Primer (cosmetics)

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A cosmetic primer is a cream applied before another cosmetic to improve coverage and lengthen the amount of time the cosmetic lasts on the face.

Contents

Variations

There are different kinds of cosmetic primers such as foundation primer, eyelid primer, under-eye primer, lip primer, mascara primer, and mattifying primers.

A foundation primer may work like a moisturizer, or it may absorb oil with salicylic acid to aid in creating a less oily, more matte appearance. [1] Some contain antioxidants such as A, C, and E, or other ingredients such as grape seed extract and green tea extract. There are water-based and silicon-based foundation primers. Ingredients may include cyclomethicone and dimethicone. Some primers do not contain preservative, oil or fragrance. Some may also have sun protection factor (SPF). Some foundation primers are tinted to even out or improve skin tone or color. Others give a pearlized finish to make the complexion more light reflective. There are also foundation primers which are mineral-based primers, which contain mica and silica.

Eyelid or eye shadow primers are similar, but made specifically for use near the eyes. An eyelid primer may help even the color of the lid and upper eye area, may reduce oiliness, may add shimmer, or inversely may mattify. Eye primers aid in the smooth application of eye shadow, prevent it from accumulating in eyelid creases, and improve its longevity. Eye shadow primers are applied to the eyelid and lower eye area prior to the application of eye shadow. They even out the skin tone of the eyelids hide eyelid veins, and smooth out the skin of the eyelids. Eye shadow primers help with the application of eye shadows. They intensify the color of the eye shadows and keep them from smearing or creasing by reducing the oiliness of the lids. Some eye shadows even state in the instruction sheet, that they are recommended for usage over the eye shadow primer. There is a real difference in the eye shadow color and time of wear when it is used over the primer on bare skin. [2] The effect of eye shadow primers is not limited to eye shadows. They also work for eye liners and eye shadow bases.

Under-eye primer is designed to be applied before concealer to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It creates a smooth canvas for the concealer, which helps it last longer and prevents creasing.

Under-eye primers [3] are specifically formulated to be gentle on delicate skin, often containing moisturizing or blurring ingredients.

Mascara primer is sometimes colorless. It usually thickens and/or lengthens the lashes before the application of mascara for a fuller finished look. It may also help keep mascara from smudging or flaking, and some claim to improve the health of the lashes.

Lip primers are intended to smooth the lips and help improve the application of lipstick or lip gloss, although exfoliating the lips is often recommended before applying. They also are intended to increase the longevity of lip color, and to prevent lipstick from "feathering", that is, smearing past the lip vermilion, and especially from migrating into any fine lines around the lips.

Mattifying primers [4] are a type of cosmetic primer used to create a smooth and even base for makeup application, with the added benefit of controlling oil and shine on the skin. Unlike regular makeup primers, the main purpose of a mattifying primer is to provide a matte finish that can last for hours, making it particularly useful for people with oily or combination skin. Excess oil on the skin can cause makeup to slide off or break down throughout the day, but by creating a matte base, mattifying primer helps to keep makeup in place and reduces the need for touch-ups. In addition, some mattifying primers contain ingredients that can help to blur the appearance of pores, fine lines, and other imperfections, creating a smoother-looking complexion.Overall, the use of mattifying primers has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to address the common issue of oily skin, making them a valuable addition to many people's makeup routines.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cosmetics</span> Substances applied to the body to change appearance or fragrance

Cosmetics are constituted mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources, or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes. Those designed for personal care and skin care can be used to cleanse or protect the body or skin. Cosmetics designed to enhance or alter one's appearance (makeup) can be used to conceal blemishes, enhance one's natural features, add color to a person's face, or change the appearance of the face entirely to resemble a different person, creature or object. Cosmetics can also be designed to add fragrance to the body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lip gloss</span> Cosmetic product

Lip gloss is a cosmetic used primarily to give lips a glossy luster, and sometimes to add a subtle color. It is distributed as a fluid or a soft solid The product is available in ranges of opacity from translucent to solid and can have variously frosted, glittery, glossy, and metallic finishes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mascara</span> Cosmetic for eyelashes

Mascara is a cosmetic commonly used to enhance the upper and lower eyelashes. It is used to darken, thicken, lengthen, and/or define the eyelashes. Normally in one of three forms—liquid, powder, or cream—the modern mascara product has various formulas; however, most contain the same basic components of pigments, oils, waxes, and preservatives. The most common form of mascara is a liquid in a tube with an application brush.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lip balm</span> Skin care product

Lip balm or lip salve is a wax-like substance applied typically to the lips to moisturize and relieve chapped or dry lips, angular cheilitis, stomatitis, or cold sores. Lip balm often contains beeswax or carnauba wax, camphor, cetyl alcohol, lanolin, paraffin, and petrolatum, among other ingredients. Some varieties contain dyes, flavor, fragrance, phenol, salicylic acid, and sunscreen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Concealer</span> Type of cosmetic

