Primers are a funny old thing in my eyes, I'm far too lazy to bother really. But in the last year, four have happened to pop on my radar and I'm really starting to enjoy the effect it has on the overall finish on my make-up. Primers are as the name suggests, an after-moisturiser, pre-make-up application that can help do a range of things. From ensuring your make-up lasts all day to minimising pores, keeping shininess at bay or giving a luminous finish, for every problem you may want to overcome there is sure enough a primer to achieve this. I tried and tested four of the top recommended primers, all having different purposes, to report back on what I thinks worth not only the extra step, but also the added cost.
This dinky sample sized Laura Mercier Foundation Primer made it's way to me as part of a special edition set. Being a firm fan of the LM Tinted Moisturiser I had high hopes for this bad boy. The first thing that struck me was the scent, slightly not right. A rather metallic like smell that was off putting (and just weird really - robot scented?), it's fairly easy to overcome but still. Application wise, this glides on like a... moisturiser. Easy to spread it instantly creates a soft, subtle base for make-up - without feeling too synthetic or 'fake.' Allowing foundation to slide on, it adds a natural slightly dewy finish. Not greasy or shiny - just strictly healthy. One to definitely indulge in if you find your skin has dry patches or you need a ever so slight radiance lift.
Beauty Flash Balms - Clarins (£29.00)
With countless beauty awards under it's belt, the Clarin's Beauty Flash Balm is hailed as a skincare hero. This much loved (read: completed bashed) tube has lasted me well over the years, savouring what's left, this beauty balm slash primer is a godsend. Not something I would use on a daily basis, I use the BFB on days where I resemble a Zombie extra from Shaun of the Dead. Whether it be the mother of all hangovers, a late night or recovering from a cold, this baby can have you looking from zero to hero in a matter of minutes. Smoothing over the skin, it instantly creates a dewy brightening base. Looking fresh as a daisy, passing off as someone whose had a dreamy, relaxing 8 hr sleep, every girl/woman should have a tube of this stashed away for emergencies. Or if you have a fancy occasion approaching, invest!
One Step Correct - Stila (£24.00)
Stila's One Step primer hit the beauty radar last year, with its impressive 'oooh ahh' pump mechanism, it distributes a pump of all the three diferent coloured primers intertwined. With the green counteracting redness, purple counteracting sallowness and pink overcoming yellow tones, the final splurt is a rather rank mixture of the above.. that seems to do, well, nothing. Smoothed onto the face it creates a luminous sheen, not like the Clarins above where it evokes an inner glow, this just leaves a sheen on your skin. Seroously not nice. After serious dusting of powder, the sheen fights through and leaves you looking rather oily in minutes. With no actual 'correcting' taking place, this overpriced primer is more of a nuisance than that of a cult product status.
With many of you swearing by the infamous Benefit's Porefessional, I was super excited to give this product a whirl. With rather large pores surrounding my nozzel, I'm always on the hunt for a solution to conceal these pesky fellows. This nude tinted balm instantly blurs the skin, it doesn't completely minimise the appearance of large pores, and really after a few hours they soon become noticeable again. But what I will say about this primer, is that it creates a wonderfully soft base for make-up application. If you are spot prone, have scarring or dry skin, this creates a beautiful silky base that allows foundation to glide upon. Something I hadn't quite found with the above primers. Top marks for creating the perfect base!
So there you have it - my round up of primers! Have you tried any of the above or have any recommendations? I already have a sneaky new primer purchase waiting to be trailed - so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
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