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The prospect of yet another step in makeup application is hardly thrilling. But primers - the makeup equivalent of toners - really shouldn't be overlooked. They're silent workhorses, prepping the skin for foundation by giving it the most even surface possible, helping foundation to stay put and, in the case of oily skins, mattifying. Ultimately, they are time-savers because you're not constantly having to retouch during the day.
1. M.A.C Prep + Prime Skin. $47 for 30ml
The secret to this high-performance primer is the "special-effect silicones". They glide over anything you'd rather people didn't see and give a fantastic base for foundation. It also calms skin, blots excess oil and evens out skin redness. Essential wearing.
From M.A.C Chancery and Smith & Caughey's Newmarket.
2. Yves Saint Laurent Matt Touch. $74 for 30ml
On an oily or combination skin that tends to shine, this oil-free gel matts down skin and ensures pores won't absorb the foundation and draw attention to their size. Velvety skin is just an extra step away with this.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
3. Estee Lauder Primer Plus Illuminating Base. $52 for 30ml
Lauder has just introduced three new primers, one with an illuminating base, another with a colour correcting base and this one is the smoothing matt base. Its mission is to mattify and mop up excess oil and prevent further excess oil from making an appearance. As well, the Photo Optic technology absorbs light into the skin to conceal flaws and make skin radiant and luminous. It also has silicone to refine the surface and even out enlarged pores and fine lines.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
4. Becca Silky Hydrating Primer. $69 for 50ml
This is exactly what its name implies - a silky, hydrating primer that helps drier skin retain moisture while simultaneously ensuring liquid and cream-based products really do glide over the skin.
From Glamorpuss.
5. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF15. $74 for 28ml
The primer has been one of Smashbox's best-sellers. Now comes the improved version with an SPF15 and something called Dermaxyl Complex that moisturises skin and reduces the look of lines and wrinkles as well as the regular primer benefits - smoother, longer-lasting makeup. It primes, protects and corrects in one hit. Brilliant stuff.
From Smashbox.
