I tested three primers to stop make-up melting in the heat – one is like Marmite
CONFESSION time: I don’t wear primer regularly, but the hot weather has left me desperate to find a way to stop my make-up melting off.
Oil-absorbing primers are a great way to prevent sweat from interfering with your make-up. This week, I put three to the test . . .
Budget
Collection Primed & Ready shine control serum primer, £5.99 for 14.1ml, Boots.
During my uni years, I used the Collection concealer religiously. But since then, my love affair with the brand has been quite hit and miss.
With this new primer getting five star reviews online, given the price, I took the plunge and bought it.
The formula contains witch hazel, which is great for oily and spot-prone skin, although it gives the primer a medicinal smell.
But I found it didn’t sit well under my make-up – definitely one for those who like an extremely matte finish.
Mid-range
ICONIC Velvet Smooth pore-refining primer, £24 for 30ml, Boots.
A brilliant option to help smooth out skin texture and create an even surface for your base.
It’s quite silicone heavy, which makes it a bit like Marmite – you’ll either love it or hate it. For me, I’m heading towards the latter.
I can’t deny the results do look great. It’s like an Instagram “Paris” filter in real life, and definitely helped stop oil and sweat breaking down my foundation.
However, it felt too heavy on my face for me to want to wear it every day, though I’ll definitely still use it for special occasions.
Luxury
Benefit The Porefessional matte primer, £32 for 22ml, Boots.
A tube of the cult classic original version of this sells every 12 seconds globally, so I had high hopes for this identically priced update.
Immediately, it feels more grown-up than the packaging I recall from my teens, and the formula inside has had a glow-up, too.
Now there’s rosehip extract to help control oil production, and niacinamide to soothe skin and decrease the look of pores.
It’s far more lightweight than the OG, which I love, and definitely helps my make-up last longer. I’m obsessed.
Pick of the week
IF you’re jetting off on a holiday this month, I’ve great news.
Iconic skincare brand Drunk Elephant launched a new set of travel-ready minis this week.
Drunk Elephant The Littles 7.0 contains five of its best-sellers – including the brightening C-Firma Fresh Day serum, microbiome-friendly Beste No 9 jelly cleanser and TLC glycolic night serum – in a limited edition wash bag. It’s £70.
Shop now at spacenk.com.