Let’s just give it to primers, for once, because they try hard to be on your vanity essential list. Between struggling to change their ‘extra step’ status and working hard to prove their worth, primers have come a long way. Most of you may still want to fight me over its requirement in a makeup routine or suggest replacing it with a moisturiser – I hear you all and I am not here to convince you in favour of this product.
However, hear me out and decide for yourself. Stop hating primers. They aren’t bad and the extra-layer-of-makeup rep that they have earned is basically what helps your makeup stay on. For beginners, a primer is a product that bridges the gap between skincare and makeup. Consider them a shield that makes sure your makeup base stays put while also helping with a flawless base and paving the way for your makeup to sit tight. While its usage is tricky as it can feel heavy and might clog pores, choosing the right formulation for your skin type usually does the trick. If you are convinced to try one, here are my recommendations and the reason they make the cut.
1. Benefit Porefessional Pore Minimizing Primer
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For a combination skin type like mine, the matte and easy-to-apply balmy texture of this primer makes it my favourite. To top it off, it does what it claims – creates a smooth surface for the base makeup to sit flawlessly. I am talking about no more settling of makeup in large pores – it’s true!
2. Laneige Makeup Serum
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If you are looking for a dewy finish and a LIT-from-within glow, this is all you need. The best part about this product is that it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin or get greasy. It gets absorbed and gives a smooth finish to the foundation. I strongly recommend it for people with dry or combination skin whose makeup starts to get patchy after a couple of hours.
3. Smashbox Photo Finish – The Original Smooth & Blur Primer
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It lives up to the expectations! Suitable for even acne-prone skin, this product should make a way into your kit if you are attending a summer wedding where there’s no or little scope for an air-conditioner. Thank me later but this primer will not let your makeup budge even if you’re melting on the inside. Professional results pro-max!
4. M.A.C Studio Fix Primer + Setting Spray
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If you follow my work, by now you know I am a fan of multi-benefit products. Give me a product packed with two or more benefits and I am sold for it. That’s where this spray product works its magic. One product that primes the face, makes it look fresh like a face mist, and also sets makeup to perfection, M.A.C’s studio fix primer and setting spray is one product that always finds its way back to my vanity. I am glad that it’s now available in a travel-friendly size which makes it easier to carry it around.
5. Maybelline New York Fit Me Primer – Matte + Poreless
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Give me any product from Maybelline’s Fit Me range and the chances of disliking it will be as less as finding mangoes in winters (it’s a mango season and this one is an irrelevant plug-in but #IYKYK). This one has my vote primarily for the results it gives under that price range. It’s not much of an investment and you won’t be disappointed.
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