Lately, my makeup clients have been asking me about primers.  It seems you can’t open a magazine or go to the cosmetic counter without being bombarded with primers of all sorts and sizes for the eyes, lips and face.  Primers began making news several years ago when Smashbox introduced the first foundation primer to the public. Sales went through the roof, and primers have since morphed into skincare machines designed for every part of the face.

Chances are your clients want or need to know about primers – and it’s also a quick add on at the salon cash register. So what exactly are primers?

Simply put, primers are products that are applied before makeup application to ensure a smoother and longer lasting result.

Here is my list of favorite salon primers and how to use them:

FACE – Primers for the face not only come in a variety of shades and SPF, but also in every category of skincare – pore reducing, mattifying, moisturizing, clarifying and anti-aging.  My favorite is Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30 - it can be worn alone for luminous light coverage or under makeup to prevent a midday meltdown.  It is also loaded with peptides and pearl powder to stimulate collagen production and reduce surface pigmentation.  Use a foundation brush or latex wedge to apply a thin even coat to the face after moisturizer and before foundation.  I also like to add a thin coat to the lip line before lipstick to stop color bleeding.

EYES –With the world going 24-hours a day, eye shadow primers are essential to keep shadow from creasing and fading.  I like Yournamepro Shadow Magnet - a cream that not only helps eye shadow blend onto the lids seamlessly, but also hold it in place for ultra-long wear. Plus, it also keeps shadows color-true. Apply to the entire lid with a foundation brush before applying eye color.  Use a smidge on the lower eye lid to keep smokey eyeliner fallout to a minimum.

For lashes, try Mirabella Lash Definition Primer before mascara to help lengthen, condition and define lashes.  It also helps any mascara glide on smoothly. 

LIPS – Primers for the lips help lock in moisture to ensure an even and true color application. Applied in a thin coat with a clean lip brush, lip primers also keep color from fading and bleeding. I like Yournamepro Lip Primer for it’s easy to use tube and it’s peptide packed formula that makes the lips appear fuller.

The next time your client purchases a lipstick, foundation or eye shadow, don’t forget to suggest a primer.  Not only will she be happy with the results, your bottom line with be thanking you.

Send your makeup questions to davidmaderich@yahoo.com and please follow me on twitter @davidmaderich