Favorite Hydrating Primers

Glowy Bases Loaded

As I enter into "winter is coming" hibernation mode, the only thing keeping my spirits up is the makeup. My theme for Autumn/Winter 2017 is to MAXIMIZE THE GLOW. I wanted to round up some of my favorite glow-getting hydrating primers that ALL skin types can enjoy. They won't make you feel greasy if you're an oily/combination girl like me and they will give you that much-needed dewy look if you're on the dry side of the spectrum.

Face primers lie right between makeup and skincare, and aim to enhance your base. It is by no means a necessity in your makeup wardrobe, but it certainly is a fun product to play with. Some primers can help your foundation apply better, some smooth out pores and fine lines, some claim to make your makeup last longer while others strive to give you a glow. The primers in this post do not affect the longevity of my foundation but they do improve application and overall luminosity of my skin when using.

My skin tends to be more oily in the summer and for many years I sought to stomp out the oil with as many shine-zapping primers, foundations and powders as I could get my hands on. Nowadays, my approach has changed and it has yielded much better results. I'm going with the glow, so to speak. The four glow-giving primers in my arsenal are suitable for all skin types and each one brings something different to the table. Let's take a look, shall we? I may or may not add dramatic second titles to go along each product. 

1. BECCA First Light Priming Filter
"The One That Brightens" - available at Sephora and Ulta 

This primer is the lightest in texture and reminds me of a water-based lotion. It has a purple tint to it which is intended to brighten the complexion. I am not sure if it's just my brain trying to justify it, but  I find that it really does liven up my complexion when I put it on in the morning. It's a great quick "pick-me-up" primer on mornings when I'm looking sallow and I don't have much time. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and fresh. It has a lemon scent which is quite unique, I personally enjoy it but it's definitely the type of scent that may not be your cup of tea. It vaguely reminds me of Murphy's hardwood floor cleaner, but in the best way possible! I like the clear glass bottle packaging because you can see exactly how much product you have left, and it has a pump! Hurray! You can see it in action in my makeup tutorials here and here.

2. Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer
"The One That Makes Full Coverage Foundations Better" - available at Sephora, Net-a-Porter and Neiman Marcus 

This primer came out in conjunction with Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Foundation, which I also have and it is the most full coverage foundation I own. Since long-lasting full-coverage foundation formulas tend to have a thicker, dryer texture, the Marc Jacobs Coconut Primer offers a wonderful hydrating slick base and it makes application of those formulas a lot easier. I remember seeing makeup artist Michael Ashton in an Instagram Live mixing this primer with a full coverage foundation in order to dilute it, and it created the perfect base. I tried that method the very next day and I LOVED the result. It's truly a great product to have in your arsenal if you're a full coverage foundation gal and want to get the most out of your foundation. It also smooths out dry patches on the skin. The packaging is nice and sleek - a clear glass bottle with a pump - and it smells like coconuts, which is never a bad thing.

3. Armani Prima Nourishing Glow Enhancer Oil-in-Gel
"The One That Nourishes" - available at Nordstrom and The Bay

The Armani Prima range is geared towards skin prep. There are several skincare items available along with an array of makeup primers catering to different concerns. Tati had previously raved about the Day Long Skin Perfector (which is also on my wishlist) but since I've been embracing the glow and have been battling some dry patches lately, I've been using the Nourishing Glow Enhancer on my cheeks and any other dry areas of the skin. I love the texture of this product. It reminds me of the Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum but is lighter in texture, making it suitable for more skin types. If you're super super dry, go for the Hourglass. If you're somewhere in the middle, the Armani Prima Nourishing Glow Enhancer is a great option. It smells amazing. It's a sweet floral scent but it's not overwhelming by any means, I find it really pleasant. This primer leaves my skin feeling like silk and foundation goes on top with ease. The price tag, like all Armani Beauty products, is very high but if you are a luxe beauty gal who wants to enhance your glow in the most subtle and natural way, this may be worth the splurge. If you're on a budget, try mixing in a drop of your favorite face oil into your day cream and it will do a similar job.

4. Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base
"The One That Glows" - available at Nordstrom, Sephora and The Bay

This is the primer I reach for during holiday party season. It comes in two shades (Nude Radiance is pictured). It has an ever-so-subtle amount of shimmer running through it, which makes you glisten like a vampire from Twilight when the sun hits the skin, so I prefer to use this in the evenings. It has a lightweight texture and works beautifully all over the skin if you're feeling dull and want to go from zero to glowing goddess in one pump. I like to use this on the high points of my cheeks, nose and above the lip before and after foundation application for an extra hit of glow. I also like to wear it under a more matte foundation like the L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte as I find that it gives some life to the formula and makes it look more dimensional on the face without compromising oil control and lasting power. If the luxury price point is too high for you, MAC Strobe Cream is a great less expensive alternative. Burberry Fresh Glow has a lighter texture, which is why I prefer it for my skin type.