist Anthony Nguyen to share his tips and tricks for using face primers to create camera-ready makeup looks. Nguyen's work can be spotted on the stage and the red carpet as his clientele includes Rita Ora, Adele, Gwen Stefani, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Nas X.

So break out your notebooks! It's time for a crash course on face primers.

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(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

What Exactly Is Face Primer?

According to Nguyen, face primers allow for smoother makeup application and help promote the longevity of your makeup when applied correctly. "You can apply primer to certain areas of your face where the skin tends to be more oily, such as the T-zone, or you can apply it all over your face," explains Nguyen.

When Do You Apply Face Primer in Your Skincare Routine?

Nguyen recommends applying face prime after using your favorite moisturizer—think of primer as the base on which you'll build the rest of your makeup on. 

What's the Best Way to Apply Face Primer?

Nguyen's top primer trick for application? Correctly identify what primer will best cater to your skin type. Depending on your skin type, a primer can help reduce or even erase dryness, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections. Some primers can also help those with oily skin. Primer is truly a miracle product in that it not only helps create your makeup look but also helps ensure longer wear.

Primer can make a big difference in the final result, trust me! Ready to upgrade your makeup application game with Nguyen's help? Read on to discover his favorite primer, plus the ones Who What Wear beauty editors recommend. You'll want to get your hands on one before you reach for your makeup again.

Face Primers That Will Upgrade Your Makeup Game

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(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

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(Image credit: @alllisonho)

Up next, Every Beauty Editor I Know Loves Makeup by Mario—14 Gems You'll FTFO Over

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.