PRIME TIME

IT’S THE SIDEKICK THAT WILL GIVE YOUR MAKE-UP SUPER POWERS

If you’re not getting the results you want from your daily routine, primer could be the missing puzzle piece. Make-up expert Amy Maree Comber (pictured) says primers are not only simple to work into your routine, they have magic powers.

“A make-up primer is a product that goes on before your make-up and after your skincare,” she says.

“Most primers help your make-up last longer and apply smoother, claiming to smooth fine lines, wrinkles and fill pores for a flawless application. They act as a base for your foundation to stick to, especially for the oilier skin types. Without a primer, you may find your make-up sits in fine lines and wrinkles, only lasts for a few hours and separates, or could look cakey.”

Primers are not a one-size-fits-all product. Amy says the first step is to figure out what you’d like your primer to address and then do your research.

“First, work out what your skin type is (oily, combination or dry?) and what concerns you want to fix with your make-up wear,” she says.

Amy has picked five of her favourite primers to match your skin goals.

“If your concern is large pores, Benefit Porefessional is best for smoothing skin and pore filling. Apply it to cheeks, forehead and around your nose,” she says. “If you have dull skin or just want an extra glow, Becca Backlit Priming Filter adds a gorgeous glow to the skin even after applying foundation on top.

“For dry skin, Too Faced Hangover Primer is great if you find your foundation applies a bit cakey or sticks to certain dry patches. It’s an amazing primer for dry skin.”

At the opposite end of the spectrum are mattifying primers for oily skin.

“Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer is literally an Instagram filter for the skin,” Amy says.

“It smooths, blurs and mattifies the skin. Wear this primer if you have oily skin and want your make-up to last all day. It creates porcelain-like skin. If you find you have to keep reapplying make-up, try Kat Von D’s Lock-it Hydrating Face Primer. Your foundation will not budge for hours. It is super lightweight with a milky texture, but once it is on it disappears into the skin and really hydrates it.”