Glowy makeup primers – my picks!

Hi friends!

I’m sure you can tell from the title, but today I’ll be talking on the topic of glowy makeup primers. So if you’ve been a long-time, long-time reader of mine you may remember that I never really had much use for primers before last year. (And technically, I still don’t use traditional primers or products that are marketed as primers, I should say.) However, I have come to realize the benefits of applying a product that provides both hydration & subtle sheen to my dull, dry skin before I apply my base.

(If you’re unsure of what a primer is or why it’s used, check out this helpful article from HuffPo.)

So today I’m going to give you a peek at some of my favorite glowy makeup primers, and the best news is that you can pick up most of them at the drugstore! I’ve talked about most of these items on the blog before so I won’t go into great detail here; instead I’ll link you back to any relevant posts if you need or want greater detail.

Let’s get started!

MAC STROBE CREAM IN PINKLITE

I talked about my love for this product way, way back when I first started this blog; this was my hydrating primer of choice whenever I used Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. This has been around in MAC’s line forever, and it’s now available in five varieties of pearl to compliment different skin tones. I have Pinklite, which is the original shade, and I apply this either all over my face or just to the high points before I put any base product down. It doesn’t stay too tacky for long, but leaves the skin with a smoothness & softness. The pearl in this is quite subtle, but when your skin hits the light you can see this beautiful, natural sheen. No glitter, no shimmer, nothing that obvious. I love it!

You get 50 mL for $34.00, or 30 ml for $14.00 in the mini size.

Read this: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation on dry skin: tips & tricks to success!

AVEENO POSTIVELY RADIANT MAXGLOW SERUM + PRIMER

This is my newest purchase from this list, and this is part of a larger range that Aveeno just brought out called MaxGlow. I believe there’s also infusion drops & masks in the range, but when I saw this in Walgreens I knew I had to snatch it! This is a bi-phase product with a thin oily consistency that you shake before use. I massage this hydrating oil into my skin before makeup and it leaves behind the most natural subtle sheen. Do not expect this to give you the kind of glow a highlighter would though. This is more of a skincare-makeup-primer-in-one item that helps build the foundation of glow; you will need to layer this with other glowy products to really bring out its full potential.

You get 45 mL for about $20.00 (depending on where you buy it).

L’OREAL true match LUMI GLOTION natural glow enhancer

I featured this prominently in a post last year about drugstore alternatives to the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, as well as the next product I’ll mention. The Lumi Glotion probably has the most pearl of any of the products listed in this post, and it has a lovely creamy consistency that gives you such a beautiful, healthy look to the skin. (I do find I have to slightly shake the bottle before squeezing the product out since it can separate a little.) I usually alternate this product with the next product I’ll mention. For more detailed info, check out the post linked below.

Read this: Drugstore alternatives to Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter

You get 40 mL for $14.99.

L’OREAL VISIBLE LIFT LUMINOUS SERUM TINT In pearl

Like the Lumi Glotion, I also featured this in my drugstore alternative – Charlotte Tilbury post. This is a skincare/makeup-hybrid product that gives you a little moisture & a little pearl. The consistency here is definitely much thinner than the Lumi Glotion, and the radiance level is definitely lower. But it’s formulated to target fine lines and wrinkes so if that’s a concern for you, it could be the perfect product to apply all over the face or to your high points before you apply makeup. For more info on this product, please refer to the post linked under the Lumi Glotion.

You get 30 mL for $14.99.

Just for the record, I 100% still stand behind the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter as a glowy primer & highlighter. I just didn’t include it here since I’ve spoken about it sooo much already; I didn’t want to be too repetitive for you guys!

Do you have any favorite glowy makeup primers I should know about? Let me know in the comments!

Xo, Erica

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