Foundation for foundation. Makeup base - what is it? How to choose the right makeup base and how to use it? Base for oily skin

Girls often use fluids or any available moisturizing products as a basis for applying foundation. They make the skin silky and ensure uniform application of cosmetics. A makeup base is needed to obtain perfect skin with an even, radiant color, as well as to extend the life of your makeup.

What is a makeup base and why is it needed?

A makeup base is a special cosmetic product that helps prepare the skin for further application of makeup. According to many makeup artists, this product is not a must-have in your makeup bag, but will be very useful for special occasions. It is not recommended to use the base every day due to its ability to clog pores. It is thanks to its dense consistency that it eliminates small wrinkles and irregularities on the epidermis, which make it difficult to distribute foundation.

Why do you need a makeup base:

  • For long-lasting make-up. Due to the mineral particles that are often included in such products, this product absorbs skin secretions and moisture. Due to this, shadows, powder and foundation stay on the face much longer than usual;
  • For perfectly smooth skin. Many people have noticed that even after applying a thick foundation, some imperfections remain noticeable. In order for the epidermis to be smooth and brightened, “like in the picture,” you need to use a special base;
  • To create the effect of inner glow. Mineral particles, in addition to absorbing properties, also have the ability to reflect light. Thanks to this property, the makeup base creates the effect of a soft natural glow of the epidermis.

Types of makeup bases

Depending on the functions they perform, makeup bases are classified according to their properties.

Among all products there are types:

Leveling base

Almost no professional make-up is complete without smoothing the epidermis. There is an opinion that such a procedure can be replaced with moisturizing cream, but this is not so. The skin of the eyes, cheeks, lips and even décolleté requires deep nourishment and filling of folds. Only this approach will ensure high-quality foundation application.

This option is also worth choosing if you urgently need to moisturize your face before applying the main layer of makeup, and also eliminate peeling. Often, products are enriched with vitamin or moisturizing complexes and have a light fluid or mousse structure.

Givenchy Actimine (Givenchy)– a good base for any makeup, characterized by the ability to neutralize yellow tints. Ideal for use with foundation that has a yellow or other unnaturally warm tint. Contains milk extracts, kiwi and other fruit extracts. A little cheaper, but very similar, Givenchy Mister smooth base lissante.


L’Oreal Lumi Magique Base Concentre (Loreal Magic)– an inexpensive makeup base that performs several properties at once. It mattifies and hides skin imperfections, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and prepares the epidermis for applying foundation or pressed cosmetic products. From a series of products, we also recommend trying L’Oreal Paris Infaillible Primer Base (L'Oreal Infaillible).


An excellent summer leveling base. Provides SPF 18, enriched with vitamins and mineral particles. Additionally, it has a soft moisturizing complex: smoothes the skin, but does not create a “wet” shine effect.


Concealing base

This is a pigmented or colored base. It differs from similar products by the presence of a certain shade in the structure. This allows you to more effectively hide some imperfections. For example, green VOV Pure Make-up Base is often used to correct problem skin.

Another feature of such products is their high density. To narrow pores and hide certain unevenness, the product should have a fairly thick consistency. Therefore, such products are often not suitable for daily use.

Collistar Face Primer Evening Brightening (Colistrar)– an elite base containing microdispersed mineral powder, stearic acid, mica. Tops the ranking of the most recommended databases of last year. It has reflective properties and does not contain silicones.


Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser (Maybelline)– a chic corrective base for everyday makeup. Unlike many analogues, it can be used daily and belongs to the middle segment. Contains cherry extract and safe silicones.


Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel (Chanel) An almost completely natural moisturizing foundation for any age group of women. The main feature of this product is its versatility: when applied locally, the base becomes a highlighter, foundation or tint veil. Contains kelp extract, licorice extracts, witch hazel, rose water, mineral particles.


Silicone base

Contains silicones as the main components. With their help, it provides a soft and uniform coating, a kind of beige veil. Ideal for creating evening makeup, as it is often water-repellent. Helps add radiance to the skin, prolong durability and improve evenness of foundation application.

Artdeco Make Up Base with Anti-aging Effect (Artdeco)– a dense enough base to replace the main foundation. On the face it creates the effect of a thin veil, evenly distributed over the folds and depressions. It has a slight lifting effect, contains safe silicones, and does not clog pores.


