Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to bid adieu to that healthy, sun-kissed glow. In fact, you can achieve a dewy, radiant complexion all year round with the help of an illuminating primer.
Whilst many glow-getters reach for strobe-like highlighters, many of us prefer a more low-key glow for everyday wear. The best part? You can pop your illuminating primer on under your foundation to help your makeup last longer or wear it without any for a ‘no-makeup’ look.
Scroll down for our favourite illuminating primers to help you achieve a flawless finish with every wear.
Estée Lauder The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer + Finisher
This Estée Lauder staple is radiant summer glow in a bottle. It’s designed to hydrate, blur and add luminosity to your complexion, and can also be applied on top of your makeup to refresh your skin throughout the day.
Read more Estée Lauder The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer + Finisher reviews.
$56 at MECCA
Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer
This illuminator is for those seeking a shimmery glow with or without makeup. The lightweight formula glides onto the skin to plump and refine, with ultra-fine pearls for a subtle all-day glow — hello, golden hour!
$45 at Sephora
Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum
This skin care-powered primer serum is packed with nourishing ingredients such as hibiscus extract and aloe to hydrate, smooth and leave you with a silky-soft complexion. The formula works to tighten the skin and minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines for an effortless and long-lasting makeup application.
$78 at MECCA
Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Hydrate and Illuminate
Enriched with natural ingredients such as Kakadu plum, lilly pilly and hyaluronic acid, this glow-boosting primer is packed with antioxidants to protect and nourish your skin. The cruelty-free formulation blends seamlessly into the skin and adds a hit of hydration to even the dryest of complexions.
Read more Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Hydrate and Illuminate reviews.
$29.95 at Chemist Warehouse
Keys Soulcare Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum
Looking for a primer that illuminates and revitalises your skin? Let Me Glow is your answer. With a niacinamide and rose water-based formula, this serum is like a hydration shot for your skin and will leave your complexion looking and feeling nourished and glowy all day long.
$44 at Keys Soulcare
Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Primer
This cult beauty favourite has a reputation for a reason. It’s supercharged formula includes hyaluronic acid and a combination of botanical oils including camellia and rosehip to blur any imperfections and leave your skin moisturised for up to 24 hours. Apply yours under foundation for a smooth canvas or on its own for a natural, goddess-like glow.
$76 at Charlotte Tilbury
Main image credit: @oliviamunn
Which illuminating primer will you be reaching for?
They all look really nice but I love trying brands I haven’t tried before so the Ilia Priming Serum would be the one I’d choose.
Oooh good choice
I’ve only used the Nude by Nature. Some of these other brands look good and worth a try.
Im keen to try that Estée Lauder The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer + Finisher.
It was the best value too. Maybe in the RR??
I love the Benefit primer, although it is matte.
I don’t use primers. Not convinced yet that they do anything.
I kind of skip the primer most days, probably not ideal.
I love this article- the Charlotte Tilbury one looks great! I love how a primer makes the makeup go on so much better and stay better. So worth using
So many to choose from. Charlotte Tilbury primer looks good but too expensive. Hope it is in the Rewards Room.
Ok but not something that I particularly want to use though.
They all sound nice
They do sound like lovely primers
Wow, CT primer is so expensive.
It’s great to see some affordable options included in this list. I’d love to try the Charlotte Tilbury one
I have not tried any of the ones listed but the Benefit Pearl is very illuminating and gives a natural glow 🙂
They all have such beautiful packaging, it is hard to choose.
I really like the nude by nature correct and even primer, I just brought my 3rd bottle the other day, amazing for redness!
I don’t use primer most days, but I prefer a matte for special occasions.
These sound tempting! I’d definitely try them.
mac strobe cream should be on list