Prime time!
8 midlife makeup primers to keep you glowing all winter.
Illuminating primers have become a midlife skin prep staple.
More than just providing a smooth, glowing base for foundation that helps makeup last longer, luminosity-boosting formulas dial up the radiance, with the aim of achieving a ‘lit from within’ look.
Whether used daily, post-moisturiser and pre-makeup (scroll down for application tips), or to have on standby, for an extra boost, illuminating primers contain subtle luminescent particles that play tricks with the light. They create an even canvas for whatever you apply next—although, such is their luminosity-boosting magic, you may choose to leave it at that.
Increasingly, it’s hard to know where illuminating primers stop and highlighting fluids begin. With the arrival of more multi-tasking, hybrid formulas, the lines are definitely blurring. (Honestly truly? I use my beloved Jones Road Miracle Balm, in Sunkissed, as my go-to primer/highlighter now. I often wear it alone, and skip base altogether. Otherwise, it’s balm after base. I’m obsessed.)
Watch this space for a special Tuesday edition of the MBE devoted to the most gorgeous highlighters for face and body.
Onto the primers!
Here are 8 of the most loved illuminating primers for midlife skin, followed by a few pro tips on application.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer, Illuminating
From the queen of radiance-boosting bases, this primer is part of Laura Mercier’s water-based Pure Canvas collection. It gives a very sheer, subtle glow boost, while priming skin for makeup. One shade suits all.
By Terry Brightening CC Serum
This one comes with star credentials. Before creating her own range, By Terry, in the late 90s, French makeup artist Terry de Gunzburg was International Makeup Designer of YSL Beauté, where she created the iconic (and endlessly duped) Touché Eclat concealer.