A concealer or color corrector is a type of cosmetic that is used to mask imperfections on the skin. These imperfections can include dark circles under the eyes, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. Concealer is similar to, and can be used in conjunction with foundation, a lighter cosmetic that is used to even out the skin tone. Both concealer and foundation are typically used to make skin appear more uniform in color. These two types of cosmetics differ in that concealers tend to be more heavily pigmented, though concealer and foundation are both available in a wide range of colors opacities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lipstick</span> Cosmetic for coloring the lip

Lipstick is a cosmetic product used to apply coloration and texture to lips, often made of wax and oil. Different pigments are used to produce color, and minerals such as silica may be used to provide texture. The use of lipstick dates back to early civilizations such as Sumer and the Indus Valley Civilisation, and was popularized in the Western world in the 16th century. Some lipsticks contain traces of toxic materials, such as lead and PFAS, which prompted health concerns and regulation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lotion</span> Skin treatment preparation

Lotion is a low-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to the skin. By contrast, creams and gels have higher viscosity, typically due to lower water content. Lotions are applied to external skin with bare hands, a brush, a clean cloth, or cotton wool.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indoor tanning lotion</span>

Indoor tanning lotions do not accelerate the tanning process, by promoting the production of melanin. Increasing blood flow to the skin is a proposed mechanism, which may in turn stimulate production of melanin by melanocytes. Historically, indoor tanning lotions have contained no sunscreen and offer no protection from the sun. However, many tanning lotions currently contain sunscreen. Unlike sunless tanning lotions, these are designed for use with an ultraviolet source such as a tanning bed or booth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eye shadow</span> Make-up applied to the eyelids

Eye shadow is a cosmetic applied primarily to the eyelids to attract attention to the wearer's eyes, making them stand out or look more attractive. Eye shadow can also be applied under the eyes, on the cheeks, or to brow bones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urban Decay (cosmetics)</span> American cosmetics line

Urban Decay, an American cosmetics brand headquartered in Newport Beach, California, is a subsidiary of French cosmetics company L'Oréal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of cosmetics</span> History of cosmetics in cultures

The history of cosmetics spans at least 7,000 years and is present in almost every society on earth. Cosmetic body art is argued to have been the earliest form of a ritual in human culture. The evidence for this comes in the form of utilised red mineral pigments including crayons associated with the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa. Cosmetics are mentioned in the Old Testament—2 Kings 9:30 where Jezebel painted her eyelids—approximately 840 BC—and the book of Esther describes various beauty treatments as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ingredients of cosmetics</span> Ingredients used in makeup

Cosmetics ingredients come from a variety of sources but, unlike the ingredients of food, are often not considered by most consumers. Cosmetics often use vibrant colors that are derived from a wide variety of sources, ranging from crushed insects to rust.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foundation (cosmetics)</span> Skin coloured cosmetic applied to the face

Foundation is a liquid, cream, or powder makeup applied to the face and neck to create an even, uniform color to the complexion, cover flaws and, sometimes, to change the natural skin tone. Some foundations also function as a moisturizer, sunscreen, astringent or base layer for more complex cosmetics. Foundation applied to the body is generally referred to as "body painting" or "body makeup".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cosmetics in the 1920s</span>

Cosmetics in the 1920s were characterized by their use to create a specific look: lips painted in the shape of a Cupid's bow, kohl-rimmed eyes, and bright cheeks brushed with bright red blush.

Eyelid dermatitis is commonly related to atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. Volatile substances, tosylamide, epoxy hardeners, insect sprays, and lemon peel oil may be implicated, with many cases of eyelid contact dermatitis being caused by substances transferred by the hands to the eyelids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theatrical makeup</span>

Theatrical makeup is makeup that is used to assist in creating the appearance of the characters that actors portray during a theater production.

Lip stain or lip tint, is a cosmetic product used to color the lips, usually in form of a liquid or gel. It generally stays on longer than lipstick by leaving a stain of color on the lips.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makeup brush</span> Brush used for applying makeup or face paint

A makeup brush is a tool with bristles, used for the application of makeup or face painting. The bristles may be made out of natural or synthetic materials, while the handle is usually made out of plastic or wood. When cosmetics are applied using the appropriate brush, they blend better onto the skin.

ColourPop Cosmetics, also known as ColourPop, is an American cosmetics brand based in Los Angeles, California. The company was founded in 2014 by siblings Laura and John Nelson. ColourPop products are sold through their website and at Ulta Beauty. They predominantly make products for the eyes, lips, and face.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeffree Star Cosmetics</span> American cosmetics company

Jeffree Star Cosmetics is an American cosmetics company founded by internet personality Jeffree Star. Star claims to have invested his life savings to start the company's makeup line in 2014 with an initial three liquid lipstick colors. The company is estimated to sell US$100 million annually. All products are vegan and cruelty-free. The company is co-owned by Star and his business partner Jeff Cohen.

References

  1. What is a Foundation Primer? And Do I Need it?
  2. "Eye Shadow Primer: Things to Know". GlamLipstick.com. April 2018.
  3. "Under Eye Primer - ULTA Beauty Collection | Ulta Beauty".
  4. "Mattifying Primer: Everything You Need To Know - hollywood mirrors". www.hollywoodmirrors.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-04-16.