First Face

How to choose the right primer for your skin

First of all, the result you want to achieve on your face matters. Oily skin and enlarged pores require a pore-minimizing or mattifying primer, such as those from HypoAllergenic or Ischia Eau Thermale Eauverte Stay Matte. Sensitive skin with redness leans towards corrective formulas with neutralizing green pigment, such as HypoAllergenic Anti Redness Primer or Clèarance Violet Illuminating Primer. Those with dull or dry complexion will find illuminating primers and vitamin gels the most suitable choice.

• Oily skin or enlarged pores: choose matte gel textures or pore correcting (e.g. HypoAllergenic Pore Correcting Primer, Ischia Eauverte Stay Matte)
• Skin with redness or discoloration: opt for corrective primers with neutralizing pigments (e.g. HypoAllergenic Anti Redness, Ischia Defence Green)
• Dull or dehydrated skin: choose illuminating primers or with hyaluronic acid (e.g. HypoAllergenic Prime&Fix Spray, BellaOggi Acqua Boost Primer Gel)
• Mature skin or with fine lines: prefer smoothing and plumping textures (e.g. Sali di Ischia Smooting Primer, Astra Zen Routine Face Primer Lissante)
• Normal or combination skin seeking luminosity: opt for a glow primer or a multifunctional oil-serum (e.g. Astra Zen Routine Glowing Effect, Ischia Sirha Peach Glow Maximizer)

Gel, spray and vial primers: different textures

The primer's texture changes not only the comfort of application, but also the final result of makeup. Gel primers — such as those from Astra Make-Up Zen Routine and BellaOggi Acqua Boost — are light, absorb quickly and don't weigh down, ideal under liquid foundation or BB cream. Bifunctional sprays like HypoAllergenic Prime&Fix and BellaOggi Fix & Prime perform a dual function: they prepare the skin before makeup and fix it at the end of application, simplifying the routine. Single-dose vials from Ischia Eau Thermale represent instead a concentrated solution, perfect for those who want an immediate boost of vitality and luminosity, to use even when traveling.

Multifunctional primer: makeup base and skincare together

A consolidated trend in the category is that of products that merge skincare and makeup preparation. The Astra Zen Routine 22K Multifunctional Oil Primer and Serum nourishes the skin while preparing it for makeup. The Bronzing and Illuminating Gel from the same line can be used alone for a sun-kissed effect or as a base. HypoAllergenic Hemp Anti Smog Primer adds a protective value against environmental factors. This approach is particularly useful for those with a quick morning routine and want to reduce steps without sacrificing skincare.

Corrective primers and anti-imperfection

Not all primers have a neutral function: some act visually on the complexion before foundation is even applied. Corrective primers leverage the theory of complementary colors to neutralize redness (green), tone down excess yellow or even out localized discoloration. In this collection we find the Ischia Defence Green Anti-Redness Primer and HypoAllergenic Anti Redness, both formulated to make sensitive or reactive skin more even. Bell Homme Skin Primer stands out for its unisex vocation, making it suitable also for those approaching makeup without gender experience.

How to apply primer in 3 steps

• Apply primer on clean and hydrated skin, after cream but before foundation
• Spread with fingertips or a small sponge in small quantity, starting from the center of the face towards the outside
• Wait 1-2 minutes before proceeding with the rest of the makeup, to allow the product to absorb

Face primer integrates naturally with other phases of the beauty routine: it pairs with foundations and BB creams for extended wear, and works in synergy with mattifying powders for shine control throughout the day. For those who want to deepen skincare before makeup, the categories of face serums, moisturizing creams and toners offer additional preparatory steps that enhance the primer's action.