Latest news with #primer
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 7 Best Primers For Mature Skin, According To Makeup Artists
A good primer creates a smooth base, allowing for more seamless makeup application and all-day wear. The best primers for mature skin often include hydrating ingredients to soften the look of fine lines and plump the skin. After reviewing dozens of options from top beauty brands and getting firsthand recommendations from makeup artists, we selected the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer as the best makeup primer overall for mature skin, thanks to the hydrating ingredients and radiant finish. We also recommend the Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer for an affordable yet effective formula. The best primers for mature skin help makeup apply smoothly while providing skincare-like benefits. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/IMAGES: RETAILERS To narrow down the list of winners, we considered different skin types, ingredients, formulas and finishes. In particular, we prioritized versions with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide. 'As we age, we lose moisture in the skin,' says professional makeup artist Alexa Rae. 'The most important thing for mature skin is for it to feel supple and hydrated before applying makeup to keep products from drying out, caking up and settling into fine lines and wrinkles.' Below, you'll find all the best primers for mature skin, ranging from a drugstore bestseller to a lightweight formula with SPF. Our Top Recommendations Best Value Primer For Mature Skin: Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer Best Luxury Primer For Mature Skin: Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Best Primer With SPF For Mature Skin: Ciele Prime & Protect SPF 30 Best Longwear Primer For Mature Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer Armani Beauty Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer Key ingredients: Shea butter, rice bran, glycerin | Size: 1 ounce | Price per fluid ounce: $46 This top pick not only preps the skin for flawless makeup application, but the formula offers skincare benefits as well. Shea butter and glycerin hydrate the complexion, while rice bran helps condition and soften the skin. It has a radiant finish, and customers appreciate the lightweight consistency that doesn't feel greasy or sticky. Ulta Beauty Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide | Size: 1 ounce | Price per fluid ounce: $13 If you don't want to spend a fortune on a primer, we recommend the Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer, which costs less than $15 and does an excellent job of keeping makeup in place and plumping up the skin before application. This pick also comes highly recommended by celebrity makeup artist Cat Mignano: 'This is a budget-friendly option that delivers hydration and impressive makeup grip with a luxurious feel.' Pro tip: After applying this serum primer, press it into skin with clean fingertips and wait at least 20 seconds before layering other products on top. Sephora Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Key ingredients: Silk powder, silk extracts, glycerin | Sizes: 1 ounce, 0.35 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $55 Formulated with silk powder and silk extracts, this lightweight primer melts into skin and creates an invisible barrier between your skin and makeup, which can help prevent breakouts and clogged pores. 'Lightweight yet effective, this primer blurs imperfections while nourishing with anti-aging botanicals,' says Mignano. Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamin E, green tea leaf oil | Size: 1.6 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $23.75 The Ciele Prime & Protect SPF 30+ Smoothing Primer includes hydrating vitamin E and green tea leaf oil, plus the added benefits of a mineral sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful rays. (We still recommend using a separate sunscreen for proper coverage.) Reviewers mention that this evens out their skin tone nicely, and it doesn't contain any pore-clogging ingredients, so it works well for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. Ulta Beauty Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer Key ingredients: Blue agave, hyaluronic acid, aloe water, hemp seed extract | Sizes: 0.33 ounces, 1 ounce, 1.5 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $29 If you don't want to worry about your makeup's longevity (even on hot and humid summer days), this grippy primer is an excellent choice. The gel-like texture feels refreshing and cooling on the skin, and it keeps everything locked in place for up to 12 hours. It's also packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe water and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, soothe and provide a natural-looking glow. Nordstrom Nars Light Reflecting Hydrating Primer Key ingredients: Double hyaluronic acid (two sizes of molecules), glycerin, squalane, cacao peptides, moringa seed | Size: 1 ounce | Price per fluid ounce: $42 For those that could use an extra boost of hydration, this primer contains 93% skincare ingredients to hydrate, nourish, brighten and more. Hero ingredients include double hyaluronic acid (the two different molecule sizes provide both immediate and long-term hydration), cacao peptides, which are rich in antioxidants, and soothing moringa seed. The luminous finish looks beautiful under makeup, and it can be worn alone for a subtle glow. Sephora Benefit Porefessional Face Primer Key ingredients: Vitamin E derivative | Sizes: 0.25 ounces, 0.75 ounces, 1.5 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $48 If you want to minimize the appearance of pores and other imperfections, this lightweight balm melts into skin and blurs imperfections while mattifying shine. 