Primers

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In addition to providing a smooth base for makeup to cling onto, the latest primers also come with a host of skincare benefits. Find the right one for you and discover an antidote to your biggest skincare concern, whether it’s mid-afternoon shine, dullness or blotchiness.

Better with Age

The smoothing properties of today’s primers are great for mature skin that’s showing its age, as a uniform silky base can help to disguise pigmentation and uneven tone. Look for formulas rich in plumping hyaluronic acid and loaded with protective antioxidants to help prevent further damage. For a dramatic effect Algenist Deep Wrinkle Minimizer contains alguronic acid filling spheres, which swell on contact with the skin temporarily filling in lines. For skincare benefits that last, try Dr Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Primer, which contains anti-inflammatory purslane and works to boost skin tone and tightness throughout the day.

Maximum Moisture

Patchy foundation and dry skin by mid-afternoon? If your skin is soaking up makeup then you need to give it a hefty dose of hydration first thing. Keep a mist on hand for a repeated moisture boost throughout the day and don’t forego primer which can add a layer of much-needed hydration. Choose one that locks in moisture all day and keeps makeup smooth and perfected. With a refreshing gel-serum texture, Kevyn Aucoin The Primed Skin Developer – Normal To Dry contains moisture-boosting botanicals and is so nourishing it can be used as a glow-enhancing night treatment too.

Glow Booster

If you’re run-down and it shows, start your makeup routine with a radiance-boosting primer to fight dullness and perk-up tired skin. Look for formulas that harness the light-reflecting abilities of natural minerals such as pearl and mica; the luminous effect will counteract sleep-deprived dullness and give your skin lasting luminosity. We like Becca Backlight Priming Filter – infused with crushed pearls to instantly brighten skin, plus it also works as a highlighter when applied just on cheekbones and brow bones before contouring.

Multi-Tasking Musts

Classic primers create an ultra-smooth surface for makeup to grip onto, meaning your foundation lasts longer and applies more easily. Multi-taskers also provide daily skincare benefits and help to protect skin from damaging aggressors, so look for anti-inflammatory ingredients, vitamins and antioxidants. If you’ve never used a primer before, the original Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is a great place to start. A cult classic thanks to its ultra-smoothing lightweight gel texture and vitamin-rich formula, it’s easy to apply and keeps makeup fresh and colour true for hours. New Ren Perfect Canvas uses probiotics to rebalance and calm the complexion, while creating a smooth surface without silicone.

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Colour Correcting

If you’re prone to blushing, hot flushes and redness, try a blue or purple-toned primer to instantly diffuse flushed skin and create a balanced, smooth complexion finish that lasts all day. Becca First Light Priming Filter is a violet-hued smoothing cream that counteracts redness, moisturises and adds luminosity. For skin that’s dull, blotchy or acne-prone, avoid translucent primers and try one that has a natural tint to provide a little more coverage, even-out tone and disguise imperfections. We like Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer as it comes in three different shades and cleverly blurs imperfections, making skin appear bright, smooth and uniformly textured.

Mattifying Maestros

Take control of oil at the start of your makeup routine with a primer that works to keep skin fresh and matte throughout the day. Choose ingredients like salicylic acid to help clear blemishes and prevent new ones from forming, and look out for blurring properties to disguise large pores and blackheads. Nars Pore & Shine Control Primer keeps makeup smooth and long-lasting even in warm weather, while Cover FX Mattifying Primer With Anti-Acne Treatment perfects skin texture while fighting breakouts.