Yesterday I spent a nice chunk of my evening sorting and organizing my makeup and discarding anything empty. This process is one that I love to do as the seasons change and it’s a great way for me to take stock of what I have, what I used and loved and what needs to be replaced. While sorting everything yesterday I realized (unsurprisingly) that I have a thing for primers and despite my frequent clean outs, I have amassed a pretty descent sized collection of nearly empty bottles and tubes. These primers span varying price points and formulas and since I’ve had good luck with all of these, today I want to share some of my favorites with you.
Below I’ve outlined each of the primers I currently have in my collection along with how much of each I’ve used (it’s hard to tell from the picture). I’ve listed these from left to right based on the above photo.
VAPOUR STRATUS SOFT FOCUS SKIN PERFECTING PRIMER | First up is an all-natural primer from Vapour. I have been a longtime lover of Vapour and was very lucky to receive the heavenly Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfecting Primer in 903 as a PR gift. This gluten free, cruelty free primer helps to balance skin and smooth texture for a flawless canvas with or without foundation. The airy texture fills in fine lines and diffuses wrinkles and comes in 3 shades to suit your individual needs. I wear 903 for it’s redness reducing properties and have loved wearing it alone with mascara and lip balm this summer. Though it’s hard to tell from this photo I’m nearly finished with it and think it’s a beautiful option if you prefer natural formulations that still deliver. It’s also made in the US.
BURBERRY FRESH GLOW LUMINOUS FLUID BASE PRIMER | This next primer is a true indulgence and despite being marketed as a primer, I use it more as a targeted highlighter that I apply under my makeup for a naturally luminous glow. The Burberry Fresh Glow Primer is light and breathable on the skin and imparts the slightest glow (without the glitter) and on my skin tone it works perfectly as a highlighter. I use it one of two ways, either over my tinted moisturizer or foundation and lightly tapped onto my cheekbones, cupid’s bow and brow bone or heavier on the high points of my face before applying my foundation. The first method gives me the nicest looking highlight while the second method makes my skin look so fresh and glowy (hence the name) and as if I’ve been eating my veggies. It also works applied all over my face like a true primer but on my combo to oily skin it can leave me a little too glowy (sweaty) during the hot and humid summer months. Since I use it so sparingly I still have more than half of this bottle left.
BECCA BACKLIGHT PRIMING FILTER | The Becca Backlight Priming Filter is one of my favorite luminous primers. Not only does it smell fantastic (avoid this if you’re sensitive to fragrance) but it also leaves my skinny glowing in all the right ways without ever making me look greasy. Much like the Laura Mercier primer that I’m going to discuss next and the Vapour primer above, I love to use this either under foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer or alone with no more than some mascara and lip balm during the summer. It’s a truly beautiful product and is also paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free.
LAURA MERCIER RADIANCE PRIMER | I mentioned this next primer on my YouTube channel a while ago and have been using it weekly ever since. I’m nearly done with the tube now (I maybe have 1 or 2 more uses left) and love how it leaves me looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed but never greasy. Plus, it’s a favorite of Meghan Markle so what’s not to love.
BECCA FIRST LIGHT PRIMING FILTER | This next Becca Primer is a sample that has me seriously coveting the full size. I’m nearly done with this small tube but love how it instantly illuminates and evens my complexion. When first applied, it looks a little discolored and the first time I used it I was a little worried. But, after letting it set in and then applying my foundation on top of it, I was amazed at how wonderful my skin looked. This is definitely the primer for days when your skin isn’t it’s best and it’s one that I absolutely love.
HOURGLASS VEIL MINERAL PRIMER | Last but not least is one of my all-time favorite primers and one that I’ve repurchased countless times over the years. The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is the silkiest, non-silicone based primer that keeps my makeup in place on even the hottest and humid days. It’s oil-free, weightless and multipurpose miraculously conceals redness, minimizes pores and leaves my skin looking airbrushed. My only qualm with this one is that it can sometimes leave a white cast if I apply it too liberally and may not be right for anyone with a skin tone that’s one or more shades darker than mine. My perfect application is to lightly blend a small amount in downward motions, only where I need it. I let it set for a few seconds and then apply the rest of my makeup. This primer is also paraben-free, sulfate-free. phthalate-free, oil-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, synthetic dye-free, Vegan, not tested on animals and made in the USA. I have about half left of this bottle but once I’m done I may hold of repurchasing until next spring.
