A makeup primer is something that is often overlooked in a makeup routine but, as Laura Mercier herself puts it, “primers are indispensable, they seal in skincare and protect the skin while preparing the face for makeup.”
So, what are the benefits of using a makeup primer? Think of a primer as skin prep for makeup. It’s applied after your skincare, and before applying any complexion products such as foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, or cheek products like blush, bronzer, contour, or highlight. Primers are designed to ensure your makeup applies smoothly and wears well, and so they’re ideal if you’re facing a long and busy day and you want your makeup to look flawless for the duration. Beyond that, the best primers are formulated with additional ingredients to deliver more personalized results. Our new primers are 85% skincare ingredients to keep skin happy and healthy.
How to choose your primer
The best makeup primer for your skin is one that addresses your primary concerns and delivers instantly on your goals, whether that’s improved clarity, boosted glow, or better hydration.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primers are new next generation formulas that combine high-performance makeup and results-driven skincare, delivering 12+ hours wear and visibly improving skin. Essentially, they get you that one step closer to the iconic Laura Mercier Flawless Face. Want to know how to prep skin for makeup? You just need to discover your perfect primer match…
If your main concerns are visible pores and uneven skin texture… try Pure Canvas Primer Blurring
Pores can be stubborn little things to cover with makeup alone which is why Pure Canvas Blurring does all the hard work before you’ve even picked up a makeup brush. It has been formulated with a unique Skin Perfecting Complex consisting of an exclusive blend of rose extracts that that work together to moisturize, protect, and smooth skin. Plus, it contains silica beads in varying sizes to diffuse light, instantly blur pores. In the long term, it helps control oil and minimize the appearance of pores thanks to Red Clover Flower Extract. With 16-hour wear and all-day shine control (according to a staggering 94% of testers), Pure Canvas Primer Blurring ensures your makeup looks as perfected when you take it off as it did when you put it on.
If your skin feels dry and your makeup doesn’t go on easily… try Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating
Dry skin can completely derail your makeup application, making skin look patches and unevenly textured. The Mineral-Enriched Water and Glycerin in Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating provides 24-hour hydration by protecting the skin’s barrier function and boosting moisture. Because it floods skin with moisture, it also has the added benefit of reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles* so makeup looks even smoother for up to 16-hours of wear.
If your skin goal is all about that glow… try Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating
Beautiful, healthy-looking, glowing skin must be the epitome of great makeup. With Encapsulated Luminous Pearls and Porcelain Flower, Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating dials up radiance in an instant as it effortlessly enhances luminosity while evening out dark spots and discoloration. This light-boosting primer ensures that whatever makeup you apply afterwards, boosts luminosity.
How to apply primer
The great thing about makeup primer is that it’s absolutely foolproof to apply. After cleansing, applying your serums, moisturizer, and SPF (if daytime), massage a dime-sized amount of your chosen primer into skin with fingertips. Blend a light layer from hair line to jawline and, for an even dewier finish, pat an additional layer onto skin where the light would normally reflect. All your primer a moment to settle before going in with your foundation or concealer.
How to remove makeup and prepare your skin with the ultimate cleanse
A little-known secret to flawless makeup is to thoroughly remove your makeup the day or night before so that your skin is nourished, settled, and prepared for its next makeup application.
Our signature three step cleanse routine is the best way to remove makeup and the best way to remove waterproof makeup.
- To remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, saturate a reusable cotton round in Soothing Eye Makeup Remover and sweep over your eye area. This bi-phase formula combines a water-based cleanser with gentle oils to breakdown pigments with no fuss.1. To remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, saturate a reusable cotton round in Soothing Eye Makeup Remover and sweep over your eye area. This bi-phase formula combines a water-based cleanser with gentle oils to breakdown pigments with no fuss.
- Lather up with Balancing Foaming Cleanser. With French Spring Water, it removes makeup while instantly hydrating and balancing skin.
- Rinse skin and follow with Conditioning Cleansing Oil to remove any last traces of makeup and restore hydration with Starflower Oil. Use this time to massage your skin, stimulating circulation and releasing tension from your jaw. Rinse skin and pat dry before applying the rest of your skincare.