You might think that makeup primer is only good for improving the longevity of your foundation. But if you suffer from facial redness, your makeup primer could make all the difference. Facial redness is usually caused by factors that are difficult to control such as allergies, diet and even rosacea. So, with the right products your makeup bag can act as a secret weapon when you’re feeling flushed.
Using the right primer can help to reduce the appearance of a flushed complexion, leaving you with a flawless, even toned complexion. To find out more, we spoke to celebrity makeup artist, Sarah Tammer, to discover the best way to use makeup primer to reduce facial redness.
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How important is skin prep in disguising facial redness?
According to Sarah, who has worked with celebrities such as Shanina Shaik, Lara Bingle, Jessica Gomes, and Bridget Malcolm, prepping your skin with the right products before applying your makeup is crucial if you’re wanting to disguise facial redness. “Looking after your skin by using gentle cleansers and keeping it well-hydrated should be your first consideration.” And of course, makeup always looks better when it’s applied to clean, moisturised skin.
Can the right makeup primer reduce the appearance of facial redness?
“Absolutely, primers prepare the skin for makeup application, so that it sits better on the skin and lasts longer,” says Sarah. For redness, she suggests looking for a primer that’s slightly tinted to offer enough coverage to help disguise redness and even out the skin tone.
What should we look for in a primer if we have facial redness?
Sarah recommends looking for hydrating ingredients such as Grapeseed Oil and Vitamin E, which will help to soothe the skin and provide a smooth base. “I’m in LOVE with LUMA Liquid Light Illuminating Primer because it contains crushed pearl which gives the complexion an even, natural-looking healthy glow,” says Sarah.
What are your favourite makeup tips to disguise redness?
“I absolutely love Nu Skin’s NaPCA Moisture Mist, as it contains Niacinamide which helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function. It’s great for calming redness and makes the perfect makeup setting spray too,” says Sarah.
Do colour-correcting primers work?
According to Sarah, they can work but you need to use a light-handed approach so that they don’t look cakey and unnatural. “Green-toned products are said to counteract redness but I don’t really like the idea of putting something green on the skin,” she says. Sarah prefers to use a tinted primer that is formulated with hydrating ingredients.
Click through the gallery below to see some of our favourite primers for reducing facial redness…
LUMA Natural Radiance Bronzing Primer
The LUMA Natural Radiance Bronzing Primer is a multi-tasking face primer that adds warmth to the skin with a sheer, sun kissed glow. It’s infused with the pearlescent, skin-loving benefits of the original Liquid Light Illuminating Primer for sun kissed, radiant skin, with a naturally dewy appearance.
e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Face Primer
Another multipurpose product, the e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Face Primer targets excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. Plus, it’s all yours for only $12! Apply before putting on your makeup for a dewy, soft and even toned appearence. For facial redness, we reccomend the Green or Radiant Glow shades.
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15
Not only does its sheer green tint visually correct redness and even skin tone, but it also protects skin from UVA/UVB exposure. The Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15 is lightweight, oil-free and appropriate for skin with reactive or persistent redness.
$36, adorebeauty.com.au
Dermalogica Redness Relief Primer SPF 15
The Dermalogica Redness Relief Primer SPF 15 counteracts redness with its sheer green tint. It also calms irritation and protects the skin from UVA and UVB exposure. It’s formulated with natural botanical extracts of yeast, oat and oat kernel oil, which offer an immediate calming effect on the skin. When worn underneath makeup, your base will look smooth and last for hours.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Redness Correcting Primer
The MAKE UP FOR EVER Redness Correcting Primer is ideal for correcting redness, balancing skin and achieving a flawless makeup look. The lightweight, creamy formulation will leave you with a more even toned appearence and increase the longevity of your foundation.
$58, sephora.com.au
Always have redness in my cheeks would like to try the Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15 and having a luminous Primer would be different as well.
Personally I always use a Primer after I apply Sunscreen usually a 50+ before putting on the Foundation. Great to see so many Primers available for different Skin Conditions.
Clinique's Redness Solutions works but I don't like applying green or yellow. I'll look into products with Grapeseed Oil, Niacinamide and Vit E to soothe, or give a barrier to skin
Reasonably priced Rimmel Insta CC primer and Maybelline face studio prime, both work well with a thin 'green' layer under foundation. However, there are some brands that are very thick and need to be 'watered down' with moisturiser to apply more easily so as not to get that ghostly appearance under the makeup.
I need these!