
Achieving a flawless makeup look often begins with the right foundation – but what if the secret to radiant and smooth skin was something you applied even earlier? That’s where primer steps in.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “what does primer do?”, or why it’s become a holy-grail product, you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know: the benefits of primer, how to apply it effectively and how the No7 Pro Artist Base Perfecting Primer can elevate your makeup routine.
What does primer do?
Whether creamy or gel-based, primers sit underneath your makeup to help create a flawless canvas. The right formula can smooth, minimise the appearance of pores, and fill in fine lines. This helps to ensure your makeup lasts long.
Thanks to its smooth and silky texture, using a primer gives you a great base for applying makeup. Some formulas can also help to address specific skin concerns, such as dryness, oiliness or the early signs of ageing – all while delivering a long-lasting finish.
Why No7 Pro Artist Base Perfecting Primer is a game-changer
The Pro Artist Base Perfecting Primer effortlessly combines a silk texture with a luxurious finish making it the ideal addition to your routine. Here’s why it should be your go-to choice:
Luxurious formula: Our illuminating gel primer cushions the skin with a supple, silky formula, creating a smooth base for lasting makeup. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be worn alone or under foundation, making it an essential everyday product
Radiant finish: Designed to enhance your skin’s luminosity, this radiance-boosting primer gives skin a healthy-looking glow
How to apply primer like a pro
Using a primer might seem straightforward but following a few simple steps can make all the difference to your makeup look. Here’s how to apply primer effectively:
Start with clean skin: Begin with a freshly cleansed and moisturised face. Primer should complement, rather than replace, your day cream, helping your skin stay hydrated and perfectly prepped for makeup.
Apply a small amount: Once your moisturiser is absorbed, squeeze a pea-sized amount of primer onto your fingertips or a makeup sponge. A little goes a long way – you don’t need much!
Blend evenly: Gently blend the primer across your face and neck, focusing on areas where makeup tends to wear off quickly, like the T-zone or eye area. Use light, stippled motions for a smooth finish.
Allow it to set: Give the primer a minute or two to absorb before continuing with your foundation, or wear it alone for a natural, blurred effect.
Primer with makeup: do you really need it?
While primer may seem like an optional step, incorporating it into your makeup routine can significantly improve the overall finish. Here’s why:
Long-lasting makeup: Primers are designed to lock in your look, reducing, smudging, fading or creasing throughout the day. They’re particularly useful for oily skin, where makeup may slip off
Improved application: By smoothing the skin, primers can make it easier to apply foundation and other products, enhancing your flawless finish.
The Pro Artist Base Perfecting Primer helps prolong the wear of your makeup, making it the essential first step for achieving a professional-level look.
Top tips for radiant skin with No7 Pro Artist Base Perfecting Primer
To get the most out of your primer, try these top tips:
Pair with a hydrating moisturiser: Use a hydrating day moisturiser before applying primer. This combination will keep your skin looking radiant. We recommend our Restore & Renew MULTI ACTION Day Cream for 24-hour skin hydration.
Set your makeup: To blur imperfections and create a velvety soft finish, set your makeup with a powder. Our Flawless Finishing Pressed Powder instantly mattifies the skin and reduces shine for a smoother, more radiant skin tone.
Use a setting spray: Finish your makeup routine with a setting spray to keep your look fresh. Our Pro Artist Finishing Touch Fixing Spray replenishes moisture while enhancing radiance, leaving a soft-focus finish with no touch-ups needed
Pair with foundation: For the best results, pair your primer with a No7 foundation for complete complexion perfection:
For natural coverage: Try Shield & Defend City Light Tinted Moisturiser. Powered by a Antioxidant Complex, this lightweight sheer-tint formula effortlessly melts into the skin, leaving you with a comfortably moisturised and radiant complexion
For medium coverage: Use Stay Perfect Foundation for a flawless, natural finish that offers up to 24-hour super -staying power
For mature skin: Opt for Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION Serum Foundation to instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, and pigmentation or a brighter, firmer and more youthful-looking complexion
For a radiant glow: Delivering a radiant soft-focus finish, Radiance+ Brightening Foundation is enriched with 1% vitamin C and 5% niacinamide, this foundation gives an all-day glow.
FAQs
Is primer makeup or skincare?
Primer is a hybrid product that bridges the gap between makeup and skincare. While it preps the skin for makeup, many primers include skincare benefits like hydration and oil control.
When should I use face primer?
You should apply primer onto cleansed and moisturised skin. Once blended in and absorbed, you can apply your foundation or BB cream as normal.
Do I need primer before foundation?
While primer isn’t always necessary, it can significantly improve makeup performance by smoothing skin, filling pores and enhancing wear.
Does primer fill in wrinkles?
Some primers are designed to fill in fine lines and wrinkles. Keep an eye out for primers with a smoothing or blurring formula to create a more even, youthful-looking appearance.
What happens if you don’t use primer before foundation?
Without primer, your makeup may not last as long or apply as smoothly. Imperfections like texture and pores may also be more noticeable.
How long should you wait between applying moisturiser and primer?
It’s recommended to wait about 1-2 minutes after applying your day moisturiser before using face primer. This ensures the moisturiser has fully absorbed into the skin, allowing the primer to perform its best.
How long should you wait between applying primer and foundation?
After applying face primer, wait at least 30 seconds to 1 minute before applying foundation. This brief pause allows the primer to set, creating the ideal base for your makeup.
So, what does primer do? It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their makeup routine. Whether you want to boost radiance or enhance the wear of your foundation, a good primer is essential.
If you liked the sound of our Pro Artist Base Perfecting Primer, you’ll love the rest of our
No7 Pro Artist Collection
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