Primers hit the big-time around 5 years back as the thing to buy to keep your makeup in place. If you haven’t jumped on the train, you’re probably constantly battling with patchy foundation, eyeshadow that smears all over the bloody joint, and a strong case of the disappearing entire-face-of-makeup.
Not all primers are created equal and that’s how it should be. We all have different skin types, and we all have different needs. Here’s a bunch with excellent reps amongst the in-the-know, if you’re struggling with where to start.
HOURGLASS VEIL MINERAL PRIMER
Lightweight but long lasting, this oil-free primer gives a lit from within glow and creates an A+ canvas for makeup.
FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R SOFT TOUCH MATTE PRIMER
Fenty Beauty’s products are overall hot shit, but the primer and the foundation have some of the best reviews in their areas, and they’ve only been on counters in Oz for under a year. Pro Filt’r diffuses skin and also keeps oil at bay.
NYX ANGEL VEIL
Touted as the dupe of Hourglass Mineral Veil by many beauty obsessives, this is the cheapie version to achieving the glowy skin of your dreams.
L’OREAL PARIS INFALLIBLE LUMINIZING PRIMER
This creamy formula doesn’t have the siliconey finish of many illuminating primers, so it’s perfect if you’re not into that “layer” feel when it comes to primers, but still want the glowy payoff.
SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMER
Aside from smoothing out fine lines, large pores and uneven skin texture, this primer’s full of vitamins and antioxidants so it’s pretty much skincare as well.
TOO FACED HANGOVER PRIMER
This hangover primer does exactly what you think it does – makes dull, just-woke-up skin look fresh as hell. It’s really lightweight and silicone-free, so if you’re averse to silicone stuff this is your beb.
BECCA BACKLIGHT PRIMING FILTER
Becca’s primer range is hailed by many beauty lovers for their lightweight formulas and amazing illuminating payoff. Backlight is an oldie but a goodie – it’s quite glowy so it’s not for the faint hearted.
BENEFIT POREFESSIONAL
One of the OG primers on market, POREfessional is a fix-all for your skin – think fine lines blurred, pores almost non-existent, tone evened out etc etc etc.
