Primer: The skin care-makeup hybrid that divides a beauty nation.
Half of us use it, half of us don’t, and with so many different types out there, the latter probably wouldn’t know where to start even if they wanted to.
There’s illuminating primers, youth-boosting primers, and of course, primers for longer-lasting makeup. But if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, or just want to know what’s the best of the best, this is the cream of the primer crop…
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Benefit POREfessional: Pearl Primer
Benefit’s POREfessional: Pearl Primer
Ideal for: Oily skin types who want matte control, but a glowing finish
You say: “I’m a huge fan of the original porefessional. I love how matte it keeps my skin, while blurring out my pores and creating a smooth surface to apply foundation to. This primer gives that same effect, but makes your skin look luminous and healthy. It still keeps me matte, it stops oils from coming through. But it gives a finish that looks radiant and glowly, without being oily.” – bh member Beccaduncan23
Nude by Nature Airbrush Mineral Primer
Nude by Nature Airbrush Mineral Primer
Ideal for: Combination skin, or underneath mineral powder foundation
You say: “I have a more mature, combination skin and this leaves my skin feeling flawless and ready for my foundation. I have found my make up stays looking fresh for longer. It does not leave the skin feeling like you have a heavy mask over the top of it.” – bh member Frangipani61
Like the sound of this one? Here are seven more primers that provide a flawless finish.
Nude by Nature Airbrush Mineral Primer
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Ideal for: Dry skin
You say: “I love how it’s very creamy and rich but doesn’t feel too heavy. Gets absorbed like a dream on clean skin and makes it feel so hydrated and moisturised. Not really a matte finish, but nothing oily and just so perfect to get started with your makeup.” – bh member Peach Perfect
Love the sound of this one? Here’s our edit of the best primers for dry skin.
M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix +
Ideal for: Multi-use
You say: “I love this and use it for a couple of things. I use it to spray over my finished makeup, to spray onto my sponge to blend my concealer under my eye and to wet my brush to use with certain eyeshadows. I love the bottle and love how you can lock the spray to prevent accidents, but I also love the smell, which to me is pleasant but not overwhelming.” – bh member angie_robyn
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer
Ideal for: Blurring pores and fine lines
You say: “The blurring complex is immediate and an all over evenness is seen. I don’t think it makes my makeup last any better than my previously favourite primer but it feels so light on my skin with a breathable quality that it is really comfortable to wear.” – bh member Trish_D
Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer
Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer
Ideal for: Dehydrated or sensitive skin
You say: “I really like this primer for its hydrating properties, the way it sits under makeup (it doesn’t ball or pill up like many silicone based primers can) and for the skin friendly ingredients.” – bh member Ksm
Nude by Nature Perfecting Eye Primer
Nude by Nature Perfecting Eye Primer
Ideal for: Oily eyelids
You say: “This Perfecting Eye Primer dries down matte on eyelids and holds any eyeshadows nicely making them more long lasting. I have tried high end eye primers and I can say that the quality of this perfecting eye primer is not far from those luxury brands. Love it.” – bh member Helen T
Nude by Nature Perfecting Eye Primer
Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher
Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher
Ideal for: Oily skin and humid climates
We say: If you have super oily skin, this could be the Holy Grail you’ve been searching for. It grips onto makeup and doesn’t allow shine to come through for hours on end. It won’t give you a chalky finish, but it’ll prolong your time between blotting for sure.
Makeup Forever Radiant Primer Yellow
Makeup Forever Radiant Primer Yellow, $58, sephora.com.au
Ideal for: Dull and uneven skin tones
We say: If you’re looking to cancel out any discolouration so you can indulge in less coverage, more skin, this mellow yellow tube could be worth a try. It helps to increase the longevity of foundation while remaining hydrating and lightweight on the skin.
I was at an Arbonne party the other night. The host was spouting on about how much Primer they sold form their range. I've had it before. It's good. It's not the bees knees.
It would be nice to have RRP.
My current favourite is the Bobbi Brown. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I actually won it from BH (thank you!). It’s very moisturising, but it doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. It feels luxurious. I love it so much that I ordered the eye primer from Rewards Room. Can’t wait to get it.
Love benefits primers