As junior beauty editor here at Who What Wear UK, I'm always trying to find the secret to getting that glow that we all so desperately want. No beauty trend has remained quite so timeless as luminous skin, and from facial serums to tinted moisturisers and glowy foundations, I've tried my fair share of products over the years to try and emulate that sought-after look. However, around a year ago, I realised that there was one product that I had been overlooking when it came to creating a glowy base. I'm talking about primer.
I don't know about you, but I used to skip primer altogether, reluctant to add an extra step to my makeup routine. That being said, my desk was constantly filled with primers that promised a radiant complexion, so one day, I decided to give them a go, and I quickly realised what I had been missing out on my whole life.
Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay wearing an illuminating primer under her makeup.
Not only did these products make my makeup last all day long, but a select few gave me that gorgeous, lit-from-within glow (very similar to the finish of a glowing moisturiser) that I had been trying so hard to create. Since my discovery, I've made it my mission to test some of the most popular and highly-rated illuminating primers out there, and trust me when I say I've found some absolute gems. In fact, my collection is getting a little bit out of control.
A collection of junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay's favourite illuminating primers.
While you definitely do not need this many products to make your makeup glow, I highly recommend adding just one of these primers to your makeup bag. I've rounded up my top illuminating primers below for you to shop, and I've even asked an industry expert what makes these products so good.
What Does an Illuminating Primer Do?
First things first, what do these products actually do? We all know that general makeup primers work to make your foundation last longer, but why go for an illuminating one?
"An illuminating primer often works to reflect light," explains Mona Baubant, EME pro artist at Rare Beauty. "They can smooth, hydrate and illuminate in one step, and they work to create a radiant base for your makeup that you can use under foundation and concealer for a glowing complexion."
Water-Based vs Silicone Primers
When choosing a primer, it's important to keep the formula in mind if you do want an illuminating finish. Look out for ingredients ending in "icone", such as dimethicone—these are silicones and are used to prolong makeup wear and smooth skin texture. However, they often result in a mattifying finish, so make sure there aren't too many of them and that they're not the main ingredients.
Ideally, if you do want a glowy or dewy finish, you want a primer that's water-based—look out for 'aqua' as the primary ingredient in the formula.
How to Apply an Illuminating Primer
"I like to apply one to two pumps of the primer to clean and moisturised skin before going in with foundation or concealer," says Baubant. "You can also apply it to your neck and décolletage to give your collarbone a nice glow. If you want an even more radiant complexion, I like to mix in one pump with foundation too."
So, now you know how to use one, take a look at my favourites.
The Best Illuminating Primers
- Best Overall: Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer
- Best for Long-lasting Makeup: Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer
- Best for Dry Skin: Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser
- Best for Oily Skin: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
- Best Luxury Primer: Victoria Beckham Beauty VB X Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser
- Best for Mature Skin: Guerlain Parure 24K Gold Radiance Booster Primer
- Best Affordable Primer: Refy Glow and Sculpt Primer
1. Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer
Price shown is members' price.
For that dewy look, you can't go wrong with this primer from Beauty Pie. It works to both blur the skin and add a natural glow, and you can apply it straight onto the skin or mix it into your foundation.
Size: 30ml
Type: Lotion
Formula: Water-based with silicones
Pros
- Silicones help with smooth makeup application
Cons
- Lower price point only available to Beauty Pie members
2. Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer
This is, hands down, one of the best illuminating primers I have ever used. It practically melts into the skin and creates such a smooth base for your foundation. What I like about it is that it creates a subtle glow that looks super natural, rather than being overpowering.
Size: 28ml
Type: Gel
Formula: Water-based and silicone-free
Pros
- Works well with all makeup types
Cons
- Often sold out
3. Vieve Skin Nova Instant Radiance Primer
Vieve is always my go-to brand for glowy base products, and this primer is no exception. The sleek packaging makes it great for travel, and it's really hydrating on the skin. Although the formula itself is quite a bright gold colour, don't let this put you off, as it blends in beautifully.
