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Meet the new generation of primers

The products going above and beyond the call of duty

By Carli Alman

Beauty Crew Editor / May 26 2017

Thanks to the rising popularity of priming products, using a primer before applying your foundation has become as routine as brushing your teeth.

Besides the moisturising benefits of a primer, a quick slick of one can ensure your makeup looks smoother and more flawless, and goes the distance like never before.

And while there are plenty of primers out there worthy of your hard-earned dollars, there’s a new generation of primers that are going that extra step (or two) above the call of duty. Sure, they will smooth your skin texture and add longevity to your makeup, but they’ll do that little bit extra, too.

Here are the new generation primers that your beauty kit is missing.

Estée Lauder The Mattifier

One of three new targeted primers from Estée Lauder, The Mattifier is a must-have for those suffering from oiliness on the forehead and chin. The primer works to control oil production and reduce shine, leaving that shiny T-zone behind.

NARS Radiance Primer

Skin looking a little dull or lacklustre? First, try these skin care steps for more luminous skin, then prime your skin with NARS Radiance Primer. The smooth-as-silk formula will boost your complexion and leave your skin looking luminous.

Maybelline New York Superstay 24HR® Primer

If a bit of sweat tends to be the downfall of your otherwise-flawless makeup, your kit would do well to have this budget-friendly primer in it. Formulated with Stay Fresh technology, Maybelline Superstay 24Hr® Primer feels lightweight, yet will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Smoothing Primer Serum SPF 30

Besides offering broad-spectrum protection in the form of SPF 30, the RESIST primer helps fight the signs of ageing with antioxidants like green tea, coffee seed and chamomile, and protects your skin against environmental aggressors.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Primer™

Say sayonara (temporarily, anyway) to enlarged pores that drive you nuts. The clever skin-loving formula of IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Primer™ works to instantly blur pores (and lines and wrinkles!), smooth the texture of your skin and leave you in the clear to apply a flawless base.

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Bronzing Skin Primer

If your skin is quickly losing that sun-kissed summer glow, start your makeup routine with this bronzing primer. Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Bronzing Skin Primer has a bronze colour to the gel, giving your complexion a sheer tint of warmth.

Urban Decay Self-Adjusting Complexion Primer

Colour correct and prime in one easy step with Urban Decay Self-Adjusting Complexion Primer. Micro-encapsulated pigments burst when massaged into skin and will adjust to even out your skin tone for a smooth, flawless finish.

BECCA First Light Priming Filter

It’s the purple-toned primer that went completely viral – and for good reason! The BECCA First Light Priming Filter works to reflect cool violet light to make your skin look vibrant and more awake. Perfect for the mornings after the night before…

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

Your complexion isn’t the only thing that may need a hand with smoothness and longevity. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primers have been formulated to not only prime your lids for crease-proof eye makeup looks and neutralise tones on your skin, but they can help intensify the colour of your eyeshadows. You can use the white shade to make colours pop, and the dark tones to up the ante on a smoky eye. Genius!

Love an innovative beauty product? Check out these new must-have makeup sponges.

Image credit: Edward Urrutia