I've been skeptical of primers since I started wearing makeup. In theory they're great, but in reality every version of the slick, often silicone-infused, pastes I tried did nothing for my skin and didn't hold well onto my foundation. So after trying my first batch of lackluster formulas, I decided to steer clear of every iteration altogether, insisting that they were a waste of time and money.But last summer, when my face was at its oiliest, I decided to give them another shot. And it turns out, a lot had changed — for the better! I started with a new formula that not only claimed to mattify the complexion, but to fight breakouts, too, all while soothing the skin. That's a tall order, but needless to say, I fell in love after just a couple of uses. Translation: It worked.
Soon after, I started experimenting with more formulas that married the makeup-prepping and blurring qualities of a traditional primer with the skin-loving ingredients of a serum or moisturizer. Could it be that primers had advanced since I first started wearing foundation? Short answer: Yes, the primers of yore were nothing compared to this new crop of finds.
Wondering which primers are worth adding an extra minute to your morning routine? Ahead, you'll find the fruits of my research, sure to turn any skeptics into believers.
Wondering which product turned this writer from primer-hater to primer-lover? This one. Why? Because it feels like a cooling gel, yet manages to keep oil at bay and treat budding pimples, too.
Jouer Anti-Blemish Matte Primer, $38, available at Jouer.
This color-correcting primer leaves a slight greenish tint on the skin, so following up with foundation is a must. The hue may seem odd, but it reduces any redness while the olive oil and cocoa-seed butter in the formula hydrate.
Boots No7 Colour Calming Primer, $9.74, available at Drugstore.com.
Use this moisturizer as the final step in your skin-care routine and the first in your makeup routine. It hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid while smoothing over any large pores to create a plump base for foundation.
Glossier Priming Moisturizer, $25, available at Glossier.
To complement her popular mineral foundation, Jane Iredale created a line of skin-care products specifically designed to be worn under mineral makeup. This moisturizer is our favorite of the bunch because it's hydrating (thanks to the rosewater, coconut alkanes, and avocado butter in the formula), yet extremely lightweight. So any powder or mineral makeup buffed over it apply quickly and evenly, with no flakes in sight.
Jane Iredale BeautyPrep Face Moisturizer, $45, available at Jane Iredale.
This viscous primer doubles as an antioxidant-rich serum that provides a silky canvas for foundation.
It Cosmetics No. 50 Serum Collagen Veil Anti-Aging Primer, $48, available at Ulta.
A blend of hydrating oils makes this primer a great one for those with dry skin. Plus, it comes in three shades (a pale yellow, golden yellow, and pink) that give a subtle radiance to the skin.
Vapour Status Luminous Instant Skin Perfector, $48, available at Vapour Beauty.
This coconut oil-infused product nourishes the lips while providing a matte base for lipstick. The best part? It seriously improves the wear-time of our lip colors, making it a great base for a long night out.
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Lip Saver Treatment Primer, $19, available February 29 at Sephora.
Although we can't say that this primer completely erases the effects of a hangover, we love what it does for our skin. Not only does it help our makeup last a bit longer, but it's full of ingredients that are actually good for the skin, like coconut water and probiotics (bacteria that prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria).
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer, $32, available at Sephora.
We can't stress the importance of wearing sunscreen daily, so this creamy product is a great option for those who want to prime and protect in one fell swoop. (Just make sure you apply liberally to really protect!) Plus, the formula contains vitamins A, C, and E, which brighten and shield the skin from free-radical damage.
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Protect, $36, available at Sephora.
We like to use this alcohol-free spray in four ways. First as a hydrating toner, second as a pre-foundation primer, third as a setting spray to lock in makeup, and finally, as a refreshing mist to revive our makeup throughout the day.
Smashbox Primer Water, $32, available at Smashbox.
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