Primers

We give you the low-down on primers, how they work, and which products Beauty Bible recommends…

Makeup primers are a relatively new product on the market (compared to others) but they have already become an overnight hit with makeup artists and beauty junkies and are now a product that any self-respecting women should own.

Their aim is to prepare the skin for makeup and create a protective base for longer lasting, natural looking foundation application and wear.

Using a primer also means you don't have to use as much foundation each time – thus your products last longer in all aspects as you are using less product and applying your makeup less frequently.

Primers give your makeup something to grab onto and create a smooth and perfect canvas.  Primers are especially good for people with oily or combination skin as they control excess shine and absorb oil, meaning your foundation wont rub off, smear or slide right off your face.

Primers are like your normal moisturiser – but with added silicone. Most makeup artists recommend that you have as little number of products as possible under your makeup to stop it sliding off – so either use your primer in place of your moisturiser, or apply your moisturiser half an hour before you prime and do your makeup.

Apply foundation directly after applying your primer before it sets.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer:

Smashbox are famous for their primers. The Photo Finish Foundation Primer creates a perfect canvas for foundation application with and is silky, oil-free and lightweight – and as an added bonus, it also contains a blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea to take care of your skin. This baby is like super glue for your foundation – it literally makes your makeup last all day.

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer:

I lost my primer virginity to Napoleon Perdis Primer. This is a cult product that set of a chain reaction from other brands who hurried to add primers to their line up. It is light, hard working and a total no-brainer. A little goes a long way – I think you could get at least 6 months worth out of one tube. RRP:$45.00.

Revlon – Beyond Natural Skin Smoothing Primer and Age Defying Primer:

You can always expect quality from Revlon, and they have an impressive lineup of primers. They even cater for different skin-types which is not something you see often in primers.  Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Smoothing Primer (RRP:$32.00) fills in pores and lines for a fabulously flawless foundation finish. If you have aging skin, then Revlon Age Defying Primer (RRP:$35.00) is perfect for you. It is available in two varieties – Normal/Combination and Dry Skin. It helps to firm and smooth your skin, while helping to minimise the appearance of facial lines – sounds pretty good doesn't it!

Jane Iredale Dream Tint:

We love Dream Tint as it is much more than just a tinted moisturiser (although its moisturizing capabilities are very real) You can wear it on its own, but  it makes a superior skin primer, and with foundation over the top you cannot get a more flawless base. It also contains essential UV protection SPF 15

NARS Makeup Primer:

NARS is such a fabulous brand – you know you are going to get great, long-lasting quality every time. The NARS makeup Primer soothes and prepares your skin, transforming it into the perfect base for longer-lasting, natural looking foundation. The solution is very lightweight and it also works to help reduce redness and inflammation. Worn under foundation, powder or alone, the result is translucent, healthy looking skin. LOVE IT!

Article by Kate McGahan and Gracie Stewart