Is it necessary to apply a primer before putting foundation on?

WHY APPLY A PRIMER?

Primer is often referred to as a base for Foundation or a Foundation primer. They are most commonly used to achieve a controlled matte finish. It isn't necessary to use a Primer before foundation, yet there are many benefits to adding this product into your makeup bag. It all depends on your skin-type, skin concerns and the skin-finish that you desire. Each of these attributes will define what type of formula you would select to include in your beauty routine.
If your primer has skin enhancing ingredients such as iridescence or mica, remember that this means you will have a high shine glow under your makeup. This will affect the finish of your foundation and other products that you put on top.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PRIMER?

There are many different benefits options to look out for that will enhance your skin texture and the wear of your foundation. The magic of this product layer means it will also improve the wear of all other face makeup. Primers are a makeup artists’ secret to achieving long-wearing foundation for professional situations and in real-life! Think of them as your all -day filter.
Overall MAC Primers are designed to improve the texture and tone of the skin. Through special multi-functional ingredients in one bottle, these products will multi-task your skin concerns. Often they are able to blur lines and imperfections, control oil whilst acting as a moisturizer. Some MAC Priming products even reduce redness with active ingredients such as Mulberry Root and Algae extracts and even-out pigmentation overtime with Vitamin and Gentian Root. Think about your skin priorities and you will be able to find a product that is personalized for you.

When adding a priming layer to your makeup, you should think about using a small pea size amount and target only in the areas that you need it. This will help you to reduce the amount of product that you use and save you money! Make sure that it is evenly applied on the areas that you do use it on, as you do not want your makeup to congeal over the top of it.
Apply a small amount of your chosen Primer to the T-zone for a photoshop-beauty effect. Optical blurring ingredients will tackle open pores or textured skin. Like with skincare, use your fingers to apply the product as the heat from your fingers will help it to melt onto the skin and you can easily control how much you put on. A brush may accidentally, soak up too much of the product and it wouldn't be as effective as it should be.

DO PRIMERS REPLACE SKINCARE?

Although a Primer may have moisturizers in the ingredients, you may need to continue to apply a small amount of your skincare moisturizer for extra hydration or on-going skin treatment. Once you see the effects on your overall makeup, you will not be able to live without it.
Skincare should be applied sparingly under your chosen primer.

Skincare will affect the properties any product that is placed over it. If you have dryer skin and use rich skincare products, use a small amount on the cheeks only and avoid the t-zone. For any makeup routine, gel-based products work the best under makeup as they hydrate and smooth without the added weight of a normal cream. Using small amounts of gel-based skincare under your makeup will mean your priming product works the way it should. You can then revert to a richer skincare routine for night-time. Skin repairs through the night, so this would mean you make the most of the richer ingredients.

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