Image via Laura Mercier
Primer has overtaken BB Cream as the number one beauty product friends, colleagues, strangers and acquaintances ask me about. Three friends (yes, I have that many) separately asked me about primers over the weekend for a range of reasons: pore minimisation, radiance and others just wanted to know if they should buy one. That’s why I thought it was timely to revisit primers for those who are wondering the same thing.
What do primers do? Primers are skin-smoothing formulations intended to make the products you put on top (i.e. foundation) last longer and look flawless.
What’s the difference between a moisturiser and a primer? Don’t they do the same thing? No. A primer contains silicones, polymers or waxes that smooth the skin rather than emollients in moisturisers, which hydrate the skin.
What order do I put it on? After moisturising and before foundation. Leave a few minutes between skincare layers for the products to absorb into the skin.
Do I really need it? Well, that depends. If you have large pores, acne scars, dull skin, or want a flawless complexion, then yes.
Who doesn’t need it? Anyone who doesn’t like the feel of heavy formulations on their skin, those with sensitive/reactive skin, anyone prone to whiteheads or if you’re luckily enough to have glowing, blemish-free skin.
