Primer

Up next in our introduction to makeup: primer.

There are a couple of different kinds of primer---lip primer, eyelid primer, and mascara primer---but here
we're referring to foundation primer. That's what most people mean when they say "primer."

Primer is applied after your moisturizer, but BEFORE your foundation (that's why it's sometimes called a
"foundation primer"), and it's another superstar in the magnificent drama that is makeup. It has two
main purposes: to provide a smooth base on which your makeup can rest, and to dramatically increase
the longevity of your makeup.

But---and this is why primer is a lot of people's favorite makeup product---it can do a lot more. It can:

Seal pores. No matter how big or small your pores are, foundation makeup makes pores less visible.

Smooth fine lines. By filling in gaps in your epidermis, it makes your skin appear flat and smooth.

Help solve pigmentation issues. Some foundations have skin-care ingredients, and can correct dark spots
over time.

Reduce redness and cover acne. Foundations vary greatly in the amount of pigment they contain, and
some can be used to cover rosacea and blemishes. Others have salicylic acid, that magical, oil-and-
bacteria-absorbing stuff that fights acne and pimples.