Primer - what does it do?

[HellonHeels]

I must have been under a rock for the past ten years because I've no idea at all. I barely understand serum, can anyone let me in on the secrets of modern skin care?

It provides a good base for your make up and makes it last longer.

The best around is Smash box imo BUT lanacane anti chaff gel had the same ingredients for 6 quid

Thanks!

So my new morning regime is currently serum then day cream. After that I normally slap on the foundation. Primer goes on top of serum + moisturiser?

Blimey. Until a couple of weeks ago I just put the foundation on bare skin. Bit of Simple moisturiser first if skin looked really parched. Must say my skin has responded well to the little bit of exta care I've been giving it.

Thin layers are your friend Hellon! Serum, then moisturise. Let it settle for 5-10 mins (have a cup of tea or coffee!) then primer where you need it. It is amazing the difference it can make!

Thanks

How do I know which bits need the primer?

Marking place (also thick)

I just use a small amount of primer all over my face

Marking place

I use a moisturiser with a serum in it
Will the primer stop the foundation from coming off or do We need to then powder on top?
Also can anyone link to good primers?

I think we need a very basic skincare101 lesson, for those of us who don't understand what all these different products are for!

Also thick! I have just started paying attention to my skin. I bought tinted moisturiser. Isn't that similar to foundation without the faff?

I don't like serum so I just moisturise then about ten mins later I apply Lanacane and then make up.

You can apply primer to everywhere or just where you want or need it. I use No7 Airbrush Away and apply to my t-zone, chin, cheeks and just under and around my eyes. I don't bother with the edge of my face or temples.
Put it where you think or find your foundation goes uneven or slides off. Powder on top will help hold your foundation/concealer in place (use a big brush in a downwards motion, you are not painting a wall!)
Ghost, tinted moisturiser is a sheer coverage, so won't cover blemishes etc very well but will help even out the skintone and tends to looks quite fresh and glowy.
As I said above, thin layers! When I use my primer, I use about the size of a skittle for the areas where I apply!

Primer goes on just before your makeup, a thin layer all over the face. Don't rub it in, just let it absorb a bit and then on with the makeup.

It really does keep your makeup from sliding off.

The Nivea one is a good budget option if you just want to have a go.

What the heck is serum?!

I always use an eye primer (Urban Decay in Eden) but not always a face primer and if I do it's just a dab on cheeks and chin. Never use serum in the morning, just at night as its easier. So cleanse, tone, moisturise, eye primer , eye make up, foundation then the rest of make up.

Tinted moisturiser doesn't have the same level of coverage as foundation. I wear tinted moisturiser or bb cream in summer when I have a tan but foundation in winter when skin is paler and skin tone more noticeable.

I see bb on loads of ads. What is it?

Blemish balm cream, not as heavy as foundation and is nice for a very sheer natural coverage. But you need to go for grown up brands as the teenage ones (17, Rimmel) tend to be gloopy and thick and nasty. I use Too Faced and its fab and has SPF as well.

What is this bargainous lanacane stuff? Have been wanting to try primer for ages, but scared of the high prices!

I have very very oily greasy skin and have experimented with different foundations and primers. Have found the best combo for me is Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro all over face followed by Benefit Porefessional on my oily T-zone followed by Mac studio fix foundation. I daren't use moisturiser cos my face would instantly just slide right off

Just to confuse you all further but Ive just found out recently they do colour correcting primers now too.

I always have redness on my cheeks so i was searching on smashbox and found a green coloured primer. (they do travel sizes for approx £10, and when it arrived i think It will last a good 4-6 months), its not that small at all actually. It arrived the other day and i have to say having never used a primer at all my skin felt and looked amazing! I need to work on my foundation now, they sent me a sample of their bb cream and some halo powder which was fabulous, but bb cream seemed to have gone walkies by 1pm. But the primer - I will be ordering the large size now.

Oh and if you come across something on the internet and unsure what it is or does, search for it on youtube, there will always be somebody who has made a video and tells you what its for and shows you how to use it.