By Chloe Schneider
Women worldwide have caught on to the fact that priming your skin is an important step in your beauty routine. A good primer not only preps your skin for flawlessly smooth make-up application but also has the additional benefits of locking in moisture, protecting your skin from environmental factors and offering a dose of healthy skin vitamins that will keep you looking radiant year round.
Rescu. Expert Advice:
We asked Natio expert Linda Riddel for a quick tutorial of the best method of applying primer so that you can make the most out of your product.
- Apply primers to clean skin AFTER your moisturiser
- Pause between each layer, allowing your moisturiser and then primer to penetrate the skin before moving on to the next step
- Use a face primer for the full face concentrating on the chin, cheeks, forehead and nose area
- Use an eye primer from the eye lid to the brow bone for eye shadow that glides on evenly and stays all day
Rescu. Recommends:
Here are our top priming picks for different skin types…
Best For Uneven Skin Tone
Natio Pure Mineral Face Primer and Eye Primer
Using a unique oil free blend of plant extracts, jojoba, vitamin E and vitamin C, these light, comfortable primers work to correct concerns such as dark circles, redness and dull looking skin. We love how fast absorbing these are; they quickly prepare the skin for crease-free, even makeup application.
Available from Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies Pure Mineral Face Primer ($17.95), Pure Mineral Eye Primer ($14.95) 
Best For Achieving a Matte Base
L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer
L’Oreal told us this was “the magic wand of make-up” and we certainly weren’t let down. This velvet-feel primer has a high concentration of elastomers to erase fine lines and pores along with soft powders to help absorb sebum, mattifying the skin and reducing shine.
Available from selected pharmacies, variety and department stores ($29.95)
Best For Mature Skin
Youngblood Mineral Primer
This incredibly silky formula can be used on any skin type but the blend of Rhodolite, Zincite, Malachite, Hematite and Vitamins A and E is particularly rejuvenating for mature skin. Completely free from talc, perfumes and chemical dyes, this is one of the best mineral primers around.
Available from selected salons, go to 
www.youngbloodmineralcosmetics.com.au to find your nearest stockist ($79.95)
Best Bargain Primer
Face of Australia Face Base Primer SPF 15 3-in-1
Face of Australia’s multi-tasking primer seriously impressed us. With a moisturiser, primer and sunscreen all in one, this little bottle has your skin protected and prepared in one fell swoop. Perfect for girls on the go!
Available from Priceline, Kmart, Big W and Selected Pharmacies ($12.95)
Best For Long-Wear Foundation
Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer
A new line for Revlon that aims at diffusing imperfections for a natural look, this gel-like formula focuses on filling in pores and lines to provide a seriously smooth base that won’t move all day. We love the fresh fragrance of this one.
Available from pharmacies, department stores and mass variety retailers ($28.95)
Best For Bronzed Beauties
Napoleon Set Pre-Foundation Bronzing Primer
Little sister to Napoleon Perdis cosmetics, Napoleon Set, has introduced a primer with a hint of bronzer so you can achieve a year-round summer glow. The soybean oil moisturises skin which antioxidants and flax seed work to improve your skin condition.
Available from Napoleon stores, David Jones and Target ($39.00)
Best For Oily Skin
Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer
If you have overactive skin, this primer from Laura Mercier will help you create a flawless base. The high water content works to stop dehydration around active blemishes while the primer acts as a buffer between your skin and your make-up.
Available from selected David Jones and Myer stores ($65.00)
