We tested skin brightening primers – one is a must-have for the cold months
AS someone with oily skin, I rarely worry about it looking dull.
But as the colder weather has taken hold my skin has taken on a sickly, grey-ish hue, so I’ve been trying brightening primers.
Budget
Revlon PhotoReady Prime Plus Primer Brightening + Skin-Tone Evening, £11.99 for 30ml: I’m a big fan of Revlon.
It has some of the most advanced formulas out there and great packaging – so I had high expectations for this primer.
It’s packed with skincare ingredients like vitamin C, E and lactic acid, and has a peach-tint that instantly evened out my skin.
But it never fully dried, which made my make-up patchy, and the shine was way too much for me.
So if you’re looking for dewy you’ll love it, but for a subtle brightening effect, look elsewhere.
Mid-range
Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops, £33 for 30ml: Technically, this isn’t a primer in itself – you’re meant to mix it with your skincare or apply it neat onto high points of your face.
The results are similar to Charlotte Tilbury’s cult Flawless Filter, with none of the greasiness or stickiness.
I like that you can mix it with other products to tailor the glow, but even when used alone it’s not too much that it looks fake or glittery – there’s just a subtle shimmer that makes you look healthy.
Most read in Fabulous
It’s by far my favourite, and I’m already on my second bottle – not because I used the first, but my niece came to visit and stole it, so it’s got the Gen Z seal of approval too.
Luxury
Rodial Soft Focus Glow Booster Drops, £75 for 31ml: Brightening products usually contain glitter, which highlights imperfections rather than blurring them, but I was pleasantly surprised this managed to do both.
The candyfloss pink shade disappears on skin and it creates a smooth base for make-up.
Unfortunately, I found the formula far too thick for the dropper applicator, so you have to scoop it off the outside of the glass stem with your fingers, which isn’t very hygienic.
I expect better from a product with this price tag.
Pick of the week
I LOVE Aussie brand Flavedo & Albedo.
It’s plastic free, instead using aluminium, glass and sustainable timber, and all products are multi-use.
I’ve used its Dew Tint lip and cheek tint in grapefruit, £30, and high-glow highlighter in shade Bronzite, £30, daily since finding the brand.
The cream formulas can be applied with your fingers.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Once set, they don’t budge.
For details, see selfridges.co.uk.