The key to finding an effective primer to use under foundation is knowing your skin type and what you’re trying to accomplish with it. There are so many face primers on the market right now that we just want to try them all. Some people try them based on what they’ve seen in YouTube tutorials which is fine but some give very vague to no reasoning at all as to why their using that specific one.
Poreless Primers (AKA Mattifying Primer)
If you’re trying to blur pores, lines in the face or hold oil from seaping through you may want to try these. You’ll need to look for something that suggests that the product is geared toward making pores less visible. Honestly, I hate referring to these products as Pore Fillers because by no means do I want to fill them on purpose. I suggest using a beauty sponge to apply a smooth layer. Elf’s Poreless Face Prime is one of the most inexpensive brands of primer with effective blurring properties at $6 for a small bottle and $10 for a large bottle.
Hydrating Primers
When it comes to hydration, one of the primers I suggest is Too Faced Cosmetics Hangover Replenishing Face Primer. These kinds of primers are great for those with dry skin. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking to give a more supple, healthy skin look with their foundation. I also recommend using it with a dewy or natural finish foundation to see its full potential and get the best results. The idea behind hydrating primers is to add to and elevate your skin’s natural glow. Hydrating primers can be worn alone in most cases because of the skin care benefits.
Illuminating Primers
If you’re anything like me you want to wear less product but still get your glow on! Illuminating Primers can help with that. One reason I opt on wearing highlighters is because I don’t always want a bold glow just a beautiful subtle look. Great choice for mature skin and anyone that dreads the fly away from powder highlighters. Some of them can be worn alone and give great skin benefits because of the ingredients.
Dr Brandt’s Pores No More Luminizer Primer $38, MAC Strobe Cream $34, Hard Candy Illuminating Primer $8 to $15
Silicone based VS. Silicone Free Primers
Silicone based primers are also known for blurring pores and lines but mostly known for how well they hold in oil. They are great for people with oily skin and work best with oil based foundation. Silicone based primers help hold makeup in place longer than any kind of primer on the market. It is said that they don’t work well for dry skin but applying a really great moisturizer first should help ease patchiness. Here are some great brands I have tried.
The Ordinary $4.90 , Smashbox Photo Finish Primer $36 , Maybelline Baby Skin $6.99
Silicone Free Primer
First, you need to know that Silicone Free Primers work best with water based foundations. If you have sensitive skin and cannot tolerate silicone a combination of the two should suit you well. Some of the Silicone Free Primers are also Oil Free which is perfect for those with oily skin as well. Here are a few that you should try.
Heran Park 