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12 of the best face primers for a seamless finish
It can make a real difference to your make-up routine
A good face primer is the solution to a wealth of make-up woes. Whether you're struggling to keep your base in place in the midst of a heatwave, find it impossible to minimise redness and tackle dullness without layering on the concealer, or simply want a smoother finish to your foundation, the right make-up primer can make all the difference.
There's a primer out there for every need. Some boast impressive skincare benefits, anti-pollution protection and SPF whilst others provide oil control, magic pore blurring capabilities, and a luminous glow. To choose the right primer for you, consider your skin type and the finish you're after, whether that's velvety matte, radiant glass skin, something camera-ready or for long hours. If you're no stranger to wearing a full face of foundation, 'multi-priming' is useful too. For example, focusing glow-boosting formulas on cheekbones and mattifying primers on the forehead, T-zone and chin. You can also use your primer on its own to give bare skin an extra boost. If excess shine is your bugbear, don't forget to read Bazaar's round-up of the best primers for oily skin.
With the right primer, you’ll likely be able to scale back the rest of your base too: as Emma Tillman, UK pro make-up artist at Estée Lauder explains, "using primer often means you need to apply less foundation, for a smooth, flawless skin finish that doesn't look at all heavy".
Read on for Bazaar's edit of the 12 best primers for all skin needs from glow-givers to mattifying must-haves:
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
For thirsty complexions that need extra glow and plumpness, look to Giorgio Armani's oil-in-water primer. It goes on like a silky moisturiser and imbues skin with a healthy gleam without any harsh sparkle. Just perfected, bouncy, dewy-looking skin.
Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer
'Watery Glow' is an apt description for this gel-cream primer. It wears like second skin so pores don't feel clogged yet it provides ample hydration thanks to two forms of hyaluronic acid so foundation sits beautifully through long hours. A lovely summertime option.
For skin that looks lit-from-within, look no further. Saturated with skincare ingredients, this primer hydrates and brightens, providing a fresh and healthy complexion whilst enhancing the longevity of make-up. Light reflecting particles smooth the skin without looking heavy or glittery. This multitasking primer can be worn alone and under make up, or mixed with your favourite base to create a custom coverage tint that looks naturally even and radiant.
The lightweight and invisible formula grips onto whatever you put on top of it, locking make-up in place to ensure no cracking, slipping, or creasing. Apply a thin layer and let it set for a minute before applying the rest of your make-up to maximise its efficiency. Whether it’s a big event, battling with humid climates, or having a late night, this cult favourite has you covered with 12 hours of wear.
A cocktail of Japanese extracts and botanicals help nourish skin, and minimise signs of ageing with time. Meanwhile, silk powder creates a smooth canvas for foundation application and the pearlescent finish helps to brighten and leave a plush finish.
This lightweight primer skims over pores and fine lines, gently blurring without causing any pilling for a seamlessly smooth canvas. Use it before foundation for a long-wearing finish and a softly mattified complexion, or on its own for an extra boost on a no make-up day.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Blurring Primer 50ml
Laura Mercier is renowned for their game changing complexion perfecting products, and this primer is a standout. If excess oil is disturbing your foundation or you just prefer a soft matt finish, look no further than this oily skin saviour. It minimises shine without completely obliterating the glow and keeps skin feeling fresh all day long.
No need to worry about your make up as you’re dancing your way into the twelfth hour of celebrations as this ultra-luxe primer is sweat and humidity proof. Not only does it dramatically extend the life of your make-up, it photographs beautifully too.
This clever highlighter-primer hybrid is perfect for anyone who wants an illuminating lift, without sacrificing the staying power of their foundation. Swipe it over the high points of the face before applying your base to blur imperfections while dialling up the radiance. You can also use it on top of foundation as a highlighter or apply a small amount all-over to restore luminosity on dry complexions.
Dior Forever Glow Veil Radiance Primer
Trust Dior to create a primer that goes beyond simply providing a great base for make-up. This elegant formula is brimming with skincare ingredients such as glycerin and squalane for hydration, alongside plant extracts to boost radiance and restore plumpness to tired skin.
Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen
Sun protection is important all year round, so a primer that boasts high factor SPF such as this one is worth its weight in gold. The refined texture is lightweight, so you can apply a sufficient amount (experts recommend two fingers worth) without risking excess shine or that uncomfortable, heavy feel.
This green-tinted priming moisturiser helps neutralise redness and is loaded with niacinamide to help encourage hydration, refine pores and help with discolouration. Meanwhile, chamomile works hard to soothe aggravated complexions.
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