THREE TO TRY . HYDRATING PRIMERS
Primers are the spanx of the beauty industry – they are applied post-moisturizer and finesse your foundation in order to conceal, smooth, flatter, and enhance the wear time of whatever goes on top. But when looking for a primer for the winter months there is one additional thing to consider: hydration. During this time of the year, the harsh elements have a tendency to strip the skin of moisture, leading to a dry, flaky complexion. To prevent this issue it's important to not only opt for a thicker moisturizer as the temperatures drop, but to also incorporate additional hydrating products to your regime. Switching primers is a great place to start as this is one of the few products that will have direct contact with the skin throughout the day. Below, I've compiled a list of three of my favourite hydrating primers that soothe and nourish to keep my skin hydrated despite winter stressors.
MAKE UP FOR EVER . Step 1 Skin Equalizer . Nourishing Primer ($43)
With a texture similar to that of a moisturizer it's no wonder this primer instantly replenishes dry and dehydrated skin. The water-based formula features MAKE UP FOR EVER's Vegetal Complex, a complex made up of shea butter and squalene, which nourishes the skin to hydrate and revive it, and Vitamin E, which contains antioxidants to protect from the elements. Upon application, the Nourishing Primer immediately soaks into the skin, providing relief to any dry, tight areas that might have arose from extreme temperature changes. The rich formula, due in part to the inclusion of shea butter, makes light work of winter dryness, soothing away any flakes found throughout my complexion, while providing a soft-focus effect. The end result? My skin feels highly nourished, and displays a blurred effect that enhances the appearance of my foundation, and ensures it lasts all day.
MAKE UP FOR EVER . Step 1 Skin Equalizer . Hydrating Primer ($43)
Don't get the aforementioned Nourishing Primer confused with the Hydrating Primer, although they hail from the same primer line-up the two couldn't differ more. While both primers feature a water-based formula, the Hydrating Primer is formulated with MAKE UP FOR EVER's H₂O Complex – a thirst-quenching complex for dry skin, which contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and witch hazel. This complex not only gives this primer a lighter texture and feel, but also significantly increases the water retention properties of the skin once applied. Like the Nourishing Primer the skin instantly drinks up the moisture-filled formula found in the Hydrating Primer to reveal a supple, plump surface, perfected and ready for foundation. Given the slightly lighter formula I tend to use this primer on days I know I'll be more active in order to prevent a shiny complexion as the day progresses. Also making it more suitable for oily skin tones than it's sister product, the Nourishing Primer.
Dermalogica . Hydrablur Primer ($62)
Finally, there's the Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer, which fuses a powerful skin treatment with skin priming technology. Featuring Dermalogica's H₂O Release™ Complex, this primer does everything you'd expect from a primer, and more. The complex, made up of sodium hyaluronate (water binding hyaluronic acid), algin (antioxidant rich brown algae), and trehalose (hydrating plant sugar) delivers continuous moisture, while priming properties minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reveal a silky, luminous finish to skin. Also included is abyssinian seed oil to tone and maintain moisture balance, mushroom extract to reduce pore visibility and size, radiance boosting wu-zhu-yu fruit extract, which works by boosting micocirculation, and a slew of mattifiers to reduce shine. To further help even out skin tone, Dermalogica has also included a micro-encapsulated tint, which bursts upon application, providing slight coverage. Albeit the most expensive primer of the three, it is unparalleled in it's moisturizing, and mattifying efforts, proving it's worthy of the hefty price tag.
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What is your go-to primer?
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