From concealers to foundations, bronzers to blushes and more, with the multitude of makeup products available to ‘perfect’ our face these days, it’s no wonder some of us might question which products are really necessary and which ones we might be ok to forgo. For many, makeup primers tend to fall into the latter category, but we are here to tell you why this underrated makeup staple is a necessity when it comes to your daily makeup routine! Keep reading as we discuss everything there is to know about makeup primers, from what they are, to their numerous benefits, as well as our favourite primers for all skin types too!

What is a makeup primer and what does it really do?

Creating an extra layer between your skin and makeup, face primers are used to plump fine lines, blur impurities and blemishes, smooth skin, and help makeup last all day without caking, creasing or the need for constant touch-ups. They really are key to achieving smooth, flawless skin that’s perfectly prepped for your foundation! Depending on your skin concerns, you can choose from a hydrating primer, a mattifying primer, an illuminating primer or a colour-correcting makeup primer.

What are the benefits of using a makeup primer?

1. They provide the perfect base for your foundation

Even though you might well have followed a rigorous skincare routine, your complexion can sometimes still be a little uneven, enter makeup primer! A makeup primer provides the perfect base for seamless foundation application free of any patches! This is because a primers main job is to fill the open pores of your skin and smooth it in preparation for your makeup to follow.

2. They keep makeup intact all day long

Ready to say goodbye to touch-ups and reapplication throughout the day? With a face primer in your makeup arsenal, you can enjoy a long-lasting, smudge-free complexion all day long.

3. They can blur imperfections

While makeup primers won’t enhance your skin quite like a bronzer, or conceal pesky pimples like a foundation, they are formulated to hide and blur imperfections! They are in fact touted as the photoshop of the makeup world! How they actually blur imperfections is down to two key ingredients: silicone particles which “fill in the gaps” on the surface of skin to even it out, and light-diffusing particles which scatter the light that hits the surface of the skin, creating an optical illusion that tricks the eye and makes pores and fine lines less visible. Sounds ideal right?

4. They combat shine

This will be music to those of us with oily skin! Indeed mattifying face primers can combat shine by balancing out excess oil, this in turn creates a smooth base for your makeup so it won’t slide off your face come lunchtime!

5. They correct discolouration

if you struggle with discolouration or hyperpigmentation, a face primer can be an important component in your makeup routine. Colour-correcting primers even out the skin tone and neutralize discoloration as the tinted pigments, antioxidants, and vitamin E brighten skin and minimize visible imperfections.

6. They are packed with skin loving ingredients

Many face primers, including our range of ELES makeup primers, are like an extension of your skincare, enriched with skin-loving ingredients including Vitamins A, C & E and salicylic acid to not only promote skin cell turnover and nourish and hydrate the skin but tackle and conceal common concerns like dullness, dryness and redness too!

When do you apply a face primer?

In terms of application, a face primer should be applied to perfectly cleansed skin, after your moisturiser and before you apply your makeup.

Can you use primer without makeup?

Absolutely! For no-makeup days, applying a primer is one of the easiest ways to conceal imperfections, colour correct, mattify the skin and combat shine and oiliness. You can apply your face primer after your daily serums and moisturiser.

Are makeup primers for everyone?

Whether you love a less-is-more makeup look or prefer dramatic glam, a makeup primer is the perfect tool, and you can choose the right primer for your skin’s specific needs, from hydrating to pore perfecting and more…

Our top picks

For dry to sensitive skin

If your skin is a little dry, opt for a multi-functional face primer that will keep makeup in place, while hydrating, firming and plumping the skin with a gentle blend of nourishing botanical oils. Try the ELES Retexturizing Face Primer. Not only does this soothing, lightweight serum feel like actual silk on your skin, it basically helps protect, condition, smooth and blur out skin imperfections too! Want to look like a filtered goodness, and have makeup last the distance, try this!

For combination to oily skin

If your skin tends to be on the oilier side, we recommend opting for the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking smooth and flawless! Genius!