Here’s a real mind-bender: are celebrities famous because their skin is amazing or is their skin amazing because they’re famous? While it might be a smidge of both, there’s no denying that with fame and money comes access to the best that the beauty world has to offer. And for the rest of us? We’ve got TikTok, of course. In a video posted by facialist to the stars and Eva Longoria’s go-to glam girl, Elan Bongiorno (@beautybyelan), revealed her “best makeup tip for women over 40”. And the answer? Wearing a primer.
“You’ve got to prep your skin, you’ve got to use a primer,” says Elan, who’s built her TikTok following by posting videos using the hashtags #maturemakeup, #50andfabulous and #makeupover40s.
“t’s going to help your makeup glide on beautifully, fill in those pores, fine lines and wrinkles and you’re going to have a beautiful canvas for your makeup,” she added. “And it’s going to last longer.”
As for where it sits in your morning routine, Elan says “after you put on your potions, lotions, oils and sunscreen, let that sink in, then you use a primer.”
When it comes to picking the right formula, she recommends selecting one according to your skin type.
Dry skin? Elan opts for an illuminating primer.
We recommend:
- e.l.f Illuminating Primer ($14, Adore Beauty)
- Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer ($68, Adore Beauty)
- Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow ($76, Charlotte Tilbury)
- M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Cream ($57, Adore Beauty)
Problematic skin? “You want to use a mattifying primer.”
We recommend:
- Clarins Instant Poreless ($47, Adore Beauty)
- Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier ($63, Adore Beauty)
- Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer ($14.95, Priceline)
- Lancôme Prep & Matte Refreshing Mattifying Make-Up Primer ($59, Myer)
And for those with discolouration and redness, she suggests a neutralising primer.
We recommend:
- CLINIQUE Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15 ($48, Myer)
- MAKE UP FOR EVER Redness Corrector Step 1 Face Primer ($62, Sephora)
- Benefit That Gal Color Correcting Face Primer For Redness ($53, Myer)
Main image credit: @evalongoria
Do you use a primer? If so, which one is your favourite?
I always thought primer went on early in the skincare routine, not towards the end. I’ve learnt something new.
Oooh I never used the MAC strobe cream as a primer before – I thought it was just an illuminator product for on top of the foundation and just above the cheek bones! I think I must have my head under a rock or something! lol
Yes I am the same but sounds like worth looking at
Oooh I never used the MAC strobe cream as a primer before – I thought it was just an illuminator product for on top of the foundation and just above the cheek bones! I think I must have my head under a rock or something! lol
omygosh my comment has duplicated! sorry everyone! :/
omygosh my comment has duplicated! sorry everyone! :/
I’ve never used a primer before, I keep reading about it more and more.
Yes I am the same but sounds like worth looking at
I never knew, I hardly ever use primer even though I have some. Looks like I will be adding this to my morning routine too.
I wear primer but not always
I agree. Primers are awesome.
I have never used primer but also I don’t wear a lot of makeup and prefer to focus on eyes and lips
I really like the new Nude by Nature primers. I have the smooth and correct versions.
I always thought that primer was applied after moisturiser and before foundation so I’ve learnt something new too. I use P/S Illumiating Primer at night and a Rimmel London one containing SPF25 during the day.
I do use primers but I need one that fills the frown line on my forehead because my foundation just sinks into it. None of my current primers do that.
Might need to try a Blur Primer like L’Oreal Paris Magical Blur Primer it’s a really good Primer
Yes I agree that you need to use a good Prima I always use one after I put Serum, Moisturising Cream, and Sunscreen 50+ then the Primer.
No do not use one. Priming skin with good skincare it way to go and keeping skin healthy.
I love using a primer before wearing makeup. My favourite – Maybelline’s Master Prime because it’s hydrating on my sensitive, often dehydrated skin but I also love Clarins SOS primer as it seems to give my skin a dewy glow.
I always thought you used it before any other products.
If I’m wearing a foundation I use Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer. I don’t usually use a primer under a BB cream or mineral powder.
I always use a primer or tone-up cream (some have primer-like properties) after sunscreen and before makeup. I have dry skin so if I do not layer it this with a hydrating primer, my makeup base does not look as flawless. I use some primers as illuminators as well.
I don’t use a primer but I found the article educational
Benefit’s the Porefessional is my go to primer.
I’m super lazy with primer, I have the Mac strobe cream and another primer,I must try it tomorrow to see if it makes a difference.
I have never used primer. Does it make a very big difference?
I don’t think I’ve tried any of these products.
Primer prepares the skin for make-up to follow so this makes sense
i love Clarins Beauty flash balm as a primer
I try to always use a primer really does make a difference
Love eva
I don’t bother with a primer anymore. I find sunscreen works as a primer for me
I have two primers but not an illuminating primer. I must buy one of those next to see if it is better.
Ive never used primer before, i do want to give it a try one day. I heard good things
I would like to try some of them.
Great article and recommendations.
I like Bobbie Brown primer.It is just like a moisturiser to smooth and prepare the skin for makeup.
I like the Nude by Nature primer, it’s great just as a base for a BB cream or undereye concealer.
I only apply primer for a date or special event – I can’t be bothered to do it regularly.
I really really must give primer a try.
Ok – I have never thought that much about primer. But it makes sense.
What lovely tips 🙂
I always use a primer – currently using Veil by Hourglass.