ALL PRIMED UP: BEAUTY’S BEST FACE PRIMERS
Primers are like that best friend you didn’t know you always had: they’re there in a pinch for you. Of late, so many remarkable primers have been cropping up from various brands, with different properties, that it’s no longer one size fits all. Here are some of our absolute favorites:
A lightweight option
Elle Cosmetics’ Face Primer($30)
This silky, lightweight primer is filled with “optical effects” that include light reflecting particles and soft vision powders to help even out skin tone and reduce redness, as well as provide a good foundation for makeup. Silica and mica also help absorb excess oil, green tea extract, caffeine and sucrose act as skin conditioners and help calm the skin, and the result is increased skin radiance.
Plus, the primer glides on beautifully on skin without feeling like other typical silicone primers. What’s particularly neat about this primer is that it helps even skin tone, and is fragrance free.
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer and Brightener ($48):
This is also one of the anti-aging primers, with specific properties to increase luminosity and reduce the appearance of pores. Antioxidants apple and grapefruit extracts give skin luminosity and help maintain skin’s elasticity. It also has green and white tea extracts and royal jelly to calm the skin, along with aloe leaf juice. This is an excellent primer to use if your skin is extra sensitive but in need of anti-aging benefits.
Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Perfect and Correct Primer ($13.99)
Using a primer may seem like an extra step, but it will help minimize the look of pores. While many women may feel that eating healthy, moisturizing, and staying hydrated can help create smooth, glowing skin; however, adding a primer to your daily routine can help you achieve a truly flawless complexion. Almay’s Primer color corrects redness and sallow skin while helping to give foundation “slip,†so makeup doesn’t stick to dry spots.
Murad Oil Control Mattifier ($39.50)
While not strictly a primer, this is a good one to use says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor, especially to minimize pores and reduce shine. Sotomayor advises to apply primers just where they are needed (think: T-zone). Tip: Instead of blending the primer with your fingers, use a foundation brush in long strokes to apply primer so that a little bit goes a long way.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer ($39.50)
This is a great primer for those who crave anti-aging benefits as well as the need for SPF (this one has SPF 50). It combines powerful anti-oxidants with a unique blend of light-reflecting micro-particles to create a blurring effect that instantly corrects the signs of aging. The result? A smooth and deliciously shine-free matte finish.
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