Primer time

Napoleon Perdis’ infamous catch phrase, “not to prime is a crime!” has, hopefully, encouraged more people to jump onto the prepping bandwagon, but it’s not just face base we need to think about when primping and preening – there’s a whole world of primers out there don’t you know!

Face primers

Pre-make-up bases have never been so popular. They’re the experts’ favourites who swear that using a primer is the only way to secure a flawless finish for longer. Bh recommends:Australis Primer (this year’s Glosscars winner), BECCA Mattifying Primer (perfect for oily complexions), ELES Mineral Makeup Retexture Crème Face Primer (perfect for sensitive and blemish-prone skins thanks to its soothing aloe vera leaf extract, roman chamomile and witch hazel) and Melli Cosmetics Velvet Silk Perfection Mousse Primer (fab for filling in enlarged, open pores).

Eye primers

To ensure eye colour goes on smoothly and help prevent against creasing, it’s important to use an eye primer. Bh recommends:Mary Kay MK Signature® Eye Primer (the waterproof formula helps eye colour to glide on and stay in place), Elizabeth Arden Eye-Fix Primer (helps colour to stay fresh all day and brings vital moisture to the delicate eye area) and Red Earth Eye Perfection Primer (creates an even canvas that holds eye make-up in place all day long).

Lash primers

Formulated to boost the benefits of mascara, lash primers condition and protect lashes as well as extending mascara wear. Bh recommends:Clinique Lash Building Primer (thickens and lengthens lashes) and blinc Cosmetics Lash Primer (has amazing building properties that create a base coat around even the smallest lashes to achieve incredible volume and length).

Lip primers

Enhance lipstick wear and make lips appear fuller by using a lip primer. Bh recommends:ELES Pro Lip Primer SPF 15, it plumps, softens and smooths lips as well as making lippy last longer. Also great are Mary Kay TimeWise® Age-Fighting Lip Primer (can be used to extend lipstick wear and prevent lipstick / gloss from feathering) and MAC Prep and Prime Lip Primer (a colour-free base that moisturises, smoothes and refines lips as well as improving the appearance of applied lip products).

Bh tip: concealer is a great lip primer. It softens lips’ natural colour allowing those bold colours to stand even stronger.

Do you use a primer?