Manly Pro Elixir HD (Menly) Suitable for dry and dehydrated skin. It can be used as an everyday moisturizer, but applied in a thin layer, without excess. It is a budget analogue of the more famous Givenchy product. Contains extracts from plants, as well as silicone compounds.


Eclat Minute– pearlescent silicone base with polymers that add shine. As a result of application, the effect of illuminating the epidermis is formed. Very durable, but soft, due to which it does not clog pores. Suitable for use as a highlighter.


Base for oily skin

The main difference between a base for oily skin and any other is its consistency. It should be as light as possible so as not to clog pores, but at the same time dense enough to eliminate shine. Enriched with mineral components, extracts from various plants and oils.

Often non-comedogenic, which means it can be used every day. Also contains a minimal amount of silicones and additional moisturizing complexes. The most famous products are:

Korean Holika Holika Naked Face Tone-Up Base (Holika Holika)– ideal for problematic skin. This makeup base is enriched with minerals, plant extracts and reflective particles.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer oil-free (Smashbox)– a shining base for any makeup. It has strong absorbent properties, eliminates oily shine and inflammation. Enriched with vitamins A, C, E, plant extracts, fruit extracts.


Max Factor Face Finiti All Day Primer (Max Factor)– professional basis. Known for its non-comedogenicity, due to which it can be used on problematic and sensitive skin. Contains moisturizing components and vitamin complexes.


How to apply makeup base on your face

To properly apply your makeup base, it is important to prepare your face. The skin is cleansed of dead cells by scrubbing, after which it is moisturized with day cream. Depending on the type of foundation chosen, it is recommended to select a cream with UF factors. We recommend NIVEA pre-makeup (Nivea).

Video: makeup base - choosing a primer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-umIMs2FHLw

Instructions on how to use Nyx Photo-loving primer (Nyx):

  1. To create a dense layer, you need to apply the base using tapping movements using your fingertips. This technique is suitable for those with problematic or very dry epidermis. If you need a thin layer (to improve the distribution of foundation), then it is better to use a sponge;
  2. The product should be applied along massage lines. The base does not rub, but is driven into the skin. The fact is that any top or primer becomes invisible with intensive rubbing. Therefore, it is better to simply gently distribute the product over the skin by tapping;
  3. When the base is absorbed, you can apply foundation.

Which makeup base is better - review

Eva Mosaic Perfect Matt Primer (Eva Mosaic) consists of mineral particles and silicone compounds. Gives the skin a matte glow, normalizes pore function, and prolongs the durability of makeup.


Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer (Dior) Offers not only the creation of a dense and uniform base for makeup, but also gentle moisturizing. This base has a very delicate mousse structure and does not form a film on the face when applied. Contains foam oil and alpinia extract.


Oriflame The ONE IlluSkin Face Primer (Oriflame)– an excellent tool for visually narrowing pores and smoothing the skin. Contains silicone components and a moisturizing complex, prolongs the durability of the foundation, suitable for use on the eyes. This is a complete analogue of Avon (Avon) Lux, but costs slightly less.


Oriflame The ONE IlluSkin Face Primer

You can find out what a makeup base is: the photo shows examples of use and the most popular types of this cosmetic product. Some information is given about why a makeup base is needed and what decorative purposes its application serves.

Makeup base: photo and description

Applying foundation is the first step after skin care in preparing your face for makeup. The basics have changed a lot in recent years, there are so many of them, and choosing the right one can be difficult. Cream foundations, once heavy and dense, are now smooth and light. This makes them easy to blend and blends with natural sebum. There are also clear gel foundations that last incredibly long. They can be used either alone or applied under an opaque product. The textures and shades of liquid foundations are more natural than in the past.

A common and popular makeup base among modern women - pictured:

Why a makeup base?

As women age, foundation becomes the most important element of makeup. It’s great that they feel comfortable “wearing it”; the foundation has become an integral part of their appearance.

There is no clear answer to the question of why a modern woman needs a makeup base. This is both a protective function and a decorative correction of minor blemishes of the skin and zoning of the color of the epithelium.

How to choose a makeup base: types of foundations

Before choosing a makeup base, you should consult with a cosmetologist who will determine your skin type and the necessary daily care measures, including the degree of protection from ultraviolet rays. When purchasing foundation, there is no better way to test the color than by applying it to the inside of your arm. If you plan to apply powder on top so that the skin looks matte and the makeup lasts longer, then you need to apply powder on top of the base. In a store, don't be afraid to ask the clerk to look at your hand with foundation applied to it in daylight. Take out the powder if you have it with you and apply it over your foundation. If the powder makes your foundation darker or heavier, then it's not for you.

