'This one product completely transformed my makeup routine. Now, I wear it every day.'

For the longest time, I ignored the idea of primers. I was already doing my 10 step skincare routine before I put my makeup on and adding an 11th step just seemed barbaric.

Then I turned 25 and my pores decided to open up like the NorthConnex tunnel during peak hour, and my foundation started sliding off my face by 11:00am.

Since that rather confronting time, I've officially joined the 'Prime or Die' club.

Watch: Beauty experts share how to help your makeup last longer. Post continues below.

So, whether you want to look like a glazed doughnut, a blurred Instagram filter, or you just want your face to stay on until your 7pm dinner booking, I've got you.

Here are the primers I actually use (and love).

Best hydrating primers.

First up, some recommendations for my glowy girls.

If you're going for the dewy look, here are the primers I have been using over and over again, especially when the sun is shining and I want to look like I actually drink two litres of water a day (I don't).

Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer Smooth and Nourish, $14.97.

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I have repurchased this more times than I can count.

It honestly feels more like you're applying a high-end serum than a makeup product. It's packed with good stuff and makes your makeup look significantly dewy-er without that 'I've just run a marathon' sweatiness.

Plus, the price tag doesn't make me cry when I run out.

Go-To Very Glowy Primer, $48.

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This literally does exactly what it says on the bottle.

It's a relatively new addition to my primer collection and it was very, very welcomed. It gives that 'innter-glow' radiance that usually requires a $300 trip to a facialist.

It's the perfect base for those 'no-makeup' makeup days (where you actually have a lot of makeup on).

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, $85.

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Look, she is pricey. She's an investment. She's the kind of primer you hide at the back of the drawer so your sister doesn't 'borrow' a pump.

But my god, it's excellent.

My makeup goes on like silk (it's literally in the name) and I end up looking like I've just finished my 10-step skincare routine (*cough* I mean 11 *cough* ) even when I've actually had four hours of sleep and a Zero sugar Coke for breakfast.

Best blurring primers.

These are the primers that conceal, blur, and mattify.

If you want to look like you have the Paris filter on your actual face, prepare for a barrage of compliments if you use these.

Natio Soft Focus Pore Perfecting Primer, $17.46.

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This primer does SO much.

It covers pores and fine lines, and while it's evening out your texture, it's also colour-correcting? Hello? Is this magic? I'm think it is. My colleague Erin recommended this to me and I am forever in her debt.

Milani Conceal + Perfect Blur Out Smoothing Primer, $13.19.

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Similar to the Natio one, this not only blurs but manages to stay hydrating.

It feels incredibly moisturising that I almost wanted to put it in the hydrating category, but the blurring power is just too good.

It also feels cool on the skin, which is a godsend for my rosacea when it decides to flare up at the worst possible moment.

Gucci Silk Priming Serum, $82.

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Another exy primer, I know. But I'd be doing you a genuine disservice if I didn't include it.

This is my 'treat' primer. I use it sparingly, and a little goes a remarkably long way. It makes an excellent gift for a makeup fanatic, or just a gift for yourself because you survived the week (guilty).

Use this for big events like chic dinners or birthdays. No matter what foundation I layer on top, someone always asks what I've done to my skin (in a good way (I hope)).

Go-To Very Mattifying Primer, $48.

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Zoë Foster Blake and the team have been killing it with their primer debuts lately.

This is the one I find myself grabbing the most because it hides my pores and 'imperfections' (we all have them, it's fine) without looking or feeling like I've plastered my face in chalk. It stays velvety, not dry.

Best grip primers.

These are the primers for when you just need your makeup to stay put.

No need to reapply; your foundation, eyeshadow, and contour are going NOWHERE. These are for the long hauls.

Maybelline Grippy Serum Makeup Primer, $13.99.

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This feels like it belongs in your skincare cabinet.

It goes on like a serum and becomes tacky fairly quickly. That tackiness is the good stuff because it's the thing that makes your makeup last forever.

It's my go-to for long days at the office that turn into unexpected drinks. It's the ultimate 'I don't have time for touch-ups' hero.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer, $24.

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You would've seen this baddie all over your TikTok feed, and for once, the algorithm wasn't lying.

I've recommended it to so many people because it's affordable and I know it'll never embarrass me. Warning: this thing comes out of the tube tacky.

You need to spread it across your face quickly and slap your makeup on top immediately. Once it's on, it develops a legal contract between your face and your foundation. It's not moving.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

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