What Does Primer Do for Your Makeup? Types, Benefits and How to Use It
Quick answer: Primer creates a smooth, even base so foundation goes on more easily and lasts longer. Depending on the type, it can also blur the look of pores, control shine or add a healthy glow. Thin Lizzy Perfectly Primed Primer comes in two finishes: Illuminating and Pore Minimising.
Primer is the step many people skip, but it can make a big difference to how your makeup looks and lasts. Here's what primer actually does, the different types, which one suits your skin and how to apply it.
What Does Primer Do?
- Creates a smooth canvas: it fills in texture so foundation glides on evenly.
- Helps makeup last: foundation has something to grip, so it's less likely to fade or slide.
- Blurs the look of pores and fine lines: light-diffusing primers soften texture for a soft-focus finish.
- Adds glow or controls shine: depending on the formula, primer can brighten dull skin or keep oily areas in check.
- Lets you use less foundation: skin looks more even, so you often need less coverage.
Types of Primer
- Pore minimising: blurs the look of pores and uneven texture. Great for oily and combination skin.
- Illuminating: adds a soft, natural glow. Great for dry, dull or mature skin.
- Hydrating: adds moisture for dry skin.
- Colour correcting: tinted primers that help neutralise redness or dullness.
Which Primer Is Right for Your Skin?
- Oily or combination skin: a pore minimising primer on the T-zone.
- Dry or dull skin: an illuminating or 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 cheeks.
Perfectly Primed Primer
Best for: a smooth, glowing or pore-blurring base, depending on the finish you choose.
Comes in two finishes. Illuminating is a champagne-pearl tinted cream with castor and jojoba seed oils and vitamin E that gives skin a subtle, healthy glow without looking greasy or sparkly. Pore Minimising blurs the look of pores and uneven texture for a smooth, soft-focus base. Both create an even canvas so foundation goes on smoothly.
- Two finishes: Illuminating or Pore Minimising
- Light, never greasy
- Wear under foundation or on its own
How to Apply Primer
- Start with skincare: cleanse, then apply serum and moisturiser and let them absorb.
- Use a small amount: about a pea-sized amount is enough for the whole face.
- Press it in: smooth it over the face with your fingertips, focusing on areas with visible pores or dullness.
- Wait a minute: give it a moment to set before applying foundation.
- Apply foundation: press it on with a sponge or brush.
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 your skin's needs.
What Customers Say
"Got both the illuminator and pore minimiser. I love the illuminator under foundation. It makes my skin glow and foundation hold all day."
Meredith B., verified customer
"I thought I'd try something new with my last Thin Lizzy purchase so bought the Primer. I'm really impressed with how it goes on, feels nice, and works well."
Sandra W., verified customer
"Really like this product. The pearlised finish adds a soft sheen that lifts the complexion nicely. Will definitely buy again."
Kylee T., verified customer
Read all Perfectly Primed Primer reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does primer do for your makeup?
Primer creates a smooth, even base so foundation goes on more easily and lasts longer. Some primers also blur pores, control shine or add glow.
Do I really need a primer?
Not always, but it helps if your makeup fades quickly, you have visible pores or texture, or you want extra glow.
Do I put primer on before or after moisturiser?
After. Apply moisturiser, let it absorb, then apply primer.
Can I wear primer without foundation?
Yes. An illuminating primer worn alone gives skin a fresh, natural glow.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy primer in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. 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.
Want more? Read our guide to the best makeup primer, long-lasting foundation tips and makeup tips to look younger in your 50s.
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.
