Makeup Primers

Prepare your base with a makeup primer selected for the finish your skin needs. Compare hydrating, mattifying and illuminating face primers from Jane Iredale and et al. Makeup, designed to sit beneath foundation or be worn alone. Use the filters to choose your preferred finish... Read more
Prepare your base with a makeup primer selected for the finish your skin needs. Compare hydrating, mattifying and illuminating face primers from Jane Iredale and et al. Makeup, designed to sit beneath foundation or be worn alone. Use the filters to choose your preferred finish, then check each product page for ingredients and application guidance.

How to choose a makeup primer

A makeup primer creates a transitional layer between skincare and complexion makeup. The best choice isn't simply the most popular formula; it is the one that suits your skin’s current feel, your preferred finish, and the foundation you plan to use.

Choose a hydrating or radiant primer when your base tends to look flat or catch on dry-looking areas. Choose a mattifying primer when excess surface shine is the main concern, concentrating it where you need it rather than automatically applying a heavy layer everywhere. An illuminating primer can be worn under foundation for softer radiance, mixed only when the two formulas are compatible, or used alone for a more polished bare-skin look.

How to apply face primer

Complete your skincare and daytime sun protection first. Allow each layer to settle, then smooth a small amount of primer over the areas where it will make a difference. Pressing or gently smoothing is usually more effective than vigorous rubbing. Let the primer settle before applying foundation in light layers.

If products roll into small flakes, the problem may be too much product, insufficient drying time or incompatible layers. Reduce the amount, allow more time between skincare, sunscreen and makeup, and test the combination on one area. Primer can support the look and wear of makeup, but it does not replace moisturiser or sunscreen unless the specific product label says otherwise.

Explore Foundations for your next complexion step, or choose Tinted Moisturiser for lighter coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does makeup primer do?

Makeup primer prepares the surface for complexion makeup and can change how the finished base looks or wears. Different formulas focus on hydration, shine control or radiance, so compare the stated finish rather than expecting every primer to do the same job.

Do I apply primer before or after moisturiser and sunscreen?

Apply skincare first, then sunscreen during the day, followed by primer and makeup. Allow each layer to settle and follow the directions on each product. Don't assume makeup with SPF replaces properly applied sunscreen.

How do I choose between hydrating and mattifying primer?

Choose by the area and finish you want to manage. Hydrating or radiant primer suits areas that look dry or dull; mattifying primer helps where surface shine develops. Combination skin may benefit from using different primers in different zones.

Can I wear face primer without foundation?

Yes. You can wear a primer alone if you like the smoother, more even, or more radiant finish it gives. However, it won't provide the pigment or coverage of foundation.

Why is my primer pilling?

Pilling often happens when you apply too much product, layers haven't dried, or skincare, sunscreen, and makeup don't sit well together. Use thinner layers, wait between steps and test one product combination at a time.

How much primer should I use?

Start with a small amount and apply only where needed. The manufacturer’s directions take priority because texture and dispensing method vary by formula.

Notes On Skincare

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Let customers speak for us

from 1627 reviews
Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 2 Moisturiser
Anonymous
AVST 2 Moisturiser

Been using AVST moisturiser for couple years now vombined with AVSTSupet moisturiser plus and such a Difference it has made to my

once sensitive reactive skin

Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 2 Moisturiser
Environ Focus Care Youth+ Tri-Biobotanical Revival Masque
Anonymous
Have used for years and will continue

Have used for years and will continue using

Environ Focus Care Youth+ Tri-Biobotanical Revival Masque
Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Eye Gel
Anonymous
Have used for years and would not give up using

Have used for years and would not give up using however

Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Eye Gel
Jane Iredale PurePressed® Blush
Patricia R.
Lovely colour

I use all Jane Iredale products the blusher is gorgeous like all of her products good for sensitive skin goes on smoothly.

Jane Iredale PurePressed® Blush
Jane Iredale PurePressed® Triple Eye Shadow
Patricia R.
Love this

Love this eye shadow goes on smoothly lovely colours ,good for my sensitive eyes like all Jane Iredale products.

Jane Iredale PurePressed® Triple Eye Shadow
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skintelligent System
Jeana L.
Suppliments

Great suppliments and so easy to use

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skintelligent System
Dr. Levy Eye Booster Concentrate
Jeana L.
Lines

Great for softening lines around eyes

Dr. Levy Eye Booster Concentrate
Environ C-Boost Mela Even Cream Twin Set
Jeana L.
Pigmentation

Makes skin a lot clearer of pigmentation

Environ C-Boost Mela Even Cream Twin Set
Jane Iredale Eye Pencil
Anonymous
So easy to apply a smooth line with this pencil.

So easy to apply a smooth line with this pencil. I have tried propelling eye liner pencils but they break so easily.

Jane Iredale Eye Pencil
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair® Primers
Anonymous
Great primer!

I have used this primer for some time now and wouldn’t use any other. Makes putting make up on so much easier.

Jane Iredale Smooth Affair® Primers
Environ Focus Care Youth+ Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner
Jennie H.
You can really fell the difference straight away

You can really fell the difference straight away from using this product. It leaves your skin feeling clean, clear and soft.

Environ Focus Care Youth+ Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner
Environ Skin EssentiA Low Foam Cleansing Gel
Jennie H.
Love this product

Love this product. It’s soft on your skin and leaves your skin feeling amazing and clean.

Environ Skin EssentiA Low Foam Cleansing Gel
Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 5 Moisturiser
Anne

Great company fast snd efficient

Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 5 Moisturiser
Environ A, C & E Body Oil
Pam W.
A truly unique product

Been using this for years, an absolutely amazing product! So good for healing and reducing redness on scars and damaged skin.

Environ A, C & E Body Oil
Jane Iredale Refillable Foundation Compact
Anonymous
Great compact

Great compact , to replace a broken different style one , very quick postage and value for money thank you

Jane Iredale Refillable Foundation Compact