Foundation foundation rating. Makeup base - what is it? How to choose the right makeup base and how to use it

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 application. decorative cosmetics. IN last years The basics have changed a lot, there are a lot 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 make-up base?

With age, for most women, the foundation becomes more important element make-up. It’s great that they feel comfortable “wearing it”; the foundation has become an integral part of their appearance.

A clear answer to the question of why a makeup base is needed modern woman, No. 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 necessary measures daily care, including the degree of protection against ultraviolet rays. When purchasing foundation, there is no better way to check the color than by applying it to your hand. inside. 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.

How to use makeup base

Before using makeup base, determine the difference in your skin tones. 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

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 and apply a small amount of product onto 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 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 base 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.

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 you have red patches in places on your face, your skin can still yellow and become dull as you age. Diet, general state health and sun exposure - all of this has a cumulative effect and affects the skin.

If a woman tanned face, skin will appear brighter when 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 your natural beauty skin. 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 work well for this, provided you can find a tone 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).

Base under Foundation– a basic product for smoothing skin texture. When used skillfully, it emphasizes the individual features of the face, increases the durability of makeup, and eliminates greasy shine. The foundation is recommended for use on any skin type, but each product has its own characteristics.

In our country technology correct application makeup is at the implementation stage. About 10 years ago, makeup foundation was called foundation. When a new product appeared in the world of cosmetics - base, women were perplexed as to why it was needed and what functions it performed. Many people still purposefully ignore the fashionable foundation, using nutritious cream or moisturizer.

healthy smooth skin faces are the key to an ideal beautiful makeup. But it is difficult to meet a girl with perfect epidermis. Red spots, acne marks, unevenness, depressions, small pimples, pigment spots and other minor defects force you to apply foundation in several layers to achieve desired result. As a result, the face looks unnatural, the layer of cream is visible to the naked eye, and the skin simply suffocates under the cosmetic mask.

The makeup base easily copes with problems such as:

  1. Irregularities in the upper layer of the epidermis;
  2. Uneven tone;
  3. Enlarged pores;
  4. Spots of increased pigmentation;
  5. Oily shine.

The base foundation for foundation prepares the face for makeup, protects against aggressive components, moisturizes, and eliminates flaking. Creates the perfect texture for long-lasting makeup.

Varieties of base

The product is available in several variations. When choosing, you should start from the problems and defects of your own skin.

Features of the color base:

  • Green. Masks red color - burst capillaries, inflamed pimples, spots, insect bites, allergic rashes.
  • Pink. Essential for pale skin. Adds freshness and health.
  • Purple. Eliminates yellowness. Conceals age spots and freckles. Recommended for women who smoke.
  • Yellow. Masks all defects of blue color. Circles under the eyes, bruises, scratches.
  • White. Refreshes the face, adds health and youth.

Any foundation camouflages fine wrinkles, visually tightens the facial contour. WITH professional basis You can disguise any defects. It can be liquid, cream, gel, dry.

How to choose a base for foundation

To choose an effective cosmetic product for your skin, you need to decide on the type. This is the first rule good choice. The rest come from problems that need to be eliminated, the desired result.

  1. To make your makeup look as natural as possible, without feeling the effect of a mask, you must use the foundation and foundation of the same brand.
  2. For dry, dehydrated skin, a cream base is more suitable. She will create protective barrier, will prevent peeling. The foundation will not collect into separate, clearly visible particles.
  3. Do not use mattifying foundation on dry skin. This product is intended only for oily, combination skin types.
  4. The composition plays an important role. It is necessary to give preference to products with a light texture, even if the base is creamy. Otherwise, using a low-quality, unsuitable product will cause clogged pores, inflammation of acne, and other undesirable effects.
  5. A special foundation with a lightweight texture is used for the skin around the eyes.
  6. Age recommendations are indicated on each product, you should pay attention to this.

Consistency tips:

From the right choice basic basis depends on the health of the skin, durability, and naturalness of makeup.

Foundation for dry skin

Preference should be given to a cream base. The color is selected based on individual characteristics. Recommended:

  1. Moisturizing;
  2. Silicone;
  3. Transparent;
  4. Tonal;
  5. Colored;
  6. Evening for aging dry skin.

For daily use, transparent, moisturizing, tinted, and colored are more suitable. Silicone, shining should be used in special cases. The components they contain can clog pores and cause inflammation.

