Along with the normal array of cosmetics a woman uses, there are also many products to prepare the face for makeup. For example, makeup primer, which is designed for smoothing fine lines. Once considered superfluous, primer is now being embraced by many women as an essential part of their cosmetic routine.

By smoothing fine lines on parts of the face that are susceptible, such as around the mouth, a makeup primer prepares the "canvas" of the face for cosmetics. Foundation goes on more smoothly and evenly, as does blush, eyeshadow, and many other cosmetic products, if the lines are first smoothed out somewhat. Although the smoothing is temporary, it can last throughout the day.

A makeup primer most likely contains waxes, polymers, and silicones. These substances can form a bond with other cosmetics, causing the cosmetics to have more longevity than they would otherwise. For example, a lip primer can keep lip color fresher and stop the feather that might otherwise happen. Makeup primer used around the eye area can stop eyeshadow from creasing. When applying foundation, it often takes less foundation to achieve the same effect if the woman has first applied makeup primer.

Women with facial scars may also find makeup primer very useful. Especially for scars that are sunken, the primer can temporarily fill in and level the skin. While some makeup can actually draw attention to facial scars because of the way it appears on uneven skin, makeup primer can often successfully hide scarring.

Primers come in a variety of tints to match your complexion, or they can be transparent. In addition to helping the surface of the skin to appear temporarily level, tinted makeup primers can help cover subtle age spots or discolorations on the face. If you are going to use foundation over the primer, you may be able to use clear primer. Other people prefer to bypass foundation and only apply tinted makeup primer.

If you have contact dermatitis, allergies, or milia — tiny cysts under the eyes — you should not use makeup primer. If you are someone with a flawless complexion, you are extremely fortunate, and will find no use for this product!