Do you use a skin primer as part of your makeup ritual? A lot of makeup primers contain ingredients that are bad for our skin health such as comedogenic (pore clogging) waxes and fillers that can lead to congestion and irritation. Some focus on improving the skin condition but can leave skin looking uneven or chalky.

When it comes to choosing a primer, we want a formula that delivers great skin care benefits and helps our makeup adhere to the skin and last longer. At Dermalogica we have two premium formulas that deliver even-toned radiant skin, with multiple skin care benefits to leave skin primed and ready for makeup.

What is a primer?

Just like paint primers are used to smooth the surface and bond paint to a canvas, facial primers are used to smooth out the surface of the skin and help extend the wear of facial makeup. Primers go one step further than moisturisers; they help even the tone and texture of the skin, allowing for a smoother application and longer-lasting coverage. A good primer can also be used without foundation to give skin a fresh, natural glow.

Primers for balanced to oily skin

Porescreen SPF 40 is a multitasking sunscreen that delivers SPF 40 protection, while supporting healthy-looking pores, minimising their appearance with a blurring, primer-like effect, and enhancing skin tone with a hint of tint for radiant skin.

Key ingredients:

Zinc Oxide: A physical (mineral) sunscreen that helps protect against UVA and UVB radiation.

Niacinamide: Helps reduce sebum (oil) and improves the appearance of pores. Maintains hydrated skin by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).

Microencapsulated tint: Natural earth minerals are encapsulated and burst upon application to deliver a natural, skin blurring tint. Suitable for most skin tones.

Green Microalgae, Squalene, antioxidant Vitamin E blend: Moisturises, softens, and smooths skin.

How to use it:

Shake before each use. Apply an even amount of product to face after moisturising each morning. Can be worn alone or underneath make-up. Top tip! Blend the formula in your palm to disperse the tint before applying to your skin.

Primers for dry and ageing skin

SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 delivers three benefits in one for healthy, luminous skin. Smooths away fine lines, brightens and primes for flawless skin and lasting coverage.

Key Ingredients:

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide: Physical (mineral) sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB radiation.

Peptides: Multiple peptides are included along with antioxidant Green Tea to condition the skin and help reduce wrinkles, delivering firmer skin and improved tone and texture.

Hyaluronic Acid and Silica: Skin hydrating actives address dehydration whilst Silica, a common earth mineral adheres to skin to absorb oil and improve the application of foundation.

Natural earth minerals: Provide a neutral tint to enhance luminosity and radiance. Suitable for most skin tones.

How to use it:

Smooth and blend over face after moisturising each morning. Can be worn alone or underneath make-up.

As with all Dermalogica products SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 and Porescreen SPF 40 are free of artificial colours and fragrances.

Tips for primer application

• Use a damp beauty blender/sponge or brush for an even application
• Great for men that would like a natural even tone with a hint of tint
• Can be worn alone for a natural, healthy-looking glow
• Allow serums and moisturisers to absorb for a few minutes before applying to allow primer to blend evenly
• Lightly blend over skin rather than rub to deliver an even coverage
• Wear additional SPF within your moisturiser under your primer when spending time outdoors to ensure sufficient SPF coverage

Need some personalised advice on your skin? Chat live with one of our professional skin therapists now or find your local Dermalogica Expert here.