Advertisement
Beauty

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

The next generation of makeup primers help de-slick T-zones, minimize pores and disguise redness and wrinkles.
A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Primers used to be one-size-fits-all, silicone-based, transparent veils that helped create a buffer between your skin and makeup so your face looked flawless. They got the job done, but in truth they weren’t always that targeted to specific skin types or concerns like large pores, redness or fine lines. Now you can customize your primer to target your concern and suit your skin type.

Primers

Skin type: Oily

Oily skin types tend to see their morning makeup slide by the time they clock their first coffee break. Oil-absorbing formulas will mop up excess oil before it disrupts your foundation. If you’re afraid of breakouts, try a primer mist. It’s super lightweight, keeps your makeup in place and it won’t clog pores.

De-Slick Complexion Primer, $38, Urban Decay

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Skin type: Oily

Instaglam Airbrush Primer Complexion Perfector and Makeup Primer, $40, Rodial

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Advertisement

Skin type: Oily

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Skin type: Dry

Dry skin types need primers that are spiked with line-plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid so makeup doesn’t settle in to lines. Serum-based boosters and/or primers with light-reflecting pigments help to boost skin’s glow.

The Smoother Primer, $44, Estee Lauder

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Skin type: Dry

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Advertisement

Skin type: Dry

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Skin type: Dry

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Skin type: Combination

Combination skin can deal with a whole host of skin issues, depending on the day from redness to excess oil to dry patches. A light-reflecting primer base will help give your skin uniformity by muting redness and/or uneven skintone and keeps your makeup on lock.

#InstaReady Face Primer, $16, Physicians Formula

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Advertisement

Skin type: Combination

Flawless Beauty Primer, $30, Pixi Beauty

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

Skin type: Combination

A primer on primers, makeup's hardest-working must-have for flawless skin

More:
Subscribe to our newsletters
How to do a two-tone mani
18 fresh spring pasta recipes to start enjoying now

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement