I have a love/hate relationship with Primers - I love them because they conceal unsightly pores and make my makeup last longer BUT I hate them because over use always leads to blocked pores and spots for me.
However for me a good primer is vital! It's part of my routine and I notice a difference when I skip it. Below are five of my budget favourites from my stash of over 15 primers, eep, that make a difference to how the my skin looks and feels and how long my makeup lasts.
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
£7.99 - Boots here
This gel primer aims to erase pores for smooth-looking skin and it does just that. After applying to the areas where pores are most visible this soaks into the skin and leaves a silky look and finish to the skin - just so soft. It isn't a miracle product but it definitely diffuses pores enough before applying foundation and it's actually quite hydrating for a primer. Ideal for normal to dry skin types. Rating - 3/5
£7.99 - Boots here
This gel primer aims to erase pores for smooth-looking skin and it does just that. After applying to the areas where pores are most visible this soaks into the skin and leaves a silky look and finish to the skin - just so soft. It isn't a miracle product but it definitely diffuses pores enough before applying foundation and it's actually quite hydrating for a primer. Ideal for normal to dry skin types. Rating - 3/5
Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur
£8.66 - Boots here
So this isn't a face primer as such, but an under-eye primer... but I couldn't not include this as I love it! Unlike so many face primers on the high street this actually caters for the under eye area to diffuse fine lines, crows feet and the appearance of dark circles! Pretty great right? The primer feels like a light silicone based cream that applies easily to the under eye area and without a doubt fills in fine lines and diffuses deeper lines. As for it's light reflecting properties this comes in the form of tiny reflective particles that subtly brightens dark circles, I feel this could be more effective with more reflective particles but at least it does something especially if you aren't wearing makeup! Perfect if you're just starting to see signs of ageing around the eye. Rating - 4/5
£8.66 - Boots here
So this isn't a face primer as such, but an under-eye primer... but I couldn't not include this as I love it! Unlike so many face primers on the high street this actually caters for the under eye area to diffuse fine lines, crows feet and the appearance of dark circles! Pretty great right? The primer feels like a light silicone based cream that applies easily to the under eye area and without a doubt fills in fine lines and diffuses deeper lines. As for it's light reflecting properties this comes in the form of tiny reflective particles that subtly brightens dark circles, I feel this could be more effective with more reflective particles but at least it does something especially if you aren't wearing makeup! Perfect if you're just starting to see signs of ageing around the eye. Rating - 4/5
NYX Pore Filler
£12.50 - Next or NYX stockists
Dupe alert! This peachy toned silicone primer is certainly a dupe for Benefit's Porefessional and a great option if you're on a budget or just don't want to spend £24 on a primer. The primer smooths out pores well and creates a good base for foundation. I also love that this actually soaks up oil and keeps my foundation on for longer in those areas. A good all rounder! Side note - The tube does look a lot smaller than that of Benefit Porefessional but you actually only receive 2ml less of product. Ideal for oily to combination skin Rating - 4/5
£12.50 - Next or NYX stockists
Dupe alert! This peachy toned silicone primer is certainly a dupe for Benefit's Porefessional and a great option if you're on a budget or just don't want to spend £24 on a primer. The primer smooths out pores well and creates a good base for foundation. I also love that this actually soaks up oil and keeps my foundation on for longer in those areas. A good all rounder! Side note - The tube does look a lot smaller than that of Benefit Porefessional but you actually only receive 2ml less of product. Ideal for oily to combination skin Rating - 4/5
Gosh Velvet Touch Line Perfector
£14.99 - Superdrug here
Gosh have the largest range of primers on the high street and seem to cater for all skin types, which I love! The above Velvet Touch primer is one of the more unconventional primers from the range but one I really like. In fact it reminds me very much of a Korean primer by the brand Tony Moly! The silky densely packed gel-like cream firstly feels amazing to use as it smooths over the skin a dream and fills in pores to a lightweight feel. I also feel with this product I can use a little more on certain areas with more pores and it works just a well. If you are wanting to try something totally different then this is certainly worth a try! Ideal for normal to dry skin. Rating - 4/5
Gosh Prime 'n' Set Primer & Mattifying Setting Powder
£9.99 - Superdrug here
Yes, another primer from Gosh and one I've mentioned a few times now on Makeup Savvy, but I couldn't leave it out of this post as it's amazing! This is totally unlike any other primer I've used as it's a transparent powder that can be used both under and on top of makeup. The powder requires no setting time and leaves skin feeling soft before foundation, then can be used again as a setting powder. What this primer does is blocks all oil meaning makeup lasts longer on the skin and stays shine-free. As for if this conceals pores, not so much but a pore filling primer could actually be used under the powder first! Amazing for oily to combination skin types. Rating - 5/5
What is your favourite budget face primer?
Fee xo.
