Some of us buy primer and never wear it because we really don’t understand how. Some buy it, use it as yet another step in their makeup application, but later skip it because, who has time? And some have never tried to wear primer because they don’t know what it is, think they don’t need it, or never thought about it in the first place. My belief has always been that less is more, that makeup should enhance, not overshadow, and that makeup application shouldn’t take hours. That’s where the beauty of wearing primers comes in – they’re the “trick” for getting a long lasting, youthful glow with very little effort. Here are my top 7 tips for how to wear primer:

Tip 1: Add a small amount of facial primer to brighten & even-out skin tone and fill-in lines. Wear a primer alone or under makeup. Trick: Add a light dusting of facial powder if layering to keep makeup from coming off easily.

Tip 2: Apply small dots of this primer under and around the eyes to reduce creasing & smudging, soften lines and help with redness. Trick: Pat-in gently around the boney area of the eye to prevent from getting into eyes.

Tip 3: Try a mascara primer to condition lashes while adding volume. Trick: Add only 2 coats of mascara on top of primer to keep lashes from clumping.

Tip 4: Put a small amount of primer on lips (or use a lip primer) to soften and keep lipstick in place.

Tip 5: Apply any primer to the neck, chest, and top of hands to soften lines and give skin a more youthful appearance.

Tip 6: Using a primer or brightener on your eyelids in place of an eyeshadow is perfect for an everyday look. It adds a nice glow and accentuates the eyes. Apply after mascara, dabbing half a pea size amount on each lid and patting in gently.

Tip 7: Some primers also come in a spray, which is great for on-the-go or when you’re out in the summer heat all day. A quick spritz adds hydration without shine and gives tired skin and makeup a reset.

How do you use primer? Do you have a favorite? Let us know!