Primers 101: the right product for every skin concern
A good primer is a wonderful thing; the right texture, selection of ingredients and colour can drastically improve even the most troubled of complexions.
Primer will extend the wear of your foundation and concealer, act as a barrier between your natural oils and the makeup you apply on top, and help bring out the colour and clarity in the products you use to create the perfect makeup look.
We’ve chosen six primers — one for each major skin concern — so that you can either pick your holy-grail product or create a primer wardrobe and mix and match depending on your mood and needs.
Oily Skin: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
Those who have oily complexions will notice a gradual increase in shine throughout the day. To keep the grease at bay, opt for a primer that absorbs oil, and helps to create a more perfected, shine-free look. This affordable option from Rimmel glides onto the skin, immediately blurring over shiny patches in the T-zone, and creates a fantastic base for foundation to adhere to.
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, $8.98, walmart.ca
Acne-Prone Skin: Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control Primer
People with blemish-prone complexions often struggle with two issues - finding make up with a high enough coverage that lasts all day and finding a formula that doesn’t worsen breakouts and defends their faces from further acne. This primer from Smashbox is packed with salicylic acid to disinfect the skin and treat existing spots, and offers the same coverage and consistency as the original Smashbox offering.
Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control Primer, $50, sephora.ca
Dry/Dehydrated Skin: NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer
If you like a dose of hydration with your primer, we recommend Nyx’s Angel Veil. It has a light, creamy texture, that meshes seamlessly with foundation, concealer and powder. If you regularly notice that your foundation sticks to dry patches, this primer is the one for you.
NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer, $17.99, londondrugs.com
Mature/Dull Skin: Make Up For Ever Radiance Primer
Most skin types could use a boost of radiance, but if you are noticing an increase in age spots and sallow skin, then a glow-enhancing primer will be fantastic product to add to your beauty arsenal. This yellow-toned primer from Make Up For Ever will brighten purple, sallow tones, help counteract ruddy cheeks, and generally create a more polished, lifted look. These primers also come in shades of gradual intensity if you have deeper or paler skin tones.
Make Up For Ever Radiance Primer (Light-Medium Skin), $45, sephora.ca
Sensitive Skin/Rosacea: Cover FX Calming Primer
Rosacea is a problem for so many women, and it can be a challenge to treat and conceal at the same time. This Cover FX primer contains St. Johns Wort to soothe and endothelyol to reduce inflammation, along with a host of other calming ingredients. Once applied, makeup will glide smoothly over it, and you’ll notice a huge difference in the colour and texture of your complexion and your confidence too!
Cover FX Calming Primer, $44, sephora.ca
Textured Skin/Large Pores: Dr. Brandt Pores No More
Large pores are a common (and frustrating) problem and often appear in oily complexion, too. Whilst mattifying primers for oily skin will tackle and treat the oil itself, a pore-refining primer like this offering from Dr. Brandt will blur over and fill in pores, meaning they look virtually invisible! Apply this to cheeks, nose, and anywhere else that’s prone to large pores for a minimized appearance. It also work well paired with any other treatment, such as a radiance-boosting primer.
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner, $55, well.ca
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