4 Australian makeup artists on the perfect primer

Expert makeup artists to the rescue.

Primer is a strange beast. Firstly, I’m not sure anyone actually knew it was a ‘thing’ until about five years ago, and secondly, what does it do? A lot, apparently. As a previous primer philistine, I’ve really come around to the concept of the dewy base-layer that helps everything sit just right. The biggest challenge now facing us primer newbies is the sheer amount of choice out there, so if you’re like me and need a little help, here’s some expert advice.

Georgia Gaillard, freelance makeup artist
Name of product: Becca Cosmetics Backlight Priming Filter 
RRP: $59.00
Where to get it: Sephora
What’s it like and what makes it great: Becca’s Backlight Priming Filter is a creamy texture that adds radiance to dull-looking skin, it also blurs imperfections and adds moisture for a smoother makeup application. Quite often models’ skin is overworked and/or tired from early starts so it is important to have something on hand that will instantly give a healthy, radiant glow.

Get it here.

Raffaella Tomaiuolo, freelance makeup artist
Name of product: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer 
RRP: $76
Where to get it: Adore Beauty
What’s it like and what makes it great: This luxury primer is so divine! Silky, smooth and very hydrating on the skin. It evens out skin, absorbs quickly, and delivers a luminous and dewy finish. Works perfectly in combination with the Luminous Silk foundation and literally holds your makeup for the whole day and night. It is also sweatproof and tear-proof; I haven’t found a better primer so far.

Get it here.

Chris Arai, freelance makeup artist
Name of product: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating
RRP: $60.00
Where to get it: Mecca
What’s it like and what makes it great: Great ingredients and brings out your skin’s natural glow.

Get it here.

Rob Povey, freelance makeup artist
Name of product: Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer
RRP: $76.00
Where to get it: Charlotte Tilbury 
What’s it like and what makes it great: Soft-focus light-diffusing particles give all complexions (from fair to deep) a warm radiance and brightening boost that can be worn either on bare skin or under foundation.

Get it here.