primer
/pɾiˈmeɾ/
In Spanish, "makeup primer" is translated as primer.
The term primer refers to a cosmetic product applied to the skin before foundation to create a smooth base for makeup. In the beauty industry and casual conversation, Spanish speakers frequently use this English loanword.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the word primer is commonly used to refer to a makeup primer.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the loanword primer in Spanish, it is treated as a masculine noun. For example, the plural form is los primers.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾiˈmeɾ/
Did you know?
- If you use the English loanword primer in Spanish, you might accidentally sound like you are talking about 'first' because primer is also the masculine form of the word for 'first'.
- In professional settings, the term imprimación is used for both makeup and construction materials like wall primer.
- Spanish beauty influencers often use the phrase preparar la piel (preparing the skin) to describe the entire process of applying a primer, treating the product as a step in a ritual rather than just a tool.
Examples in context
- El preparador de cutis ayudará a que tu maquillaje dure todo el díaThe skin preparer will help your makeup last all day
- No puedo maquillarme sin aplicar prebaseI can't do my makeup without applying primer
- Necesito comprar un buen primerI need to buy a good makeup primer
- Necesito un primer para la piel.I need a primer for the skin.
- El primer ayuda a que el maquillaje dure más.The primer helps the makeup last longer.
- Aplica el primer antes de la base.Apply the primer before the foundation.
Example conversation
Mateo is helping Lucía organize her cosmetics drawer.
- Mateo¿Dónde guardaste el primer?Where did you store the primer?
- LucíaEstá en el estante de arriba.It is on the top shelf.
- MateoGracias, Lucía.Thanks, Lucía.
- LucíaDe nada, Mateo.You're welcome, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry primer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
