Cosmetics should not only lie beautifully and evenly on the skin, but also stay on it for a long time. Mattifying face primer is a special type of cosmetic product that is used as a base for basic makeup products.
What is a primer for?
Previously, instead of such products, the most common moisturizing creams or BB compositions were used. But over time, it became clear that they clog pores, are not always able to ensure the smoothness of the skin and the absence of roughness, and also tend to “flow”. Therefore, a special base for foundation was invented, the main task of which was to prepare the surface of the epidermis for further application of cosmetic products and protect pores from contamination.
Reviews claim that the primer provides greater durability of cosmetics and hides some facial imperfections (for example, a moisturizing primer eliminates the problem of flaking, and a smoothing primer hides wrinkles).
Primer for face
Benefits of using facial primers:
- After application, you can be sure that your makeup is perfect. The foundation and powder are completely invisible and will not run even at high temperatures in summer (for this you need to choose a long-lasting concealer);
- It's much easier to contour with a primer. Dark and light lines are shaded much better over the prepared surface;
- The pores are not clogged. Most base manufacturers develop special formulas that make primers non-comedogenic. This is extremely important for problematic, combination or oily skin. It should be noted that Urban Decay helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, so after this base the face becomes even cleaner than before.
In addition, if you choose the right shade of primer, you can solve almost any facial problem.
Types depending on shade:
- products for problem skin (green);
- for grouting the eye area (pink or yellow);
- to eliminate visible signs of aging (purple);
- to give the face a white color (white, blue).
How to use
There are several types of primers, each company has at least 3 of them (for the face, lips, eyes, adding shine, etc.).
Depending on the area of use and type, application methods vary:
- Corrective and soothing. This is a green primer that is applied pointwise to problem areas. It ensures uniform skin color while relieving inflammation. Outwardly it looks more like a concealer than a base. This is Essence All about matt, MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage (MAC);
- Matting. Often it is mineral, because to guarantee a soft glow, the products are supplemented with tiny particles of various mineral compounds. This cosmetics is considered the most popular, because it guarantees the longevity of the makeup, its resistance to external influences and the evenness of the skin. Isadora Protect SPF 30, Max Factor Facefinity All Day Primer (Max Factor), Jafra Makeup Primer, E.L.F Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer;
- Illuminating or highlighter. Few people know that, in essence, a highlighter is a regular base, simply supplemented with reflective particles. This is a universal product; it can be applied both at the beginning of makeup to ensure the inner radiance of the epidermis, and after, if you need to reflect light from a certain area. Revlon Photoready, Shiseido Refining Makeup Primer (Shiseido) and others
After this analysis, it becomes clear that the tinted product is applied only to problem areas, so its use does not exclude the use of another base, say, a mineral one. Highlighter is more of a way to complement your makeup than a necessary tool. And only a classic foundation is really needed for a beautiful look.
Instructions on how to apply primer to your face:
- The skin is carefully prepared. All impurities need to be removed from the pores. To do this, it is recommended to wash your face with foam first. Afterwards, either scrub or wash your face with micellar water;
- No creams, fluids or other foundations are applied under the primer. First, a small amount is distributed over dry skin: the cheekbones, apples of the cheeks and wings of the nose are traditionally lubricated first, followed by the forehead and chin. Cosmetics are carefully shaded. Professionals recommend using special pads or sponges for this, but your own fingers can also replace them;
- The base seems to be driven into the pores with gentle movements. This guarantees an even base and beautiful shading. Do not rub the product over your face with your fingers - otherwise, streaks may remain, which will be more than noticeable after applying the foundation;
Applying primer to the face - Once the process is complete, contouring and makeup can begin. Sometimes primer completely replaces foundation. This is also a good option, but only for dry, clean skin with tight pores. In any other case, he will not be able to hide his shortcomings.
