Primers

My approach to primer is similar to eye cream: If I remember- great. If not- it’s not the end of the world.

I have always used primer for special occasions when I need my makeup to go the whole day.

However recently, I’ve noticed that my collection of primers has unconsciously increased and I’ve been reaching to them more frequently before I apply my day-to-day makeup so I thought I would share them here and what I think of them.

Milk Makeup Blur Stick. I bought this a year and a half ago in Sephora in NYC (before Milk made its way to the UK). It’s in a roll up stick form so can be applied directly on to the face without fingers/brushes. It promises smooth skin, blurred imperfections and invisible pores and it does a pretty good job. It has a light lemon smell and is very mattifying so great for skin prone to oiliness and is paraben-free, silicone-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). It lasts a long time but I’m not sure how long it stays in date for so may not be able to use it for much longer. Would I repurchase? Yes, the packaging makes it great for travel and I like the mattifying effect. For the amount of time it lasts, the £30.50 price tag is great value for money.

Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer. I got this as part of a feelunique.com luxury gift box so didn’t specifically purchase this product. Hourglass Cosmetics has had a lot of great press, especially their Glow Palettes so I was excited to try this. This is a white cream that goes on skin transparently and leaves a smooth, powdery finish. It is oil-free and apparently REPELS water so serious staying power. It also has SPF15 so offers a little bit of sun protection without leaving any white finish. It feels a lot drier compared to the Milk Makeup so I would definitely recommend for those days (or nights) when you want your makeup so go the distance. Would I repurchase? Full size this product is £49 which is just a little more than I would spend for a primer but the travel size is £17 which is nice and compact and great if you’re not going to use every day.

Primark Beauty x Alex Steinherr Pollution Solution Daily Skin Starter. From £50 to £5, this is a great beauty budget buy. It has lactic acid, peach flower extract and lychee and to be honest not too much else (including zero fragrance and vegan friendly). It’s a transparent gel that feels fresh and sinks into the skin quickly. It recommends wearing a sunscreen because of the AHA so make sure you’re putting this on beforehand. It has less of a mattifying/powder finish so I’m not sure how long-lasting your makeup will be. Would I repurchase? From a price perspective, yes, but in order to keep my makeup on, I prefer something with a little more grip.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance. This was gifted in the #5daysofvogue beauty gift bag to celebrate the reformulation of Laura Mercier’s most cult products: the primer and the tinted moisturiser. The primer is a creamy, water-based gel that has a pearl tint to it which gives an illuminized finish. This is great if you’re looking for glow and a dewy finish and have normal, combination and even sensitive skin. Oily skins need not fret as it’s not going to block pores but don’t expect a matte finish. Would I repurchase? I would prefer the tinted moisturiser over the primer as I like this finish to have a little colour for an everyday look. If I’m using primer I prefer something more smooth.

Would love to know what other people are using and what they recommend!

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