Foundation for oily skin

A mattifying base is ideal. Can be used at any time of the year. However, it's worth taking a break. The consistency of the foundation is such that its particles penetrate deeply into the pores and are difficult to clean even with the most effective means. The color base should have a dense texture, since oily skin is often problematic. There is a need to mask acne and redness. It is not recommended to use a radiant foundation unless it has a mattifying effect. In combination with oily shine, faces
It will look very ineffective.

Foundation for combination skin

A mattifying cosmetic product is suitable. All recommendations regarding fatty type epidermis are classified as combined. If there are dry areas on the skin, you will have to combine several products with a moisturizing, mattifying effect.

Foundation for problem skin

Preference should be given to products with a dense structure, with tonal effect. To eliminate various defects, use a multi-colored base. It is not recommended to use silicone, shining ones. Overall for problem skin It is recommended to use a minimum of cosmetics, not to mask, but to treat problems.

Homemade base at home

For women and girls who are distrustful of cosmetics, you can prepare your own foundation. For perfect makeup, moisturizing, eliminating oily shine, evening out tone. More suitable for oily combination skin.

Prepare 2 bases separately, then mix.

To stir thoroughly. After cooling, add a vitamin E capsule. You can store the product in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. According to women's reviews, it increases the durability of makeup. The face does not “float” even at the end of the day.

Foundation for foundation is as important a cosmetic product as other cosmetics. It's impossible to do without it perfect makeup, no matter what expensive means are used.

Foundation (or makeup base, primer) is an indispensable item in the cosmetic bag of any girl who knows how important it is to properly prepare the skin for applying cosmetics.

What it is?

A makeup base is a cream, gel or fluid that allows foundation and cosmetics in general to stay on better. It prepares the skin for the application of other products, thereby protecting it and making makeup last longer.

In addition to foundations for facial skin, there are also bases for eye shadows, lipsticks, mascaras, varnishes, and so on.


Why is it needed?

The makeup base performs the following functions:

  1. Evens out skin texture - narrows pores, makes them less noticeable, smoothes acne and post-acne, fills wrinkles.
  2. Evens out tone - reduces freckles, age spots, spider veins and other imperfections less noticeable.
  3. Makes skin smooth and soft, more well-groomed in appearance.
  4. Able to hide pimples and blackheads.
  5. Highlight your face or make it more matte, hide oily shine.


Peculiarities

The main feature of this product is smoothing the relief and preparing the skin for decorative cosmetics. The primer simultaneously makes the dermis smoother and protects it from possible negative influence cosmetics and the environment.

It is also impossible not to note the durability of makeup using foundation. It prevents the appearance of oily shine and promotes a natural look.

It can be either transparent, adapting to the color of the skin, or have its own shade and be used solo without foundation.




Kinds

First of all, makeup bases are divided according to their action.

  • Mattifying base. Its main property is to reduce activity sebaceous glands, thereby preventing the appearance of oily shine. In addition, it tightens pores, evens out skin tone, hides post-acne and blackheads. In a word, it makes problem skin better. Also suitable for oily, mixed/combination and normal skin with a greasy sheen.
  • Moisturizing. Of course, makeup goes on much worse on dehydrated skin - all the peeling, wrinkles and pimples are emphasized. To avoid this, you should use a moisturizing base. It is universal and suitable for any skin type, so it is better to pay attention to your feelings and requirements.
  • With SPF. This base is aimed at protecting the skin from sun rays, to prevent the occurrence age spots and burns. Suitable for any skin type, but best for mature and sensitive skin.




In addition, for comfortable use, several textures have been invented for foundations and creams in general:

  • Liquid foundations lay down in a very thin layer, almost merging with the skin, thus transforming it. Consistency - from moderately liquid to watery. They have the most natural results. Suitable for all skin types, but especially for problematic and oily skin. May highlight flaking.
  • Gel bases Just like liquid ones, they apply easily to the skin. They are not able to emphasize peeling and fill wrinkles, due to which they make the skin smooth and even.





  • Pencil. The properties are similar to concealer, applied pointwise or over problem areas. A good product for those with mixed skin types, when you need to apply a mattifying product to the T-zone and moisturize the rest of the skin.
  • Creamy bases- the most common. These can be either specialized primers or regular moisturizing/mattifying creams. Due to the familiar consistency, they are easy to apply and spread, settle quickly and are suitable for any skin.

Compound

The composition of the product largely depends on its purpose. Thus, moisturizing bases contain oils - avocado, jojoba, grape, apricot or peach pits, vitamins E and A, various plant extracts, as well as hyaluronic acid and elastin (a particularly high content of these substances is also found in specialized bases for mature skin).

