Guide to Natural Makeup Primers

Does your daily makeup routine include a primer? This skin care and natural makeup hybrid can sometimes be seen as negotiable and even unnecessary, but it actually it can completely change the way your makeup looks and feels each day! Since I started using a facial primer, my foundation sits much better on my skin and it lasts so much longer too.

What is primer?

A primer is a fluid or cream similar to a moisturiser that may be clear or with a subtle tint or sheen. Primer is designed to be applied after your skin care and before your foundation, formulated to help make your makeup sit better and last longer throughout the day. You can choose the finish of your primer to suit your own skin concerns - there are primers to help control oily skin, add a dewy glow to dry skin, give a boost of staying power or even to blur imperfections. Think of your makeup primer like a paint primer - you need to use one in order to create the smoothest possible canvas and to prolong the life and quality of your paint job!

Facial primers can be used under foundation to help moisturise skin and prolong the wear of your foundation, but you can also use specially formulated eye primers to help make eyeshadow and eye makeup last longer and prevent creasing! Some eye primers are untinted and designed more to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines around the eye area, while other tinted versions can be used to correct discolouration - our eyelids are naturally a different colour to the rest of our skin as the skin is much thinner, so we often have a subtle purple tint from our veins. This tint can change the way our eyeshadow colours look on the skin compared to in the pan, which is why tinted eye primers can be really handy for evening out skin tone.

Best natural foundation primers

100% Pure Luminous Facial Primer
For luminous and beautifully glowing skin, I love the 100% Pure Luminous Facial Primer. This lightweight, milky gel feels ultra hydrating on the skin and is also rich in skin-loving vitamins and antioxidants, including Vitamin C and Red Wine Resveratrol, so it also works to brighten the complexion thanks to its extra skin care benefits. It's designed to help diffuse uneven skin tone and smooth out fine lines, creating a flawless base for foundation. To use, apply to skin after your moisturiser, allowing to dry before applying your favourite foundation. You can also mix it with your liquid foundation when in a hurry for a quick glow!

Life Basics - SPF 30 All Natural Facial Sunscreen
A facial sunscreen, moisturiser and primer all-in-one, the Life Basics - SPF 30 All Natural Facial Sunscreen is perfect for daily use. Lightweight and non-greasy, this facial lotion contains Zinc Oxide as well as nourishing Rosehip, Green Tea and Calendula to soothe and calm skin. Designed to leave a satin finish, it can be applied beneath makeup and 20 minutes before sun exposure.

With all sunscreens avoid contact with eyes and if irritation persists discontinue use. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection. Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses when exposed to the sun, and stay in the shade where possible. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication and use in accordance with the directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label and use only as directed.

Nude By Nature Airbrush Mineral Primer
Formulated to give a flawless airbrush finish, the Nude By Nature Airbrush Mineral Primer is a richly nourishing facial primer which is perfect for all skin types. Designed to smooth out skin, disguise imperfections and create an even base for makeup, this skin-perfecting formula can help to extend makeup wear as well as keep skin hydrated throughout the day, containing moisturising Olive Oil, Green Tea and Vitamin E as well as water-resistant Beeswax. Smooth over the face and neck before foundation, using either fingertips or a foundation brush.

Mineral Fusion Illuminating Primer
If you want to give your makeup a serious glow, try the Mineral Fusion Illuminating Primer. This shimmering primer actually includes illuminating, light-reflecting gold flecks to add eye-catching radiance to skin, while conditioning Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil and Flax Seed Oil work to nourish and brighten. Smoothing and firming, this lightweight formula also contains age-defying Pentapeptide and Vitamin C to help boost collagen production and discourage wrinkles. Smooth onto skin with your fingertips before applying foundation for a brilliant glow.

Inika Certified Organic Pure Primer
The Inika Certified Organic Pure Primer is a fabulous option for normal to dry skin types, working to deliver moisture to the skin for a complexion that looks hydrated and dewy with or without makeup! This nourishing primer contains Aloe Vera, Apricot Oil, Coconut Oil to help plump up the skin with soothing moisture, while firming Hyaluronic Acid works to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. To use, gently massage into skin, covering the face and neck. Allow to sink in before applying makeup.

Zuii Flora Foundation Primer
Designed to help create an even canvas for foundation and extend its wear, the Certified Organic Zuii Flora Foundation Primer is perfect for more oily skin types as Rose Water helps to tone the skin and balance oil levels, while Sweet Almond Oil, Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Calendula provide gentle, soothing hydration to smooth the skin's surface and minimise fine lines. Apply one pump evenly to the face and neck before makeup application.

Natural eyeshadow primers

Nude By Nature Perfecting Eye Primer
In an untinted formula which is invisible once applied, the Nude By Nature Perfecting Eye Primer is designed to provide a burst of balancing hydration to help tighten, smooth and even out the eye area for eye makeup application. Nourishing Olive Oil and antioxidant rich Kakadu Plum work to brighten skin and keep makeup looking fresh, while Beeswax works to keep everything in place all day long. Apply a small amount to eyelids using fingers or an eyeshadow brush, allowing to dry for at least one minute before continuing with eyeshadow.

Benecos Natural Eyeshadow Primer
Ideal for helping to extend the wear of your eye makeup, the Benecos Natural Eyeshadow Primer is designed to even out skin tone on the delicate eyelid area and help intensify eyeshadow colour and pigment. With a subtle, shimmery gold tint, this easy-to-apply formula can help prevent cream and powder eyeshadows from creasing, separating or melting away so your makeup lasts all day long. Packed with nourishing goodies like Sweet Almond and Vitamin E, this smoothing primer can be used all over the eyelid before eyeshadow application, or used alone for a more natural look, finished with eyeliner and mascara.

Mineral Fusion Smoothing Eye Primer
Perfect for priming both the eyelids and the under-eye area, the Mineral Fusion Smoothing Eye Primer can actually be used to prep skin for eyeshadow as well as under-eye concealer. It works to firm and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes as well as smooth out any fine lines thanks to nourishing ingredients like Coconut Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and Shea Butter. Wrinkle-fighting Pentapeptide also helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This gentle yet powerful formula can be used on all skin types, including sensitive. Gently smooth over the entire eye area before applying concealer and eyeshadow.

Lily Lolo Eye Primer
To help correct darkness and uneven skin tone around the eyes, the Lily Lolo Eye Primer makes a great two-in-one tinted eye primer and concealer. Creamy and rich, this dual purpose primer contains two shades - a Lemon yellow shade to brighten darkness, and a Buff nude shade to even out skin tone and help keep eyeshadow seamless and true to colour. To use, apply across the eyelids and under-eye areas as needed before eye makeup and foundation application.