The Best Makeup Primers for Warmer Weather
We’re taking the first step of our makeup routines extra seriously this season.
The sun is out longer, the outdoors are (slowly) becoming more bearable and spring is finally in the air, which can only mean one thing: warmer weather is officially on the horizon. As we start scheduling all our plans (beach day, anyone?), we’re making sure that our skincare and makeup routines are equipped for the new season. And if there’s one product we want to have by our side, it’s a quality primer.
Second only to a solid skincare routine, a good primer is essential to properly prepping your skin for makeup. This is especially important for the late spring and high summer months, when hot and humid weather can create less-than-ideal conditions for our skin and makeup (raise your hand if you’ve ever fallen victim to your foundation literally melting off in 35°C heat). Even on those days when it isn’t egregiously hot out, a good primer helps smooth your skin, regulate shine and keep makeup in place.
If wearing a full face isn’t your thing, primers can still be your best friend. The best primers offer an abundance of non-makeup-related benefits including soothing redness, strengthening the skin barrier and, in some cases, an extra layer of SPF protection. Plus, even the lightest amount of tinted moisturizer or foundation will go further on primed skin, helping you get more use out of your beloved base products.
Below, we’ve rounded up our favourite formulations, including a bonus SPF category.
Cream
Nourishing, moisturizing and rich to the touch, cream primers are your skin’s best bet for a hydrated, smooth base. Thicker in texture, they’re also ideal for addressing dry skin and fine lines. It isn’t uncommon to see cream-based primers double as a moisturizer, making them a perfect two-in-one for travelling or reducing steps in your routine.
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Gel
Gel-based primers are the most common skin prep products on the market with good reason. In addition to being easy to work with, they’re known to be lightweight and cooling—two features that are usually sought after in a warm-weather makeup routine. Their texture makes them quick to absorb, ideal for blurring pores and a great pick for absorbing excess oils.
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Milky
Similar to toners, these primers can often be used as part of your daily skincare ritual. They offer a soothing effect and can usually help control redness, which might just be what your skin needs after being exposed to the sun for an extended period. Often lightweight and runny, they’re typically infused with nourishing vitamins and nutrients that help restore and repair the skin barrier.
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SPF
We know you’ve heard it a million times before but it’s the truth: You can’t skip SPF. While it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays all year ‘round, it’s imperative in the warmer months when the UV index is stronger. Although it’s always best to apply a dedicated sunscreen before makeup, opting for a primer with SPF provides your skin with a bonus layer of protection throughout the day.
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Stephanie Davoli is the editorial assistant at FASHION Magazine. With a passion for all things fashion, beauty and pop culture, she’s inspired by fashion psychology, sustainability and industry innovations. Her previous bylines include The Toronto Star, Chatelaine and The Quality Edit. When she’s not working, you can find her shopping, taking a Pilates class or combing through the Vogue archives.
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