Primers are one of those make-up items we often wonder if we really need.
If you ask an expert, the answer is usually a resounding yes - if you want to get the best results from your foundation.
They're formulated to give you a smoother-looking base while enabling your foundation to stay on longer.
Some even offer added benefits like blurring out pores, helping keep skin hydrated, or offering some pearly pigments so you may get away with wearing no foundation at all.
The dream.
We've had our Notebook beauty team test out and score the newest formulas promising to be worth the space in your make-up bag.
Here's what they thought...
Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, £34
Beauty director Lynne says: ‘It’s a splurge but it does give any foundation an upgrade, making it look more luxe.
'It gave my skin a visible radiance which showed (subtly) through my foundation, and gave a very smooth, longer-lasting finish to my base.’
Kiko Sicilian Notes Orange Blossom Brightening Primer, £33.99
Beauty ed Octavia says: ‘Gorgeous in the pot and almost as nice on my face – smoothing lines, and leaving a subtle radiance that on a really good skin day I could even swap foundation for.
'Impressive.’
NYX Bare With Me Radiance Perfecting Primer, £12
Beauty writer Zoe says: ‘It’s got hemp in to help soothe, and though it looks very shimmery, it applies to just a nice sheen.
'Very lightweight and added an extra glow to my foundation without making my face look shiny.
'However, it didn’t make my make-up stay on any longer without sliding.’
Revolution Pro Goddess Glow Primer, £10
Zoe says: ‘Feels very premium for the price.
'I worry about “glow” on a primer – no one wants a full-face highlighter look.
'But this was nice and subtle, and I could almost get away with using it without a foundation as it made my skin look slightly filtered.
'Foundation coated over it nicely, too.’
Clarins Instant Poreless Blurring Primer, £20.40
Zoe says: ‘This is meant to blur out pores and keep skin looking matte, which is ideal, since I have oily skin.
'I liked the creamy and non-silicony feel of the texture and it applied nicely.
'My foundation looked a lot smoother, it just didn’t help much with mid-day shine.’
TOP TIP: Use a primer before your foundation to make it last longer and apply more smoothly.
You can also use it on its own if you just want a skin-perfecting boost.
