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    7 of the best illuminating primers

    7 Oct 2019 9:00 AM | Posted by
    bh's Sophie Howe's picture
    bh's Sophie Howe
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    If there’s one thing that we all want in summer, it’s a dewy, radiant complexion. It’s the look of the season. And while some glow-getters search for a highlighter that you can see from a mile away, some of us prefer a luminous, healthy glow. So what’s the answer? An illuminating primer.

    RELATED: The best CC/ BB creams with SPF

    RELATED: Our lazy-girl makeup hacks

    When you apply an illuminating foundation primer underneath your makeup, you’ll get a fresh, glowy complexion that looks like you’ve just returned from a yoga retreat. And if you want more, you can apply highlighter over the top and you’ll shine brighter than ever.

    Click through the gallery below to reveal the best primers for glowing skin.

    Estée Lauder X Victoria Beckham Morning Aura Illuminating Creme

    We say: The Estée Lauder X Victoria Beckham Morning Aura Illuminating Creme is a luxe part-moisturiser and part-foundation primer that feels incredible on your skin! It contains micro-pearls to illuminate and brighten the complexion, while leaving you with a luminous, healthy glow.

    Find out more.

    /makeup/foundation-primer/seven-best-illuminating-primers-2017/est-e-lauder-x-victoria-beckham-morning-aura-illuminating-creme

    NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

    You say: “Some days you don't want a packed on highlight and you wanna glow from within, look healthy and pure. On those days ill put a little over my BB cream, but over my powder and I look like i'm wearing nothing but have everything, you know? Or if i want BOOM kinda highlight, dab a little under my powder highlight and i look BOMB.” - loserkidjax

    Find out more.

    /makeup/foundation-primer/seven-best-illuminating-primers-2017/nyx-professional-makeup-born-to-glow-liquid-illuminator

    Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer

    We say: With skin-loving rosehip oil and aloe vera to repair, nourish and refine your complexion, the Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer leave you with more than just a glowing complexion. This primer ensures your makeup stays smooth all-day long.

    Find out more.

    /makeup/foundation-primer/seven-best-illuminating-primers-2017/natio-ageless-illuminating-primer

    M.A.C Prep + Prime Natural Radiance

    You say: “This is a great primer that gives a nice glow to the skin! You only need a little bit to put under the makeup to make it last forever!! You can choose between two shades - yellow and pink. I find that the yellow one does highlight my darker skin tone which is a total plus.” - R.N.X

    Find out more.

    /makeup/foundation-primer/seven-best-illuminating-primers-2017/mac-prep-prime-natural-radiance

    L'Oréal Paris Lumi Magique Primer

    We say: The L'Oréal Paris Lumi Magique Primer can be used as a foundation primer or worn alone to give your skin a ‘lit from within’ luminous finish. It’s formulated with Anderson Liquid to smooth your skin, and 40 per cent water to plump your skin and restore moisture levels.

    Find out more.

    /makeup/foundation-primer/seven-best-illuminating-primers-2017/lor-al-paris-lumi-magique-primer

    Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush

    You say: “I bought this years ago. It was my very first YSL skincare product and it was on sale...so I grabbed it. I love the whole concept behind this but I'm not too fond of the in-built brush....it's super-soft and doesn't aggravate my skin, but I don't like the idea of using the same brush day in day out. The products is a white cream like substance and just glides over my skin....I did not see any immediate difference with wrinkles, pigmentation, pores… like it says but the cream does create a beautiful satin canvas, perfect as a primer.” - iluvfacialz

    Find out more.

    /makeup/foundation-primer/seven-best-illuminating-primers-2017/yves-saint-laurent-top-secrets-flash-radiance-skincare-brush

    Laura Mercier Radiance Primer

    We say: The Laura Mercier Radiance Primer is a sheer foundation primer that leaves your makeup looking fresh and radiant all-day long. It’s light formulation minimises the look of imperfections for a flawless finish.

