Latest news with #primer
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- 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.
Vogue
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
What Does Primer Do? And Do You Really Need It
Foundation, concealer, blush—I have a pretty good understanding of the benefits of nearly every product in my makeup routine, yet I've always wondered: What does primer do? Most of us have been told that applying face primer is an essential step when putting on makeup, as it's supposed to 'prep the skin' before you apply foundation and provide you with a flawless finish. While that's true, primers can do all that (and then some), as evidenced by the fact that there are several different kinds of them. There are primers that color correct, primers that reduce shine, and even formulas for your eyes and lips. If you've frequently found yourself a little confused about what your primer is actually supposed to be doing, read ahead for a full breakdown. What is makeup primer? A makeup primer is typically the first step in your makeup routine, i.e., after cleansing and moisturizing but before applying foundation and concealer. 'In general, a primer is used to prep the skin for makeup application,' says makeup artist Tyron Machhausen. 'It can serve a variety of purposes like controlling shine, evening out skin texture, minimizing the appearance of pores, boosting glow, or color correction.' You can apply a primer before pretty much any step in your makeup routine, as there are primers that exist for your lashes, eyes, and even your lips. Types of makeup primer A primer isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of product, so what kind you use depends on your skin type, the look you're going for, and what benefits you're hoping to get from it. Hydrating primers These are moisturizing formulas that work best on dry or aging skin, says Machhausen. Hydrating primers and primers for mature skin are likely to feature moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and natural oils, so if dryness is something you struggle with, pick up one of these. Mattifying primers On the flip side, a mattifying primer is best for people with oilier skin who are looking to reduce shine and oil production on areas like the forehead, nose, and chin. Whereas hydrating primers are made with hydrating ingredients, primers for oily skin will often include ingredients like oil-absorbing powders and exfoliants. Illuminating primers 'If you're going for a radiant look, illuminating primers with light-reflecting or iridescent ingredients can give the skin a fresh, glowing finish before you even reach for foundation,' Machhausen says. Whether you plan on wearing makeup or not, these come in handy if you want to give your skin a little extra glow after moisturizing. Color-correcting primers If uneven skin tone is something you'd like to address, consider a color-correcting primer. 'These are cosmetic-focused primers that help with tone and texture,' Machhausen says. 'They can neutralize redness or brighten dull, sallow skin.' Imagine the color wheel: Whatever color you're trying to neutralize, you should use the color on the opposite side to balance it out. If you're trying to counteract redness, reach for a green primer, but if dark spots or age spots are your main concern, a peach-colored primer should do the trick. Is wearing a primer necessary? Not exactly. According to Machhausen, whether or not you actually need a primer all depends on your skin and how it behaves under makeup. 'If you have oily skin or need your makeup to last all day, a primer can make a noticeable difference,' he says. Wearing a primer can also be helpful when applying foundation and complexion makeup, because it can provide a smoother base for your makeup to sit on. 'It doesn't completely cover everything, but it creates a refined base that helps me see exactly where I actually need to apply foundation, rather than applying it all over out of habit,' Machhausen adds. 'It's a simple step that helps me use less product overall, while still achieving a polished, long-wearing look.' Can you wear a primer without makeup? Again, primers can be used for a variety of reasons. You can use a pore minimizing primer to reduce the appearance of pores, but you can also use primers for oil control, hydration, or evening out the skin tone—so yes, you can absolutely wear a primer without wearing makeup. 'Depending on the formula, a primer can smooth out your skin, blur imperfections, control shine, or give you a nice glow,' Machhausen says. How to apply primer Depending on how you look at it, applying primer should either be the last step in your skin-care routine or the first step in your makeup routine. Either way, you always want to apply it before foundation if you're hoping to control oil or get your makeup to last for a longer period of time.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Perfect your complexion with 20% off the universally flattering tinted 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, lightly tinted, sun-protective, and skin-perfecting powerhouse hundreds of shoppers love. Right now you can score this antioxidant-rich primer for 20 percent off, but you'll have to be quick to score this Memorial Day deal that expires on May 26, 2025. 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. With a light tint, it offers a beautiful, soft-focus finish that perfects your tone to leave skin looking flawless. Today through May 26, 2025, save 20 percent sitewide at Ogee! Save 20% 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 with a universally flattering tint that is more about enhancing your skin tone than matching it. 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 for 20 percent off while it's in stock and on sale! It's the perfect way to get set for summer.
