Welcome to the weekly review series where 5 women in our GLAMOUR office test out the latest products landing our Beauty Editors’ desks. This week we’re turning to OG primer queen, Laura Mercier who, decades after establishing the primer category in makeup, has reinvented the category with a brand new Pure Canvas primer collection. With five options up for grabs, from blurring (so long, pores), to illuminating (hello, glow), packaged in squeezy pastel tubes, we’re interested to see if they really can improve the look and wear of our favourite foundations.
The Product:
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer, £32 (available 14th January)
The Reviews:
Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor, tries the Blurring Primer
Primers have always seemed like a superfluous step in my already lengthy makeup regime, but as always, I’m open to being proved wrong. Plus, I’ve been struggling with visible pores lately and I’m finding my makeup is settling into creases and becoming blotchy by mid-afternoon, and Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Blurring Primer promises to improve texture over time as well as instantly even out skin. The formula blends effortlessly, and creates an almost airbrushed effect on skin, so that foundations glides over the top. I’m sold.
Bandi Manzini, Branded Content & Partnerships Director, tries the Perfecting Primer
The formula is light and applies easily. It works well as a primer and helped my makeup to last longer. Finish-wise, on me it looked more dewy than matte which makes me think it’s hydrating. Overall, it’s a good alternative option to my preferred more matte finish primer, especially during the winter months when skin may be dryer.
Bianca London, Web Director, tries the Protecting Primer
I used to consider a primer just another expensive and time-consuming facet of my beauty regime, but every makeup artist will tell you it’s essential for prepping your base and ensuring your makeup lasts longer. Whilst it took longer than usual to buff my foundation in on top of the primer, the consistency was amazing. It was so light and refreshing. The finished result was smoother, dewier makeup and, because this one is packed with SPF30, it means I could skip applying sun cream on top.
Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor, tries the Hydrating Primer
I’ve never been one for primer (as in, I’ve never actually used one in my life) as it always felt like an unnecessary extra layer on my skin. I have freckles and don’t feel like myself if they don’t show up, so usually opt for a very thin 70:30 moisturiser/foundation ratio as my only face makeup. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by the hydrating primer. It was super sheer and went on just like another layer of moisturiser – never a bad thing. I felt it helped to keep my complexion fresh for much longer without drying out by the afternoon as it so often does.
Elle Turner, Deputy Beauty Editor, tries the Illuminating Primer
My face feels like an old husk. It’s dry, it’s rough and it looks like I could do with a weekend retreat living off green juice. Failing that, this stuff is magic. I dot it across my cheeks, forehead and chin (even my chin is dry), buff it in with my fingers and wham – instant luminosity. When I apply my foundation over the top, I look positively fresh. Until my liver’s had time to recover from Crimbo, I’ll be using this to fake it ‘til I make it.