The mattifying effect base contains zinc, sulfur, talc, starch, plant extracts, caffeine and green tea. Possible availability essential oils rosemary or tea tree, as they soothe problematic and oily skin, and an infusion of oak bark, celandine or nettle. However, if they are present in the base, then it is better to replace the foundation with powder or not apply anything to the skin at all, since oils together with chemical derivatives can act on the skin in a completely different way.



Glycerin is a natural humectant, and it is really difficult to find a makeup base without silicone. Some people have a good attitude towards it, others have a negative attitude, but the point is that the presence of gentle or natural silicones in the product is only welcome. They extend its shelf life, increasing it significantly beneficial features, allow it not to drain or disappear from the face. And here's to dangerous silicones include Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laryl Sulfate.

Also remember - the higher an ingredient is in the composition, the more of it there is in the product, and natural silicones and components are marked with an asterisk (*).

You can actually not pay attention to fragrances - parfum, since they are always at the end of the list and do not cause harm (only if you do not have an allergy or individual intolerance to a particular scent/ingredient). But there should absolutely be no mineral oil in the product. This is a petroleum derivative, which is not suitable for all skin - the dangers of mineral oil are also still being debated.

Popular manufacturers

Foundations are actually as popular a niche in the cosmetics industry as foundations. It was developed much later, but every self-respecting manufacturer already has a couple of good basics in lines.

Both domestic manufacturers and those from the CIS countries have become interested in this topic (for example, Art-Visage), Europe ( L'Oreal Infaillible), USA, Korea ( Age 20s) and Japan. Asian brands are especially popular, for example, Missha. This company has a foundation " Aqua cover foundation" The line includes four maximum natural tones, which can be used both solo and as a leveling base.





Even “snow whites” will find theirs, since Korean cosmetics are generally distinguished by pleasant light shades. The foundation has moisturizing properties and is suitable for any skin type, but it will be especially suitable for normal skin, but may not be suitable for problem skin and those with periodic rashes, since it cannot hide pimples and post-acne, but on dry skin it can highlight peeling. It is quite liquid and can visually even out skin tone and fill in wrinkles. Additional bonuses include SPF 20 and natural composition. The cost is about 1,500 rubles, you can find it in the brand’s online store or in any store with Korean cosmetics. You can also pay attention to “ BB cream Missha M-Magic Cushion with SPF50", which can be used as a basis.

At the company Eveline There is a good cream that, when mixed with a moisturizing or mattifying one, can really become a good foundation. This " 3 in 1 Art Professional Make up" It is declared as a universal three-in-one cream and can be used as a stand-alone cream, as a makeup base or concealer. Available in five shades that do not adapt to skin color, so choose carefully. It is very inexpensive - around 200 rubles for 30 ml, and you can find it in virtually every cosmetics store that cooperates with the brand.


Pupa « Active light» activates the skin's natural radiance. It has a liquid silky consistency, easy to apply. It is suitable for those with sensitive and allergy-prone skin, as it has SPF 10. It costs about 1,300 rubles and is available in five shades - No. 011 Light Beige, No. 020 Nude, No. 030 Natural Beige, No. 040 Sand and No. 050 Golden Beige.

Foundation from Sephora called " 10hr Wear Perfection Foundation" It evens out skin, smoothes pores and disguises redness and blackheads, as it has its own shade. By the way, there are six of them, so almost every girl can find one for herself (and even a “snow white” one, but dark-skinned girls will have to pay attention to something else). The foundation is very light, the consistency of a moderate liquid, easy to apply and not felt on the face. Evens out tone and can disguise dark circles under the eyes. It is also very long lasting and prolongs makeup quite well, but may not be suitable for dry skin as it does not moisturize enough. The cost is about 800 rubles.


Belarusian company Bielita-Vitex understands how important it is to choose a high-quality base for makeup - she has two of them at once, “ Silicone Premium" And " Amore" The first perfectly evens out the skin texture, which allows foundation or powder to lie as smoothly as possible, costs about 100 rubles and mattifies the skin well without excessive shine. The second is ideal for dry and dehydrated skin, as well as mature skin with a number of wrinkles. This company has its own branded stores, and their products can also be purchased in the online store. The price is amazing - about 100-200 rubles. The consistency, like the first one, is gel-like.

« Faberlic Face control"- another 3 in 1 product. Its versatility lies not in the fact that it simultaneously moisturizes and mattifies or can be both a base and a corrector, but in the fact that it can be used both for the face and lips and century Very impressive promises, of course. The consistency is gel-like. 15 ml of product costs about 300 rubles.



