A makeup primer can be a lifesaver for anyone that wears makeup. The right primer can help your foundation last longer, go on more smoothly and even fill in pores and other uneven skin texture. Teens that are starting to wear makeup, though, shouldn't necessarily borrow their mom's primer. Teen skin has specific concerns that can determine what type of primer works best. When shopping for a good primer for teenage skin, keep those issues in mind so you choose the best fit.

Due to fluctuations in hormones, teenage skin typically produces more oil than adult skin. Using a foundation primer that contains oil only adds more to the skin, which can cause problems for a teen's complexion. That's because excess oil can clog the pores and provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that can cause acne. Teens should opt for a foundation primer with an oil-free formula so they don't have to worry about congested pores and possible breakouts. A water-based foundation primer is usually a good fit for teenage skin.

Foundation primers are usually available in several different finishes -- luminous, semi-matte and matte. Since teens usually have oily skin, they should avoid primers that give the complexion any hint of shine, such as those with a luminous or even a semi-matte finish. Instead, opt for a foundation primer that offers a matte finish to help keep oily skin in check. In fact, you can even find mattifying primers that contain ingredients like rice starch, ground walnut shell or witch hazel to help absorb oil throughout the day so your skin stays shine-free and your makeup doesn't break down.

While foundation primer is meant to help foundation last longer and prepare the skin for a smoother application, teenagers can also benefit from a primer that includes medicinal ingredients too -- especially if they have acne-prone skin. Primers are available that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or soothing botanicals like green tea and licorice that can calm redness and irritation associated with breakouts. That means the primer doesn't just make your makeup look better; it helps improve the condition of your skin too.

Because of acne breakouts and skin sensitivity issues, teenagers often struggle with redness in their skin. While foundation can cover some of the redness, it often helps to use a primer that has color-correcting properties to help tone down some of the discoloration so your makeup doesn't have to do all the work. Since red and green are opposite one another on the color wheel, a green-tinted primer can neutralize red tones in the skin. However, it's important to make sure that the primer is blended completely into the skin so there are no green spots that show through your foundation.