Feature Image by Augustinus Bader
If you think of primer as merely an optional first step to your makeup regimen, think again. According to celebrity makeup artist Omayma Ramzy, the right primer can do much more for your skin than simply “prepping the canvas,” so to speak.
“I like to think of primer more like a makeup adjustor,” Ramzy begins. “I love using primers to adjust skin tone if there’s too much redness, or if the skin looks too sallow,” she notes, adding that different formulas can be used to minimize the appearance of pores, scarring, or even to impart a lit-from-within glow.
The first step is determining what you’d like to adjust and taking it from there, dabbing it on with a beauty blender or sponge and letting it sit for a bit to really absorb. Additionally, primers are not necessary for every look (like a light, daytime look) but it can play a critical part in perfecting and maintaining glam.
Now, shop a few of our top picks below.
Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer $36
If your makeup tends to wear off throughout the course of the night, this is Ramzy’s pick for long-lasting coverage. “For making foundation last longer, [this] is my recent discovery.”
lilah b. Virtuous Veil Concealer & Eye Primer $44
Prep your lids with an eye primer to make eyeshadow pigment pop. Hint: Our favorite beauty hack is using this priming concealer all over for blendable coverage that goes on smoothly.
Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer $14
Silicone-based primers are notorious for being occlusive and cakey, and even leading to breakouts. This lightweight, vegan primer uses a plant-based alternative to silicone, along with macadamia seed oil and essential fatty acids, to give makeup a smooth, even cast.
Victoria Beckham by Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer $95
Luxury fans should try Victoria Beckham’s collaboration with the cult skin care brand Augustinus Bader. Ramzy calls it magical, also stating, “It’s the most beautiful, light priming moisturizer that leaves your complexion feeling supple and even, reading for foundation.”
TiZo 2 Age Defying Fusion Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 $41
You should never skip out on SPF, but we know that multi-step regimens can get old. This clean, mineral SPF primes while streamlining your routine with small doses of vitamins C and E for even more free radical protection.
Heir Atelier Lip Primer $34
If you love a bold lip but hate having to reapply lipstick all night, give a lip primer a try. “This gives the most wonderful, even texture that allows lipstick to stay on longer and not run outside the lines,” Ramzy muses.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer – Hydrating $38
Makeup artist Trine Juel is a fan of Laura Mercier’s new line of primers, which also come in blurring, protective, illuminating and perfecting formulations. Their breathable, hydrating primer is excellent for dry or patchy skin.
KINGDM Cosmetics FOTO BLUR CBD Primer $40
Fans of the anti-inflammatory powerhouse CBD should definitely give this blurring primer a try. The formula preps the skin for makeup while the CBD relays antioxidant benefits.
BECCA First Light Priming Filter Face Primer $39
“This is wonderful for brightening skin under foundation,” shares Ramzy. To even tone and add glow, BECCA Backlight Priming Filter Face Primer is her pick. “It’s pearlescent quality literally bounces back imperfections.”
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer Texture & Redness Correcting $37
If you have redness that you would like to cover up, Ramzy turns to this range of color-correcting primers. She notes that the smoothing formula is especially great for dry or flaky skin, which often accompanies redness.
Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher $38
Dewy skin is in — but an oil-slick shine is not. If you have an oily skin type, this pick leaves you with an extra matte finish courtesy. Note: This isn’t silicone-free.
Trees and Flowers Calming Oil for Skin $78
The all-in-one oil elixir goes on after you cleanse — and that’s it. Makeup artist Lynda Eichner combined years of knowledge learned on the faces of celebrities to create beauty’s ultimate multi-tasker. This is incredible for ultra-sensitive skin types, including if you suffer from eczema.
Inika Certified Organic Pure Primer with Hyaluronic Acid $49
This Aussie beauty brand’s vegan primer features hydrating hyaluronic acid and is made from 81% certified organic ingredients. The potent formulation, which includes moisturizing aloe vera juice, nourishing oils and natural vitamin E, can be worn alone or as a base for your favorite tint.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
