Best Primer for Every Skin Type: How to Choose & Use It Correctly

Manya Makhija

Manya Makhija

03 Mar ‘25
Primer Makeup Skin Type Oily skin
Primer Makeup Skin Type Oily skin

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Ever wondered why your foundation doesn’t stay put or why your skin looks uneven even after applying makeup? The answer lies in choosing the right primer. A good primer acts as a base for your makeup, smoothing out imperfections, controlling oil, and ensuring long-lasting wear. But with so many options available, how do you pick the best primer for your skin type?

This guide will help you understand what is the use of primers, how to choose the perfect one for your skin, and how to use it correctly for a flawless finish.

The Science of Makeup Primers: How They Work & Why You Need One

Primers aren’t just for aesthetics—they also improve skin texture and makeup longevity. They work by creating a protective barrier between your skin and makeup, helping to fill in pores, fine lines, and imperfections. Primers can also control oil, hydrate the skin, and enhance the vibrancy of your makeup. Whether you're looking for a mattifying effect, added glow, or hydration, there's a primer for every skin type and concern. Using a primer ensures your makeup stays flawless throughout the day.

Types of Primers & Their Benefits

Primers are a crucial step in any makeup routine as they create a smooth base for foundation and help it last longer. There are different types of primers designed to address specific skin concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of primers and their benefits:

1. Mattifying Primers

Mattifying Primers

  • Benefits: Mattifying primers are designed to control excess oil and reduce shine, making them perfect for those with oily or combination skin. They help your makeup stay in place all day without becoming greasy.
  • Best For: Oily skin or those prone to shine.
  • How It Works: Mattifying primers absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of large pores, creating a smooth, matte finish.

2. Hydrating Primers

Hydrating Primers

  • Benefits: Hydrating primers are ideal for dry skin as they add a layer of moisture and ensure that your foundation goes on smoothly without clinging to dry patches.
  • Best For: Dry or dehydrated skin.
  • How It Works: These primers contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that lock in moisture, leaving the skin feeling plump and hydrated.

3. Illuminating Primers

Illuminating Primers

  • Benefits: Illuminating primers are formulated to add a subtle glow, perfect for brightening dull or tired skin. They create a radiant, lit-from-within look and help achieve a dewy, fresh finish.
  • Best For: Dull, dry, or lackluster skin.
  • How It Works: These primers are infused with light-reflecting particles that give your skin a luminous glow, enhancing your complexion without being too glittery.

4. Color-Correcting Primers

Color-Correcting Primers

  • Benefits: Color-correcting primers work to neutralize discoloration on the skin. They come in various shades to target different issues, such as redness, dark spots, or uneven skin tone.
  • Best For: Redness, acne scars, or uneven skin tone.
  • How It Works: Green primers neutralize redness, purple primers brighten dull skin, and yellow primers cancel out dark circles or discoloration.

5. Pore-Minimizing Primers

Pore-Minimizing Primers

  • Benefits: If you struggle with large pores, pore-minimizing primers create a smooth base by filling in pores, giving the skin a more even appearance.
  • Best For: Pore-prone or textured skin.
  • How It Works: These primers contain ingredients that blur the appearance of pores, leaving the skin looking flawless and smooth.

6. Smoothing Primers

Smoothing Primers

  • Benefits: Smoothing primers are designed to fill in fine lines and create a soft, velvety texture. They can be used to prep skin for foundation, giving you a flawless and airbrushed finish.
  • Best For: Mature skin or skin with visible fine lines.
  • How It Works: These primers have a silicone-based formula that fills in lines and creates a smooth canvas for makeup.

7. SPF Primers

SPF Primers

  • Benefits: Primers with SPF provide the added benefit of sun protection while smoothing the skin. They are perfect for daily use and prevent harmful UV rays from causing premature aging and skin damage.
  • Best For: Everyday sun protection and all skin types.
  • How It Works: These primers contain sunscreen ingredients that protect the skin from UV damage while prepping it for makeup.

8. Gel Primers

Gel Primers

  • Benefits: Gel primers are lightweight and have a cooling effect, making them ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. They help soothe inflammation and provide a smooth base for makeup.
  • Best For: Sensitive or acne-prone skin.
  • How It Works: Gel primers are hydrating and offer a smooth, breathable layer of primer, making them comfortable for extended wear.

How to Choose the Best Primer for Oily, Dry & Combination Skin

Step 1: What is a Primer & Why Do You Need It?

What is a Primer & Why Do You Need It?

