PRIMER makes a real difference to my make-up and the longevity of it, especially as I’m not typically a foundation wearer so make-up can tend to slip off my face throughout the day.
I have tried various primers but there are two I can’t live without – Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer and Sculpted Beauty Base Protect SPF50, the latter of which I think is a much more affordable dupe.
Sculpted Beauty Base Protect SPF 50 Primer, £23, Boots
Aimee Connolly’s Sculpted Beauty Base Protect Primer with SPF 50 retails for £23, whereas Laura Mercier’s iconic Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer fetches nearly double that at £41.50
Though in my opinion, both are two of the best primers around.
Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer has a super lightweight formula, and is non-greasy, providing an instant glow to the skin.
It is formulated with porcelain flower extract and micronised pearls, which instantly brightens and illuminates the skin, which doesn’t leave a pearlescent finish, but instead lifts and brightens the skin for a natural glow.
The Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer also includes French red algae, as well as vitamins C and E, which nourish the skin, and provide antioxidant protection from environmental aggressors, making this liquid base a make-up and skincare hybrid.
A little goes a long way with this primer, as it has a runner texture, though this does help to make it glide onto the skin seamlessly without clogging the pores, while still providing an even base for make-up to sit on.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer
With my Laura Mercier primer running low, and the hefty price point I wanted to try to save the remaining droplets “for best” and so began looking for an alternative.
But in fact, my alternative turned out to be my preferred choice.
I swapped it in with Sculpted’s Beauty Base Protect SPF 50 Primer, and I couldn’t tell the difference.
In fact, I have been using the Sculpted version for all occasions, everyday occasions, a light base, and for the base when perfecting my make-up for a wedding – it’s that good.
The Sculpted primer is lightweight on the skin, easy to blend, breathable, and makes for a second-skin-like finish to apply make-up seamlessly on top.
Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Similar to Laura Mercier it is nourishing but also functions as a make-up base, but where it differs from the more high-end alternative is it contains SPF50.
The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid as well as peptides, which hydrate, nourish and brighten the skin.
Both the Laura Mercier primer and Sculpted design blend into my skin for a natural base without looking cakey and instead, give a translucent base.
However, when swatched there is a slight difference in tone, though this isn’t evident when you apply on the face.
Laura Mercier’s primer has slightly more of a peach tone, while the Sculpted Beauty Base is slightly more of a soft rose pink, though it is not noticeable when buffed into the skin.
Laura Mercier’s formula is a little more of a loose liquid and runny texture, whereas Sculpted Beauty Base is a little thicker and more of a cream texture, though when they are on the skin they leave a velvet-soft finish.
Both primers are super effective and give your skin an added boost so your make-up looks flawless yet the natural glow shines through, which is enhanced by the brightening abilities of the primer underneath.
But I am swayed by the Beauty Base All In One Moisturizing Primer from Sculpted.
For me, the main pull factors of Sculpted’s Beauty Base are the SPF, an effective multipurpose product, and a bargain, right?
The Sculpted Beauty Base gives a gorgeous natural bright glow, and is nearly half the price of the Laura Mercier, earning its title as a great dupe – and my new favourite.
I will always use the Sculpted primer when wearing make-up as it enables my make-up to sit in place for hours, even without setting spray, and with any make-up products applied on top.
For those no make-up make-up days, it also looks great applied after my skincare routine making for an easy base to apply concealer.
Both primers are fabulous, but for me, the Sculpted primer has the edge.
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