Makeup Primers For Dry Skin

When it comes to primers, there are so many targeted at mattifying the skin and oil control and the ones that are aimed at more dry skin and make claims of radiance, are often full of shimmer. I've been on the hunt for primers that actually moisturise the skin and with some skincare benefits as well; I have managed to find a few and I've also found some skincare products that help prime to skin. 

Skincare

Let's start with the skincare items, facial mists are a great way of providing the skin with a boost of moisture and slip before applying any base products. I've been loving the *Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist (£18) which is perfect as a refreshing facial spray, toner and to help reduce the look of powders on the skin. I sometimes apply it not only to my skin but also to the foundation brush or sponge I'm using. The last skincare product is *The Body Shop Vitamin E Eyes Cube (£8) which was released during their mothers day campaign earlier this year. It is a quick and easy to use eye cream in stick form, it has fine iridescent shimmer so it adds a gorgeous glow as well as skincare benefits and preps the under eye area for concealer. 

Makeup Primers

Now onto the primers, The Body Shop Moisture It Primer as been a favourite of mine for at least three years and I'm still no where near to finishing the tube (I should probably throw it away!). The primer keeps my makeup looking fresh all day and it doesn't irritate my eczema It also doesn't look greasy on the skin and it doesn't contain glitter. Next up is another primer that I've been using for a while - *Maybelline The Smoother Skin Retexturing Primer. This one won't be of you if you don't like silicone feeling primers as it is very slippy and greasy feeling but it makes me skin feel so smooth (thanks to the silicones). It irons out all my skin texture issues, from rough drier skin to lumps and bumps although it is not a primer I use too often, solely because of the silicones. Lastly, the newest addition is the *MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Enriched Moisturising Face Base (£15) which contains shea butter, vitamin A and Beta Carotene although it still contains some parabens and parfum so maybe if you have very reactive skin then this might not be for you. This primer smells amazing, it moisturises the skin and provides a great base for foundation and concealer without the dreaded glitter!

Have you tried any of these primers or skincare products? Do you have a favourite makeup primer?

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Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

Today I have a very exciting product talk about, it is the new *Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water (£20, 116ml) which I have to say sounds a little unusual and gimmicky but from the first use it's the only primer that has ever wowed me! The product claims to prime, restore the skins moisture and provide radiance. It is alcohol free, oil free and silicone free which is fantastic as most primers contain a tonne of silicone in them which I personally don't like as it makes my skin feel greasy and can clog pores.

Firstly, I love the packaging and the spray is relatively fine and even. The primer can be used before makeup and after makeup application as a setting spray so it acts as a protective long lasting barrier. When used before makeup I spray it onto my skin, then lightly pat it in and it doesn't feel heavy or greasy at all on me. Using it before and after applying my makeup, I find it leaves my skin looking so glowing, fresh and youthful which is perfect for this time of the year as my skin can look quite dull and dehydrated but with the Smashbox primer water, my skin looks like I've been drinking two litres of water and getting a full eight hours sleep - which I very rarely do!

When used as a setting spray it does keep my makeup in place and looking just as it did when I applied it up to ten hours previously, which I have to say as someone who doesn't love primers, it is very impressive. Also if I have used a little too much powder or my makeup looks a bit heavy, this primer/setting spray instantly reduces the powdery/heavy look. I haven't experienced any irritation from my eczema when I used this primer/setting spray and it doesn't break me out or clog my pores which is always a plus. There is a little tip on the packaging which suggests to keep this product in the fridge for a ultra-cool mist and I will definitely be using as such during the summer.

Overall, I cannot recommend this multi-tasker enough, especially if you have dry, dull skin that needs some moisture and radiance though  the miserable english winter or if you want a travel friendly three in one product to keep your makeup in place all day! I will definitely be picking up another bottle when this one runs out as it is the only primer that has ever wowed me and I have tried quite a few! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

Have you tried this primer? If so what do you think of it?

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