From The Straits Times    |

Why you should use a primer
We all know that primers are something you should be applying before your makeup, but do you really know why? It might seem like a tedious extra step to some, and just too many layers on your face for others, but primers often do more than simply making your skin smooth for great foundation application.

For starters, we live in a grossly humid climate where getting our makeup to stay put can be a pain. It tends to melt off your face or disappear gradually throughout the day. Primers are great for helping your makeup last longer (and of course work best when you finish your look with a makeup setting spray and finishing spray). Some primers work to seal in the hydration of whatever serums or moisturisers you apply first, and even provide moisturising benefits of their own.

Many primers are also so lightweight you forget you’ve got them on. Some boast “anti-ageing technology” and the ability to decrease skin puffiness. Whatever your skincare concerns, it shouldn’t be too hard finding a primer that suits you best! Here are three of our favourites of the moment, and why we love each of them.

#1 Stila Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer, $40


This water-based primer boasts pore-minimising and redness-reducing benefits on top of the expected cooling and hydrating benefits we might expect from a name like “Aqua Glow”. We love that it comes in an easy-to-apply stick form so you don’t have to worry about mess or cleaning nozzles after use. Ideal for a nice dewy complexion, it also won’t blow a hole in your bank account.

#2 Tom Ford Beauty Complexion Enhancing Primer, $100


Tom Ford Beauty fans who loved the brand’s existing tint-free primer will be pleased to know this new product now comes in two shades to complement a range of skin tones. The primer does a bang-up job at brightening and moisturising skin, and the pink or peach shades help neutralise dullness or discolouration. This is just a tad bit pricey, but many a beauty fiend swears by this.

#3 Kate Somerville Prime Protection Dual Action Primer Broad Spectrum SPF15 PA+++, $76


A little extra sun protection never hurt anyone! This Kate Somerville primer has SPF 15 coverage (not enough to be used alone but great when used under other SPF foundations), and a light diffusing technology that promises to blur the appearances of all your imperfections (yes, we’re talking about pores, wrinkles and fine lines). It even has an ingredient that claims to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin!

Looking for an eyeshadow primer? Read our review of three different eyeshadow primers for different skin types!

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