Primers work an absolute dream under foundation - it almost makes you wonder how we ever did without them. They essentially act like a great set of underwear on top of which everything looks better, by smoothing, flattering, concealing and holding everything in place - namely your foundation.
Choosing one means understanding your skin type and the beauty wheel of fortune above will help you find your perfect match...
If you have oily skin...
The keyword when tackling oily skin is ‘matte’ and L'Oreal's Mattifying Base gives you a lot of bang for your buck when you’re on an oil clean-up. The key is a lightweight powder-gel formula that delivers a soft-focus finish, while hiding pesky oil patches.
L'Oreal Infallible Mattifying Base,
£8.99If you have blemish-prone skin...
Applying makeup when you're suffering from a breakout doesn’t always help in the fight against spots, but luckily, Smashbox is here to save the day. Its renowned Photo Finish Primer is oil free, creating an ideal canvas between your skin and your makeup. And for those who are after something a little more targeted, the Blemish Control version contains 2% salicylic acid (the highest percentage available without a prescription).
Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control, £28
If you have large pores...
More and more of us are becoming aware of pore-size and keeping them hidden and/or minimised. Benefit The Porefessional has become a standard for anyone wanting to achieve a poreless-looking complexion as it provides a lightweight, translucent layer under make-up and is oil-free and rich in vitamin E for fighting free radicals.
Benefit The Porefessional,
£26If your skin is sensitive...
It’s wise to tread carefully and go for a primer that treats sensitive skin with the kindness it deserves. This delicate formula from MAC calms and soothes, while blotting away excess oil and evening out redness.
MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage,
£21.50If you have an uneven skin tone...Creating the ideal base for coverage, this transparent gel smooths your skin texture, boosts luminosity, disguises pores and subtly blurs your complexion.
YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer, £29.50
If your skin is dry...
By smoothing away rough, dry patches, this little delight from Bourjois leaves your skin supple, plump and ready for make-up - and it keeps it that way throughout the day.
Bourjois Paris Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer,
£8.20
