How to apply primer
Quick answer: Apply primer after moisturiser and before foundation: use a pea-sized amount, smooth a thin layer over your face with your fingertips or a sponge, then wait a minute before your foundation. Primer creates a smooth, even base so foundation goes on more easily and looks fresh for longer. Thin Lizzy Perfectly Primed Primer comes in Illuminating and Pore Minimising finishes.
Think of primer like good underwear for your face. When the first layer is right, everything you put on top sits better and looks smoother. Primer is the step many people skip, but it can make a real difference to how your makeup looks and how long it lasts, especially as skin changes with age. Here's what primer does, which type suits your skin and how to apply it.
What Does Primer Do?
- Creates a smooth canvas: it smooths over texture so foundation glides on evenly.
- Helps makeup last: foundation has something to hold on to, so it is less likely to fade or slide.
- Softens the look of fine lines and pores: light-diffusing primers give a soft-focus finish.
- Adds glow or keeps shine in check: depending on the formula, primer can brighten dull-looking skin or help oily areas look smoother.
- Lets you use less foundation: skin looks more even, so you often need less coverage.
Types of Primer
- Pore minimising or mattifying: helps blur the look of pores and uneven texture. Good for oily and combination skin, and for the T-zone.
- Illuminating or hydrating: adds a soft, warm glow and hydration. Good for dry, dull or mature skin.
- Colour correcting: tinted primers that help redness or sallowness look less noticeable.
- Eye primer: a transparent base that helps eyeshadow stay put.
Which Primer Is Right for Your Skin?
Make a wish list of what you want your makeup to do, then match it to the primer.
- Oily skin: a pore minimising primer across the T-zone.
- Dry or dull skin: an illuminating, hydrating primer all over.
- Mature skin: an illuminating primer for a fresh glow, without heavy shimmer.
- Combination skin: use both: pore minimising on the T-zone and illuminating on the cheekbones.
It also helps to check that your primer and foundation work well together. Test them on the back of your hand first. If the foundation looks patchy or separates on top of the primer, try a different pairing.
Our Picks
Perfectly Primed Primer
Best for: a smooth, radiant base under any foundation.
Choose Illuminating or Pore Minimising. The Illuminating finish is a champagne-pearl tinted cream that gives skin a subtle, warm and awake glow with a light, hydrating formula that leaves skin soft and smooth, never greasy or sparkly. Its colour-neutral formula suits every skin tone and helps redness and the look of fine lines appear softer.
- Two finishes: Illuminating or Pore Minimising
- Light, hydrating formula
- Contains castor and jojoba seed oils and vitamin E
- Wear under foundation, mixed in, or on its own
Flawless Complexion Liquid Foundation
Best for: a weightless foundation to wear over primer.
This liquid-to-powder formula helps blur the look of fine lines, minimises the appearance of pores and evens out skin tone. Over primer, a small amount spreads easily and gives a dewy, flawless-looking finish that lasts.
- Liquid-to-powder formula
- Feels soft and weightless
- Buildable coverage
- Wide shade range, with a Colour Match tool
How to Apply Primer, Step by Step
- Start with skincare: cleanse, then apply your moisturiser and let it absorb for a few minutes. In the daytime, wear a separate sunscreen and let it settle too.
- Use a small amount: squeeze about a pea-sized amount onto the back of your hand.
- Apply a thin layer: smooth it over your face with your fingertips, a makeup sponge or a foundation brush, using small circular motions.
- Focus where you need it: concentrate on visible pores, fine lines or dull areas.
- Add glow on the high points: with an illuminating primer, tap a little extra on the upper cheekbones and under the brows.
- Wait a minute or two: let the primer settle before foundation, so it doesn't pill.
- Apply foundation: press it on with a sponge or brush rather than rubbing, so the primer stays in place.
Common Primer Mistakes
- Using too much: more primer can make foundation slide. Less is more.
- Skipping moisturiser: primer works best on hydrated skin, not instead of moisturiser.
- Not waiting: applying foundation straight away can cause pilling.
- Using the wrong type: match the primer to what your skin needs.
For more base tips, read our guides to foundation for mature skin, how to choose a foundation and makeup tips for your 50s.
What Customers Say
"Love this Primer it makes my skin feel so soft and helps with applying foundation."
Mandy L., verified customer (Perfectly Primed)
"It is so silky and gives a wonderful base for foundation and other products. Sometimes I just use it on its own."
Kim H., verified customer (Perfectly Primed)
"This primer makes your skin feel so lovely and smooth before applying foundation"
Lyn K., Thin Lizzy customer (Perfectly Primed)
Read all Perfectly Primed Primer reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I put primer on before or after moisturiser?
After. Apply moisturiser, let it absorb, then apply primer. Foundation goes on last.
How much primer should I use?
About a pea-sized amount for your whole face. Using too much can make foundation slide.
How long should primer dry before foundation?
Give it a minute or two. Applying foundation too soon can cause pilling.
Can I wear primer without foundation?
Yes. An illuminating primer worn alone gives skin a fresh, natural glow on no-makeup days.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy primer in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Primer is a small step that makes everything after it look better. Choose the finish your skin needs, use a little, give it a minute, then apply your foundation.
