As someone who has combination skin and suffers with an oily T-Zone, primers have become a makeup essential for me. Not only do they help my makeup to last throughout the day, but they also help to smooth out the skin so that I don’t have to wear quite as much make up. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you all some of my favourite primers.
First up is one of the first primers that I ever used, and that is the Benefit Porefessional. This is a silicone based primer which I find works best for my skin. What I love about this primer is that it is translucent, despite appearing tinted when it comes out of the tube and blends perfectly with my skin tone. Also, it is oil-free and has a matte finish so it’s ideal for my troublesome oily t-zone. Plus as always the Benefit packaging is super cute.
Next up is the Bodyshop Instablur. This launched last year and I think it was one of the biggest sellers for The Bodyshop and it’s not hard to see why. You can use the Instablur is two ways, either use it to blur imperfections and mattify the skin for the perfect no makeup look, or use it after your skincare routine and before you apply any makeup to create the perfect long lasting base. Personally, I find that whenever I use it, it just makes my skin looks healthy and glowing, which is what I want.
Next is the Sleek Makeup Control Shine and Prime. As with the other primers I like to use, this one is silicone based. But I have to say, it does feel a little different to others I’ve tried. The texture is thicker than many others, and works very well at minimising the appearance of my pores. The lightweight formula primes my skin perfectly before applying my makeup to create a lovely even base that controls shine for an all-day matte finish. Plus the sleek small packaging makes it ideal for travelling with.
Finally it’s the turn of the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. Now this isn’t strictly a primer, it’s an extreme moisturiser that brightens and tightens your face. You apply just a smooth thin layer onto your skin before applying your makeup and trust me it leaves your skin looking more radiant and luminous. This wonder balm is the perfect skin cheat for when you want your skin to look healthy and fresh. What I love about this is that you can also use it as a mask by applying a thick layer over your face before removing after 15 minutes.
So these have been my favourite primers, what primers do you swear by?
Fab suggestions thank you – I have been toying with the idea of using a primer and actually nearly bought one yesterday but abstained. I like the sound of the bodyshop one so will hunt it out xx
The Body Shop one is lovely, let me know if you try any others x
I use a primer everyday, the Sleek one sounds like one i should try. Im loving the Revlon Photo Ready Primer at the moment x
Emma
No tried the Revlon one before, but thanks for the recommendation x
If you’re a fan of the Benefit Porefessional, you’ll fall in love with L’Oreal’s Nude Magique Blur Cream primer, it’s pretty much the exact same product and is less than half the price of Benefit’s version!
I really need to try the L’Oreal one then, thanks for the recommendation x
Ooh I think you would like the Baby Skin primer by Maybelline!
I’ve tried that before, but didn’t love it as much as the others I’ve mentioned x
I’ve never got on very well with Pore fessional, which is a shame as I generally love anything and everything that Benefit brings out. Unfortunately for me I’ve received about a gazillion samples of it in beauty boxes too!
Oh no, send them my way if you don’t want to throw them away 🙂 x
Have you tried Max Factors? That’s a lovely one to try.
Victoria x
I haven’t, thanks for the recommendation x