This post is in response to one of our reader’s question about primers. Concerned about the functions of primers and how to apply them, this post will answer her questions. If you want to learn to apply makeup like a pro, visit link – http://enenaturals.wordpress.com/2011/02/06/apply-makeup-like-a-pro/

What are makeup primers?

A makeup primer simply put is a makeup base. The easiest similarity to makeup primers is house-paint primer. You know how painters would prime the wall of a house with a base paint before applying the main paint, same applies to makeup.

In makeup there are various primers for different parts of our skin. The commonly used primers are foundation primers, lip base and eyeshadow base.

Foundation primer also known as foundation base are for different skin types. Some products like the Foundation Primer in the picture above (1st on the left) is for all skin types, while the Gayle Hayman in the middle is for oily skin hence, oil-free mattifier. The role of the primer is to create a good foundation for makeup to sit on. It enhances a smoother, flawless finish as well as reduce shine and oil. So, don’t be confused about the lingua – ‘primer’, ‘base’ or ‘mattifier’ – all mean the same.

Lipstick and eyeshadow base are also primers for either lips or eye lids; and they help both eyeshadow and lipstick to sit well and last for longer. Bases bring out the pigments in eyeshadows, hence vibrancy in colours.

Eye brow powders, much like eye brow pencils do the same thing, which is filling eye brows.

Concealers are used for concealing or camouflaging spots and dark circles.

For a step-by-step guide on how to apply foundation primers, concealers and brow powder, visit the link – http://enenaturals.wordpress.com/2011/02/06/apply-makeup-like-a-pro/