Why you need to add a primer to your make-up routine

(Getty/iStock)

An area of contention, primers are often regarded as an unnecessary when applying make-up.

But, while some think they’re pointless, others rely on their ability to supply an extra boost of glow, minimise pores and blur imperfections.

Convinced you don’t need one? Then we urge you to think again because once you find the right formula it makes everything you put on top look instantaneously better.

Whether you wear full-coverage foundation or prefer a tinted moisturiser, investing in a primer will help to create a super-smooth canvas and prevent your make-up from sliding off your face by 4pm.

But, with so many offer, which one should you buy?

When it comes to picking a primer you’re going to need to consider your skins needs because nowadays the formulas do so much more than simply prep your skin. In fact you’ll be hard pressed to find a skin concern that there isn’t a primer for.

Kat Von D, Lock-It Hydrating Face Primer, £24, Debenhams

If you suffer from uneven skin tone, look for a colour-correcting product targeted at your problem. For instance, a green-coloured primer will help minimise redness, lavender will help sallow skin tones, and peach-coloured primers will brighten and disguise pigmentation.

From blurring pores and illuminating dull, tired complexions to hydrating and even targeting wrinkles, there really is a primer for everyone.

Marc Jacobs, Under(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer, £32, Net-a-Porter

Once you’ve found the right one for you, it’s time to apply and the best way to do this is with your fingers.

Always apply moisturiser beforehand and wait a few minutes for it to sink into the skin. Then, put a small amount – a little goes a long way – on to your nose and blend outward.

Photo Finish Foundation Primer Pore Minimising, £28, Smashbox

You can leave things here but for that all-important soft focus finish to the skin follow with your foundation of choice.

Micro-Blur Skin Perfector, £24.50, Kiehl’s

Hourglass, Veil Mineral Primer, £20, Space NK

Becca, Backlight Priming Filter, £32, Cult Beauty