LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'My honest opinion on makeup primer.'

Do you use primer?

I don't.

Except when I do.

Primer is definitely one of those steps that's 'nice to have', but if you don't use it or forget to put it on, your life won't be drastically different.

I never, ever used to use a primer. I think because when I started in beauty most primers were very heavy, had a strong 'silicone' texture and made me feel like my face was suffocating.

Watch: For the dry skin girlies that can't use the recs below. Post continues below.

Plus, I'm lazy and will justify skipping any step I don't deem essential.

Then I started using primers, mostly from a trailing perspective for my job. 

Turns out they've come a long way from a decade or two ago, and you can find a formula to help with almost any skin concern.

I have combination skin so I don't want anything that's going to make me look oily or greasy, but I don't want a matte finish either. Plus, my pores are getting wider with age, so anything with too much illuminator only makes them more obvious.

Personally, I've had the best luck with spot-using primer. I swipe it on after my sunscreen and before my foundation, but just in the middle of my forehead, my inner cheeks where the pores are visible, and my chin.

I then wait a few minutes before applying my base and I truly notice a difference — my foundation sits better, stays in place longer and overall my skin looks smoother. 

Do I do it all the time? Nope. But if I'm heading to a fancy event or somewhere nice, I absolutely add this step. 

I've listed a few of my favourites for this below. If you're not combo or oily, jump over to the You Beauty group and ask for hydrating or radiant primer recommendations — the Youbies will have you covered!

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer, $56.

Image: Mecca.

NYX Pore Filler Primer, $26.99.

Image: Adore Beauty.

Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer Smooth and Nourish, $29.95.

Image: Nude by Nature.

While on the topic, You Beauty Collective contributor, Teresa McNamara, wrote about the $18 primer she loves more than her other $104 favourite.

Do you use a primer? What's your go-to? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Leigh Campbell.