It's Time to Prime, Mate!

So before we get stuck into applying actual makeup, there is one step that really will make all the difference to how your makeup sits.

Primer.

Image from here

I hadn't used primer until a few months ago to be honest. I always figured it did the same thing as moisturising before applying makeup and was just another expense that I could skip out on.
You can skip it, but not if you want your foundation looking smoother and more flawless.

You see primer works by hydrating the skin, and smoothing the surface so all those little lumps and bumps will be evened out and your foundation will glide on.
It's kind of like an artist painting on different textured canvases.
It can also work as an adhesive of sorts, grabbing the makeup and holding on to it.
Those nights out in hot sweaty nightclubs we so often have? No slippery slidey makeup! Not that we have those nights out anymore, but you know...maybe for other hot and sweaty activities ;)

Ok, so I just explained how it works, but honestly? I have no idea HOW it works. The difference it made to the way my makeup sat was amazing. My makeup looks lighter and more natural, and my skin looks more flawless. This leaves me feeling better about myself, and so I am carrying myself differently.
The first time I used a primer Mr Black commented that my makeup looked "really nice. Smooth." He doesn't notice much, and that in itself is such an odd comment coming from him so I felt it was honest.
I don't like to put makeup on with people watching, so I knew he hadn't seen that I had done that, and if he had he probably would have assumed it was some moisturiser or something anyway.

The difference Primer makes is also something I cannot demonstrate. What you need to do is go out and buy one and try it for yourself.
Two brands that I am really enjoying are Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer and Australis Primer.
I have also found it handy to have a separate Eye Primer and Lip Primer. These are specialised to help those sensitive parts of your face.
My statement feature often tends to be my eyes, so the eye primer is a big favourite and really does make a difference for the longevity to your eyeshadow.

Do you prime your face? Do you have any favourite brands you can reccommend?