We invite you to learn about the types of makeup bases that can be used at home and are not difficult to use.

The specified file on Include Me shortcode does not exist.

How to use makeup base

Before using makeup foundation, determine the difference in your skin tone in different areas. For example, you have tanned skin in the décolleté area. In these cases, deepen the complexion with a darker foundation. When choosing a darker foundation, you should try it not only on the inside of your hand, but also on an area of ​​skin on the lower jaw or neck. Then, if you want to compare two shades or two consistencies, you can try them on both sides of your lower jaw. Although a clearer product may appear lighter or darker in the bottle than a less clear product, when blended, the less clear product will be closer in color to the product's true color.

Gel base for makeup

The gel makeup base is very lightweight and creates a smooth matte finish with light coverage. The gel will only highlight flaky skin; it is an ideal product for women who do not like the feeling of foundation on their face, and for those who are in a hurry. The gel base can be used alone or applied under makeup. Since the gel base dries quickly, it must be quickly applied and blended. There are currently a limited number of tones available for sale.

Liquid makeup foundation

The specified file on Include Me shortcode does not exist.

Liquid foundation comes in different types: some are sheer, while others offer more coverage. This foundation can be applied with your fingertips or a damp sponge. Place your fingers together, apply a small amount to the ends and blend it out. Or, dot foundation in the center of the face, where more coverage is typically needed, and use your fingertips to quickly blend foundation outward. The sponge allows you to discreetly blend out your foundation and then work your way back to areas that need more coverage, like your nose or cheeks.

A foundation brush is great for blending out cream foundation, especially in limited areas if you're working with the flat side. This illustration shows how to hold the brush to apply cream foundation.

Transparent makeup base

While a sheer foundation creates a heavier, silky finish with more coverage, you'll still need to apply concealer if you have under-eye circles and other imperfections. On some skin types (usually thin skin and women's skin who do not use night cream), the cream foundation remains on the surface and looks too heavy.

The specified file on Include Me shortcode does not exist.

How to Apply Foundation

The method of applying makeup base largely depends on the natural shade and condition of your skin. Below are some recommendations from makeup artists.

Help yellowish or dull skin: Even if there are red patches on your face in places, your skin can still yellow and become dull as you age. Diet, general health and sun exposure all have a cumulative effect on the skin.

If you have a tanned complexion, your skin will become brighter if you warm it up with either a tinted moisturizer or a warm, golden foundation. The same applies to dark-skinned women, who are better off using products with a golden sheen or a reddish tint.

For very fair skin, a tinted moisturizer can make your skin look dull, making your face appear darker than your neck, which will detract from the skin's natural beauty. You need to look at the neck and chest to see if the face is darker. If this is the case, then use a very light liquid foundation, which I blend until it becomes invisible. This brightens and refreshes the skin. The new gel foundations also do a good job of this, as long as you can find a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone. In some cases, white foundation is actually used on very fair skin to achieve the desired effect (usually red-haired women).

Girls often use fluids or any available moisturizing products as a basis for applying foundation. They make the skin silky and ensure uniform application of cosmetics. A makeup base is needed to obtain perfect skin with an even, radiant color, as well as to extend the life of your makeup.

What is a makeup base and why is it needed?

A makeup base is a special cosmetic product that helps prepare the skin for further application of makeup. According to many makeup artists, this product is not a must-have in your makeup bag, but will be very useful for special occasions. It is not recommended to use the base every day due to its ability to clog pores. It is thanks to its dense consistency that it eliminates small wrinkles and irregularities on the epidermis, which make it difficult to distribute foundation.

Why do you need a makeup base:

  • For long-lasting make-up. Due to the mineral particles that are often included in such products, this product absorbs skin secretions and moisture. Due to this, shadows, powder and foundation stay on the face much longer than usual;
  • For perfectly smooth skin. Many people have noticed that even after applying a thick foundation, some imperfections remain noticeable. In order for the epidermis to be smooth and brightened, “like in the picture,” you need to use a special base;
  • To create the effect of inner glow. Mineral particles, in addition to absorbing properties, also have the ability to reflect light. Thanks to this property, the makeup base creates the effect of a soft natural glow of the epidermis.

