What is Makeup Primer?

8 Reasons Why You Should Be Using It Daily

Posted on July 19, 2017
Written by: 100% PURE®

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not you should be adding a Makeup Primer into your makeup routine, we’re here to give you the gentle nudge to kick your makeup game into high gear. Our Luminous Primer is the unsung and unseen hero of your makeup bag: more of a behind-the-scenes coordinator that hangs backstage while everyone else plays a starring role (looking at you, Poppy Lipstick). All the center stage stars know that long lasting makeup wouldn’t be possible without good ole’ Primer holding it all together in the background.

We took our Luminous Primer out for an endurance test at the winery; we started our makeup application at about 7:30am PST (at home), worked at the office until the afternoon, then toured the vineyards at 4:30pm PST. We checked back in 12 hours later to see how it was holding up, right before we headed to The Roots concert at 7:30pm PST. Needless to say, we were thrilled to see that our makeup was able to stand up to a rigorous day of running around!

If you didn’t already know, now consider yourself officially informed… makeup primer is the ultimate base for foundation, whether it be powder or cream based. It helps prep your skin for foundation application by moisturizing, smoothing and giving your foundation something to hold on to. Traditional or conventional primers often contain harsh chemicals, or toxins like dimethicone or silicone which can lead to allergic reactions. And because we’re all about multi-taskers, we’ve snuck resveratrol into the formula of our Luminous Primer, because why shouldn’t your makeup also contribute to skin health? We’re all about this hidden gem and want to fill you in on why you should always be wearing primer (and be in love with it, too).

Since the 1950’s, lipstick has been a beauty staple for the modern woman. But the history of this small and mighty cosmetic dates back to centuries earlier, when Islamic chemist and cosmetologist Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi crafted the first molded form of lip color. Centuries later, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, her royal visage of a stark white face with bold red lips immortalized the image of coloring one’s lips, leading to a brief trend in the 16th century (try our Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Anti Aging Lipstick: Poppy if you’re feeling queenly). It wasn’t until the 19th century that French cosmetologists began molding lipsticks for widespread, commercial sale.

While numerous innovations throughout the years have transformed lipstick from crushed plant powder to a chemically formulated cosmetic, there have been little to no regulations by the FDA on what can be used to make lipstick. This means that synthetic, toxic, and animal-derived ingredients have been freely tracing women’s lips for the last century, masquerading as a girl’s must-have cosmetic. Before you read on, we want you to remember one important fact: throughout a woman’s life, it’s estimated that she will ingest (aka unknowingly EAT) 4-8lbs of lipstick through licking lips, saliva runoff, and eating. Got that? Great, then let’s read on.

Easy to Use

There might be a little bit of an intimidation factor when it comes to new makeup trends or complicated makeup application, but primer should not be one of them. It’s as simple as applying your favorite moisturizerall over your face. There are really no wrong ways to apply primer, so just go for it and see the difference!

PRO TIP: A few pumps will be enough to cover your entire face and neck. Wait about 15-30 seconds for the primer to dry before moving on to your foundation application.

High Performance, Long Lasting Without Any Chemicals

With all the hustle and bustle happening, the time from when we put our makeup on to when it actually comes off seems to be getting longer and longer. No one wants to be caught with late afternoon, melted makeup! Primer will keep your makeup set all day (and night) long without the use of any harsh or toxic chemicals. Set yourself up for success by applying our silicone free primer, a best buddy that will keep your makeup lasting long after last call.

Packed with Antioxidants

Whether you prefer a Luminous Primer or a Mattifying Primer, both are infused with skin benefiting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Our silky formulas are super lightweight and can be compared more to a serum-primer consistency. The Luminous Primer ingredient highlight of red wine resveratrol helps give your skin an extra antioxidant boost, while the Mattifying Primer contains seaweed collagen for extra plumping minerals.

Creates a Smoother Surface by Minimizing Pores and Fine Lines

Just like you have to prep a canvas with gesso before painting a masterpiece with oils, you’ll also need to set a smooth foundation on your face before creating your makeup masterpiece. Applying primer before makeup application helps to hide imperfections and creates a smooth surface for easier makeup application. Primers work by helping to fill in fine lines and help minimize pores.

Adds Hydration

Our serum-like formula is not too thick or too thin. It’s the Goldilocks of primers and will not over-moisturizer your skin. It’s the perfect primer for oily skin to help combat shine.

Glowing Complexion

You might opt for the Luminous Primer, but don’t be fooled by the name. This primer dries to a matte finish with a very fine shimmer, via mica. You’ll have a beautiful, glowing after-effect that isn’t going to leave your skin glittery or shiny. The light reflective pigments diffuse skin’s imperfections, leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion.

Combat Humid, Hot Weather

We’re at the peak of summer and the heat (and other environmental stresses) are not about to let up anytime soon. Primers are here to help you avoid a makeup meltdown (literally)! They’ll act as a protective layer between your makeup and any oil or sweat produced by your skin. Sure you’ll be glowing this summer, but only via your on-point highlighting.

Works on All Skin Types and Skin Tones

Primer is a universal makeup product. You don’t need to stress about ‘will this work with my skintone?’ ‘Will this be okay for my {dry, oily or combination} skin?’ Since our Primers have no pigmentation or coloration, they’ll work for everyone. The result for every skin type and skin tone will be the same: flawless skin.

  1. Apply our Luminous Primer to your entire face.
  2. Use our Fruit Pigmented Long Lasting Concealer in your correct shade to touch up any blemishes or under eye area darkness.
  3. Apply our 2nd Skin Foundation in your correct shade with a damp Fruit Dyed Makeup Blender.
  4. With our Green Tea Fiber Brow Builder, gently stroke brush through each eyebrow for added fullness and definition.
  5. Create an evening look with our Fruit Pigmented Sex Kitten Palette, applying Risqué with our Cruelty Free Flat Shader Brush E30 all over the eyelid area, blending upward.
  6. Apply Provocateur as the bottom liner of the eye, under the water line using the same E30 brush.
  7. For an extra dramatic look, use Cat Eyes and apply with our Cruelty Free Smudger Brush E20 as a second color on the edges of your eyes blending in.
  8. Using our Cruelty Free Blush Brush F20, apply Allure blush to the apples of your cheeks and gently diffuse the color with our Cruelty Free Powder Brush F50. Apply the Luminizer (Sexy) lightly to highlight your cheeks and the bridge of your nose.
  9. Apply a thin line of Long Last Liquid Eye Liner: Blackberry to your eyelids, getting as close to your eyelashes as possible.
  10. Apply our Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara – Black Tea to complete your eyes. The more coats you apply, the more dramatic it will look.
  11. Complete your look with a wine-inspired shade on your lips. Use our Lip Caramel: Plum Wine to finish your evening look.