Primer Perfect
In order to find the “secret” to a flawless face, you might need to take a closer look at your prep products rather than your finishing sprays and setting powders. In fact the real determination of how long your makeup will stay set has little to do with either of those products and more to do with your primer and moisturizer. Just as with all things good in this world, you need a good foundation to build upon in order for it to truly last and when it comes to your makeup whether it’s a full face or a minimal beat, a really good primer is the key to a beautiful visage.
It’s been said that primers are the photoshop of the makeup world. Often we’re so obsessed with finding that setting spray that’s going to make our look last all day, which is true as well, but it’s pretty pointless without a good primer. Primer helps smooth your face and prepare it to to help your makeup stay on longer and looking fresher even hours after application.
What makes a good primer, well, good? It’s good to note that there is no one primer for all faces. Your primer choice will depend on skin type, pore size and the kind of effect you want your makeup to have. Do you want matte or dewy? Do you have large pores or small ones? Do you have dry, oily or combination skin? Choosing a primer that is specific to your needs, skin type and makeup desires is going to vary from person to person so we compiled a list of various primers for each of your individual needs.
1. Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster
For a matte makeup look this serum and primer duo is a great option for an equally great price. It’s great for leaving shine free skin, and bridges the gap between makeup and skincare with it’s rice protein complex that absorbs excess oil.
2. TULA Skin Care Face Filter Primer
This TULA primer is for those of you who feel that you struggle with large pores. We know there’s no magic eraser to get rid of your pores for good, but this product comes pretty close. Using probiotics and super antioxidants this product instantly smooths and blurs your pores leaving your skin glowing and ready for makeup application. Think Instagram filter minus the filter.
3. E.L.F. Hydrating Face Primer
All you need to know about this E.L.F. primer is in the name. Keep it simple, it’s hydrating. That’s why we love this primer. That, and the fact that it's infused with grape-seed, vitamins A, C, and E and is also vegan. Users love this primer because of it’s silky feel on the skin, the fact that it’s unscented and it’s a worthy opponent for some of the more luxury brand primers. What’s better than that?
4. Milk Hydro Grip Primer
We had to include this Milk Hydro Primer on our list and not just because of it’s viral blow up on TikTok and Instagram but because it actually works. This product is like a setting spray except you apply it before your foundation. It’s called a “grip” primer because your makeup literally grips onto this primer and once it does, it’s not going anywhere for the next twelve hours (at least). SHOP HERE
5. E.L.F. Power Grip Primer
Yes, two E.L.F. products on one list. There's a good reason for that. E.L.F. has really been outdoing itself when it comes to creating dupes (duplicates). Some have said that this primer is a fabulous dupe for the Milk Hydro Primer (see above) and we think they may be on to something. What we do know is that this product is an amazing primer for a fraction of the price. It’s moisturizing, goes on sheer and is unscented.