'If someone's skin isn't too dry, and they have large pores, they may benefit from a primer like this one,' says Rae. 'I like to use a tiny dot only in the places where pores are visible. This formula almost fills in the pores, so when foundation is placed on top, it has a smoother appearance.' At Forbes Vetted, we've researched, written and published dozens of makeup stories . Our coverage includes roundups of the best dewy foundations , best foundations for combination skin and more. To narrow down our options for the best primers for mature skin, our beauty team tapped into our market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that offer hydrating, effective formulas. We closely assessed the formulations and ingredients to evaluate those that work well with mature skin specifically. We analyzed the key ingredients in our top picks to ensure they cater to various skin concerns. The experts we spoke with made recommendations based on their professional experience, while customer reviews were examined for standout product traits. As everyone's budget looks slightly different, we included a wide range of prices. All the products selected for this story were also reviewed and approved by Sung. 'When choosing a primer for mature skin, the goal is to smooth texture, blur fine lines and boost hydration,' says celebrity makeup artist Cat Mignano. As skin naturally loses moisture as we age, mature skin benefits from hydrating formulas, although it's a good idea to consider your skin type first. According to the three makeup artists we tapped, here's what else to consider before making a purchase. Skin Type As with most skincare products, it's essential first to consider your skin type and any skin concerns you may have. While those with mature skin typically benefit from added hydration, those with oily or sensitive complexions might have slightly different needs. 'Typically for mature skin, there is a need for a thicker, more hydrating sort of advanced cream,' says makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell. 'However, regardless of skin type, it's important to support the skin barrier.' Ingredients Our experts agree that you should look for hydrating and soothing ingredients in a primer. 'Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for moisture, vitamin C for brightness, and peptides or niacinamide to help firm and support overall skin health,' says Mignano. All of the options we highlight in this guide help plump the skin and boost hydration, but in particular, we recommend the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer (our best overall pick) and the Nars Light Reflecting Hydrating Primer (our choice for the best hydrating primer). Formula And Finish The formula and finish largely depend on your personal preference, as some people prefer a more luminous, glowy finish while others prefer a natural finish. The Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer has a radiant finish that gives your skin a lit-from-within glow, while the Benefit Porefessional Face Primer adds a more matte appearance. What Face Primer Is Best For Mature Skin? After extensive research and tapping experts, we've determined that the best primer for mature skin is the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer. This popular primer is formulated with hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin and rice bran that also soften and smooth the complexion. Because it has a radiant, blurring finish, it also looks great on its own without any base makeup layered on top. Is A Matte Or Dewy Primer Better For Mature Skin? All of the experts we spoke with agree that a dewy primer is preferable over a matte one. 'In most cases, a dewy or radiant primer is best for mature skin. Matte formulas can emphasize fine lines, dryness or uneven texture. A luminous finish helps reflect light, giving the skin a softer, more youthful appearance,' says Mignano. Should Those With Older Skin Use Primer? Everyone's skin is different, and while primers can be a helpful product, skin prep is the most important step for a flawless base. 'Whether it's your favorite serum, milky essence, thick moisturizer, hydrating primer or all of the above, it doesn't matter,' says Sewell. 'As long as you are applying something to hydrate your skin and make it supple and ready for makeup.'