Video: choosing a primer
Review of the best primer brands
Some girls try to make a primer with their own hands, for which they combine face cream and mineral powder. This product is not only not a good foundation, but can also cause acne breakouts or even rashes and subcutaneous pimples, so it is better to use professional cosmetics.
Let's look at the best primers for the face (the rating was based on reviews on the forums). The list is divided into inexpensive brands and expensive ones.
We present the best first budget primers, and the rating will open a popular facial product - MAYBELLINE baby skin pore eraser (Maybelline). This is one of the most popular products among most girls in the CIS. It disguises itself as a regular BB cream, but is a light base for combination and problem skin. If you can’t buy it, then the option from Mary Kay is no worse – mattifying fluid.
MAYBELLINE
If you need to choose an inexpensive but professional primer for tinting your face, then a Korean one will help out. Tony Moly Egg Pore Yolk Primer. It is quite cheap (costs about $10), but at the same time, incredibly effective and durable. It has the shape of a golden egg and contains mineral components, which gives the product a creamy structure. It is very economical to use and, thanks to its consistency, is easy to apply.
Tony Moly
Silicone primer Code Color also applies to budget products for the face. It is considered one of the most accessible means for sculpting. It is inexpensive - costs about $10. Despite the silicones in the composition, it applies smoothly and does not leave the feeling of a mask on the face. If you are against silicones, then PUPA Smoothing Foundation Primer can be a suitable replacement.
Code Color
Makeup base DIVAGE prime Facer – deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and evens out the epidermis. Able to fill the smallest pores and wrinkles, making the face smooth and fresh. Used for young epidermis. Costs 7 dollars.
DIVAGE
ALL-IN-ONE InstaBlur by The Body Shop – universal grout. This primer can be used both as a corrector and instead of a special foundation. The product has a photo filter 20, is characterized by a light consistency and a complete absence of parabens and silicones.
Primer Eveline Art Make Up for normal facial skin, you can buy it at any cosmetic store, its price on average is up to $10. It is very budget-friendly and is considered almost the most affordable. But it is not of high quality. The dense structure often causes other cosmetic products to simply roll off.
Eveline
Garnier Leveling base-corrector Optical corrector 5 sec refers to silicone, because apart from them, the composition is “empty”. Provides good facial preparation and has a thick cream consistency. Added with reflective particles. Its analogue is the slightly cheaper FancyMinerals Primer Perfection.
Network companies - Avon, Faberlic and Oriflame - do not have a clear division into primers and foundations (Avon Magix Face Perfector SPF 20 Primer and Oriflame Very Me Prep Me Perfect) are universal products. They mattify and fill pores without polluting them. The only difference is the available shade and cost. Avon is a little cheaper.
Expensive bases are often of higher quality and durability. In particular, the following should be highlighted: NICS, Clinic, Guerlain, Dior and others. Unlike the middle market, premium cosmetics are enriched with various vitamins and extracts, acids, compounds and other additional substances. This allows you to improve not only the appearance of the epidermis, but also the internal one.
NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer (AVP) Provides perfect smoothness and matte color even when used on oily skin. The composition includes stearic and palmitic acid, which are responsible for non-comedogenicity. The product belongs to the middle market, its price is about $30. NYX Pore Filler is presented as an analogue, but Nyx positions the product exclusively as a filler for pores or wrinkles.
NYX
CLINIQUE Superprimer Face Primer is a series from Clinics with 3 products in the line. Available in shades Discolorations (peach - reduces redness and evens out color), Dullness (pink, refreshes and brightens), Redness (yellow, helps disguise acne and enlarged pores). They have a light fluid structure, can be used individually or together, and sometimes replace foundation or powder (if there are no serious problems with the epidermis).
CLINIQUE
Smashbox Photo Finish – quite expensive, it costs a little more than $20. It also contains vitamins A, E, tea tree and grape seed extracts. The description states that it does not contain silicones, parabens or other harmful additives. In addition, the base is odorless. It qualitatively evens out the epidermis, but a few hours after application it may begin to become very shiny. Very similar to this primer is a representative of the premium class – Clarins Lisse Minute Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch.
