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Ever wonder how some people just seem to have the most flawless make-up look? And how that look stays on all day? Their secret (or not-so-secret secret): primers.
Primers are responsible for smoothing your skin (yes, they lessen the appearance of fine lines and can blur bumps caused by acne).
READ MORE: Is it really true that you need a facial every month?
Some even offer some SPF and others work hard so your make-up is kept in place.
External environmental factors and natural oils on your face can minimise the pigment from your make-up as the day wears on.
Primers prevent this fading. Basically, they make you look like a Snapchat filter in real life – throughout the day. For these reasons you’d be mad not to include a primer in your make-up bag. Check out our current faves…
NYX Professional Makeup (R255)
Pores begone! Okay, okay, so it’s not humanly possible to shrink pores, but with this primer it just might feel like it.
READ MORE: Can you really use coconut oil to treat acne?
The vitamin E-infused formula helps to minimise the appearance of pores and prep your complexion for smooth make-up application.
Available at Clicks.
Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch (R455)
This lightweight formula glides onto the skin, forming a smooth “veil” that fills in fine lines, wrinkles and pores in under a minute.
READ MORE: Small beauty budget? That doesn't mean your skin has to suffer
It leaves your skin feeling great and looking great, and is brilliant for all skin types. Available at Clarins.
Urban Decay Complexion Primer Urban Defence SPF 30 (R600)
A completely clear sunscreen that feels amazing, that won’t interfere with your make-up and smoothes your complexion?
READ MORE: Here's how skin experts enjoy the sun while protecting their skin
Yes, it’s real. This one is worth the price – you defs won’t need any touch-ups. Available at Foschini.
READ MORE: How To Apply Make-Up If You’ve Got A Skin Condition Like Acne
M.A.C Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion (R550)
A lightweight serum with a concentrated boost of hydration makes this baby a unique hybrid between skincare and priming.
It gently soothes, revives and replenishes the skin, while preparing it for foundation. Available at M.A.C Cosmetics.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil (R520)
Yes, an oil as a primer. Believe it. This fast-absorbing blend of 15 essential and lipid-rich plant oils penetrate instantly to moisturise your face for seamless foundation application.
Dewy, glowy skin – yes please. Available at Woolworths.
Revlon Youth FX Fill+Blur Primer For Face/Neck (R199)
Suffering with dry skin? Feel as if you’ve lost a bit of elasticity? If you’ve got mature skin, this innovative age-corrective tech with micro-fillers and optical diffusers is for you.
Bonus: Its smooth-touch applicator in a tear-drop shape fills and blurs both large and small lines and wrinkles. Available at Clicks.
Stila One Step Illuminate Primer & Bronze (R490)
You’re almost going to want to forget the foundation.
This illuminating primer is a triple-swirled helix serum (smart-talk for a primer), that works to brighten, prep and nourish the skin, while the bronzer leaves skin glowing, with a sun-kissed look.
Available at Woolworths.
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer (R365)
Toss this in your gym bag! Its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula is suitable for all skin types and tones, plus it improves the longevity and performance of foundation to help keep make-up looking fresh and colour-true all day.
Available at Foschini.
Yardley Illuminating Primer (R110)
This magic formula contains cranberry extracts and long-wearing polymer to help foundation last longer and improve transfer resistance – so it’s basically protecting your skin from make-up irritants.
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Great for sensitive skin, it’s also oil-free and leaves your face looking seriously radiant. Available at Clicks.
Images: Supplied
This article was originally published on Women's Health South Africa.
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