What is a Make-Up Primer or Base?

If you have often wondered what an eye shadow/foundation/lipstick primer or base is, then you’re not alone. Many don’t know what either is or if there is a difference between the two and rightly so, as primer and base are relatively new to the cosmetics world, especially primer.

It’s not too long ago when the use of either became mainstream knowledge and more and more cosmetics companies are now coming out with their own.

So, what is a primer or base?

Well, generally speaking, the two are quite similar in purpose and are often referred to as the same thing. However, there is a slight difference between the two.

Base

Base is exactly that – a base. It’s a base for your make-up. So a base is what you put on your eyes before you apply eye shadow, base is what you put on your face before you apply your blush and foundation and base is what you put on your lips before apply your lipstick. The main purpose of base in all these uses? To make the colours more vibrant.

You’ll notice that some make-up, for example, eye shadows, can look really vibrant in the packaging but when you apply it to your eyelids, the colour is sheer and not having the intensity you wanted. This can be a due to the eyelids being oily or due to skin colour and tone. A base, especially a light base, will create a smooth, dry and neutral canvas which will make the colour more intense when applied on top of it.

 

Primer

A primer is meant to do exactly that – prime your face or whatever part you’re going to apply make-up to. A definition of the word “prime” is “to ready or to prepare” and that’s exactly the purpose of a primer. To prepare or ready your face or lips etc. for make-up.

So how a primer does this is by smoothing out the area it’s being applied to. For example, foundation primer. What it does is it smoothes out fine lines on your face, especially the silicone-based ones. It makes a smooth layer on your face sealing wrinkles, fine lines and any other uneven areas on the skin of your face so when you apply your foundation, the foundation sits on this layer creating a smooth look as it does not seep into lines or other uneven areas of the face.

Some face primers can be worn alone without need for foundation. They come in a variety of colors to match your complexion and some can be used as a daily moisturizer to even out your skin tone. They can also be specific for skin type, for example, some primers are oil free and are therefore good for those with oily skin as it makes the skin matte and reduces shininess.

Primers, like bases, help your make-up stay on longer all day and come in various forms, mineral, liquid etc.

 

So, while the two are essentially the same thing and can be used for the same purposes, the main difference is that bases don’t always prevent creases in make-up especially in the case of eye shadows as their main purpose is usually to enhance the intensity of make-up colours and help them last longer.

However, with the formulas being so similar and most brands referring to them as the same thing, it’s up to you which you prefer and what works for you.

What is definite is that both help your make-up go on smoother and last longer and thus, might be something you should consider including in your make-up routine.

If you are new to the world of makeup and looking for a take-off point, the right place to start will be to understand the difference between beauty products like primer, foundation, and concealer. Yes, there is plenty to explore in the makeup game, and, as a newbie, you are excited to know it all as soon as possible. But, starting from the initial steps of makeup is your best bet. Build your base and go on from there to delve into the multitude of products, makeup techniques, beauty tips, looks, and more. Check out this article for all you need to know about the holy trinity of makeup: primer, foundation, and concealer. Scroll down!

Keep In Mind

Keep In Mind

• Technique: A primer is used to create a smooth base for makeup products. A foundation is used to even out the skin tone and provide coverage. Use a concealer to cover blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections.
• Skin Type: Choose hydrating products for dry skin. Opt for oil-free products for oily skin. Use a blend of both these products for combination skin.
• Skin Tone: Match your foundation and concealer to your skin tone, to create a flawless, natural-looking complexion. Cool skin tones have pink or blue undertones. Warm skin tones have yellow or golden undertones. Neutral skin tones have a mix of both warm and cool undertones.
• Coverage: If you prefer a more natural-looking finish, use only a primer and concealer.. You can spot-conceal areas that need more coverage and skip foundation. For more coverage and a polished look, use all three products to achieve a flawless complexion.

Primer – The Best Beauty Prep

When applying makeup, what goes on first? Want your makeup to last longer and look 3x times better? Use a primer. But what is a primer? A primer creates a smooth base for your foundation and other face makeup. This often-neglected essential can blur pores, smoothen fine lines, correct discoloration, and magically set your makeup in place for hours. You must always apply primer after moisturizer or your last skincare step and before your makeup.

One primer we absolutely recommend is the Porefessional Primer from Benefit. It’s silky, lightweight formula is oil-free, translucent, and complements all skin tones.

• Serum Vs. Primer

Both, serums and primers, serve distinct purposes – serum for nourishment and treatment and primer for a polished look. A serum provides targeted skincare benefits; it penetrates deep, addressing specific concerns like fine lines or dark spots. A primer, on the other hand, creates a smooth canvas for your makeup, blurring imperfections and ensuring a flawless finish.

Clearly, a serum and primer are not interchangeable and serve very different purposes. While serums provide your skin with hydration, glow, and long-term enhancement from the inside, a primer helps you with your immediate cosmetic needs for a flawless makeup look. You may use a serum, followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen before applying a primer for any makeup look.

Trivia

Trivia

Coconut oil, milk of magnesia, B.B. creams, and CC creams are other alternatives to primer.

[ Read: Top 15 Makeup (Foundation) Primers And Their Reviews ]

Foundation – The Second Skin

Are you unsure whether to apply concealer or foundation first? Applying foundation is the second step in a typical makeup routine. The right foundation formula can help cover imperfections, even out skin tone, and give your skin the desired finish, like dewy, matte, satin, or natural. It can also help other makeup products – such as blush, highlighter, and concealer – go on much more smoothly.