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Anastasia Beverly Hills Debuts Skincare: A ‘Jack Of All Trades' SPF
Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydra Prime SPF 50 Photo courtesy of Anastasia Beverly Hills When you've done it all in color cosmetics, there's only one thing left to do: enter a new beauty category altogether. Following more than 20 years of innovation in brows, eyeshadow, blush, contour and recently minimalist foundation sticks and a blurring matte foundation, Anastasia Beverly Hills is dipping its toes into skincare. The venture was a long time coming for product developer and brand president Claudia 'Norvina' Soare. 'I've wanted to do skincare forever,' said the daughter of the brand's eponymous founder during a one-on-one interview for this article. 'The challenge is people always ask what a makeup brand knows about skincare. And then also our retailers have a fear. Let's say I told them, here's a vitamin C serum from ABH. It's too big of a jump, right? So, in the many, many meetings you have with them, they tell us repeatedly to tie it back to makeup.' That left the beauty veteran with one option: an all-in-one product that can tap into either end of the spectrum. The original concept? A primer. 'But not just another primer,' she adamantly said. 'There are so many primers,' she continued. 'They're so competitive, and I think a lot of time, people don't care if they're cheap or expensive. It's extremely risky in my opinion. I knew I needed to make something that is like the Swiss Army Knife of skincare and makeup primer.' And that's when HydraPrime SPF 50 ($48) was born. 'I told myself it's going to be an amazing SPF,' she declared of the lightly scented blend of uplifting citrus and fresh herbaceous undertones. 'It's going to be no white cast, no stickiness. It's also going to be packed with skincare, and there will be major clinicals. It's going to be literally a skincare treatment for your face.' In addition to coinciding with the kickoff to summer, the launch is timed perfectly, as the SPF market is a buzzy one as of late. From emerging sunscreen brands like Ultra Violette and Good Weather Skin, to established beauty brands like Augustinus Bader and a headline-making Tower28, it's rare to find an entity in this space that hasn't tapped into sun care. According to an industry report, the sunscreen market, worth $19.2 billion in 2025, has gone up by $1.4 billion since last year. The report cites increased awareness of skin cancer prevention, focus on anti-aging skincare regimens and expanding recreational activities as reasons for the category rise. It also states that mineral-based formulas are shaping industry standards, while multifunctional products that combine sun care with traditional skincare are gaining substantial traction. For Soare, what started as a primer and led to an SPF resulted in what she finally calls a 'jack of all trades,' all-in-one product that also includes moisturizing properties. 'Calling it just a primer almost cheapens how major the formulation is, and all the actives that we have in there and all the things it does,' Soare says, of the derm-approved, vegan, non-comedogenic formula. 'It's not to say that primers aren't important, but this does so much more.' Packed with barrier-strengthening ectoin, brightening niacinamide and soothing bisabolol, the SPF component made the formulation 'super challenging, like beyond,' Soare said, explaining, 'I started the process in 2020, believe it or not. And then I finished it. And then it takes 18 months to test, so by the time it was done, I forgot about it.' User wearing new Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraPrime SPF 50 multifaceted skincare Photo courtesy of Anastasia Beverly Hills Standing Out In A Saturated Space But now that it's here, HydraPrime SPF 50 fills two major gaps for the brand: all-in-one convenience for travel and on-the-go lifestyle, and the untapped ABH consumer. 'If I go on vacation, I would obviously take my cleanser, and now with the new product, this and cleanser are all you need,' Soare said. 'It's also a great product for guys. This isn't just for the girlies who wear makeup. If your boyfriend wants it, anybody can wear this product. It'll be our first touch into a broader audience. We don't really speak to people who don't wear makeup. ABH never has this chance to do that, so that for me is exciting on its own. It's a little scary, but it's very exciting.' With its makeup benefits out of the way, Soare breaks down how the HydraPrime SPF 50 will serve the skin. 'It's about having up-to-date, major ingredients that are really going to take things to the next level,' she says. 'This will really be able to combat wrinkles, anti-aging and darkness, moisture and texture, which are, like, all my problems. I get a lot of the dark spots and melasma, and I want to be able to prevent that. So the SPF is preventing sun damage, and it's also helping with all of these things that have pretty much ravaged my face. I want people to know that you can wear it every day as a standalone product.' When it comes to 2025 skincare trends, we've seen a rise in tinted formulas, namely with SPF. Merit, E.l.f., Beauty of Joseon and Supergoop! each recently launched tinted, multifaceted sunscreens. Soare, however, said that was lower on the priority list when it came to her latest formulation. 'In order to have that many actives and make it clinical skincare, it was going to be really challenging to also add tint to it,' she explains of HydraPrime SPF 50's formula. 'That was number one, just from a practical reason. And then number two, imagine buying a skincare serum, but it has tint in it—you'd be like, what ? I want it to be taken seriously as skincare, because it is skincare. And if I put makeup in it, then it just becomes a makeup product.'
