There seems to be a strong divide among makeup connoisseurs on whether to prime or not. Truthfully, it’s all a matter of preference. There’s no right or wrong answer, but it doesn’t hurt to add another layer of skin care to your regimen — especially if you’re a regular makeup wearer. Primers not only boost the finish and extend the length of your makeup; they also have skin-enhancing ingredients that actually treat as they keep your makeup from sliding off.
Romy Soleimani, makeup artist for Streeters whose work has been put to the test on many a red carpet, under blazing runway lights and during photo shoots in moody Mother Nature — shared her top primer picks for just about every skin type and concern. Find your match ahead.
Originally posted on StyleCaster.
Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner
Best for: Large pores
Why it works: A combo of glycolic and salicylic acids in this treatment clears pores and exfoliates to help make skin look smoother.
Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner, $20 at Dermstore
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer
Best for: Large pores
Why it works: You can wear it alone or under makeup. Either way, it helps fill in enlarged pores to even out overly textured skin.
Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer, $30 at Too Faced
Becca Backlight Priming Filter
Best for: Dullness
Why it works: It’s like a highlighter and primer in one. Infused with three different kinds of crushed pearls, this formula diffuses light to give skin a blurred, lit-from-within base before makeup.
Becca Backlight Priming Filter, $38 at Sephora
Korres Wild Rose Smoothie brightening priming moisturizer
Best for: Dullness
Why it works: The brightening wild rose oil and pure vitamin C in this formula work beneath the skin to clear up discolorations and generally lackluster skin.
Korres Wild Rose Smoothie brightening priming moisturizer, $45 at Sephora
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
Best for: Oily skin
Why it works: It’s like a blotting paper in a bottle. It absorbs any excess oil without making skin too matte or dull looking.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer, $32 at Fenty Beauty
Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer
Best for: Oily skin
Why it works: Why it works: You never want to completely dull out your skin — even if it’s oily. This essentially leaves a satiny, not oily, finish. It also has a time-release hydration complex that keeps skin dewy.
Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer, $47 at Dermalogica
Dr. Barbara Sturm Monika Blunder Anti-Aging Primer
Best for: Aging skin
Why it works: A blend of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and pearl pigments work on fine lines and wrinkles while keeping your makeup in place.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Monika Blunder Anti-Aging Primer, $85 at Net-a-Porter
Ren Perfect Canvas
Best for: Aging skin
Why it works: It’s a serum and primer in one. Probiotics help with cell turnover and agave extracts lift and tighten slack skin.
Ren Perfect Canvas, $55 at Ren
Huda Beauty Complexion Perfection Pre-Makeup Base
Best for: Dry skin
Why it works: Rosehip oil and dimethicone keep skin hydrated and makeup from caking and flaking.
Huda Beauty Complexion Perfection Pre-Makeup Base, $35 at Huda Beauty
Kat Von D Lock-it Primer
Best For: Dry skin
Why it works: Aloe, shea and jojoba help lock in moisture and fill dry spots so your long-wear foundation formulas (which can be a bit on the drier side) go on smoothly and don’t suck moisture from your skin.
Kat Von D Lock-it Primer, $32 at Kat Von D Beauty
Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment
Best for: Acne-prone skin
Why it works: Salicylic acid helps treat current or lingering blemishes. With a combo of vitamins C and E and fruit AHA, it also tackles any hyperpigmentation from past breakouts.
Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment, $38 at Cover FX
Stila One Step Prime
Best for: Acne-prone skin
Why it works: It’s oil-free and packed with 15 different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants — all the things that troubled skin needs before makeup.
Stila One Step Prime, $36 at Stila
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