What do primers actually do?
Primers at a basic level, do exactly what the name suggests! They prep the skin and provide a smooth base for makeup application. However, with increasingly advanced formulations and ingredients, primers have so many other skin benefits! Primers can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, mask pores, colour correct and help reduce oiliness or dryness. Primers are also a wonderful addition to your skincare routine because they actually form a beautiful protective layer between your skin and your makeup - which is especially important if you aren’t using all natural or organic makeup!
Which primer should you choose for your skin type?
When selecting the perfect natural primer for your skin, it’s important to first consider your skin type and any concerns that you have. If you have oily or acne prone skin, make sure to choose a primer that has mattifying benefits and an emphasis on oil control. If you have dry or dehydrated skin on the other hand, choose a primer that is moisturising and non drying. If you have any redness in the skin because of a condition like rosacea, look for a primer that is colour correcting and calming for the skin. Have large, bothersome pores? Then you need a primer to smooth these out and create an even base. If your skin feels like it needs a more glowing and radiant appearance, go for an illuminating primer.
How/ when should you apply a primer?
Primers are the middle step between skincare and makeup. Make sure that you have first cleansed and moisturised your face. Then take a pea sized amount of primer (often less is more!) and apply it with your fingertips all over the face. Once your primer has sunken into the skin, apply your foundation or tinted moisturiser!
Did you know that primers aren’t just for your face? There are eyelid primers which help eyeshadow stay put, lip primers for long lasting lipstick application and eyelash primers which prep the lashes for mascara!
Which natural primers do I recommend?
100% Pure Luminous Facial Primer
This primer from 100% Pure is my personal favourite and perfect for anyone that likes a glowing, dewy makeup look. It’s full of light reflective pigments that may help diffuse the light, smooth wrinkles and even out skin. It’s also packed with Vitamins C and E which brighten the complexion and illuminate the skin. This primer has a light, milky texture that only requires a few pumps to cover the entire face.
100% Pure Mattifying Primer
If you have oily skin and notice that by the end of the day your face is looking shiny, then you need to try this Mattifying Primer from 100% Pure. This primer smoothes the skin, fills in lines and allows makeup to be applied effortlessly on top. It gives a mattifying, shine-free complexion without leaving skin looking dull! Full of gentle and purifying ingredients like Aloe Vera, Tea Tree and Thyme, your makeup will stay put all day!
Inika Certified Organic Pure Primer
If you have dry skin, I highly recommend this primer from Inika. It’s formulated with Hyaluronic Acid which is intensely moisturising and can contain up to 1,000 times its weight in water! This also helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I truly believe that hydrated skin can make anyone look years younger! Blended with other natural ingredients including Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and Coconut Oil, this primer is calming and nourishing. To apply simply massage into the face and neck, after moisturising.
Zkin Line Smoothing Serum
I’ve raved a lot about this Zkin Line Smoothing Serum recently, and for good reason! Made with Gatuline Expression (Paracress Extract), this product works wonders as a primer because it smoothes expression lines and wrinkles, providing the perfect base for makeup. It’s a light, gel textured serum that sinks quickly into the skin. It’s great for anyone with oily skin! If you are using this serum as a primer, I recommend skipping the moisturiser afterwards and going straight into makeup application. To apply, simply press gently into the face and neck, focusing on areas with deep wrinkles.
Vapour Gentle Illuminating Primer
The Vapour Gentle Illuminating Primer is infused with relaxing, nourishing botanical oils and extracts and is designed to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and imperfections to leave the skin feeling radiant and soft. Crafted for normal, sensitive, dry and mature skin, it has a luminous, satin finish and delivers an ideal base for makeup application. It can also be worn on its own to give the skin an attractive, subtle glow.
Some more great products you can use as a priming base for makeup, aren’t even primers at all! I recommend the Eco Logical Face Sunscreen with SPF 30+ because it’s non greasy, moisturising and offers sun protection! Another alternative is the https://www.nourishedlife.com.au/natural-sunscreen/469206/skin-juice-sun-juice-mineral-spf.html[Skin Juice Sun Juice Tinted Mineral SPF 15. This soothing CC Cream evens out colouration and naturally self-adjusts to suit most skin tones.
