Believe it or not, I used to absolutely hate wearing primers. It just always felt like they were clogging my pores and definitely not helping my acne-prone skin. But once I stepped away from the more silicone-based primers (like my least favorite Smashbox Photo Finish primer) and explored the world of gel and oil-free primers, my perceptions definitely changed.
Clarins Instant Light Base★★★★★ – This is my long time favorite primer. I have talked about it numerous times on ze blog before, but I love everything about it. It’s peachy tint hides any redness in my face and evens out my skintone. It also is very illuminating and adds radiance! Plus it smells amazing. It’s not the bestat making my makeup stay on all day but it does a decent enough job.
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ★☆☆☆☆- This is a holy grail primer for so many people, but it just never hit the spot for me (wtf, Taylor, that idiom is not applicable here). It’s far too silicone-feeling for my liking and when I wear it, it just feels like it’s blocking my pores the whole time. It’s way too greasy. However, there is now an oil-free version of this one, so maybe it’s a bit better!
Guerlain L’Or Base ★★★★☆ – At the outrageous price of $82 (CAD), it’s hard to be a total fan of this primer. But the price is a little bit justified. There are 24-karat gold flakes in the gel-like primer that help to bring more radiance and glow to your face. But in addition, the gel is formulated with moisturizing and tightening agents so your skin is firmed and and hydrated over time! Skincare in a primer is always very important I find and worth every penny.
Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer ★★★★☆- I actually hated this primer when I first got it, but I’m so glad I continued to use it because it’s now one of my favorite primers. When you first apply it to your face, it’s super sticky which can be extremely unsatisfying but the stickiness slowly goes away once you let it dry and it helps your foundation stay on so much better! Plus the formula is super hydrating as well as having a nice sparkle so it gives your skin a super glowy look which I’m seriously craving right now.
Diorskin Forever & Ever Wear Base ★★★☆☆- This definitely isn’t my favorite texture for a primer because it’s so liquid-y and thin, but that fact that it has SPF 30 definitely makes this primer a preferable choice for hotter days. I hate having to apply both a sunscreen anda primer, so it’s really nice to combine both steps and find a primer or a sunscreen that acts as a 2-in-1.