A good option for oily or combination skin is a primer. Essence « All about matt!" This is a light cream that costs about 300 rubles; you can find it at the brand’s stand in almost every cosmetic store. Can be used instead of mattifying cream.

Brand Guerlain launches a foundation with a radiant effect " Meteorites Baby Glow" According to the manufacturer, the main task of the product is to hide signs of fatigue, relieve swelling, even out skin texture and fill wrinkles. This product is suitable for those with dry and normal skin, as it has a slight glowing effect, as if a light highlighter had been added to the foundation. Not suitable for oily skin. The consistency is quite liquid, like a fluid, and there are three shades (Clair, Medium and Doré). The colors adapt well to skin tone. This is not a product that is suitable for problem skin, as it does not cover pimples and their marks, but it perfectly evens out the tone and delicately highlights. Cost – about 2500 rubles.



Famous brand Nivea produces as a base for makeup " Cream fluid for face make-up expert moisturizing 2 in 1" This is a product that can moisturize the skin well and even out its tone well. The consistency of the fluid cream is light, liquidish and gel-like; it is not watery like a fluid, but not as dense as a cream. It costs about 250-300 rubles for 50 ml and is sold virtually everywhere; it comes in two versions depending on your skin type.

Perhaps the brand also has an excellent basis Revlon. It's called " Photoready" Suitable for any skin type, even problem skin, because although it cannot completely hide pimples, it will visually make them smaller and smooth them out. Like any face product with the word "photo" in the name, this skin foundation looks great in photos. The face is lively and natural. It does not conflict with foundation creams or powders; they can be selected at your discretion.



How to choose?

In order to choose the right foundation, you need to focus on your skin type, appearance and what you want to achieve from it.

  • For example, for oily, problem and combination skin Mattifying bases are best suited. They regulate the production of sebaceous glands and allow makeup to last longer. From textures, it is better to pay attention to liquid fluids and creamy creams. However, if you have a foundation or powder with an excellent mattifying effect, then you can choose a moisturizing foundation, since hydration is very important for these skin types.
  • Those with dry, sensitive or dehydrated skin You should definitely pay attention to moisturizing foundations. Any texture is suitable, except, however, hard. Just like for oily skin, it should not be heavy. The foundation “floats” over heavy textures.
  • Girls with normal skin can afford to calmly choose the type and texture of the product, focusing on their needs, but moisturizing is still considered universal. An interesting option would be a makeup base with a shimmering, shining effect.
  • Ladies over thirty should pay special attention to bases with collagen, elastin, snail mucin and hyaluronic acid. These components fill wrinkles, tighten the oval of the face and make the skin more youthful and smooth.

Makeup base is cosmetic product, which helps even out facial tone, disguise imperfections and add smoothness to the skin. Makeup primer and base perform the same function.

The difference in names is observed due to the difference in the translation of the English phrase makeup primer. The product is also called a "primer". So, with the question “makeup base, what is it?” We figured it out, now let’s find out why you need a makeup base and which one is better.

In this article:

Purpose

Taking care of their skin every day, women actively use their favorite moisturizing creams. However, not everyone is familiar with the benefits of using makeup foundation. Cosmetologists use it to disguise skin imperfections: scars, swelling, unwanted pigmentation, etc. Base - the best remedy to improve your daily make-up. In addition to evening out tone, it adds durability to decorative cosmetics and fills in fine wrinkles..

Don't want to apply foundation every day? Remember her when going to any celebration. Makeup will be perfect all the time.

Varieties

Differences in texture

Difference in composition

  1. Reflective. Includes reflective elements that add a glow, making the skin glow from the inside. Found in warm climates (good for dark skin), cold (for light) shades.
  2. Silicone. Multifunctional: they are used separately or as an additive to foundation to facilitate application of the cream. Looks good on the lips. Often sold at high price, but one tube lasts a long time. They create the effect of a smooth surface, a slight glow from the inside, and retain moisture due to the presence of cyclomethicone and dimethicone in the composition. Can be layered all over the face to achieve the desired effect. Can also be applied locally.
  3. Mineral. Evens out tone and hides imperfections. They often have a greenish tint, which helps hide redness.

