Primer

Choosing it for deep skin

• In Nigerian heat, a light gel moisturiser plus sunscreen is often all the primer you need.
• Choose a clear primer. White, lilac or pearly "brightening" primers can look grey or ashy on deep skin.
• Oily T-zone: a matte "pore" primer only there. Dry skin in harmattan: a hydrating primer.
• Most primers are silicones such as dimethicone. They help makeup last; they do not treat your skin.
• Pick fragrance-free if your skin stings or itches easily.

How to apply

1. Start with clean skinCleanse, then use a light moisturiser if your skin needs one.
2. Apply sunscreen nextPut on sunscreen and wait 1–2 minutes so it settles.
3. Use a pea-sized amountPut primer only where you need it, usually the forehead, nose and chin.
4. Press, do not rubPress it in with your fingertips. Rubbing makes layers roll into little balls (pilling).
5. Wait a minute before foundationLet it set so your base goes on smoothly.

How long to wear it

• It lasts as long as the makeup on top, usually most of the day.
• Too many layers slide and pill in heat. Moisturiser, sunscreen and a little primer is enough.
• Take it off every night with the rest of your makeup. Never sleep in it.

Safety and the evidence

• Fragrance (parfum, aroma) and botanical extracts are the commonest cosmetic allergens; choose fragrance-free if your skin reacts easily.

  Evidence B/C — patch-test series

• Alcohol denat. near the top of the ingredient list can sting eczema or rosacea.

  Evidence D — expert opinion

• A primer is not sun protection unless it shows an SPF and "broad spectrum". Wear a real sunscreen underneath.

  Evidence D — expert opinion

• "Non-comedogenic" ratings are weak evidence. Judge by how your own skin responds.

  Evidence D — ratings come mostly from animal tests · Comedogenicity ratings explained

Evidence grades: A systematic reviews or several trials; B at least one trial or consistent controlled studies; C observational studies, surveys or case reports; D expert opinion.

Keep it clean

• Keep it out of heat and sun: not in a parked car, on a sunny dressing table or in a handbag left outside. Heat spoils makeup before its date.
• A pump or tube stays cleaner than a jar. For a jar, scoop with a clean spatula.
• Throw it away if it smells odd, separates or changes colour.