My top four radiance primers for a natural glow
Blurring primers have the stellar reputation of being the oily-skinned beauty lover’s best kept secret. But those who have dull complexions don’t need any more mattifying. It’s that healthy glow we can’t get enough of!
Enter the radiance primer. It’s the base that brings life to the lackluster. It can highlight healthy skin, even subtly correct problem areas, and create a beautiful, glowy effect with not a lot of effort. I’ve got four options for you today depending on the glow you’re looking for.
Rise and Shine
For those who want the awra but don’t want to mess with shimmer, Missha Glow Skin Balm (P860 from Althea Korea) is the base for you. I bought mine during lockdown, when I wasn’t really planning on applying any makeup. I just wanted to have my chok chok moment. The rich glow balm acts as both a moisturizer and a dewy primer. Those with dry skin won’t have to worry about flaking. However, if you tend to have an oily T-zone, use sparingly on that area or skip altogether.
The Multitasker
Not specifically a primer, but this thing does it all! MAC Strobe Cream in Pinklite (P800 for 15ml from MAC Flagship Store in Lazada) can be used under foundation as a fine shimmering primer, over foundation as a highlighter, and mixed with foundation to help sheer it out and give some dimension.
P.S. The strobe is now in a new packaging design. Same contents, leaner squeeze tube.
L-R: Missha Glow Balm, Chanel Base Lumiere, MAC Strobe Cream, and Becca First Light Priming Filter
‘Gram Ready
If you need the filtered effect IRL, you can turn to the Becca First Light Priming Filter (P1,400 for 15ml on Sephora.ph). This magical lilac liquid makes use of superfine silvery shimmer to create a reflective effect that can draw the eye away from dark circles and redness. Yellow-toned skin like mine also gets the bonus of mild color-correction. However, this formula doesn’t offer much by way of skin hydration.
Update: Becca has just announced their closure starting September 2021. Last chance to try or hoard those bestsellers!
Luxe Minimalist
This primer lives up to its kutis mayaman branding. Chanel Base Lumiere Illuminating Makeup Base (around P2,507 for 30ml from Nordstrom.com) is ideal for those good skin days when sheer coverage makeup is enough to get you out the door. The medium is a light moisturizing lotion, and the radiance comes in the form of some low-key periwinkle shimmer. It’s not as light-reflective as Becca, creating more of a “may something blooming” effect that’s hard to pinpoint.
Tip: If you want that radiance to show through, stick to sheer or medium coverage foundation formulas. Enjoy your glow!
