Ace the Illinois Cosmetology Exam 2026 – Glam Up and Shine Bright!

The essential product for preparing skin for makeup application is primer. Primer serves as a base that creates an even canvas for makeup, enhancing its adherence and longevity on the skin. It fills in small lines, smooths the texture, and can help to control oil and shine based on the type of primer used. By using primer, makeup applies more evenly and can last throughout the day without fading or settling into fine lines.

Moisturizer is important for hydrating the skin, but while it benefits overall skin health, it does not prepare the skin specifically for makeup application in the same way a primer does. Foundation is the product that provides coverage and evens out skin tone, and concealer is used to cover specific imperfections, but neither of these products creates the optimal surface for makeup the way a primer does. Primer is specifically formulated to adhere to skin preparation, making it the key product before applying makeup.