    $50, davidjones.com.au

    /makeup/foundation-primer/seven-best-illuminating-primers-2017/laura-mercier-radiance-primer

    Have you tried an illuminating primer? What’s your favourite foundation primer?

    Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

    Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.

    Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush
    Write a Review
    L'Oréal Paris Lumi Magique Primer
    Write a Review
    M.A.C Prep + Prime Natural Radiance (Radiant Pink and Radiant Yellow)
    Write a Review
    Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer
    Write a Review
    Estée Lauder Victoria Beckham Morning Aura Illuminating Creme
    Write a Review

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    106 Member Comments

    darasparkle 5 Nov 2019 5:11 PM
    I try and avoid anything that "glows" as I already have a lot of redness in my cheeks. But, I am excited to give the Iconic London a try soon (got at the Sephora event).
    MoonlightSak16 28 Oct 2019 3:47 PM
    I don't use much primers. I have a couple which I should use up before they expire .
    Rose_P 20 Oct 2019 2:40 PM
    I’m currently using Mecca branded Lit from Within highlighting primer and I really like it. I would love to try the Laura Mercier. I think it would we beautiful, like all of her products. Might see if I can get a sample from Mecca next time I’m there.
    Shop A Everyday 2 Oct 2019 6:40 PM
    I would try them all but my fave would be the E:L: loves Victoria beckham
    Peta908 22 Mar 2019 4:51 PM
    I've tried L'Oreal Paris, fairly happy with the results but would be interested to give Natio a go
    Petal 16 Dec 2018 10:43 PM
    It's a pity that Laura Mercier products are no longer sold in Australia.
    yahyathegreek 10 Nov 2018 5:38 PM
    Beautiful explanation
    millie-rosexo 4 Nov 2018 3:52 PM
    i use the mecca max bring on bright illuminating primer and love it!
    onlyoni 19 Oct 2018 8:08 PM
    I've been using the Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer for nearly two years now and love the nice natural dewy glow it gives.
    abbeyleee12 10 Oct 2018 7:44 AM
    Wouldn't mind using the NYX one just for the flow, without makeup. think i've seen gigi hadid use that one by its self and it looked amazing
    duality 9 Oct 2018 5:29 PM
    every time I look for that Loreal one I can't find it in stock in all major stores, either it's popular or discontinued? I am still loving my Korean primers, haven't found a Western one to compete yet unfortunately!
    Luna19 9 Oct 2018 3:16 PM
    Natio's one with the rosehip sounds like a great combination. These primers are great for dry skin, gives a really nice finish
    Scarlett_Angel 9 Oct 2018 12:17 PM
    I'm oily and sunscreen makes me glowy enough. No need for illuminating primers or primer at all for me! Mineral powder to set and some highlighter... Anymore and I'd look like a disco ball! Although sometimes I use L'Oréal Paris Lumi Magique concealer all over instead of foundation, so now I'm curious about the primer version of it.
    NellAdams 9 Oct 2018 10:05 AM
    I would be so interested in seeing side-by-side comparisons between these products!
    womble 9 Oct 2018 8:58 AM
    I don't use illuminating primers, I have oily skin so I always look illuminated.
    Ethelinde 8 Oct 2018 8:57 PM
    I like using illuminating primer and highlighter as well. Just can't get enough of that dewy glow!
    Eskimo82 8 Oct 2018 8:20 PM
    Lumi is one of my faves. The Natio didn´t work for me and Laura M gave a good glow but made my foundation slide off. Was hoping there would be some newer primers on this list, since most of these have been around for ages and I´m sure there are some good ones that have been released more recently.
    clearcrystalwater 8 Oct 2018 7:18 PM
    The ELVB packaging looks luxe.
    Nys Silver 8 Oct 2018 3:11 PM
