There’s nothing worse than looking in a mirror come 5pm only to discover every ounce of foundation you applied at 7am that morning has mysteriously slipped off your mug. It’s unflattering, and downright annoying really.
But that’s where primers come into play. Applied after your moisturiser and before your foundation, they are brilliant at making your foundation stay put, while also reducing the size of your pores at the same time. Brilliant, huh?
We asked five fantastic bh members to trial four different primers on the market to see which ones came out on top. But which product was loved most by our beauty savvy bh members? Let’s find out…
Benefit The POREfessional
WE SAY: The main purpose of this primer’s game is to minimise the appearance of pores. It goes on silky smooth, and is lightweight and oil-free. But the best bit is this: its dual-action functionality allows for priming and touching up during the day under or over makeup.
OUR ROAD-TESTERS SAY
Pros: Wow! I am so in love with this primer! I applied after moisturising and it immediately reduced the appearance of my huge pores on my nose and cheek area. – jodib
I love that this has a mattifying effect right from when you first put it on, and you can immediately feel a smoother surface to the skin. My foundation applies like a dream, too. – glamourpussgirl
Cons: Oddly enough the stick foundation didn’t cover so well (after using this product.) Although my pores were darn near invisible after the primer application, I noticed that there were little spots of colour on the tip of my nose where the make-up sank into my pores. – katshepsutt
Read all the reviews on Benefit The POREfessional…
Avon Magix Face Perfector
WE SAY: This gel powder primer claims to give a naturally flawless look while keeping shine away for up to a massive 10 hours. It’ll leave your skin bright and fresh, and your pores and fine lines visibly smoothed.
OUR ROAD-TESTERS SAY
Pros: The primer has a thick creamy texture that feels rich and nourishing… I noticed the primer allowed my foundation to provide better coverage than usual. – jodib
The plus of this primer for me is that my skin did feel soft and it made my foundation glide on. – Lynx
Cons: The tube itself I found rather annoying… Just a small thing but its lid has a pointy end so that you cannot stand this tube up unless you place it back in its box each time. – meedee
Read all the reviews on Avon Magix Face Perfector…
ModelCo Fase Base Primer
WE SAY: This hydrating primer aims to visibly improve the look and texture of the skin by smoothing out fine lines and pores. It’s oil-free and long-lasting formula keeps foundation in place up to 10 hours. Added bonus: it’s enriched with vitamins C and E.
OUR ROAD-TESTERS SAY
Pros: I love this primer! It’s so different to the pore refining primers I am used to in that it leaves my skin feeling super-hydrated and smooth… My make-up stayed in place all day without fading too. – jodib
I think it would be great for people with drier skin as it seemed to add a level of moisture itself. – glamourpussgirl
Cons: It does take some time to set before I can apply my foundation. – Lynx
Read all the reviews on ModelCo Fase Base Primer…
Australis Cosmetics Primer
WE SAY: This clear, light primer smoothes and refines your skin texture, while preventing foundation fading at the same time. It also visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, pores and imperfections, and locks in skin moisture for smooth, plump skin.
OUR ROAD-TESTERS SAY
Pros: I was impressed that reading the list of ingredients I found that it contains hydrating botanicals such as cucumber and rose extracts, vitamins A, E and C and honey, aloe vera and lavender extracts. – meedee
What really impressed me about this product was how at the end of the day my makeup still held in place beautifully! I even played a game of netball at the end of the day and it kept my makeup on. – glamourpussgirl
Cons: It’s not quite as effective as others at keeping the oil under control. – katshepsutt
Read all the reviews on Australis Cosmetics Primer…
Have you tried any of these primers? Are you keen to try any now you’ve read these reviews? Or do you not bother using a primer?
