Want the secret to a smooth, porcelain complexion? You can thank the primer for sealing pores, smoothing out lines and softening your skin before a drop of make up even touched your skin.

What is the secret to that smooth, porcelain IRL complexion you see on so many well-heeled women these days?

When you can’t hide your skin behind a filter and need to wow them face-to-face, it is the trusty primer that will erase a multitude of sins and let your make up glow (without being shiny).

While foundation is credited as the hero of the complexion world, primer is the base before your base that can take some credit for foundation’s lasting appeal. You can say ‘thank you’ to the primer for sealing pores, smoothing out wrinkles and softening your skin before a drop of make up even makes it on your face.

Skip the primer and run the risk of excess oil and uneven coverage through out the day. So, it’s absolutely worth the investment if you care about the health and radiance of your skin or have a favourite foundation that you want to stretch for mileage.

In summer, when the skin is tanned and your green juice consumption is on point, you can even forego make up all together and rely on primer alone for that dewy and plump, fresh-off-a-super-yacht look.

So what are you waiting for? Here are some primer possibilities that will have you picture-perfect.

1: Tom Ford Complexion Enhancing Primer 

The ultimate glowing primer, this is that product that is gorgeous enough to wear alone. Your skin will look instantly hydrated, luminous and even, no matter your skin type as soon as this glides over your face. Bridging the worlds of skincare and make up, this wonder-product comes in 3x shades Sheer, Pink & Peach to match and brighten your skin’s undertone or concerns, reverses signs of dullness and fatigue, and helps neutralise the appearance of discolouration all in one simple swoop. Need I say more?

2: Benefit The POREfessional

This is my go-to when I need to minimise the appearance of pores and achieve silky-smooth skin instantly. If your skin leans more towards the oily or dehydrated side, this little wonder will help you bridge the gap to a more normal skin tone to help your foundation stay put! The translucent formula even contains a vitamin E derivative known to protect skin from free radical damage. With its fun, ‘grammable tube, this cute product is totally addictive.

3: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Want luxury? Then this is my pick. Hourglass’ primer reduces the appearance of pores, softens lines and banishes redness in one sassy application. Mineral Veil is also water-resistant and contains SPF15 – so it’s great for wearing during a pool party, beach picnic or day on a boat. What it doesn’t contain however is Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates which all clog the skin. It’s the perfect pick for sensitive dry-to-normal skins that love the outdoors.

4: Laura Mercier Radiant Primer

A personal and industry favourite, The Radiant Primer has taken the market by storm. Much like other products in the Laura Mercier family, this primer is a blogger favourite with its double threat of blurring imperfections and brightening up dull complexion. I love the slightly-lavish pearl tint that creates a soft focus effect for an air-brushed complexion. Invest now!

5: Kat Von D Lock-It Hydrating Primer

Hey full coverage girl – this primer is for you. Kat Von D’s primer has a lightweight consistency with a milky colour that disappears once blended onto the skin. This addition to the range minimises the look of pores, keeps your skin hydrated and stops foundation settling into those damn fine lines. What separates this formula from the rest is the way it holds onto your foundation, thus helping you build slip-free coverage where you need it most. If you don’t like a super-made face, try adding only half a pump into your foundation. In short, unless you’re on stage darling, use sparingly.

CREDITS

Words; Alina Berdichevsky / Products Review and Hair & Makeup; Max May / Photographer; Bonnie Hansen for maxmade.com.au / Stylist; Cara Mia / Model; Natalia Sole