If your skin tends to be dry this product will provide a dose of hydration, helping you get – and keep – that dewy finish after your makeup is applied. One thing we’re not crazy about though is that it contains olive oil, which is known to clog pores. That’s something to note if you’re prone to breakouts. Primer works best on clean, freshly moisturized skin (although wait at least five minutes for your moisturizer to sink in before applying it. The world won’t end if you wait one minute instead, but, hey, just givin’ tips). Those with normal or oily complexions will love the mattifying effects of this formula. If you’ve got dry skin, give it a miss and opt for something more hydrating instead.

Primer 24ml | SEPHORA UK e.l.f. Power Grip Primer 24ml | SEPHORA UK

Um, hell, yes you can! If you’re using a water-based primer, you’re basically just adding another layer of moisture to your skin (and maybe even some color-correcting or brightening powers, depending on the formula you get), which is always a plus. And if you’re using a silicone-based primer, you’re mattifying your face, blurring your pores, and also trapping moisture in your skin to keep it from drying out. Basically, wearing primer without makeup can still give you skincare benefits, and this is why face primer is magical. The TL;DR: Face primers are also not created equal—you can get hydrating primers for dry skin, mattifying primers for oily skin, color-correcting primers for redness, and approximately 20 other types, finishes, and consistencies. But, really, all makeup primers boil down to two important, distinct categories: silicone-based or water-based formulas. And that, my friends, is where dreams are made and broken. Silicone-based primer vs. water-based primer: Despite numerous products claiming the contrary, there’s no way to shrink your pores. That said, with a good primer, you can drastically minimize their appearance. The Poreless Mattifying Primer from Tarte is a great option if you’re looking to shrink the look of your pores and help makeup look its best, even when sweat or an unexpected rainstorm comes into play. This silky, invisible gel mattifies skin and also helps smooth uneven skin texture, scars, and dry patches for up to 12 hours.Read more: 14 Of The Best Setting Sprays For A Base That Stays Put All Summer What is make-up primer? Yotsawimonwat S, Rattanadechsakul J, Rattanadechsakul P, Okonogi S. Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2010;32(5):340-346. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2009.00559.x

Power Grip Primer - e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer - e.l.f. Cosmetics

Benefits: vegan formula | chamomile-infused to soothe angry skin | contains colour-correcting pigments | includes anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial phytosphingosine | controls shine with zinc Primers aren’t just for the oily skin sect; there are plenty of hydrating options out there that are ideal for adding extra moisture to dry skin, too. The Too Faced Hangover Primer is i nfused with moisturizing ingredients like coconut water, glycerin, and probiotics (known to boost skin’s visible radiance and elasticity), making it a great formula for reviving dry skin. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-865. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732And water-based primers are essentially lightweight moisturizers that make your skin feel, uh, slightly moisturized (maybe slightly dewier? Slightly matter? Slightly something-er?). Here’s a hot take: I, personally, am not a fan of water-based primers. I don’t think they do anything special for your makeup, especially if you’re already wearing a moisturizer, and they offer none of the same skin-smoothing properties as a silicone primer. I, as future queen, will force nobody to wear a water-based primer. Use only a thin layer of primer (usually a pea-size blob for your entire face)—glob on too much, and your makeup can end up sliding around instead of melting into your skin. The primary purpose of a primer is to prepare the skin for foundation. Depending on your skin type, this could be blurring the skin, filling in open pores, reducing shine, providing hydration, or providing a smooth canvas for make-up.” Is primer necessary? Figueroa suggests applying a small amount, either onto your brush or ring finger, and starting at the center of your face, blending the primer outward. While she personally likes using her fingers to apply, she notes that there are natural oils on your fingertips that can add oil to your face. "Using a flat foundation brush will give an even application and help your foundation go on much smoother since there will be the slip of primer on it already," she says. Remember, primer goes on after moisturizer but before any other makeup. Dos Santos Nascimento LB, Gori A, Raffaelli A, Ferrini F, Brunetti C. Phenolic Compounds from Leaves and Flowers of Hibiscus roseus: Potential Skin Cosmetic Applications of an Under-Investigated Species. Plants (Basel). 2021;10(3):522. Published 2021 Mar 10. doi:10.3390/plants10030522

The 10 Best Face Primers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed - Byrdie

On the other hand, if you have dry skin you probably understand the challenge of applying makeup over dry patches. Thankfully you won’t have to worry about this primery from Youthforia causing flaky or scaly spots. The brand believes makeup is an extension of skincare so all of the products are formulated to be skin-loving enough to sleep in (yes, really).

How we tested 

This is no ordinary primer: it’s a veritable gua sha moment. For starters, it loads a hydrating serum onto a roller applicator that smooths and sculpts the face, draining puffiness and leaving skin with a glassy dew. Then there are its ingredients – a skincare make-up-hybrid including niacinamide, vitamin B5 and polymers which minimise pores and grip your base. For skin that glows with and without make-up, it’s an excellent choice.