Primer 101: The Simple Step That Transforms Your Makeup

Primer is the quiet achiever in any great makeup routine. Whether you're chasing a soft matte finish or a glow that turns heads, this one step can take your look from good to flawless. Here's everything you need to know to find your perfect match and use it like a pro.

Why Primer Changed Everything

About a decade ago, primer moved from backstage secret to everyday essential. It creates a smooth, even canvas so foundation glides on seamlessly, grips better, and wears beautifully throughout the day.

With more formulas than ever, the key is matching your primer to your skin type and the finish you love. Most primers fall into two helpful families:

• Those that blur and refine for a poreless, matte look

• Those that hydrate and illuminate for a fresh, radiant glow

Let’s explore both and find the best fit for your skin.

The Pore Minimising Primer

What it does:
Smooths visible pores, softens fine lines, and evens texture for a soft-focus, airbrushed finish.

How it works:
Lightweight blurring agents scatter light to visibly reduce uneven texture. The result is a velvet-smooth base that helps makeup apply more evenly and stay in place longer.

Hero ingredient: Vitamin E
Vitamin E supports the skin’s barrier and helps maintain hydration. In primer, it creates a soft, comfortable feel and prevents your base from looking dry or cakey.

Who it suits:

• Oily or combination skin: Helps control shine and keeps foundation in place

• Textured or acne-prone skin: Softens the look of bumps and enlarged pores

• Anyone who loves a polished, matte finish

Why you’ll love it:
This primer delivers a smooth, balanced base without weighing your skin down. It keeps oil in check while giving your makeup extra staying power.

Try it: Thin Lizzy Pore Minimising Primer is a go-to for anyone who wants that flawless, filter-like finish.

The Illuminating Primer

What it does:
Boosts radiance, restores bounce, and creates a dewy, healthy glow that looks like fresh, naturally glowing skin.

How it works:
Hydrating ingredients draw and lock in moisture, helping light reflect softly off the skin’s surface. It makes skin look plumper, smoother, and lit from within—whether you wear it alone or under foundation.

Hero ingredient: Jojoba seed oil
Jojoba closely resembles your skin’s natural oils, so it absorbs beautifully while maintaining hydration. It softens and smooths, giving your skin that fresh-skin sheen all day.

Who it suits:

• Dry, dull, or tired skin: Replenishes moisture and revives glow

• Normal skin: Adds a subtle radiance without feeling greasy

• Anyone looking for a dewy, luminous finish

Why you’ll love it:
It keeps your skin hydrated and glowing, giving your foundation that fresh, healthy look. No more dry patches or flat finishes.

Try it: Thin Lizzy Illuminating Primer is perfect for when you want to glow without the shine.

How to Choose Your Primer

Start with your skin type:

• Oily or porous skin: Pore minimising primer offers a smoother, shine-free base

• Dry or lacklustre skin: Illuminating primer restores hydration and glow

Think about your finish:

• For a soft matte look, choose pore minimising

• For bounce and radiance, go for illuminating

• Customise it: Use pore minimising on the T-zone and illuminating on the cheeks for the best of both worlds

How to Apply Primer for Best Results

• Prep your skin: Cleanse and moisturise first. Let moisturiser absorb for at least one minute

• Use a pea-sized amount: A little goes a long way

• Target placement:

  • Pore minimising on the T-zone (nose, forehead, chin)

  • Illuminating on high points (cheekbones, temples)

• Press, don’t rub: Tap gently into the skin for even coverage

• Wait 30 seconds: Let it settle before applying foundation

Quick Troubleshooting

• Makeup pilling? Use less product and allow each layer to absorb before applying the next

• Too shiny by midday? Apply pore minimising primer only to your oil-prone areas

• Glow looks patchy? Exfoliate weekly and hydrate well before using illuminating primer

The Takeaway

Primer is a small step with a big payoff. Whether you're smoothing pores or adding glow, the right formula enhances your makeup and keeps it looking better, for longer. Apply with care, pair with the right foundation, and enjoy that fresh, radiant finish all day long.

With Thin Lizzy primers, you’ve got everything you need to create your perfect canvas. Go ahead and glow your way.