How to Choose a Primer for Your Skin’s Needs

Makeup primer is a non-negotiable product if you want your face to stay on all day, and maybe even a little longer! No matter how long-lasting or tough some products claim to be, the simple fact is that throughout the day our skin produces sweat, natural oils and is exposed to elements, pollution and water. All of these aspects mean that your makeup just doesn’t last for eight or twelve hours.

Sometimes, you’ll find that you see an entirely different face in the mirror when you check yourself at the end of the day! In order to keep your lovely beauty looks fresh and put together all day long, you absolutely have to invest in a makeup primer. Primer is the anchor for all your products, and since it’s going directly on your face after your moisturiser, you need to choose carefully! Your skin is your biggest organ, so you need to make sure that everything you’re putting on it is going to be treating it well. Different skin types and their perfect primer partner include…

Dry Skin


Primers can be kind of tricky for dry skin, because you’re already dry you think that you don’t actually need a product that’s made to combat oil throughout the day, right? Wrong! Not all primers are made to slow sebum (oil) production. You should look for a sumptuous, moisturising primer that’s going to give your skin that kick of illumination that you’re always hunting for. Choose a product with reflective particles with a flattering and soft rosy or bronzy hue to it to keep you looking fresh and youthful all day long.

Oily Skin

Oily skin just loves primer! For the best results, it’s best to avoid primers with oils and minerals in them, these can clog your pores and make you feel shinier throughout the day. Instead, look for something with a tacky, silicone finish. Your makeup will cling to the product and last all day and night! Make sure that the moisturiser you use underneath this primer is feeding your skin properly to keep your oil balance on point. There’s nothing wrong with just applying this type of primer to your T-zone, which will be the oiliest area of your face.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs a little bit of love, so choose your primer carefully if your face veers on the sensitive side of things. Look for a primer with nourishing oils and acids such as lipo hydroxy or hyaluronic acid, these will feed your skin and keep you feeling protected throughout the day.

Tired Skin


Again, your tired skin needs nourishment and life! Look for a zesty primer with ingredients such as coconut or rosehip oil to spark your skin to life and make you look and feel more alive. If you’re feeling truly drab, you might want to consider swapping your primer and foundation routine for a lightweight tinted moisturiser. This will bring a glow to your look and make you feel seriously hydrated. Layer with loose powder in oily areas to stop your product slipping.

Acne-Prone Skin

Acne-prone skin is tricky to prime, but by no means impossible. You’ll need to search for a mattifying primer that’s still going to care for your skin and avoid your pores from getting more clogged – sebum build-up means more pimples. Look for a primer that lists salicylic acid, sulphur, benzoyl peroxide and dimethicone in the ingredients. These will keep oil at bay and treat blemishes whilst you’re wearing it.

Shop makeup primers to find the perfect match for your skin type. Make sure you look at the ingredients every step of the way, and you won’t go wrong!