10 Primers For Every Skin Type

10 Primers For Every Skin Type

Not to be dismissed as another unnecessary step in your skincare routine, the right primer can be a real game-changer when it comes to make-up that lasts. From boosting hydration to banishing redness, they work wonders to perfect complexions; creating a velvety canvas that helps foundation look flawless all day.
CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SMASHBOX

And when it comes to primer, there’s one brand you’ll hear the beauty community mention time and time again – Smashbox has long led the way in the primer world, offering an impressive line-up of formulas to suit every skin type and need.
 
Want to know which one is right for you? We’ve got you covered…

Visit Smashbox.co.uk

Photo Finish Foundation Primer, £26
Photo Finish Foundation Primer, £26

Photo Finish Foundation Primer, £26

BEST FOR: Instantly blurring lines.

WHY WE RATE IT: The first product Smashbox ever created, this industry-favourite primer was developed to help make-up look better and last longer on set. It makes light work of fine lines and pores for an instantly flawless complexion. In clinical studies, an impressive 93% of users saw instantly smoother skin. Did you know this primer also doubles up as a magic eraser to fix make-up mishaps? Simply dab a bit of primer over any make-up you want to erase and your look is as good as new.

Photo Finish Primerizer, £30
Photo Finish Primerizer, £30

Photo Finish Primerizer, £30

BEST FOR: Dry skin.
 
WHY WE RATE IT: Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and anti-ageing niacinamide, the game-changing Primerizer is the primer-moisturiser hybrid you’ve been waiting for. In fact, it was created in Smashbox’s LA studio to instantly increase moisture by 127% and prep skin for make-up in one fell swoop. The quick-dry formula guarantees a flawless complexion with skin that feels comfortable all day.

Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing, £28
Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing, £28

Photo Finish Pore Minimising Primer, £28

BEST FOR: Oil control.
 
WHY WE RATE IT: Are enlarged pores and oiliness your biggest beauty bugbear? Turn to this pore-minimising hero, which blurs pores while mattifying shine and controlling oil production for an impressive eight hours. Not convinced? A whopping 97% of users saw an instant reduction in pore size. Make like the pros and try extending the primer down your neck to reduce the appearance of lines and creases – you heard it here first.

Photo Finish Primer Oil, £30
Photo Finish Primer Oil, £30

Photo Finish Primer Oil, £30

BEST FOR: A radiant complexion.

WHY WE RATE IT: The secret to glowing, luminous skin? This. The beauty world’s very first priming oil, this ultra-light, fast-absorbing face oil is packed with soothing chamomile and moisturising jojoba for a radiant, youthful look with a dewy finish and flawless make-up that’ll see through the day. In a consumer study on 100 women after just one week of use, 95% said their skin didn’t feel greasy or slick and 89% said their make-up looked fresh the entire day. 

Foundation Primer Light, £26
Foundation Primer Light, £26

Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light, £26

BEST FOR: Combination skin.
 
WHY WE RATE IT: If you’re prone to an oily T-zone or blemishes, be sure to try Smashbox’s Light version of its cult classic. This clever weightless water-based gel will leave skin silky-smooth without clogging pores and it’s also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants to protect the skin from pollution, damage and stress.

Foundation Primer Radiance, £30
Foundation Primer Radiance, £30

Photo Finish Radiance Primer, £30

BEST FOR: Mega moisture and a subtle glow.
 
WHY WE RATE IT: We love this moisturising primer that bestows an instant magic-hour glow. Formulated with shea butter and hyaluronic acid, it primes and evens the skin tone for enhanced radiance, whether you’re going for a full-face of make-up or a bare-faced glow. Ideal for normal to dry skin types, it’s no wonder it’s a Smashbox bestseller.

Foundation Primer Colour Correcting Adjust, £28
Foundation Primer Colour Correcting Adjust, £28

Photo Finish Foundation Primer Colour Correcting Adjust, £28

BEST FOR: Those prone to redness.
 
WHY WE RATE IT: Whether you suffer from rosacea or are prone to redness on your cheeks, incorporate this clever primer into your routine and you won’t look back. Instantly reducing redness and soothing stressed-out skin with a combination of antioxidants and vitamins A and E, it’s your new skincare best friend. Our top tip? Use just on the areas where you’re prone to redness, using your favourite Smashbox primer elsewhere on your skin.

Photo Finish Iconic Primer Stick, £22
Photo Finish Iconic Primer Stick, £22

Photo Finish Mattifying Stick, £22

BEST FOR: On-the-go application.

WHY WE RATE IT: Specially designed to be ultra-portable, this innovative mattifying stick means you don’t have to compromise with a flawless face when on-the-go. Gliding onto the skin with a targeted tug-free application, this hero formula will leave skin silky smooth as well as instantly mattified for up to 12 hours.

Foundation Primer Colour Correcting Blend, £28
Foundation Primer Colour Correcting Blend, £28

Photo Finish Foundation Primer Colour Correcting Blend, £28

BEST FOR: Discolouration and pigmentation.
 
WHY WE RATE IT: Counteract the appearance of discolouration and even out the look of skin tone with this award-wining, problem-solving primer. It’s all down to the apricot hue, which makes light work of colour-correcting the complexion as well as blurring pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Photo Finish Primer Water, £22
Photo Finish Primer Water, £22

Photo Finish Primer Water, £22

BEST FOR: Dull Skin.

WHY WE RATE IT: Brimming with electrolytes to restore and revitalise the skin, this water-enriched, misting formula is easy to use and a warm-weather must-have. Either spritz on your face pre-makeup or afterwards to lock your look in place; it can even be used throughout the day to refresh, restore moisture and add instant radiance. The best bit? It’s suitable for all skin types.

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