Size: 30ml
Type: Lotion
Formula: Water-based and silicone-free
Pros
- Radiance lasts all day
Cons
- May be too glowy for oilier skin types
4. Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Makeup Primer
Charlotte Tilbury knows how to make you glow, and this primer can be used under foundation or on its own to smooth out skin and add some serious radiance. Dull complexions, be gone.
Size: 40ml
Type: Lotion
Formula: Water-based with silicones
Pros
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Very fragranced
5. Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser
I had seen this Elemis product on TikTok, and after witnessing the results, I had to give it a go. I love that it doubles up as a primer and a moisturiser, and it really does leave your skin feeling (and looking) hydrated and healthy.
Size: 60ml
Type: Fluid
Formula: Water-based with silicones
Pros
- Super hydrating
Cons
- Doesn't extend makeup longevity
6. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
If you like Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, then you'll love this primer. It has a lightweight gel formula and gives that same luminous effect. Pair both products together and you've got a winning combo.
Size: 30ml
Type: Lotion
Formula: Water-based with silicones
Pros
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Small bottle doesn't last long
7. Victoria Beckham Beauty VB X Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser
Victoria Beckham and Augustinus Bader? Sign me up. I practically gasped when I saw the Victoria Beckham Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser, and I was even more impressed after giving it a go. It truly adds so much radiance to the skin, and I will be repurchasing again and again.
Size: 15ml
Type: Lotion
Formula: Water-based with silicones
Pros
- Works for all skin types
Cons
- Expensive price point for a small amount
8. Guerlain Parure 24K Gold Radiance Booster Primer
This primer is just as beautiful on the skin as it is in the bottle. It's definitely more of an investment, but after trying it out, I can see why. The formula is infused with a hint of 24-karat gold, and has a gel texture that feels so refreshing to apply. The result? Natural-looking illuminated skin that glows all day. It is the perfect illuminating primer for mature skin.
Size: 35ml
Type: Gel
Formula: Water-based and silicone-free
Pros
- Feels light and non-greasy on skin
Cons
- Expensive price point
9. By Terry Cellularose CC Serum
Okay, so this product isn't technically a primer, but I always apply it under my makeup to add a little bit of radiance. The CC Serum comes in five shades and is designed to brighten and moisturise the skin. In the summer months, I simply apply this and add a little bit of concealer for that lit-from-within finish.
Size: 30ml
Type: Fluid
Formula: Water-based with silicones
Pros
- Available in a range of shades
Cons
- Highly fragranced
10. Saie Glowy Super Gel
Again, not technically a primer, but this Saie product is great for applying under foundation for some seriously glowing skin. The formula is a little thicker, but it sinks in instantly to create a dewy base. You can also apply this on top of your foundation to act as a highlighter, which makes it even more of a winner in my eyes.
Size: 30ml
Type: Gel
Formula: Water-based and silicone-free
Pros
- Gives a glass skin finish
Cons
- Not specifically a primer so doesn't help with makeup longevity
11. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Best for Textured Skin
Essentially a nourishing moisturiser boosted with skin-brightening ingredients, there's a reason why this primer is a cult favourite. It gives skin a radiant glow and improves makeup longevity.
Size: 15ml
Type: Cream
Formula: Water-based with silicones
Pros
- Really nourishing and softening
Cons
- May not be best for oily skin types
12. Refy Glow and Sculpt Primer
If glassy skin that looks so shiny, someone would almost be able to see their reflection in it is your bag then you'll adore this illuminating primer from Refy. The serum texture glides onto skin to leave it instantly brighter, and the roller applicator works to reduce puffiness and add definition, much like a mini facial. And glow aside, this stuff also really does help any makeup applied on top to grip to it, meaning that the glow will stick around all day.
Size: 40ml
Type: Serum
Formula: Water-based
Pros
- Cooling and depuffing
Cons
- Unhygienic applicator
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
