My Most Loved Primers Right Now
-this post contains PR samples-
Primer is one of those products that you use and love or you think is a waste of time. For me, it’s always something that I’ve been a fan of since I properly got into beauty a few years ago and it completely changed not only how my base looks but how they perform too. Over the years not only have I loved reaching for a primer when I’m wearing a full face of makeup but also when I’m going makeup-free too as they can give the complexion a boost with minimal effort. And these are my most loved primers for doing exactly that at the moment.
BAREMINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE DEFENSE (GIFTED)
This isn’t your typical primer option at all as it’s marketed as a tinted moisturiser. But it’s such a unique product in my collection as it’s been formulated to protect your skin against blue lights as well as being an SPF 30. I can’t say I see any difference when it comes to using screens when wearing this but it is nice to know that it offers a little bit of protection as I spend all day staring at some sort of device. This has a lovely pearl finish which boosts radiance and evens out the complexion without the need for any heavy silicones or base products if you want to go makeup-free. What’s so good about this is that it’s a really versatile item as it can either be worn alone, in combination with other lightweight base products or as a primer underneath your favourite foundation. This is definitely one for the minimal makeup lovers out there as it truly comes into its own when used with something lightweight as you can still see that beautiful pearl finish shining through.
BAREMINERALS GOOD HYDRATIONS SILKY FACE PRIMER (GIFTED)
When it comes to primer my go-to is typically something hydrating as even though my skin is combination I do struggle slightly with hydration. So, I like to go for something that is going to give me that boost and keep things feeling fresh all day. There is nothing worse than getting a few hours into the day and your base starting to feel tight and uncomfortable as I don’t know about anybody else but when my makeup feels like that I instantly want to remove it. This primer from bareMinerals strikes a perfect balance of being hydrating but not slippy which is key for anything you’re going to be using in combination with base products. Containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine it’s such a feel-good item on the skin and those two ingredients typically aren’t an issue for those of us who tend to find primers to be problematic. Although this works with all bases I prefer to use this with products that are a little more matte so I can create a happy balance between long-lasting and hydrated.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer (gifted)
Typically this isn’t the type of primer that I would go for at all, despite the absolute dreamy packaging which I can never resist the fact that this has what looks like gold glitter in is off-putting. You never know with primers like this whether you’re going to be left with a face covered in glitter or not but I’m happy to report that this isn’t the case with this one. This creates a beautiful base for any product you might apply over the top as it blurs the complexion which is ideal if you have any scarring left over from any blemishes or active breakouts. Even though this is so blurring and perfecting it doesn’t make my skin feel clogged or heavy with product which was a surprise as this primer does feel quite siliconey upon application. This is my go-to for when I’m really tired and my complexion is looking a little lacklustre as it’s an instant pick me up.
ren perfect canvas primer (gifted)
This is what I’ve been using lately after not picking it up for a while as I wanted a primer that I could use no matter what the condition of my complexion. The weather has been throwing off my skin lately as one day it’s torrential rain and 13 degrees and the next it’s a balmy 30 degrees. So, this is what I’ve been reaching for and it does exactly what it says on the bottle, it perfects the skin with ease. It balances out my complexion, hydrating the areas that need it whilst keeping everything else in check so my makeup has the best possible canvas to be applied on. If you’re particularly sensitive to silicones then I highly recommend giving this a try as it’s silicone-free but still feels beautifully smooth once applied to the skin. The only downside to this for me is the price, it’s pretty expensive and sits alongside the same price as a high-end foundation. Granted, it is a hybrid between skincare (containing probiotics to help support the skins natural barriers and blue agave which smoothes out the complexion) and makeup which puts it above any other primer in my collection but it’s still a big investment.
