BEAUTY TIPS | What's all the fuss about primer?

Primer : that all important first step to creating a lasting professional base.

Primers are a crucial step at keeping oil at bay, filling in fine lines and providing a smooth canvas for your foundation to stick to.

Other than the fact that it gives your makeup super powers of longevity and stops it from sliding off your face, did you know that a primer is also rather excellent at keeping those pores under control?

It forms a kind of protective barrier between your dermis and foundation, and in doing so it won’t let foundation ‘settle’ into pores.

The result? Less visible pores. Win! This is particularly good if you have clogged or enlarged pores. It’s also a champion at smoothing over fine wrinkles and lumps and bumps. Converted yet?

Primer comes in many different varieties and there is likely to be a primer out there to suit your most wildest of purposes. Consistency-wise, there are the heavier-duty silicone-based primers that glide on like a velvet glove (which are great if you don’t mind using silicone on your skin- I do). There are also lighter primers without silicone in a range of creams, gels and lotions.

There are also different hues available to address specific skin concerns. Green-colored primers will combat redness from rosacea or acne. Mauve/light purple counteracts sallow undertones while pink helps brighten complexions.

You can also choose a primer that is suited for your specific skin type also- be it oily, dry or combination.

At the mo, I am particularly enamoured with the Korres Quercetin and Oak Anti-Ageing Primer. It’s an awesome ultra-smoothing lotion that feels really light and fresh on the skin. The real winner for me is that it’s free of parabens/ sulfates/ synthetic fragrances/ petro-Chemicals/ phthalates/ GMOs and triclosan! Probably the best I have tried personally for a while.

I’ve been using a sample sized one and it’s lasted me about two months (I just used the last drop today- boo). While I can’t tote its anti-ageing benefits (I’m not a huge fan of that label) I mainly use it for its pore-reducing effects.

I can vouch for the fact that my skin has looked a lot smoother and more refreshed and less like the surface of the moon since I’ve been using it!

Celeb glamour makeup denizen Napoleon Perdis says “it’s been my career-long mantra as it helps finesse your foundation, helping your skin to stay flawless for longer.”

Remember that and make one part of your daily routine.

Got any tricky makeup issues or questions that you just can't get to the bottom of? Feel free to get in touch with me, your local makeup maven, cosmetic junkie and beauty agony aunt!

If you’re stuck in a makeup rut, or have a burning question about hair or skincare, hit me up and I’d be happy to help.

And if it's all a little overwhelming? Don't stress. We've put together some killer workshops to help teach people the foundations of putting on makeup and demystifying products, brands, brushes and techniques. There's so much that's confusing and overwhelming about the beauty world, and it doesn't have to be.

OR Book in for a 1:1 virtual makeup lesson where I'll walk you through a complete look with full guidance- based on what you've already got and what would suit you! Investing in yourself is the BEST investment!

I LOVE helping and supporting others to up their beauty game and empower themselves with knowledge and skills.

Beauty is for all to enjoy- no barriers, no boundaries. Make it your own and back yourself, babe!

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Hey, I'm Danee!

I’m a makeup & hair artist and all-round creative with a serious cheese fetish and a hankering for tequila. A badass beauty disruptor and educator with nearly a decade of clocked miles in the beauty industry. I’m a playlist ADDICT who also stans for writing, drawing, inhaling 70s design and 90s pop culture; and have a mad love affair for thrift shopping, sleeping, and going on roadtrips!