A primer is a makeup base designed to create a smooth canvas for foundation. It helps in:

  • Blurring pores and imperfections
  • Controlling excess oil or hydrating dry areas
  • Making foundation last longer
  • Enhancing makeup finish (matte, dewy, or natural)

Step 2: How to Identify Your Skin Type

How to Identify Your Skin Type

Before choosing a primer, you need to know your skin type:

Oily

Oily

Skin gets shiny quickly, makeup doesn’t last long

Dry Skin

Dry Skin

Feels tight, flaky, or rough

Combination Skin

Combination Skin

Oily in the T-zone, dry in other areas

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive Skin

Prone to redness, irritation, or breakouts

Lakme Unreal Blur Perfect Primer

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Best Primer for Oily, Dry, and Combination Skin: Top Picks

  • Oily Skin: Mattifying, oil-free primers work best. Look for silicone-based formulas to blur pores and absorb excess oil.
  • Dry Skin: Hydrating primers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to prevent foundation from looking patchy.
  • Combination Skin: Use different primers for different areas—mattifying for the T-zone and hydrating for dry spots.
  • Sensitive Skin: Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic primers to avoid irritation.

 

Best Pick:

Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer is a versatile silicone-based primer that works well for all skin types, blurring imperfections while giving a long-lasting base.

Best Primer: Hydrating vs. Mattifying: Which Primer is Right for You?

1. Mattifying Primers: Best for Oily Skin

Mattifying Primers: Best for Oily Skin

Mattifying primers help control shine, minimize pores, and extend makeup wear. Key ingredients to look for:

  • Silicone – Creates a smooth, poreless look
  • Kaolin Clay or Charcoal – Absorbs excess oil
  • Salicylic Acid – Helps prevent breakouts

Try This:

Lakmé Unreal Blur Perfect Primer has a lightweight, oil-free formula that blurs pores while controlling shine, making it a great choice for oily skin.

2. Hydrating Primers: Best for Dry Skin

Hydrating Primers: Best for Dry Skin

Hydrating primers boost moisture levels and prevent makeup from settling into dry patches. Key ingredients to look for:

  • Hyaluronic Acid – Retains moisture
  • Glycerin – Helps foundation glide smoothly
  • Vitamin E – Nourishes the skin

3. Combination Skin? Mix & Match!

Combination Skin? Mix & Match!

If you have combination skin, apply a mattifying primer on the T-zone and a hydrating primer on dry areas for the perfect balance.

Primer Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making (And How to Fix Them)

Even the best primer won’t work if you don’t apply it correctly. Avoid these common mistakes:

Mistake #1: Skipping Moisturiser

Skipping Moisturiser

  • Why it’s wrong: Primer is not a replacement for skincare
  • Fix: Always moisturise first, even if you have oily skin

Mistake #2: Using Too Much Primer

Using Too Much Primer

  • Why it’s wrong: Too much product can make your foundation slide off
  • Fix: Use a pea-sized amount and apply a thin layer

Mistake #3: Not Letting Primer Set

Not Letting Primer Set

  • Why it’s wrong: Applying foundation immediately can cause patchiness
  • Fix: Wait 30-60 seconds before applying makeup

Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Application Method

Using the Wrong Application Method

  • Fingers: Best for hydrating primers (warms up the product)
  • Brush: Best for pore-filling primers (even application)
  • Sponge: Best for a seamless, skin-like finish

Best Method:

Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer applies best with fingertips or a brush for a smooth, even base.

Do You Really Need a Primer? When to Use One & When to Skip It

Not everyone needs a primer daily. Here’s when you should definitely use one:

  • Hot Weather: Prevents makeup from melting
  • Long Events: Ensures foundation stays fresh
  • Photography: Creates a smooth, even skin tone

When You Can Skip It

  • If your skincare already provides a smooth base
  • If you prefer a natural, minimal makeup look

Pro Tip:

Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer works well for everyday wear AND special occasions!

The Best Application Techniques for Long-Lasting Makeup with Primer

How Much Primer Should You Really Use?

  • Less is more! A pea-sized amount is enough
  • Apply with fingers, a brush, or a sponge depending on the formula

Layering Primer for the Perfect Finish

  • Matte Finish: Pair with oil-free foundation & set with powder
  • Dewy Finish: Mix a hydrating primer with liquid foundation
  • Natural Look: Use just a primer & skip foundation

Do You Need Setting Spray or Powder After Primer?

  • For oily skin: Set with translucent powder
  • For long wear: Finish with a setting spray

 

The key to flawless makeup starts with the right primer. Whether you need oil control, hydration, or a poreless finish, choosing the best formula for your skin type makes all the difference.

Ready to upgrade your makeup routine? Find the best primer for your skin and get a smooth, long-lasting finish every time!

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Manya Makhija

Manya Makhija

Manya Makhija is a fashion and lifestyle writer. You’ll find her either scuba diving or consuming fashion over a cup of coffee.