10 primers that boast MAJOR skin care benefits

Not only does this give you immediately flawless, filter-worthy skin that feels like actual silk (guys, it blurs imperfections like no one’s business), but the formula contains a unique duo of ingredients called Disa-Pore 20 and Evermat, which help reduce the appearance of pores size and shape over time. Yep, we’re impressed.

Inspired by their cult-favourite Banana Bright Eye Crème, Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright Face Primer creates a dewy, healthy-looking glow - whether it's applied under makeup, on top as a highlighter, or worn alone. It contains a load of ingredients that work to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, including vitamin C to help target the visible signs of ageing and vitamin E to nourish and condition the skin.

Yep – we’re not just talking about face primers here, people. Nude by Nature’s new lip primer is the beauty product we wish we had discovered *ages* ago. It preps, conditions and smooths your lips (your lipstick never looked so good), all while doing a heap of other stuff in the background. This un-tinted formula is packed with active natural ingredients, including the antioxidant-rich native Australian Kakadu plum, which has a load of anti-ageing benefits to tackle fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains vitamin E, which has moisturising and anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as replenishing and nourishing shea butter. We’ll take 10, thanks.

Similar to Becca’s best-selling Skin Love Foundation, the Brighten & Blur Primer is loaded with antioxidant ingredients that deliver brightening and nourishing benefits. It also provides protection against pollution and boosts hydration levels immediately and over time, thanks to hyaluronic acid and the unique Skin Love Glow Nectar Brightening Hydra Complex.

This is a primer and serum all in one and you *have* to try it. Infused with over 50 skin-loving ingredients, it preps your skin for makeup application while diffusing the appearance of visible pores and providing a hit of hydration. It contains 10 essential oils and butters, 10 nourishing botanicals, 30 fruit and plant-based extracts, as well as powerful antioxidants and vitamins including vitamins A, B5, brightening C and E peptides, *takes breath*, hydrolyzed collagen, silk and niacin. These ingredients work in combination to help ward off free radicals and protect your skin from environmental damage and premature ageing. What a guy.

If you have acne-prone skin, you know that every step of your skin care routine counts – so now you can enlist your primer for preventing blemishes as well. This mattifying primer from Cover FX is infused with salicylic acid and natural fruit AHAs, which help to encourage cell turnover and prevent clogged pores, while vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection against free radicals.

Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer is a bestseller for a reason. It's formulated with a blend of antioxidants (vitamins A and E) to prevent the destruction of collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, for an even, flawless skin tone. It both soothes and hydrates the skin, while extending the wear of your makeup.

This oil-free primer is a serious all-rounder. It helps to visibly diminish the appearance of large pores and fine lines, restore the skin’s moisture, and conceal redness, all while creating a smooth and even canvas for makeup. Did we mention it also contains SPF 15? 

If you've woken up with tired, dull skin, this is the best makeup primer for you. Hydrating, smoothing and brightening, Too Faced’s Hangover Primer is the instant cure for lacklustre skin. It contains hydrating coconut water and probiotics to boost the skin’s radiance, leaving you with a dewy healthy-looking complexion that looks flawless, with or without makeup.

If you think priming is just another non-essential extra step in your makeup routine, POREfessional Face Primer is about to change your mind. The silky, lightweight balm can be worn alone, as well as under or over makeup, and quickly works to minimise pores, fine lines and control/mattify oiliness on your T-zone. It also contains a vitamin E derivative known to protect skin from free radicals and the signs of ageing.

Ready to perfect the next step in your makeup routine? Check out some of the best foundations in Australia - tried and tested by us!

Have you tried any of these multitasking primers before? Let us know in the comment section below.

Main image credit: @bambilegit