Types of makeup bases

Depending on the functions they perform, makeup bases are classified according to their properties.

Among all products there are types:

Leveling base

Almost no professional make-up is complete without smoothing the epidermis. There is an opinion that such a procedure can be replaced with moisturizing cream, but this is not so. The skin of the eyes, cheeks, lips and even décolleté requires deep nourishment and filling of folds. Only this approach will ensure high-quality foundation application.

This option is also worth choosing if you urgently need to moisturize your face before applying the main layer of makeup, and also eliminate peeling. Often, products are enriched with vitamin or moisturizing complexes and have a light fluid or mousse structure.

Givenchy Actimine (Givenchy)– a good base for any makeup, characterized by the ability to neutralize yellow tints. Ideal for use with foundation that has a yellow or other unnaturally warm tint. Contains milk extracts, kiwi and other fruit extracts. A little cheaper, but very similar, Givenchy Mister smooth base lissante.


L’Oreal Lumi Magique Base Concentre (Loreal Magic)– an inexpensive makeup base that performs several properties at once. It mattifies and hides skin imperfections, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and prepares the epidermis for applying foundation or pressed cosmetic products. From a series of products, we also recommend trying L’Oreal Paris Infaillible Primer Base (L'Oreal Infaillible).


An excellent summer leveling base. Provides SPF 18, enriched with vitamins and mineral particles. Additionally, it has a soft moisturizing complex: smoothes the skin, but does not create a “wet” shine effect.


Concealing base

This is a pigmented or colored base. It differs from similar products by the presence of a certain shade in the structure. This allows you to more effectively hide some imperfections. For example, green VOV Pure Make-up Base is often used to correct problem skin.

Another feature of such products is their high density. To narrow pores and hide certain unevenness, the product should have a fairly thick consistency. Therefore, such products are often not suitable for daily use.

Collistar Face Primer Evening Brightening (Colistrar)– an elite base containing microdispersed mineral powder, stearic acid, mica. Tops the ranking of the most recommended databases of last year. It has reflective properties and does not contain silicones.


Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser (Maybelline)– a chic corrective base for everyday makeup. Unlike many analogues, it can be used daily and belongs to the middle segment. Contains cherry extract and safe silicones.


Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel (Chanel) An almost completely natural moisturizing foundation for any age group of women. The main feature of this product is its versatility: when applied locally, the base becomes a highlighter, foundation or tint veil. Contains kelp extract, licorice extracts, witch hazel, rose water, mineral particles.


Silicone base

Contains silicones as the main components. With their help, it provides a soft and uniform coating, a kind of beige veil. Ideal for creating evening makeup, as it is often water-repellent. Helps add radiance to the skin, prolong durability and improve evenness of foundation application.

Artdeco Make Up Base with Anti-aging Effect (Artdeco)– a dense enough base to replace the main foundation. On the face it creates the effect of a thin veil, evenly distributed over the folds and depressions. It has a slight lifting effect, contains safe silicones, and does not clog pores.


Manly Pro Elixir HD (Menly) Suitable for dry and dehydrated skin. It can be used as an everyday moisturizer, but applied in a thin layer, without excess. It is a budget analogue of the more famous Givenchy product. Contains extracts from plants, as well as silicone compounds.


Eclat Minute– pearlescent silicone base with polymers that add shine. As a result of application, the effect of illuminating the epidermis is formed. Very durable, but soft, due to which it does not clog pores. Suitable for use as a highlighter.


Base for oily skin

The main difference between a base for oily skin and any other is its consistency. It should be as light as possible so as not to clog pores, but at the same time dense enough to eliminate shine. Enriched with mineral components, extracts from various plants and oils.

Often non-comedogenic, which means it can be used every day. Also contains a minimal amount of silicones and additional moisturizing complexes. The most famous products are:

Korean Holika Holika Naked Face Tone-Up Base (Holika Holika)– ideal for problematic skin. This makeup base is enriched with minerals, plant extracts and reflective particles.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer oil-free (Smashbox)– a shining base for any makeup. It has strong absorbent properties, eliminates oily shine and inflammation. Enriched with vitamins A, C, E, plant extracts, fruit extracts.


Max Factor Face Finiti All Day Primer (Max Factor)– professional basis. Known for its non-comedogenicity, due to which it can be used on problematic and sensitive skin. Contains moisturizing components and vitamin complexes.


