Faithful Four: Foundation Primers

Illamasqua Matt Primer

Promise: “An essential for any screen goddess, Illamasqua Matt Primer helps create a flawless, shine-free and long-lasting base”

Price: £22.50/$32.00 30ml 

Purchase: www.illamasqua.com, Sephora

This primer has a watery, runny texture that spreads far and wide. It quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it soft, silky and protected (SPF20). Like most Illamasqua products, the Matt Primer has a vanilla-like scent that makes it's application that much sweeter. It gives makeup the most amazing staying power and, even better, keeps skin shine-free. I would not recommend this product to those with oily skin as it has been known to make matters worse.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

Promise: “A lightweight, creamy gel meant to be used prior to foundation, creating an invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements. Leaves makeup looking fresh & colour-true the entire day”

Price: £28.00/$32.00 50ml

Purchase: House of Fraser, Bloomingdale's

This is the original primer. It was created by Laura Mercier in 1995 and is still considered to be one of the best primers around. It has a gel texture that feels quite tacky when first applied to the skin, however after a few minutes skin is subtle, ulta-smooth and fine lines appear reduced. This primer contains vitamins A, C, and E - great antioxidants that protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment. It is also non-comedogenic, however it is lacking in a SPF.

Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF30

Promise: “Velvety silicones create an instantly smooth surface. Pearl powder and natural earth minerals provide a neutral tint to help balance tone and enhance luminosity. Peptides and AGE Smart® actives help firm and shield against MMP and free radical damage, as sunscreens shield against sun damage”

Price: £37.50 / $48.00 22ml

Purchase: dermalogica.co.uk / dermalogica.com

This silicone based primer glides onto the skin so lightly that it feels like you are rubbing your face with pure silk. Although this primer is silicone based and contains oils, it does not feel remotely greasy on the skin.  After application, skin is just left smoothed and plumped and fines lines appear reduced. The Skinperfect Primer also helps to reduce pigmentation and makes skin look more radiant. It is formulated with peptides and AGE Smart® actives, which help firm the skin and shield against MMP and free radical damage. The only downside is the price.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Promise: “The silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants smooths and perfects skin, while the unique formula helps to inhibit the destruction of collagen, and fills in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish”

Price: £25.00/$36.00 30ml 

Purchase: Boots, Sephora

This primer has achieved cult status due to it's ability to make makeup last, and I mean last. Whether you're in a nightclub, gym or heatwave your makeup will not budge, I promise. The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer has a thick gel texture that reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores and gives skin a velvety-smooth finish. It is oil-free which makes it great for those with oily skin and it contains vitamins A and E, grape seed extract and green tea. The only downside is the lack of a SPF.