By functionality

Pigment and purpose of base colors

To correct skin tone, use special color bases:

  1. A green base helps eliminate redness.
  2. Violet and lilac bases allow you to correct yellowness.
  3. Use blue bases if you want to eliminate the orange effect of your tan.
  4. To create a porcelain-toned effect, use a white base.
  5. Beige is a neutral base, evens out the tone and can replace foundation.
  6. Yellow is suitable for eliminating blue eyes.
  7. Pink will improve color and eliminate painful pallor.

Effects

  1. Mother of pearl. The microscopic particles in the composition are similar to mother-of-pearl. They make the face fresh, which is good for age makeup. It's important to choose suitable shade pearl base. For cold skin types, choose a base pink tone. When it's warm, choose golden apricot and peach tones.
  2. Optical. Optical pigments visually make the tone more even and fresh.
  3. With shimmer effect. They give a radiant appearance due to the optical effect of shimmering particles.

Makeup bases for different areas

Selection of base taking into account skin characteristics

Makeup base can completely transform appearance skin. When choosing cosmetics, take into account all the nuances of skin behavior and its type in order to achieve the best effect.

  1. Corrective bases are suitable for problem skin. Foundations with a greenish tint will help disguise rosacea and spider veins. Solid foundations are also great at hiding imperfections.
  2. Makeup base for: a low-fat, mattifying, creamy base will sit well on it. It will absorb excess sebaceous secretions and give the skin a matte appearance. Solid base will help eliminate point deficiencies.
  3. For combination skin, a compact base is good. The coverage effect is medium to dense. For local impact, a solid base is suitable.
  4. For this, choose a creamy base with vegetable oils and vitamins with moisturizing properties.
  5. For mature skin, choose bases with a special mark. They should contain reflective particles and caring components: antioxidants, vitamin complexes, green tea oils and grape seeds. Choose your pigmentation lighter shade skin, peach, more refreshing tones.

Basics rating

Basics from well-known brands are in particular demand among customers:


There are makeup foundations for women of all skin types. If there are no visible imperfections, choose transparent bases. For mature skin, it is necessary to select products with caring components (antioxidants, vitamins) and with a lifting effect.

Make sure that the composition does not contain components to which you have an individual intolerance. An allergic reaction can be provoked by pigments, preservatives, natural ingredients etc. Carefully study the composition when purchasing the product.

For problem areas, a greenish tint corrector is effective. For acne-prone skin, choose a product with antiseptic properties. You can purchase 2 bases: with a light texture and with a denser one, for evening make-up.

Important. Use bases with high shine with caution. If you apply them all over your face, you can get undesirable effect oily skin.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying such cosmetics:

  1. Do not apply the base as a simple face cream. Some try to grind it by squeezing it out of the tube. By doing this, you will apply the product in spots and the effect will be sore.
  2. Apply with special brushes. If you use a sponge, moisten it first, this will reduce consumption and the makeup will lie smoother.
  3. Be sure to wait until the day cream is absorbed before applying foundation. Otherwise, there is a possibility of getting a dirty, greasy shine rather than a matte tone.
  4. If you apply foundation too carefully, you may end up with excess thin layer. A small portion is more difficult to blend evenly.
  5. Trying to adjust the tone, women apply several layers of foundation. To obtain a tan shade, take additional foundation. Repeated use of foundation in the same tone will create a sloppy look.
  6. Do not use the base on thin skin around the eyes. A concealer pencil is preferable here.

Important. Get rid of expired funds. Their altered structure can cause an unwanted allergic reaction. Store your foundation in a cool place.

Primer is in a universal way perfect any skin. Assortment of modern cosmetics will allow you to select a base for each woman individually.

Useful video

See the review about the bases.

In contact with

  • What is a makeup base?
  • Functions of the tool
  • Selection rules
  • Types of makeup bases
  • Rules of application
  • Composition of the product
  • Rating of the best products

What is a makeup base?

Makeup base, or primer, is the product with which any makeup should begin. Apply it after day cream.

Facial primer is a reliable basis for decorative cosmetics. Those with oily skin will definitely need it, as it visually tightens pores and mattifies them. And for those with combination skin, it will provide the effect of #nophotoshop and #nofilters.

There are several types of makeup base.

Functions of the tool

Those who think that primer is an extra layer of “plaster” that makes your makeup heavier are most likely out of luck with a particular product. New generation makeup bases are real multi-tool operators; they can be entrusted with several tasks at once:

    smoothing skin texture;

    makeup fixation;

    reduction in pore diameter;

    smoothing out small wrinkles;

    “highlighting” the skin;

    matting;

    protection from UV radiation;

    hydration.

