Primers That Work

Up until a couple years ago I really thought primers were a bunch of crap. Being blunt here. But if you think about it, they make sense right? You prime your nails with base coat, you prime your walls before you paint – we even prime our skin with serum before moisturizer!

There are different primers for different jobs, and here are a handful of my favourites that actually work, and what they are best suited for.

Illamasqua Hydra Veil is my end all to be all primer favourite. Thats pretty big boots to fill, right? Here’s the deal, it leaves my skin feeling super plump and nourished minus the slippy sticky oily feel most hydrating primers have. It makes my makeup last longer than any other, and keeps it completely balanced at the same time. Worth every penny.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water is a new one I raved about recently. It is oil, silicone and alcohol free making it an awesome choice for those who have sensitive skin or love the convenience that it can also be used as a setting spray which means it covers two bases.

Benefit Porefessional is technically not really meant as a primer for all over, but rather a pore filling base step, which it works remarkably well at. This manages to sink into the skin a bit and doesn’t leave that super greasy feel some silicone primers have. You pop this specifically on the spots where you have fine lines and pores and watch the magic happen.

Finally the Laura Mercier Primers are for those who want choices. The original works great on normal skin tones, there is an oil free for oilier or combo skin, a hydrating for dry skin and then radiance primers for those who need a little glow in your life. Bang for buck is great too, considering you get 50ml for the price most give you 30ml.

There you have it, if you are gonna prime then do it right! Choose a primer that works with the type of foundation you are planning to use (ie a silicone primer may not work the best under a tinted moisturizer, and a hydrating primer may not sit nicely under mineral powders. When in doubt get a sample to try with your favourite foundation to make sure they are a match made in heaven!

What primer is your favourite and why?