The new skin-loving primer that promises to leave you with a natural glow

laura mercier pure canvas primer collection

published 20 February 2020

Primers have always been a somewhat divisive product.

Along with the likes of marmite, Bounty chocolates and mouldy cheese (turns out not everyone is a fan of Shropshire Blue), they have for some reason gained a ‘love it or hate’ reputation.

While there are those who swear by the product’s smoothing, blurring and mattifying powers, there are also the ones who dub the step an unnecessary waste of money.

But whether you’re a die-hard advocate or a ‘give it a miss’ type of person, brands across the industry and still here with their carefully developed formulas.

MORE: Makeup primers that transform complexions and help makeup last all day

And one luxury makeup retailer is making it near impossible to ignore the polarising step with their new specifically targeted formulas.

Laura Mercier has released a range of water-based (i.e. no residual oil left on the skin) and silicone-free (meaning no nasties) primers that are all formulated to suit different skincare needs.

The brand’s Pure Canvas Primer collection has been developed to extend makeup wear, while improving the skin over time and even protecting against environmental aggressors.

Infused with skin-loving ingredients, each primer aims to either blur, hydrate, protect, perfect or illuminate the skin.

For those with shiny skin, the oil-absorbing Blurring primer uses special powders to mattify the skin and reduce the appearance of pores, while Glycerin and Microalgae plump and condition leave it smooth and healthy.

Or if your skin is desperate to be quenched, the lightweight Hydrating option locks in moisture to create a seamless finish for makeup to go on top of.

But by far our favourite pick has to be the brand new Illuminating primer.

Formulated with Micronized Pearls, the base reflects light to add a radiant luminosity to the complexion, while Porcelain Flower Extract feeds the skin antioxidants encouraging a long-term glow.

The primer leaves skin with a natural-looking glow that can be work under makeup or left alone for a radiant finish.

There is also a Protecting option that contains a weightless SPF, as well as the line’s original Perfecting primer that soothes skin, preparing it for makeup application.

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Shop the primers here

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Collection

The reinvented range offers breakthrough, good-for-your-skin, good-for-your-makeup primers.

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And if you can’t choose between the skin-loving primers, you can currently nab them for an extra 15 per cent off giving you a chance to maybe even give them all a go.

We think we may just have a few converts on our hands…

Aleesha is Digital Beauty Editor at woman&home, where she gets to share her expertise into all the best techniques, sharpest tools and newest products—with a particular savvy in skincare and fragrance.

Previously, she was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. In the past, she has worked as Shopping Writer at woman&home, gained an AOP awards nomination after working on their news team, contributed to Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto and earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London.