L'oreal Lumi Magique Base Concentre De Lumiere Pure Light Primer (L'oreal) Provides a soft glow and reflection of color from problem areas. Based on the principle of action, it is more reminiscent of a highlighter. It will not help in preparing a problem face, because it is very light. If you need to hide pimples or blackheads, it is better to take Lumene Beauty base Matifying and retexturizing primer.
L'oreal
Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing Refiner It is considered another high-quality and dense pore grout. It is hard, similar in appearance to Tony Moly - has a solid shape and high density. Apply with a sponge and thoroughly rub into the pores. Quite expensive, but hypoallergenic.
Librederm (Librederm) introduced the first primer for problematic facial skin with hyaluronic acid. The product applies softly and evenly, fills all wrinkles and pores, soothes inflammation, hides acne and adds radiance.
Coco Chanel said: “There are no ugly women, there are women with unkempt skin.” Circles under the eyes, redness, rashes - all these troubles spoil your appearance. You won't be able to get rid of them instantly, but it is quite possible to disguise them. Professional makeup artists use facial primer for this purpose. This miracle remedy is capable of many things. Cosmetics stores offer a large selection of types of this product. Which one is better to choose and how to apply it to the face correctly?
What is a face primer
On the covers of glossy magazines and on television, pop stars and models look perfect. Not a single blemish is visible on the skin. It is impossible to achieve such a result with just one foundation. Leading makeup artists always use a primer, or as it is also called, a makeup base. There are products for nails that have the same name - primers, but are absolutely not similar in properties.
Why can’t you immediately apply foundation? The fact is that it is not able to cope with several tasks at once. Why do you need a primer? Means:
- protects skin;
- evens out the terrain;
- ensures longevity of makeup.
What types are there
The primer is a universal tool, but depending on the tasks at hand, it is necessary to select a specific type of this product:
- Mattifying. Suitable for oily skin. Mattifies the skin, evens out the relief. Prevents the appearance of oily shine.
- Corrective. Masks minor skin imperfections. Fills wrinkles. Makes the terrain smooth.
- Giving shine. Thanks to reflective particles, they scatter light, drawing attention to the face due to a soft glow.
- Moisturizing. A good solution for mature and dry skin. Provides it with the necessary hydration and gives it a slight glow.
How to choose a primer: color palette
In the classic version, the primer is transparent and does not have its own color. Manufacturers, in their desire to unify cosmetic products, endow them with several functions at once. In stores you can find makeup bases that have a specific color. This was done for the specific purpose of masking various skin imperfections. How to choose the right shade of primer:
- Violet. Ideal if you have an earthy skin tone. This primer will give freshness, youth, and make the color healthier.
- Green. For those with problem skin. Makeup artists, knowing the tricks of combining and applying colors, recommend masking all problem areas with this shade.
- Orange. Perfectly neutralizes bruises.
- Yellow. Removes such a nuisance as dark circles in the eye area.
How to apply on face
To achieve the maximum effect, it is necessary not only to choose the right color and texture, but also not to make mistakes when applying the makeup base. It is worth noting that there are separate primers for lips, eyelids and eyelashes that take into account the characteristics of these areas of the skin. Step-by-step instructions for the application technique will reveal all the secrets of using this product:
- Makeup base is applied only to moisturized skin. Use a light cream. After applying, wait until it is absorbed.
- Arm yourself with a slightly damp sponge. Apply primer to your face, moving from eyes to cheeks, then forehead and chin. All movements should be light, but at the same time rubbing. Remember that the green tint is applied pointwise to areas of redness.
- Evaluate the result and, if necessary, work on the T-zone again.
- Wait a couple of minutes for the primer to absorb. Next, start applying foundation.
- The scheme for applying primer to the face is along massage lines from the vertical axis (middle) to the edges.