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a beauty writer and swear by this £9 buy to stop make-up melting off in hot weather
As a magazine writer, I've tried just about every primer going: glowy ones, matte ones, ones that promise to iron out every wrinkle or blemish on your skin (they never quite seem to manage it, in my experience). But when it comes to surviving a British heatwave – sweaty tube rides, office air con that just whirrs around lukewarm air and makeup-melting humidity – there's one product I've come to rely on. Despite trying out primers that top £35, my pick of the bunch isn't an overpriced designer buy you have to hunt down in a niche beauty boutique. It's the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer – and it's just £10. I swear by it for keeping my makeup looking fresh and avoiding that gross greasy effect around my nose, even when the rest of me feels like it's melting. Don't be fooled by the price – this stuff packs a punch. It has a slightly sticky, gel-like texture that grips your foundation (and anything else you layer on top) like a dream. That tackiness which, granted, feels a bit cloying at first, dries into a lightweight layer that holds your face in place for at least 12 hours. I've been duly applying it at 8am each morning through this week's heatwave, and I've remained glowy and, most importantly, sweatless through a full working day, exercise classes, two sticky train commutes, and drinks in a crowded 30C pub garden. If I ever do feel SULA (Sweaty Upper Lip Alert), I simply blot the area with a tissue and my foundation doesn't rub off because the primer locks it in place. It's not only effective, but also good for your skin. e.l.f.'s primer includes hyaluronic acid, so rather than drying your skin out (as some long-wear primers are guilty of), it gives you a fresh, dewy base that keeps you looking glowy (not oily, there's a difference) rather than cakey and heavy. If you've got a wedding, garden party, or any reason to wear makeup when it's 25°C and up, I can't recommend this product enough. Even if you don't usually bother with primer (I didn't until last summer, and now look back at my greasy face of yesteryear with disdain), it's one of those low-effort, high-payoff steps that really makes a difference. And at £10 for a huge tube, I'd happily call it the best budget beauty buy on my bathroom shelf.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Perfect your complexion with the universally flattering SPF 40 primer shoppers love: 'The most incredible velvet feel and dewy glow!'
Anything that can shave minutes off your beauty routine is worth a second look. The Ogee Skin Enhancing Primer SPF 40 is exactly that — the multitasking sun-protective and skin-perfecting powerhouse hundreds of shoppers love. Ogee Skin Enhancing Primer SPF 40 Get set for summer! Elevate your beauty routine with this luxurious primer featuring broad-spectrum SPF 40 to protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It offers a beautiful, soft-focus finish that perfects your tone to leave skin looking flawless. $56 Shop And it's an opportunity you'll want to jump on if you're planning to upgrade your skincare regimen in time for summer. While you need sunscreen year-round, there's no question of its importance during the sunniest time of the year. Ogee's formula contains a cocktail of ingredients that each play vital roles in nourishing your skin. Zinc oxide is the hero agent that provides broad-spectrum protection of damaging UVA and UVB rays, ensuring you're fully defended while you're out there soaking up the sunshine. The primer also includes non-comedogenic, cold-pressed jojoba oil, which imparts moisture while providing essential protection against harmful free radicals that could otherwise accelerate the visible signs of aging. It even has microalgae extract to further protect you from UVB rays and blue light, plus upcycled cranberry seed oil to keep your skin safe when exposed to environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and other climate factors. The beauty of the product is that it does some heavy lifting, but is as light as air — with a beautiful, weightless feel that absorbs instantly to leave skin feeling softer with every use. It also boasts a radiant, soft-focus finish that enhances your skin tone. The formula is sheer and luminous, melting seamlessly into your complexion and blurring imperfections while boosting your natural glow. And it's suitable for use on any skin type, whether you lean more oily, dry, or combination. You can even use it if your skin is sensitive or you're prone to breakouts. Ogee's products are as good for the planet as they are for your skin. The brand is NSF-certified, meeting one of the most rigorous clean beauty standards by using at least 70 percent organic ingredients in each formula. Committed to conscious beauty, the company is also cruelty-free. They never test on animals, and formulate their products without harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. One shopper described it as 'luxurious,' writing, 'The texture of the sunscreen is smooth and it gives my skin the most incredible velvet feel and dewy glow. I don't even want to put makeup over it!' 'Silky soft,' added another. 'A little bit goes a long way. I have started mixing it with liquid foundation and it's great.' 'This is by far the best primer I have used,' raved a third. 'I'm so happy that it has sun protection. It creates a smoothing canvas for foundation and the texture is perfect for over my moisturizer.' Don't miss the chance to pick up the Ogee Skin Enhancing Primer SPF 40 while it's in stock! It's the perfect way to get set for summer.
Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The game changing item that transformed my makeup game forever - but surprisingly most people never use it: POLISHED with Elise Wilson
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to. If you're anything like me, you've probably stared down the barrel of your makeup bag, clutching your fifth bottle of foundation, wondering why your flawless finish turns into a flaky façade by lunchtime. Let me re-introduce to you the often dismissed, misunderstood, and criminally underrated superhero of our beauty routines, the humble primer. I get it, adding a primer can feel like 'just another step' in an already chaotic a.m. routine that involves wrestling with a Dyson Airwrap and choosing between winged liner or being on time. But, according to Australia's go-to glam king, celebrity makeup artist Shannon JJ Williams (who's painted the faces of Sophie Monk, Jesinta Franklin, Tammy Hembrow and even makeup guru Huda Kattan herself!), primer isn't optional, it's essential. And as a long-time makeup artist myself, I wholeheartedly agree. 'Primers are like secret weapons in my kit,' he told me. 'When humidity kicks in or I'm working with oily skin, a good primer can be a game-changer.' Shannon also agreed that skin prep with a great serum, moisturiser and eye cream is essential, but a primer is there to perfect our complexions and give everything else something to grip onto. And here's where it gets a little confusing for most, because primer isn't a one-size-fits-all tube of silicone anymore. There's now a full buffet of options designed for your skin's every mood, suited to every skin-type, tone, texture and concern. Thankfully, I've broken down the who's, what's and why's of which base-stars you might want to invest in so you can prime like a pro – and finally have a stunning face of makeup that hasn't completely slid off by midday. What are all these priming 'textures'? According to Shannon, your primer's texture really does matter. 'It can be the difference between a flawless, all-day look and a makeup meltdown by lunchtime.' It might sound simple, but there are some rules to follow especially if you're mixing textures in your makeup to stop pilling or a patchy mess. 'Think of it like matchmaking for your makeup - gel with gel, cream with cream, serum with light formulas,' Shannon said. 'When textures play nicely together, your makeup not only looks better, but lasts way longer too.' It's also of note, that picking a primer based on your event and also your skin's needs (i.e. if it's feeling particularly dry, oily, or enflamed etc that day), employing a few textures is encouraged. Think of it like a primer wardrobe. Hydrating Primers - For thirsty complexions try priming formulas packed with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, or you could adopt every make-up artist hack and just use Weleda Skin Food ($17.95). (Everyone from Molly-Mae Hague to Victoria Beckham loves Skin Food as a make-up base – and this is one I always had in my professional kit for any clients with parched skin). Blurring Primers – Kind of like a Kris Jenner Instagram filter IRL. These feather-light formulas work to smooth out texture and fill in fine lines and pores without feeling heavy. They're more silicone-based (lots come silicone free too, btw) and act as a sort-of Polyfilla to level-over any bumpy texture you have. I love using mine just down my T-zone. TRY: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Silicon-Free Smoothing Primer ($52) – Shannon's go-to product! Mattifying Primers - Your answer to the 3pm T-zone meltdown. These shine-controlling primers keep oil in check, especially useful if you like a matte finish without looking flat or cakey. You can slather these all over the face, or dot-prime in the shiny areas you think you need it. TRY: Paula's Choice SHINE STOPPER Instant Matte Finish Oil Control Primer ($42) Illuminating Primers – Great for a no-makeup-makeup look, these are infused with light-reflecting particles to give dull skin a little boost. TRY: Holme Beauty Base Primer ($70) Colour-Correcting Primers - Whether you're battling redness or just some rogue breakouts, there's a pastel-hued primer to neutralise it before foundation hits your face. TRY: Stila One Step Correct ($63) Silky Primers - These are your luxe-feeling, velvet-finish formulas that blur everything with a whisper-soft touch. Shannon told me he loves using these on clients with mature or textured skin, as they sit beautifully without creasing, and can be used on all skin types. So, what about make-up sprays? If you want your make-up game to be elevated to an even higher level, makeup sprays work harmoniously to either lock in your makeup or give it that flawless, skin-like finish. So, a primer (as listed above) goes on top of your skincare and under your makeup, and a make-up spray is the final step before you head out the door. But here's where most people go wrong - they use the wrong spray for the job. To make matters simple, my very talented make-up artist friend Claire Bridgett, recently explained in a video (below) exactly what the difference is between a setting spray and a finishing spray. Absolutely great for novices, and worth a watch like the rest of her videos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claire Bridgett💄 (@clairebridgett) Setting sprays It's in the name guys. These set your makeup no matter what, with a mist that forms a lightweight film over your makeup to make sure it doesn't melt, fade or budge. Formulas often include polymers that bind your foundation, concealer and powder together. 