Primers & setting sprays – INCI ingredient analysis

Primers are applied after skincare and before foundation to change how make-up sits on the skin, for example to smooth texture, mattify or add grip. Eye primers prepare the lids for shadow. Setting sprays are misted over finished make-up from a distance and left to dry, and some double as a refreshing mist during the day.

Smoothing primers are often silicone-based, starting with DIMETHICONE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE and DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, with SILICA or other powders for a matte finish. Water-based gripping primers use GLYCERIN, film-forming polymers and gums. Setting sprays are mostly AQUA with ALCOHOL DENAT. or a humectant and film formers such as PVP, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER or VP/VA COPOLYMER.

Some primers contain UV filters and state an SPF; in that case the filters must be from Annex VI and are listed by their INCI names. Setting sprays are typically pump sprays, but those sold in pressurised cans list propellants and carry the warnings required for aerosols. Colour-correcting primers include CI numbers, often in small amounts near the end of the list.