5 Primers That Work Like Skin-Perfecting Instagram Filters
Five primers that brighten, blur and even banish blemishes to fake the "I woke up like this" skin of your dreams.
By Katie Dickens
Hellin Kay
Devotees of the no-makeup makeup look understand that it takes a little more effort than it seems. Just because what's applied isn't obvious to the untrained eye doesn't mean it's not there—and that's the point. Hence why primers, a topical smokescreen for imperfections, are an indispensable part of any bare-faced routine. And the best of these colorless or subtly tinted formulas allow you to skip or skimp on foundation for a truly minimalist approach. Here are five formulas that brighten, blur, and even banish blemishes to fake the "I woke up like this" skin of your dreams.
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1
bareMinerals Blemish Remedy Mattifying Prep Gel
Hellin Kay
For those in an ongoing battle against oil and blemishes, this lightweight gel should be your weapon of choice. Spot-fighting botanicals like tea tree oil and aspen bark help clear pores while minerals mop up excess grease so skin stays matte all day long.
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair for Oily Skin Facial Primer & Brightener
Hellin Kay
The super popular Smooth Affair Primer is now available for those who prefer their skin matte and pores nearly invisible (with scientific-sounding PoreAway technology).
If you love Touche Éclat, now its light-reflecting properties have been put to use in a primer to give you a radiant base layer, plus added blurring technology gives next-level complexion perfection.
Kate Somerville Prime Protection Dual Action Primer SPF 15
Hellin Kay
In addition to doing its priming thing, this multitasking formula includes SPF 15 (still necessary even as summer comes to an end) to prevent sun damage and anti-aging ingredients like Matrixyl 3000 and shitake extract to smooth fine lines.
Even if your makeup tendencies are subtler than the seductive smoky eyes that populate Tom Ford's runways, you can still appreciate the (post-coital) glow with which it's usually paired. His new hydrating primer offers up a way to recreate it, plus includes skincare ingredients to further boost luminosity.