Video tutorial: how to properly use makeup base
The rules for applying makeup given in the video will help you use facial primers correctly when creating a flawless look. The examples given will help you figure out which shade suits you best. A visual demonstration of the effects of using different types of this product will show the disadvantages and advantages of a particular facial primer.
If you are in doubt whether you need a makeup base, we recommend watching the video and deciding for yourself this pressing question once and for all. It not only indicates specific companies and brands that produce these products, but also describes the advantages and disadvantages of different manufacturers. After viewing, you will have a complete understanding of the properties of this miracle product.
Which manufacturer's products should I choose?
Many companies are adding makeup bases to their range. Which primer is better can be decided by considering specific examples from different manufacturers:
- MAC (MAC Prep Prime Skin). Facial primers from this company are suitable for both household and professional use. The product perfectly evens out the skin. The luminescent effect is barely noticeable, giving a natural glow.
- "Max Factor" (Max Factor Facefinity All Day Primer). Silicone primer. Has sun protection factor and light texture. Easy to apply, does not crease, significantly extends the life of makeup. Controls the formation of oily shine.
- L'Oreal (Lumi Magique). Visually smoothes, protects, and adds shine. Available in gel form. Provides up to 8 hours of hydration. Used as a base for foundation or as a stand-alone product.
- Smashbox. This company produces 10 primers at once. Each is designed for one task: redness, acne, others. Easy to apply, degreases the surface.
Where to buy and how much it costs
Prices for this product largely depend on the manufacturer. Even if you haven’t found the primer you need in your city, they are always on sale in online stores. Which brand to choose and where to purchase the product is a purely individual matter. The summary table will help you navigate prices and stores.
Girls and women choose Max Factor primer as a base for applying makeup, as this product is distinguished by its high quality and reasonable price.
Let's determine what the benefits of a cosmetic product are, how to use it, and also compare it with analogues to understand whether it is worth giving preference to cosmetics with a more reasonable price tag.
Max Factor Facefinity Primer Review
The brand name "Max Factor" does not need recommendations. For ten years, the famous line of French cosmetics has proven its right to occupy flagship positions in international ratings. Max Factor Facefinity primer is another example that the brand is not going to give up its position.
The advantages of the product described by its admirers include:
- a format that makes the use of the product comfortable;
- creating an even tone;
- moisturizing the delicate dermis of the face;
- formation of an airy light coating;
- hiding small skin defects;
- leveling the texture of the treated surface;
- durability;
- availability of protection from sunlight.
The primer has enough advantages to find a permanent place for it in your cosmetic bag.
What does it contain?
The secret to the success of Max Factor Facefinity lies in its composition. To understand what a primer includes, we have compiled a table with its main components:
No. | Component name | Description |
---|---|---|
1. | Water | Aqua predominates over other ingredients (more than 60%). Performs the task of delivering the active ingredients of the drug to the mucous membranes and skin, reduces the level of toxicity of some components, and serves as their solvent. |
2. | Cyclopentasiloxane | A condenser that facilitates the process of applying cosmetics. |
3. | Propylene glycol | Softens and moisturizes the skin. |
4. | Talc | Mineral with anti-inflammatory properties. Designed to eliminate grease and remove excess moisture. Has water-repellent qualities. Gives the cosmetic product durability. |
5. | Dimethicone | Liquid silicone. Gives products in the cosmetic segment richness and durability. |
6. | Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid | Acts as a sun filter and prevents free radicals from affecting the skin. |
7. | Aluminum starch octenyl succinate | The matting element has an antibacterial effect, regulates viscosity, protects against UV, and forms an emulsion structure. |
This is the most active part of the components that make up the described primer.
How to use primer?
The maximum effect can be achieved if you apply the product correctly and follow all the rules developed by cosmetologists. The algorithm of your actions should be like this:
- A few minutes before using foundation, use a serum with a non-greasy texture or a moisturizing day cream with the same properties. This must be done, since the primer and cream will fit well only on pre-moistened skin. It is desirable that the serum contains UV protection, especially if it is summer.
