Whether it’s hot out or cold, primers are an essential part of every girl’s makeup routine. They do so much to combat oily skin, enlarged pores and can actually keep everything from sliding off.

For many, a matte primer is the preferred choice, simply because it keeps the sebum from coming out and gleaming on our skin, blinding every pair of eyes in sight.

But once in awhile, a dewy radiance for that natural glow can be a refreshing change, indicating youthful, radiant and clear skin. For plebeians such as ourselves, achieving that level without any makeup would most likely take months, even with an intensive Korean skincare routine.

Which is why, illuminating primers are the next best option, considering how it can give the same dewy radiance without actually dewy skin. These primers are infused with a pearlescent substance that give the skin an all over glow. Since it goes below your foundation, it’s also very natural-looking and not the in-your-face highlighters that we’re used to.

The only question that might pop into your heads: the issue of setting it without removing the beloved dewiness.

Using powder all over to set can seem counterintuitive, so skip the baking and simply dust your preferred setting powder on the areas that move or crease the most, including the smile lines, under eyes, around the nose and the T-zone. To set all that powder into place, a good setting spray is key to melt and lock it in. If the glow is accidentally covered up, a light sweep of highlighter powder can bring it all back, but remember that a little goes a long way.

If you’re blessed with insanely good skin and foundation isn’t a step in your routine, wearing the primer on it’s own or using it as a subtle highlighter can also give the same dewy look without looking oily. Yes, wearing a primer on its own its a thing. Here, seven that will keep your makeup intact with a lit-from-within gleaming finish.

---

Cover FX Illuminating Primer

---

Becca Backlight Priming Filter

---

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

---

Illamasqua Beyond Veil Primer

---

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting

---

Burberry Beauty Fresh Glow Illuminating Drops

---

Charlotte Tilbury Brightening Youth Glow

What To Read Next: That Sounds Fun: Deliberately And Delightfully Messy Hair Is Trending, The Anti-Pollution Skincare To Add Into Your Skin Diet and Night Serums And Oils: Is There A Difference From The Day Stuff? | Collage: Natalyn Chan, Image: Imaxtree