How to apply makeup base on your face

To properly apply your makeup base, it is important to prepare your face. The skin is cleansed of dead cells by scrubbing, after which it is moisturized with day cream. Depending on the type of foundation chosen, it is recommended to select a cream with UF factors. We recommend NIVEA pre-makeup (Nivea).

Video: makeup base - choosing a primer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-umIMs2FHLw

Instructions on how to use Nyx Photo-loving primer (Nyx):

  1. To create a dense layer, you need to apply the base using tapping movements using your fingertips. This technique is suitable for those with problematic or very dry epidermis. If you need a thin layer (to improve the distribution of foundation), then it is better to use a sponge;
  2. The product should be applied along massage lines. The base does not rub, but is driven into the skin. The fact is that any top or primer becomes invisible with intensive rubbing. Therefore, it is better to simply gently distribute the product over the skin by tapping;
  3. When the base is absorbed, you can apply foundation.

Which makeup base is better - review

Eva Mosaic Perfect Matt Primer (Eva Mosaic) consists of mineral particles and silicone compounds. Gives the skin a matte glow, normalizes pore function, and prolongs the durability of makeup.


Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer (Dior) Offers not only the creation of a dense and uniform base for makeup, but also gentle moisturizing. This base has a very delicate mousse structure and does not form a film on the face when applied. Contains foam oil and alpinia extract.


Oriflame The ONE IlluSkin Face Primer (Oriflame)– an excellent tool for visually narrowing pores and smoothing the skin. Contains silicone components and a moisturizing complex, prolongs the durability of the foundation, suitable for use on the eyes. This is a complete analogue of Avon (Avon) Lux, but costs slightly less.


Oriflame The ONE IlluSkin Face Primer

The vast majority of women try to improve their appearance with the help of decorative cosmetics, but sloppy makeup can, on the contrary, significantly spoil it. Even the best and most expensive foundation is not easy to apply evenly to skin with flaking, inflammation and various unevenness. Complexion is also important: not everyone has a soft pink or olive complexion, more often it is grayish, yellowish, pale or with redness and pigment spots, and not every foundation can cope with such a “source”. There is another problem: during the day, due to the heat and the intense pace of life, the makeup, so smooth and fresh in the morning, “floats.” Oily shine comes through, foundation and powder no longer lie as smoothly, and the result is stress and self-doubt, unnecessary either at a business meeting or on a date.

Professional make-up artists have long been using make-up bases in their work so that cosmetic products go on more smoothly and the make-up is more durable. Gradually, primers migrated from beauty salons to the dressing tables of ladies of different ages who appreciated these wonderful products.

What is a base and why is it needed?

A primer, also known as a foundation or base for makeup, is designed to smooth out the skin of the face, disguise its imperfections and fix the applied makeup. Mandatory components of all bases are silicones and pigments. The first ones even out the relief, the second ones even out the skin tone. Many products additionally contain caring components, for example, moisturizing or nourishing ones. SPF is often added to them to protect the skin from UV rays.

What types of makeup bases are there?

The best foundation for makeup is the right one. Manufacturers produce special primers for the skin of the face, eyelids, lips and even eyebrows and eyelashes. Each of these products has its own purposes, so the composition is different.

Face base:

  • evens out the skin texture, masking wrinkles and unevenness after inflammatory processes, enlarged pores and spider veins;
  • evens out the complexion: hides redness, age spots, freckles, circles under the eyes;
  • mattifies the skin, helping it remain velvety longer, without greasy shine;
  • makes makeup more durable.

The eyelid base solves 2 problems:

  • fixes shadows, preventing them from “rolling” in folds;
  • makes the color of the shadows more even and saturated.

Lip base smoothes them, filling cracks and smoothing out roughness. Lips instantly become well-groomed and lipstick fits well on them. In winter, when it's windy and cold, primer is the only way to use bright lipstick and look neat. Using the base, you can shade the contour of your lips and give the desired shape with a pencil.

The base for eyebrows fixes their shape, and for eyelashes it lengthens, the mascara goes on smoother, holds better and gives much more noticeable volume.

Different products for different areas of the face are not a whim of manufacturers and their marketers; one foundation cannot provide the necessary preparation for makeup for different skin types.

Let's get acquainted with the types of databases

Makeup bases differ in their texture, which determines the properties and features of use for different skin types.