    The Mac primer is my go-to! I've tried the Natio one before too which is fantastic for the price.
    the_girl_who_loves_cosmetics 8 Oct 2018 2:23 PM
    I love Lumi and would also love to try the NYX Born To Glow.
    Miss19 8 Oct 2018 1:56 PM
    I have the Benefit illuminating primer that I still haven't used yet
    GeeJ 30 Aug 2018 1:33 AM
    All these primers look luxurious, especially the Estee Lauder.
    Popsicle 24 Aug 2018 10:40 AM
    I've heard a lot of buzz about the mac and laura Mercier primers.
    sootyblack_14 17 Aug 2018 2:20 PM
    Never tried it before... Sounds cool though...
    Susmat 15 Aug 2018 9:07 AM
    I have a natural glow which needs toning down rather than enhancing
    Shop A Everyday 14 Aug 2018 10:17 PM
    I just love primers, and how they make your skin look and feel
    Sally10 14 Aug 2018 9:09 PM
    I've tried the Laura Mercier and the Natio primers and wasn't overly impressed with either. I'm currently using a sample of the MAC primer and it's really good.
    Miss19 14 Aug 2018 4:28 PM
    I love the bottle of the Estee Lauder VB primer! It's so beautiful
    Gilded 14 Aug 2018 2:58 PM
    The NYX one looks appealing.
    Khajiit 14 Aug 2018 12:07 PM
    Will be picking up the NYX Born to Glow Primer next time I run out for sure
    Chrystalage 14 Aug 2018 11:25 AM
    Could be worth looking into. I think I would need to try before commiting
    Tee631 14 Aug 2018 10:54 AM
    Love me some Glow
    Beautybabe140194 14 Aug 2018 10:06 AM
    I have a hourglass illuminating primer which gives a gorgeous glow to the skin.
    clearcrystalwater 14 Aug 2018 9:24 AM
    I wonder what Anderson Liquid is made from. Interesting!
    hthorpe 20 Jun 2018 6:35 PM
    That YSL product is amazing and one of my favs
    Linda_Vesinger 21 May 2018 2:22 AM
    The Laura Mercier one is well worth the spend. Shame the brand is leaving Australia soon
    Snailor 7 Apr 2018 10:59 PM
    The Laura M primer is gorgeous - sad they're pulling out of Aus!
    jillian206 7 Apr 2018 11:30 AM
    Th Laurier Mercier primer is so good.
    Beautybabe140194 7 Apr 2018 11:09 AM
    I do not have any of these but I use radiance drops before apply highlighter for extra dewyness. I also use the radiance drops under foundation if I need an illuminating lift.
    Hayley644 7 Apr 2018 10:14 AM
    I haven't tried one before.
    AP1992 7 Apr 2018 9:30 AM
    Interesting article. A good read
    ray_jay 7 Apr 2018 8:31 AM
    illuminating primers scare me, I find my spf causes enough illumination, thank you lol....no more needed
    freaky 6 Apr 2018 11:25 PM
    I must try one. They all sound great. Thanks for the recommendations
    skincare junkie 6 Apr 2018 9:54 PM
    i love illuminating primer. It really makes a difference to the finish of a foundation. I have a few "matte" foundation and when I use an illuminating primer underneath the finish is incredible - very natural and the glow looks like coming from within.
    Bellefleur 6 Apr 2018 10:15 AM
    I love a good illuminator for the natural glow and radiance it gives to the skin. However I prefer to put it over my makeup for that extra shimmer.
    ThisIsMe 5 Apr 2018 7:29 PM
    Never tried an illuminating primer, looks great on the model but my skin tends to get oily so I think I may look very shiny.
    Okatko 5 Apr 2018 7:15 PM
    Not sure I’d get any of these. Some are too expensive for my budget. The only one I’d possibly consider is the L’Oréal or the Natio.
    Yohanna 5 Apr 2018 5:24 PM
    Want to get my hands on EL VB one!!! So luxe
    BeeAy 5 Apr 2018 12:52 PM
    That EL x VB one looks absolutely beautiful, and I've seen people use it on YouTube videos - looks incredible. I thought it was limited edition, though? Curious to try out the L'Oreal one, too.
    clearcrystalwater 5 Apr 2018 10:55 AM
    I'd love to try the YSL, Estee Lauder and Laura Mercier one's! They all sound great.

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