12 Best Primers | Top make-up primers for dry and oily skin now

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Best for...dry skin

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer

For thirsty complexions that need extra glow and plumpness, look to Giorgio Armani's oil-in-water primer. It goes on like a silky moisturiser and imbues skin with a healthy gleam without any harsh sparkle. Just perfected, bouncy, dewy-looking skin.

For...combination skin

Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer

'Watery Glow' is an apt description for this gel-cream primer. It wears like second skin so pores don't feel clogged yet it provides ample hydration thanks to two forms of hyaluronic acid so foundation sits beautifully through long hours. A lovely summertime option.

Best for...a natural glow

Vieve Skin Nova

For skin that looks lit-from-within, look no further. Saturated with skincare ingredients, this primer hydrates and brightens, providing a fresh and healthy complexion whilst enhancing the longevity of make-up. Light reflecting particles smooth the skin without looking heavy or glittery. This multitasking primer can be worn alone and under make up, or mixed with your favourite base to create a custom coverage tint that looks naturally even and radiant.

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Best for...long-wear

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

The lightweight and invisible formula grips onto whatever you put on top of it, locking make-up in place to ensure no cracking, slipping, or creasing. Apply a thin layer and let it set for a minute before applying the rest of your make-up to maximise its efficiency. Whether it’s a big event, battling with humid climates, or having a late night, this cult favourite has you covered with 12 hours of wear.

Best for...mature skin

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer

A cocktail of Japanese extracts and botanicals help nourish skin, and minimise signs of ageing with time. Meanwhile, silk powder creates a smooth canvas for foundation application and the pearlescent finish helps to brighten and leave a plush finish.

Best For...Pore-Filling

Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer

This lightweight primer skims over pores and fine lines, gently blurring without causing any pilling for a seamlessly smooth canvas. Use it before foundation for a long-wearing finish and a softly mattified complexion, or on its own for an extra boost on a no make-up day.

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Best for...oily skin

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Blurring Primer 50ml

Laura Mercier is renowned for their game changing complexion perfecting products, and this primer is a standout. If excess oil is disturbing your foundation or you just prefer a soft matt finish, look no further than this oily skin saviour. It minimises shine without completely obliterating the glow and keeps skin feeling fresh all day long.

best for...luxury

Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Primer

No need to worry about your make up as you’re dancing your way into the twelfth hour of celebrations as this ultra-luxe primer is sweat and humidity proof. Not only does it dramatically extend the life of your make-up, it photographs beautifully too.

Best for...multi-use

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

This clever highlighter-primer hybrid is perfect for anyone who wants an illuminating lift, without sacrificing the staying power of their foundation. Swipe it over the high points of the face before applying your base to blur imperfections while dialling up the radiance. You can also use it on top of foundation as a highlighter or apply a small amount all-over to restore luminosity on dry complexions.

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Best for...skincare benefits

Dior Forever Glow Veil Radiance Primer

Trust Dior to create a primer that goes beyond simply providing a great base for make-up. This elegant formula is brimming with skincare ingredients such as glycerin and squalane for hydration, alongside plant extracts to boost radiance and restore plumpness to tired skin.

Best for...SPF

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen

Sun protection is important all year round, so a primer that boasts high factor SPF such as this one is worth its weight in gold. The refined texture is lightweight, so you can apply a sufficient amount (experts recommend two fingers worth) without risking excess shine or that uncomfortable, heavy feel.

Best for...redness

Medik8 Calmwise Colour Correct

This green-tinted priming moisturiser helps neutralise redness and is loaded with niacinamide to help encourage hydration, refine pores and help with discolouration. Meanwhile, chamomile works hard to soothe aggravated complexions.

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