  • Gel foundations are the lightest, often without pigment. They are recommended for women with oily skin, as they do not clog pores and reduce the risk of oily shine. For example, NYX HONEY DEW ME UP PRIMER with gold particles.
  • Fluids are a little denser, but still very light. They are recommended for good skin with minimal imperfections that do not require particularly active concealment, only matte finish and long-lasting makeup.
  • Creams are even denser, they contain powder and more pigment, so they mask and mattify better, such as NYX HIGH DEFINITION PRIMER.
  • Thick mineral primers are available as a compact base in powder compact-like boxes, like NYX SOFT FOCUS PRIMER. Because of their texture, they mask even pronounced changes on the face well, plus they provide a dense matte finish, eliminating oily shine.
  • Eyelid and lip bases are often available in the form of sticks and pencils.

When choosing, the logic is simple: the more noticeable the defects on the face, the denser the product will be needed to effectively disguise them before makeup. If your skin condition is good, choose the lightest base possible so as not to clog your pores. In addition, thick foundations are much more difficult to apply and must be removed using special cosmetics.

Creams and mineral foundations are often used for evening makeup or photo shoots, while fluids are more suitable for daytime makeup. There is also seasonality: in the heat, light products are preferable, and in winter, thick ones.

Choosing a base color for makeup

The tinting base for makeup with pigment should be selected depending on the color of the skin: there are light and dark, with yellow or pink undertones. The range of foundations is usually not as wide as foundations, since their task is not makeup, but only preparation for it. Primers with reflective particles smooth out the skin well.

There are also colored bases on sale - bright tubes look unusual among beige and soft pink ones. These are special primers that allow you to effectively cope with skin imperfections where ordinary ones do not give the desired result.

There are several types of colored makeup bases:

  • The white base brightens, that is, refreshes the skin and hides age spots well.
  • Blue also successfully fights pigmentation and freckles, and “refreshes” the face after sunbathing.
  • Violet smoothes out excessive yellowness and too dark tan.
  • Green is the best remedy for redness, inflammation, and spider veins.
  • Yellow ideally covers dark circles under the eyes and bruises after mesotherapy or other injections.
  • Pink is a salvation for tired skin with a grayish tint; it gives it some “porcelain” and brightens brown circles under the eyes well.

Important: on the face the base will not be as bright as in the tube; the intense color acquires the desired natural shade upon contact with the skin. Tinted primers “work” only with skin color; they are usually not so dense as to hide unevenness, such as pimples. Concealer is more suitable for these purposes. Cream colored makeup bases, for example, NYX STUDIO PERFECT PRIMER, are not recommended to be used daily, but lighter translucent NYX COLOR CORRECTING LIQUID PRIMERS are absolutely safe even for problem skin.

Velvet or shine?

Everyone has long been accustomed to the idea that the skin should be matte, without an oily sheen, but now, increasingly, makeup experts say that it should shine and glow - this makes the face fresher and younger. Important: radiance is not shine, but that mysterious glow that mother-of-pearl particles give to the skin. This fragile boundary cannot be crossed, so the base with mother-of-pearl must be applied very carefully and carefully dosed: if you overdo it, the radiance instantly turns into glitter. For those who are especially careful, we recommend using this foundation instead of a highlighter.

How to apply makeup foundation?

Any type of base is applied only to previously cleansed skin, that is, it is recommended to first wash with gel, foam, or wipe your face with micellar water. After washing your face, it is better to moisturize your face with tonic and apply a light day cream. Even a primer with an enriched composition cannot replace daily skin care, especially dry skin. The cream should be absorbed within 15 minutes; It is better to blot the excess with a napkin. Only after this is the face ready to use the foundation and further makeup.

Like all other cosmetics, the foundation is applied along massage lines from the center to the periphery. To do this, you can use your fingers, a sponge or a brush - the choice depends on your habits and consistency of the product. A sponge is the best way to control the amount of product; with other methods, excess is often left on the face. The other side of the coin is the increased consumption of product when applied with a sponge; in this matter, fingers are much more economical. The base needs to be driven in, not rubbed in, to avoid streaks. It is more convenient to apply fluids or creams with a brush, using short, neat strokes. The coverage with a brush is more dense than with a sponge. An insufficient amount of product can also create problems: it will lie unevenly, in spots, in this case you won’t have to dream of even makeup. Primers in the form of sprays are very convenient, for example, NYX FIRST BASE MAKEUP PRIMER SPRAY - they have a liquid texture and apply easily and evenly to the skin.

