A trend that I’ve been loving in makeup over the past year is the emphasis on the complexion. Gone are the days where it’s all about a “statement eye” or “statement lip”—these days, it’s all about showing off and enhancing your skin’s beautiful tone and texture.
Of course, most of us need a little bit of help when it comes to our skin, whether it’s to smooth, neutralize redness or pores, or cover up imperfections. One’s instinct might be to layer on layers of foundation and/or concealer to create an even canvas, but this can leave you with a cakey or heavy look that doesn’t quite look like, well, skin. Instead, my tip for a naturally perfect skin is to start with a primer. Whether your primary concern is dullness, redness, or shine, there’s a primer to help you out in that department so that you can use less makeup overall and show off the skin you were born with. And as a bonus, your primer will help your foundation and concealer last longer—win-win!
Check out my picks for the best new primers to find the best enhancer for your complexion, right this way!
featured image by imax tree via daily makeover
Brightening
Luminous Blur Stick Primer by Milk
This oil- and silicone-free primer stick is crazy-easy to apply and leaves a luminous matte finish (meaning glowy, but not greasy!).
Pore-Minimizing
Pore Perfecting Cooling Primer with Willowherb by Orgins
A foaming primer with a subtle tint, this fluffy formula cools and soothes while it evens skin tone and minimizes the appearance of pores.
Refreshing
Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray by Too Faced
Whether you’re hungover from one too many margaritas, or just hungover from life (any of you fellow toddler mamas know what I’m talking about?), this incredible coconut-water infused face mist will brighten, soothe, and hydrate skin.
Mattifying
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
An oil-free primer that disappears on the skin, providing a subtle mattifying and smoothing effect and creating a long-wearing base for foundation.
Hydrating
Good Hydrations Silky Face Primer by bareMinerals
If you, like me, are feeling especially dry and flaky this winter (seriously, spring can’t come soon enough!), this potion will provide immediate and lasting hydration with just a hint of luminosity, so you appear glowing from within.
Smoothing
Velvet Blurring Primer Perfection by Becca
Infused with vitamins C and E, this good-for-you primer has a slight apricot tint to even skin tone and smooth pores and imperfections for a completely flawless canvas.
Anti-Redness
If you suffer from redness from rosacea, acne, or just general irritation, a green-hued primer like this pick from Maybelline is a great way to correct your skin tone before your makeup (without simply piling on more foundation and causing a cakey effect.
Dewifying
If a serious glow is what you’re after, try an oil primer like this super-affordable pick by NYX: jojoba and sweet almond oils prep and smooth skin for a radiant, just-back-from-the spa effect.