'They help prevent creasing, stopping transfer, and keeping makeup set all day,' said Claire. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Sprays ($54) – This makes your skin look like you have a filter on it. It sets it and hydrates with a unique formula that creates a film over your skin to make it transfer resistant. Definitely a more dewy finish. Urban Decay All Nighter ($66) – With a temperature control it apparently makes your skin stay cool. This version adds a satin finish to skin. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist ($29.99) – The fine nozzle sprays the product like hairspray. 'This stuff is heavy duty and means our makeup will not move at all,' said Claire. Clarins Fix' Make-Up Spray ($52) – Spotted in Rhianna's makeup artist Priscilla Ono's kit, she said 'I actually love Clarins... it makes your skin look like skin again!' Hydrating finishing sprays I should preface by saying that these don't really prolong your makeup as such, but they do help 'melt' it together and are best suited to dryer skin-types or those who love a dewy finish. 'It takes away cakiness and adds hydration,' said Claire. You can apply them under, over or between your makeup layers to enhance that sought after glass-skin glow. These sprays are usually water or glycerin-based and sometimes even include shimmer or light-reflecting particles for that 'I woke up like this' radiance. MAC Cosmetics Fix+ ($54) - a makeup artists favourite for a reason, it melts together all your makeup for a dewy finish. Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-In-1 Mist ($50) - Gently shake the bi-phase mist and spritz in between layers of makeup to soften and hydrate product into the complexion for an instantly refreshed appearance. Glow-getters with sun protection We all know that SPF everyday is a non-negotiable, so I'm ecstatic to report that some of my favourite brands have combined a key makeup step and skin protection in one. A new wave of multitasking bronzing drops and tinted serums are now here to give your skin a golden-hour glow, skincare benefits and sun protection of SPF50+ too. I'd say these are most appealing to all the lazy, low-maintenance makeup users as their formulas add just the right amount of tint to fake a 'week in Byron' with minimal other base products needed on top. On your more off-duty days, think of these as your primer, bronzer, sunscreen and skin tint in one. Blend a few drops into your daily SPF or layer under makeup for that 'your-skin-but-better' bronze. I've just started using Emma Lewisham's brand new Sunceutical SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum ($83), and it's almost replaced my foundation entirely. This one's quite dark, so those with fairer complexions I'd recommend using less and spreading it out a bit thinner (a little goes a very long way, btw) or mixing it will another, lighter consistency SPF formula. It's also includes an ingredient called Palmitoyl Oligopeptide which helps protect against daily environmental stressors and sun damage while you're wearing it. I then go in with a blurring primer just down my T-zone (I've been reaching for the Mecca Max Skin Filter Blurring Primer $25 recently, and I really rate it), then a concealer to dot any blemishes, redness and under my eyes – blended out with a damp sponge. Naked Sundays CabanaGlow™ SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum Drops in Bronze ($45) – the fact that Dakota Johnson's makeup artist Georgie Eisdell just used this on her at Cannes is what initially sold me. 'To bring subtle warmth and definition to the face, I applied the CabanaGlow Drops along the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead. This added a soft, sun-kissed dimension,' she said of Dakota's red carpet glow. Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing SPF50 ($45) – I like that these can be tailored to your preference. Either mix a few drops into your SPF, layer on top of your SPF for a hit of radiance, or blend over make-up as a highlighter or bronzer on the high points of your face. (DISCLAIMER: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW DIRECTS FOR USE) So, the next time you think of skipping primer or settling for one-size-fits-all base products, please think again. Between your perfect match in primers, these skin-perfecting SPF drops and set-all-day sprays, your face will be smoother, glowier, and infinitely more smug as you walk past a mirror at 3:37pm and see your perfect makeup still intact. All opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own and reflect my genuine thoughts and experiences. They are not influenced by any external parties or sponsors.
