Why You Need a Makeup Primer That's Grippy—Not Slippy

Primer is the unsung hero of the makeup world: When the proper formula is used and applied accordingly, skin is smoother, more even, and balanced, says Tia Hebron, a makeup artist. However, as a beauty junkie, I’ve found many primers have a similar issue: They pill, essentially removing all that awesome skincare I just applied. But in the K-beauty world, I’ve been noticing that the majority of primers have an alternative finish—rather than “having slip,” as many aestheticians have suggested to me in the past, they’re almost tacky to the touch, like J. One Jelly Pack.

With the promise of firming skin, minimizing the appearance of pores, and temporarily firming the complexion, the jelly-textured primer melts into a liquid on skin (use a gentle patting motion, as you would with a splash mask), you’ll creates a canvas which helps to grip any makeup applied afterwards, too. That’s because, according to cosmetic chemist Ginger King in New Jersey, the ingredient makeup is unique compared to most other primer formulas.

“The J. One Jelly Pack is formulated with PVP ( polyvinylpyrrolidone), which acts almost like a glue,” King says of the water-soluble synthetic primer. “Alternatively, most other primers are formulated with silicones to create a smoother feel” and potentially help fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. What’s more, because of the PVP, says King, foundation will apply more evenly and stay on for far longer—even for a super-sweaty person like me.

One word of caution: Patting the formula in, because of its stickiness, is all the more important, says King. Because while the Jelly Pack has moisturizing, skin-smoothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, the tacky formulation requires precise application. Bonus: The tapping motion helps to prevent wrinkles, is gentler on your skin overall, and increase absorption thanks to the heat that emanates from your fingertips. So while you may love the way a smooth hydrating primer feels, it’s not gonna help your makeup last—but the J. One Jelly Pack will.