- Apply the primer to the skin of your hand to warm it up, and then spread it over the surface of your face. You should not rub or pull the dermis, thereby deforming it. Movements should be smooth. You need to start from the eyes, then move to the forehead, and from there to the cheeks and nose. The last area to be treated is the chin.
- Make sure to apply the product evenly, especially when it comes to problem areas.
- Wait a few minutes for the primer to absorb and settle.
- Start applying makeup.
Using the tips listed above, you will create the perfect base for your makeup.
Photos before and after primer
In order for you to have an idea of how the described product works, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the photos before and after its application.
As you can see in the photo, the skin lightens slightly, its tone and texture are evened out, defects and redness disappear. The face is ready to apply decorative cosmetics. It looks fresh and pleasant.
When applied correctly, the effect lasts throughout the day. The photo shows that the cosmetic product can hide small pimples.
Cheaper analogues of primer from Max Factor
In order for the description of the Max Factor Facefinity primer to be complete, we offer you short descriptions of similar products offered at a lower price:
No. | Name | Cost, rub.) | Description |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Light Correcting Serum Primer | 375 | Manufacturer from Poland. The container is equipped with a convenient pipette applicator. Has a highlighting effect. |
2. | Light Correcting Serum Primer | 375 | Neutralizes imperfections and redness, removes small wrinkles and pores, and minimizes shine. |
3. | Prime And Fine Smoothing Refiner | 193 | Contains no oils. Provides a refined complexion, fills wrinkles and pores. |
4. | BELITAAmore | 165 | Transparent gel base from a Belarusian manufacturer. It is quickly absorbed and does not interfere with the breathing of the dermis. |
5. | GOLDEN ROSE Make-up Primer Luminous Finish | 573 | Makes the skin silky, fits well on the skin, hiding its imperfections. Provides natural glow to the skin. |
For comparison, MaxFactor Facefinity costs an average of 600 rubles.
Watch the Facefinity test drive from Max Factor in the video:
Review of real reviews on Max Factor
We have selected three detailed real reviews written by girls and women who use Max Factor Facefinity:
- Natalie, 26 years old:
My first acquaintance with Max Factor Face Finity took place 3 years ago. Since then, I have always used this foundation and do not recognize any analogues. The advantages of MaxFactor include:
- The presence of an SPF 20 filter, which is especially important for my sun-sensitive skin.
- Incredibly fast absorption. Before you have time to apply, the foundation has already been absorbed, changing the quality of your skin for the better.
- Doesn't crease when applied over moisturizer. It was because of the pilling that I abandoned my previous cheaper primer.
The only drawback of the product, in my opinion, is that if you apply it in the morning and are going, say, to the theater in the evening, you need to do new makeup, since the effect of Primer weakens by the evening.
- Evgenia, 36 years old:
Before MaxFactorFacefinity, I had many similar products. Looks like this foundation will stay in my makeup bag for a long time. I was especially impressed by the following qualities:
- Easy distribution. No tails behind the brush.
- Nice texture.
- Looks very natural on the face.
- Lasts longer than analogues.
Max Factor Facefinity fully corresponds to its price. Flaws:
- By the end of the day, shine appears in certain areas of the face.
- Lina, 31 years old: 232
I am a makeup artist, so I have no right to make mistakes when choosing cosmetics. Primer Max Factor Facefinity is my favorite due to the following qualities:
- Universal, suitable for all clients.
- Quick, easy to apply and absorbs immediately.
- An excellent base on which cosmetics fit perfectly.
- Lasts longer than most analogues.
I won’t mention the disadvantages, because in comparison with other primers, the product wins.
Conclusion
Primer Max Factor Facefinity is time-tested and recognized by many women as one of the best makeup bases available today. It is easy to apply and lasts quite a long time, does not roll off and eliminates skin imperfections.