It takes a few minutes for the foundation to finally “set”, only after that you can start applying decorative cosmetics. It is not advisable to use bases every day, especially thick ones: silicone blocks pores, which can lead to acne. For those with problem skin, it is not recommended to leave the primer on the face for more than 10 hours.

According to reviews, makeup applied correctly to the base can be enjoyed without clouds for at least 4-5 hours, and sometimes longer.

Makeup base, or primer, is a light product, usually without a tinting effect, which is used before applying foundation or powder. This product can do a lot:

    prolong the durability of makeup;

    visually smooth out skin texture;

    adjust color nuances.

The primer usually contains oils, glycerin, and shining particles. © iStock

What functions does the base perform?

Choose a primer according to the task you want to solve.

    With the help of absorbent and sebum-regulating components, the base reduces sebum production. This allows you to extend the durability of your makeup and delay the appearance of oily shine for several hours.

    Featuring nourishing and moisturizing ingredients such as oils, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, the primer removes flaking, moisturizes and nourishes skin.

    Primers-color correctors contain pigments that allow level out color unevenness skin. Red will hide blue circles under the eyes, green will hide redness, and pink will add freshness to a dull face.

    Silicone bases visually smooth the skin. They fill pores and fine lines, making them almost invisible. As a result, foundation or powder is applied in a more even layer.


Choose a makeup base according to your skin type. © iStock

First of all, focus on your individual characteristics, because now makeup bases are developed taking into account the needs of each skin type.

    For dry skin

    A good choice would be a makeup base that guarantees hydration: it will enhance the effect of the cream and create an additional barrier between the skin and foundation, which often dries it out.

    For oily skin

    The eternal problem of oily skin is shine in the forehead and nose, the appearance of which can be delayed for a decent amount of time thanks to mattifying primers. They will also make your makeup last longer.

    For combination skin

    Typically, this type of skin is only shiny in the T-zone, so you can only use mattifying primers in this area. You can also distribute the silicone base there: it will smooth out and visually reduce pores.

    For problem skin

    It is characterized by inflammation and redness. A green concealer can help disguise red pigment, but be careful: when applied all over your face, it will give an unattractive, earthy tone, so use these products spot on.


Primers are silicone, moisturizing, matting. © iStock

Types of primers

Now let's talk about what makeup bases exist on the market and what you should pay attention to when choosing them.

Matting

Controls shine through the drying effect of alcohol and absorbent ingredients such as talc. It is important not to dry out oily skin - this will only cause it to produce even more sebum.

When using mattifying primers on a regular basis, do not neglect moisturizing.

Silicone

Fill in uneven areas, visually smoothing them out. But not every skin likes silicones. Sometimes these products cause clogged pores and inflammation.

Tinted

As for pink primers, they are not suitable for skin with closely located blood vessels, as they will only emphasize the redness.

Moisturizing

These bases are unlikely to harm dry skin, but can contribute to clogged pores on oily skin due to their high oil content.

Primer composition

Below is a short list of the main components that can be included in the makeup base.

  1. 1

    Alcohol- an aggressive substance that cosmetics manufacturers still include in mattifying products.

  2. 2

    Talc absorbs fat.

  3. 3

    Mika- especially finely ground pearlescent particles that give the skin radiance.

  4. 4

    Silicones smooth out unevenness and form a protective barrier between the skin and foundation.

  5. 5

    Oils, glycerin and other humectants soften the skin and prepare it for makeup.

Cosmetics review

We offer you three products with good caring properties that can be used as makeup bases.


Products that are suitable as a base for makeup

Product name Action Active Ingredients

Skin tone correcting and evening product, Kiehl’s

Due to silicones, it visually evens out skin tone and texture and reduces the visibility of pores. Improves skin condition, the effect is noticeable after 4 weeks. LHA acid, lentil and eperua bark extracts

Top Secrets Instant Moisture Glow, Yves Saint Laurent

Moisturizes the skin for 72 hours and gives it radiance thanks to a special light-reflecting complex. It has a light toning effect and adapts to most skin tones.

glycerin, ginger extract

Day anti-aging face cream “Magic care”, Garnier

The texture suits all skin tones not only to hydrate but also reduce the signs of aging. proretinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, ginger extract

Top