Those of you who know me, or my work, will know that I rarely use ‘primers’ myself because if you fully prep the skin then you shouldn’t need one. However, I do work with skincare products that perfectly prime skin for makeup, and other products designed to be used as primers actually make great barely-there skin finishes. There are more and more primers on the market, and they can be really great for evening skin tone or hydrating skin ready for makeup, especially if you’re in a hurry. Shop my edit of the best primers for all skin types, below.
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6 of the Best Primers
Before we start, just a quick reminder that whether or not you’re using a primer, you should never apply makeup to skin that isn’t clean, so always start your routine with a skin cleanse. Check out my edit of the best cleansers or practical 3-step-cleanse video if you want some tips. So now on to the primers…
Max Factor
Miracle Glow Universal Highlighter
Clarins
Flash Balm
Too Faced
Hangover Primer
Burberry
Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base
Benefit
Tinted Lash Primer
Hourglass
No28 Primer Serum
Max Factor Miracle Glow Universal Highlighter
A favourite in my kit for giving skin an all-over luminous glow. You can either apply as the last step as a highlighter or (as I prefer to do) prep skin for an all-over radiance by using it as a base.
Labelled a ‘skin booster’, it is a moisturising, brightening, tightening formula that is kind on all skin types. If your skin needs a little help to look clear and smooth, I’d recommend using Flash Balm as an in-between product after moisturiser and before your makeup base.
Too Faced are in my round-up of vegan brands, and this is one of their most popular products. Infused with hydrating coconut water, it’s a good option if you’ve had less than the requisite eight hours, or your skin is looking and feeling dehydrated.
Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base
Not officially a primer, but this glowing skin base has long been one of my favourite first-step skin products. It gives your complexion a really natural glow and is great layered under your favourite foundation, or mixed in to give a more radiant finish.
It’s not just skin that benefits from prepping – this Benefit lash primer can either be used under a black mascara to create longer, thicker looking lashes, or on its own for super light, natural definition. It’s a good choice for the invisible makeup trend.
If a skin blur or mattifying primer isn’t for you, try this serum primer from Hourglass. Containing nourishing vitamins A, B5, C and E and conditioning plant oils, it will hydrate and prep skin and allow for a smoother skin finish when you apply makeup.
READ NEXT: Best Moisturisers | Best BB Creams | Best Mascaras
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