7 Primer Hacks to Help Make Applying Makeup Easier

By now, you likely realize that when it comes to makeup application, it’s all about that base. Meaning: If you want to help create a smooth canvas to apply the rest of your makeup, it’s time to break out the primer! Here are seven primer hacks that can come in handy when using it, as well as primer product picks from L’Oréal Paris. Ace your base!

Primer Hack #1: Remember the Phrase “Less Is More”

The more the merrier may apply to puppies and parties, but that shouldn’t be how you view primer. In fact, covering your entire face takes less primer than you probably think. Depending on which one you use, a pea-sized amount should generally be all you need. The L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base has a silky, lightweight formula that glides onto skin for a matte finish. Apply dot by dot and blend in a gentle circular motion over your entire face or to targeted areas (think: under your eyes to smooth over fine lines).

Primer Hack #2: Apply It to Your Lids

Don’t shy away from using primer on your eyelids. Look for one that’s designed to be used before eye makeup application to help create a smooth base for eye shadow and eyeliner. Eye primer can also help ensure your eye makeup doesn’t crease. Just dot it onto your lids with your ring finger and blend out.

Primer Hack #3: Tame Your Brows with It

You’re one primer hack away from bold-looking brows. Pat primer directly onto your brows before brushing through with a spoolie. Wear alone to help keep every hair in place or layer your brow powders and pencils over the primer.

Primer Hack #4: Help Make Lipstick Last

Face primer and eye primer aren’t the only two kinds of this product—lip primer exists, too! Pat one on to your lips before applying lipstick to help your color glide on more easily and stay in place. In a pinch, you can use a tiny bit of foundation or concealer in place of lip primer.

Primer Hack #5: Disguise the Look of Redness

Want to hide the look of redness? It’s all about going green—with your primer, that is. Green can help neutralize the look of redness, since these two hues are opposite each other on the color wheel. The L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets™ Professional Color Correcting Primers Anti-Redness Primer has a green tint to help counteract the appearance of redness. Wear it alone or under makeup. For a full coverage look, follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation.

Primer Hack #6: Highlight Your Complexion

Strobing is one of the most popular makeup techniques around these days, as it can help bring attention to your best features. If you want to get in on the strobing fun, reach for a primer that also highlights. The L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer can be worn under or mixed with foundation for a soft light illusion. You can also use it to create a sculpted effect by highlighting specific areas of your face. Meanwhile, the L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Radiance Booster can help instantly brighten the look of your skin with a radiant finish. The formula is infused with nourishing oils, making this lightweight, non-greasy primer a good choice if you are looking to help smooth and even the look of skin.

Primer Hack #7: Finish with Powder or Setting Spray

Using primer as the first step in your makeup routine is certainly a good idea if you want to help keep your look in place—but how you finish things off is important, too. So, once you’ve applied everything, finish off with a dusting of loose setting powder or a spritz of a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray. Holding the bottle 8-10 inches away, close your eyes and spray four to six times in an X and T motion.