Primers; Foundation's Best Friend

After writing my Foundation post, it seemed right that I follow it with a post about Primers; Foundation's best friend.

I can't wear foundation without applying a primer, it just feels weird to me. Since discovering primers I definitely feel like my make-up routine would be lost without one.




Here are a few of my fave primers that I team with my fave foundations.




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NARS - PORE REFINING PRIMER

*FOR OILY SKIN*

- This primer is OIL FREE. Obviously this is great for an oily skin. This primer definetly deals with shine control. Although it doesn't get rid of all oil, it controls the majority of it. (Powder controls the rest)

- Alcohol and fragrance free so its safe for sensitive skin. Obviously it might not be suitable for everyone, if you have sensitive skin test this product first.

- It 'blurs pores, lines and wrinkles' according to NARS - It does definelty help to even out the complexion of the skin, giving you a good base to work with. Pores are just one things that we can't control, but this definitely helps.

- It contains Vitamin A, C and E, which I was surprised about. Vitamins are always a bonus. It also has some natural extracts to soothe and calm the skin. The natural ingredients give the primer a nice smell, not too strong but you can smell that kind of 'natural' smell (if you know what I mean).

- It has a lovely texture, not too sticky but not too wet either. It's like a very light cream, it almost has this like water base feel to it. It absorbs into the skin nicely, leaves it feeling lovely and hydrated.

- The perfect base for my Nars Sheer Glow foundation. I can't wear my foundation without using this primer first.

- Not too mattifying even though it is for oily skin, it doesn't take away all the glow.

- You only need a small amount, a little goes a long way. Good Value for money.

Available at £26.00 

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ILLAMASQUA - HYDRAVEIL

*FOR 'DRY' SKIN BUT REALLY SUITABLE FOR ANY SKIN TYPE*

        

- Evident in the name this is a hydrating primer. Its great for dehydrated skin, sometimes applying moisturiser before makeup isn't enough to really hydrate dry skin. There's nothing worse than applying your foundation over dry skin and then have it look dry and flakey. 

- It comes in this little pot which you open up and inside is a lid with a little spoon. Open the lid and the primer is inside.

- Its a gel formula that absorbs into your skin like water.

- When you use it you need to give it a mix with the spoon because it sets. Once mixed it will set again within a minute or so.

- It will look like this once mixed (see below),  then using the spoon put a little onto the back of your hand and apply to your face. I tend to apply this product with a brush making sure its blended into the skin.

         

- I like the idea of the spoon, its quite hygienic, stops you putting your fingers into the product.

- It gives a really nice radiant finish to the skin, leaves your skin looking really hydrated and fresh. Perfect if you want a dewy finish.

- You can apply this over night along with your moisturiser if your skin is feeling extra dry. 

- Its a little bit fiddly but worth it, especially when you wear it under Illamasqua's skin base foundation. They are the perfect pair.

Available at £30.00 

(Illamasqua also do a matte veil for oily skin, I haven't tried this but if you are concerned about using something so hydrating when you have oily skin you could always try that one instead.)

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ARMANI - FLUID MASTER PRIMER

* FOR ALL SKIN TYPES, GOOD FOR OILY SKIN*

- 'Invisible Skin Canvas' is how Armani describes this primer. It uses 'micro-fil' technology that combines lightweight oils and velvet micro-fil texturizer. 

- The velvet point I definitely understand, this primer literally glides on and then disappears. It has this really nice 'velvet' feel that once applied leaves your skin feeling really smooth.

- Although it contains lightweight oils, you definitely can't feel it. Even if you have oily skin, don't let the oil content scare you away. If you have oily skin it doesn't necessarily mean you need to stay away from anything that contains oils. Oils are good for your skin and stripping the skin of oil is not going to leave it in a better condition. 

- Its a gel formula that leaves the skin quite mattified. 

- Leaves the skin feeling quite matte and smooth, ready for your foundation.

Available at £35.50

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