By the way, primers came to us straight from theater and television dressing rooms. Previously, these products were used exclusively for makeup of actresses and TV presenters.

The new generation bases are several times lighter in texture than their predecessors, but work just as flawlessly. If you are going to a party with a subsequent photo report, be sure to use a makeup base.

Selection rules

Just as with day cream, when choosing a makeup base, you should focus on your skin type.

Normal

Pores are not enlarged, there is no oily shine, no irritation, redness or dry areas on the face? You will most likely want a base with moisturizing properties and additional UV protection. A little sparkle wouldn't hurt either.

Fat

Your choice is a mattifying formula. It contains components that absorb excess sebum, so you don’t have to grab matting wipes every half hour. In addition, a primer for oily skin will tighten the pores and protect the skin from bacteria that can cause acne.

Dry

Choosing a base for dry skin is perhaps the most difficult thing: the product should consist of moisturizing components for a good half. In this case, it is better to invest in light creamy textures.

Age

Primers for mature skin fill in fine lines and wrinkles. The main thing is to choose textures without shining particles, but with good moisturizing properties. As a rule, makeup base formulas intended for older women contain antioxidants.

Sensitive

Make sure that the product does not contain perfumes. And don't forget to check: apply primer to back side palms or elbow bend and wait a day. If there is no redness or burning, feel free to use it on your face.

If you have a tendency to redness and rosacea, a primer with a green undertone will suit you - it will neutralize redness. Also look for calming ingredients, like green tea or niacinamide.


Choose a makeup base based on your skin type © iStock

Types of makeup bases

Primers vary in texture.

    Silicone

    Soft gel products are better than others at filling wrinkles and giving the skin smoothness, but sometimes they sin by clogging pores. Silicone bases are not always suitable for those with oily and problematic skin.

    In lotion form

    They are lighter in texture than others. Sometimes they have a slight toning effect and perfectly refresh the skin, as if you had spent a couple of days in nature.

    Cream

    Suitable for any skin type. Delicate texture plus soothing and moisturizing substances prepare the surface for applying makeup.


Apply primer to well-moisturized skin © iStock

Rules of application

With a makeup base, everything seems to be simple, but before using it you need to take into account several nuances.

    Carefully study the composition and instructions: it is recommended not to apply the foundation to some areas of the face (for example, to the skin around the eyes).

    If you are at the acne treatment stage, it is better to avoid using primers to avoid clogging your pores and causing new breakouts.

    If you have sensitive skin If you're prone to irritation, test the primer on your wrist or elbow first and make sure it's fragrance-free.

Here's what you should keep in mind when applying makeup base.

    Before using the primer, thoroughly moisturize your skin with the cream - if you feel that it is not completely absorbed, blot your face with a napkin.

    Apply base with a brush in a circular motion, barely touching the skin, or tap in with your fingertips. Special attention Apply to the T-zone and distribute the remainder over the cheeks and chin area. A pea-sized amount of product is enough for the entire face.

    Before applying foundation, let the primer absorb, this will take a couple of minutes. If you're wearing liquid foundation, set your makeup with a translucent powder, using a large fluffy brush to sweep across your T-zone.

    Apply a primer designed specifically for these delicate areas under your eyes and on your eyelids.

Composition of the product

Any makeup base contains silicones and a complex of polymers that are responsible for the “adhesion” of cosmetics to the skin.

    Base for oily skin should be non-comedogenic. That is, it should not contain irritating ingredients ( mineral oils, for example), which can cause acne and irritation.

    Natural extracts of wheat proteins, ginseng root or linden bark will soothe irritated skin and prevent new inflammations from appearing.

    Some brands add glycolic or salicylic acid. This product gently exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, preparing it for the application of decorative cosmetics.

Rating of the best products

In this review, we have collected six primers for oily skin - the best, according to the site's editors.


    Skin-perfecting foundation with a smoothing effect La Base Pro, Lancôme

    The patented Elasto-Smooth complex evens and smoothes the skin's surface.

    Makeup base La Base Pro Pore Eraser, Lancôme

    The oil-free formula mattifies skin and conceals pores thanks to Micro PoreKiller technology and Surface Adjust complex based on silicone and mattifying powder.

    Maestro UV Skin Defense Primer, SPF 50, Giorgio Armani

    Sunscreen, antioxidants, spherical fillers smooth and protect the skin.

    Makeup base Fluid Master Primer, Giorgio Armani

    Pores and wrinkles become invisible thanks to silicones and other smoothing ingredients. The product is not felt on the face.