Think back to when you first started wearing makeup. The vast array of product choices probably made you as giddy as a kid in a candy store. Foundation, blush, eye shadow, lipstick—all of them come in hues that could put a rainbow to shame But, did you ever think about buying primer? Maybe you didn’t know what it was for or why it was even necessary. Maybe now, years after your first foray into cosmetics, you still don’t use one. Read on to familiarize yourself with the facts about primer, and why it should be a part of your makeup routine.

What is Primer?

The primary purpose of primer is to make your makeup look better. And who doesn’t want that? A primer makes colors appear more vibrant by creating a smooth canvas to work on. Remember that time you repainted your kitchen walls? Before applying the new coat of paint, you had to buff away the bumps and fill in the cracks. Primer works in a similar way.

Makeup primers even out your skin’s texture. They help your makeup glide on easily, and prevent it from caking up or fading. That’s just the basic function, though—the minimum requirement. A good primer can also blur skin imperfections and help your makeup stay on longer. For instance, The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer, as the name says, acts like a glue between your skin and your makeup.

What is the Correct Way to Use Primer?

A primer is typically applied as the last step in your skincare, and before you put on your makeup. For smooth application, the best tools are your fingers. Using a brush will only move the product around, but it won’t blend in properly. You could also use a fine sponge, although that might be wasteful as the primer gets absorbed by the sponge and not your skin.

Allow the primer to dry for at least a minute before moving on to your foundation. If it takes longer than a couple of minutes, then you could be using too much. There’s a reason primers are sold in very small bottles and tubes. Just a little goes a long way, so apply it sparingly. Be aware, though, that you might need a drop or two more if you have dry skin, and less for oily skin.

Sometimes, you might not need to prime your whole face. If there are just a few spots that need to be treated—for example, a blemish or enlarged pores—then you can dab a tiny amount on those areas.

How Do You Choose the Right Primer?

There are different types of primer. You can get eyeshadow primers (to prevent smudging or creasing) or lip primers (to keep your lipstick in place). Face primers, on the other hand, can be used all over the face.

A primer can come in gel, lotion, or putty form. The texture isn’t especially important as long as you feel comfortable. However, there are broad categories of primer that determine if they’ll work for you. Selecting the best hinges on two things: your skin type, and the finished look that you want.

A. It depends on your skin type.

We can’t all have normal skin. Skin type is dictated by genetics, to a certain degree. Most of the time, though, factors such as the climate and your lifestyle play a bigger role. In order not to exacerbate your skin problems, you have to take a close look at a primer’s ingredients.

B. It depends on the look you’re going for.

Primers, just like the rest of your makeup, can enhance or disguise certain features. Whether your problem is skin greasiness, blemishes, or large pores, there’s a primer that can remedy it.

Should You Use Primer?

Now that you know all about primers, it’s up to you if you feel it’s necessary. Makeup professionals swear by them, but for laypeople it might be a superfluous step. You may have tried a primer before, but didn’t notice any improvement in your face. However, it could be that you just didn’t use the right one. Regardless, you owe it to yourself to experiment some more. After all, isn’t trying out different products the most fun part about makeup?