Absolutely not. If you're using good skincare - that is right for your skin - then you really don't need a primer. Primer creates an extra layer between your makeup and your skin. It's purpose is to fill in lines - or blur fine lines - and create a smoother surface for makeup.
Photo by Samantha Qeja on Unsplash
That's what really good skincare is for. And nothing will smooth or blur bumpy skin. Nothing except maybe an excellent exfoliant. So in my opinion primer is totally unnecessary for everyday use. For all women, not standing under TV studio lights, there is no need to prime.
If you have crazy oily skin, then you may occasionally want to use a primer on special occasions. I know my view may be unpopular with some but I am okay with that. Many primers are silicone or petroleum based and dead set terrible for your skin and your health. The upshot is get your skin to optimum health and there really is no need for a primer.
Below I've outlined what you can do instead to get your skin "primed" i.e plump, hydrated, nourished and ready for makeup ... as this my Beauties is the true foundation of any great makeup.
The path to great skin.
Oh so many options. I'm currently LOVING an oil cleanser at night and a cream cleanser in the morning. If that's too high maintenance for you, keep it simple and go for a cream cleanser because you can use it morning and night, in the shower or on a cotton pad. Product suggestions:
Have dry skin? Try Wildcrafted Neroli Cleansing Oil 100ml $45
Click HERE to Buy.
Have normal skin? Try Clemence Organics Refining Cleanser 100ml $44.95
Have oily skin? Try
Simplicite Plant Gel Cleanser
125ml $40.90 Click HERE to buy. Use the code amandaramsay10 to get 10% off your first order.
Floral toner sprays all the way, hydrating, antibacterial and gentle. WARNING - be sure to check that there is no alcohol lurking in the ingredient list as it will just serve to damage and dehydrate your skin. Product suggestions:
Clemence Organics Tone + Hydrate Spritz Rose Water 100ml $39.95
Simplicite Floral Toner Combination/Oily Skin 125ml $36.30
Click HERE to buy. Use the code amandaramsay10 to get 10% off your first order.
This is a minefield and a whole blog post as there are literally thousands of options that do a myriad of tasks. My simplified options are:
For day time
Vitamin C is an important ingredient for mature, sun damaged skin, that all experts appear to agree on. Product suggestions:
Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Serum 30ml $40
WILDCRAFTED ORGANICS ILLUMINATING C COMPLEX
30ml $88 Click HERE to buy.
For night time
Vitamin A is the number 1 ingredient you want to look to improve the texture of your skin and promote collagen production. Please be super careful as some retinol/vitamin A serums are extremely harsh and will absolutely make you more sensitive. Tread carefully - it really is not suited to all skin types, I personally react. Choose an organic product over a harsh chemical unless you are under the care of an expert beauty doctor/nurse to prime my skin.
Product suggestion:
Mukti Organics Age Defiance Night Serum 30ml $109.95
Think of this as nutrition for your skin. Mature skin - whether oily or dry - LOVES oil. It will almost singlehandedly bring dull, tired looking complexion back to life. Springy, plump skin - that's what primed skin out to feel like. Massage onto your skin morning and night. Just wait a couple of minutes - clean your teeth or make a cup of tea - before reaching for your makeup. Product suggestions:
For oily skin
Simplicite Sage Oil 55ml $43.20 Click HERE to buy. Use the code amandaramsay10 to get 10% off your first order.
For dry skin
Eco by Sonya Glory Oil 30ml $49.95
I say optional as often a facial oil is enough. If your skin feels plump and delicious then it's prime and ready for makeup. If you still have some rough, dry patches (often around the jawline) then add a moisturiser. I reach for a moisturising sunscreen here ... simplifies your skincare routine. Product suggestions:
For Sensitive skin + Rosacea + Dermatitis
Simplicite Damask Rose Day Cream If you are only ever going to buy one moisturiser, this should be it. Hands down saved my skin whilst undergoing a topical chemotherapy treatment
55gm $46.30
Click HERE to Buy. Use the code amandaramsay10 to get 10% off your first order
Moisturising sunscreen is the way to go. Or drop a blob of your face sunscreen into your moisturiser to save time.
Click HERE for my Top 7 sunscreens that sit beautifully under makeup.
Product suggestions:
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF30
30ml $83
Skin Juice 10 in 1 CC CrEAM SPF15
30ml $49
As we age our cell proliferation slows downnnnnnn.
Get rid of dead cell build up - let the fresh, new skin underneath shine. Product suggestions:
WILDCRAFTED ORGANICS WILD BERRY HONEY EXFOLIANT
Possibly the best exfoliant and masque I've used that gets an instant result on pigmentation.
100ml $80 Click HERE to Buy
Simplicite One Step Exfoliating Cleanser
Gentle enough to use daily. 125ml $48.40 Click HERE to Buy. Use the code amandaramsay10 to get 10% off.
If you're super oily or have a special event and need longevity ... try a facial setting spray both before applying your makeup and once you've finished applying your makeup.
Product ideas:
Ere Perez Herbal Face Tonic
I like Ere Perez Herbal Tonic. The witch hazel helps with the "staying powder" plus you get the added goodies like Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Grape Seed Oil, Green Tea Leaf for a real freshen up!
100ml $32
MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix +
Probably found in most professional makeup artist kits. It works really well. However I wouldn't be using it every day. Keep it for 'special occasions'. I have had a handful of clients who have found this product stings. Needless to say, it does have synthetic ingredients and is perfumed.
100 ml $36
Click HERE to Buy.
And if you really, still feel the need to prime ...
Hynt Beauty Sun Prep SPF 25 $78.95
Hands down my favourite is Hynt Beauty Sun Prep. It's a 100% natural formulation with SPF25 that smells delicious, is totally weightless, sits beautifully under makeup AND protects you from the sun. Winner.
Click HERE to Buy. Quote 'Amanda Ramsay' in the notes at checkout.
Congratulations you made it to the end of this epic beauty story. By now you've a really solId introduction into great skincare practice to truly prime your skin. The idea is that you're feeding your skin really good nutrition - priming your skin - ready for makeup. So no, it's definitely not a crime to not use a dedicated primer.
Rock on Sister.
Amanda x
Eager to know what products are right for you? Book a one-on-one personal beauty consultation. It's called an Ask Amanda session. This 30-minute personal one-on-one consultation is just $80 . Click HERE to find out more.