Christine, a beauty blogger, shares her makeup application method for a flawless base. “I have quite the dark circles around my eye area. After I prime, I apply my foundation with a sponge. I use a light coverage foundation as opposed to a full coverage product as you can always cover blemishes with concealer (i),” she observes.

To avoid the dreaded “cakey” look, apply your foundation using a damp beauty sponge. It absorbs products, allowing you to add the ideal amount of foundation to your skin gradually. It is also important to not add too many layers of foundation to avoid looking “cakey.”

There is a wide variety of foundations available in different shades, coverages, and compositions. The three main categories include liquid, cream, and powder foundations. If you are a beginner, we recommend trying Maybelline’s Fit Me Foundation. It comes in both matte and dewy finishes in over 45 shades for a diverse range of skin tones.

Fun Fact

Fun Fact

Ancient Greek women from 200 BC were known to use chalk and white lead powder as a foundation.

[ Read: 10 Of The Best Foundations For Combination Skin ]

Concealer – A Magical Quick-Fix

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Once you have your primer and foundation on, your skin can look quite amazing. However, nobody’s perfect, and we all have days where our skin refuses to cooperate with us. From angry zits to redness and dark circles to spots, concealer comes in handy to fix all your skin issues instantly.

Use a concealer brush or your fingertips to apply concealer. If you want it to look natural and undetectable, make sure you blend it out thoroughly.

No matter what your skin type, it is a good idea to have two concealers on hand – one to cover spots, and one to cover dark under-eye circles. We recommend NYX’s HD Photogenic Concealer for spots and Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser for dark circles.

Note: You can apply concealer before foundation in order to cover ‘problem spots’ to reduce the amount of foundation you use in the end and create a more natural look.

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Erace by Max Factor is believed to be the first commercially available makeup concealer. The product was launched in 1954.

[ Read: Best Liquid Concealers Available In India – Our Top 10 ]

Check out the difference between foundation and concealer, concealer vs foundation.

Concealer vs Foundation vs Primer

PrimerFoundationConcealerWhat is it?The base that allows all your other makeup to go on smoothly by creating an extra layer between your skin and the makeup.Closely resembles your skin color and is applied over a primer.A kind of color corrector that helps brighten your skin and hide imperfections.UseIt helps makeup last longer while keeping oil and shine at bay.It evens out your complexion while hiding blemishes and redness.Masks dark circles, large pores, age spots, and blemishesTypes AvailableCream, gel, and powderLiquid, stick, cream, and mousseLiquid, balm, cream, and stickMakeup StepStep #1Step #2Step #3

Infographic: Primer Vs. Foundation Vs. Concealer: What’s The Difference?

Applying makeup can be a difficult task. If you are just starting out, you might be wondering what the difference is between primers, foundations, and concealers. It turns out that these three items have diverse purposes and should be employed at varying stages while applying makeup. We take you through them in the infographic below to help you identify these nuances. Take a look!

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Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

A primer forms the base, a foundation forms your second skin, and a concealer magically makes your spots, blemishes, and other inconsistencies disappear. We hope the basic difference between primer, foundation, and concealer is clear. These different makeup products, explained above in detail, are important cosmetics you should add to your beauty routine. While we have recommended some brands for your reference, you should find products that suit your skin type. These are must-have items in your beginner makeup box. If you can master these basic layers of makeup, you will almost be at an expert level. So, get yourself these items and start practicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use concealer without applying primer?

Yes, you can. However, if you wish to conceal stubborn spots, using a primer will help the rest of your makeup stick to your face better and last throughout the day.

Can I use concealer without foundation?

Yes. If you want a minimal look, you can skip the foundation and use concealer for a light, fresh-looking complexion.

Can I use moisturizer instead of primer?

No. A moisturizer has a different function from a primer and won’t give the same effect and results. However, both are crucial steps in makeup application. You need a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and a primer for better and longer coverage.

Can I mix my primer and foundation?

Yes. You may mix your primer and foundation to prepare a thin base for your makeup. This will help you achieve a lighter and more natural look.

Is primer better than CC cream?

No. Both are different products and have different purposes. A complexion corrector cream is tinted and can hide skin discoloration. Primers usually don’t have pigments and are meant to fill pores and let the makeup stay for long. However, you can skip primers when using cc creams.

Is primer good for oily skin?

Yes. A primer can control the excess oil and keep the oily sheen off your face when applying makeup.

Key Takeaways

• A primer, foundation, and concealer are not the same makeup products.
• A primer is a base for the other makeup products you apply to your face.
• Foundation, similar to your skin tone, is applied over primer.
• A concealer is used to cover blemishes, discolorations, spots, and more.

Watch this video to learn the difference between primer, foundation, and concealer and how to use them for the perfect makeup look!

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Favour Akinjiyan

Makeup Artist

Favour is a certified makeup artist with 5 years of experience and a lover of all things science and beauty. She is also the founder of Favoured Beauty, a brand committed to creating an inclusive community in the beauty space and developing science-backed solutions for hyperpigmentation. Favor is currently in the last year of her PhD at Washington University in... more

Esha Saxena

Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for makeup, she brings to you reviews, techniques, and her ever-growing knowledge... more

Asmita De

Associate Editor

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor. Her adeptness in refining content, ensuring clarity, and preserving the essence of the written word has consistently contributed to enhance the quality of published... more

Vaishali Sinha

Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Vaishali Sinha is a beauty and lifestyle writer with five years of experience in writing for various genres. She has a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She combines her passion for beauty and lifestyle topics with her artistic background as an Indian classical vocalist to bring a fresh and creative perspective to her writing. Her writing style... more

Watch this video to learn the difference between primer, foundation, and concealer and how to use them for the perfect makeup look!