Be primed

What's the deal with primers? They are always being recommended on blogs, YouTube beauty videos and in magazines, and might seem like yet another step to add to our ever-growing list of application rules. But if you regularly find your make-up slipping off or your skin feeling a bit oily, a primer could be your new hero product. 

What is a primer?
It helps to smooth the skin in prepration for foundation, enabling it to stay on for longer. Some primers have a polyfiller-like texture that fills in all the fine lines, little holes and enlarged pores on the skin, creating a truly uniform base for you to apply your other make-up to. They can also reduce oil, tone down the appearance of redness and brighten your skin. 

Do I need one?
If your foundation doesn't absorb into your skin properly, if you have excessive oil or your finished look doesn't appear "clean", try using a primer. Even if you have problem-free skin, it will give a velvety finish.

How should I fit it into my skincare regime?
Moisturisers hydrate, serums repair and primers prepare the skin for make-up. Make sure your moisturiser and primer don't contadict each other: for example, avoid using a moisturiser for dry skin with an oil-free primer or your skin will get mixed messages and it could cause a problem!

Where do I apply it?
Use a pea-sized amount after moisturising. Apply it over the areas that get most oily. Some primers mattify the skin on top of make-up, which is a nice alternative to powder - try patting it on instead of rubbing.

Pick your primer
The anti-ager SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 £37.30 Dermalogica
The skin smoother 5 Sec Perfect Blur £12.99 Garnier
The pore minimiser Tea Flower Deep Clean Anti-Shine Pore Minimiser £12.99 Super Facialist by Una Brennan
The sun protector DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant & UV Defense SPF50 £30 Estee Lauder