BEST OF BASE : PREP & PRIME
Despite the industry’s love of a ‘do-it-all’ product, to the makeup connoisseur, there are few things more annoying, especially when it comes to foundation. It goes without saying that a foundation which claims to heal blemishes, inject moisture, and decrease fine lines is quite literally spreading itself too thin. For the more astute and fastidious beauty lover the primer has long been the product with which to seamlessly bridge skincare and makeup; providing a virtuous base which protects previously applied skincare and enhances consequently applied makeup, leaving foundation simply to do its thing.
Last week I shed light upon six skincare/makeup hybrids which serve to both protect the skin and provide a base for makeup - ideal if you suffer from skincare woes. For those on the hunt for a primer which is less about complexion saving and more about complexion enhancing, here are six of the best ‘does what it says on the tin’ primers.
THE 8-HOUR FIX : Dr Brandt Pores-No-More Primer
For a makeup base which will see you from your breakfast meeting to post-work drinks, this cult favourite creates a barrier to oil and sweat; preventing shine, slippage, and pore clogging. Favouring glow over gleam, it leaves the skin with a smooth matte surface, more than ready for makeup application.
THE GLOW-GETTER : Eve Lom Flawless Radiance Primer*
Luminous lit-from-within skin remains chic, but strikes fear within the hearts of those with oilier complexions. Truth be told, there is a fine-line between glow and gleam but the secret [as always] lies in the base. Eve Lom’s new primer [launching this month] absorbs excess oil whilst simultaneously ensuring lasting luminosity with its light-diffusing, radiance boosting formula. Enriched with Vitamin E and SPF, skincare junkies can rest-assured of its hydrating and nourishing capabilities, and will reach for this imperfection-concealing lotion even on no-makeup days.
THE 2-IN-1 TINT : Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base*
Those who adopt a 'less is more' approach to makeup application and typically shun foundations in favour of tinted moisturisers and BB creams will adore this shimmer-free sheen, which can either be applied straight to the skin or mixed with moisturiser [or foundation for that matter] for an instant boost of vitality. Choose your shade [there is an impressive range] and expect dull skin to be a thing of the past.
THE ONE-STOP WONDER : MAC Prep+Prime Skin
For those of you who do like a do-it-all wonder product, and who don't have any specific issues to address but still seek a certain je ne sai quoi to your makeup application; MAC’s bestseller is a sure-fire winner. Providing a dewy freshness to skin which would otherwise appear flat and grey, it's silky silicone base smoothens the surface of the skin, absorbing excess oil and depositing light-reflecting particles which promote a noticeable glow.
THE PORE-MINIMISER : Benefit The Porefessional
The one primer I can guarantee even your grandma is aware of [thanks to yet another of Benefit’s over-zealous marketing campaigns], is this pore-concealing, skin-smoothening extraordinaire. Whilst some despise it’s silicone-based formula, I find it a dream to apply makeup over and adore its silky, fast-absorbing texture. One of the best picks if keeping your makeup intact from sunrise to sunset is on your agenda, and far-superior to Maybelline’s similarly-hyped pore-minimising option.
THE BLANK CANVAS : RMK Makeup Base*
This stuff is a bona fide miracle worker, and a saving grace to those with troubled complexions, who will be more than aware that the slightest imbalance of texture in the complexion can have perceptibly disastrous effects upon makeup application. In the same way that a nail base-coat preps and evens out the nail bed ahead of lacquer application, this soft fluid provides a veil of moisture and smooths uneven patches, providing a sensually soft sensation which sees foundation application a dream come true.
What are your primer recommendations?
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*PR SAMPLE