Road Test: Start Your Makeup On A Blank Canvas With Face Primer

What: Korres Face Primer ($9-$28, depending on size)

Why: Powders, concealers and foundations are all designed to make our faces look flawless, but lots of times, they seep into little wrinkles and pores, making those little imperfections even more obvious. Instead of caking that makeup on to reverse the creasing effect, take a cue from the masters of fine art and prime before you paint.

Just a pea-sized dab of Korres Face Primer covers the entire surface area of your face to act as a basecoat for makeup. It hydrates, too, so that sometimes-drying mineral makeup meets its match, but since it’s silicone free, Face Primer doesn’t leave behind an oil slick that needs to be tackled with even more powder. Sure, using it adds an extra step to the morning makeup routine, but a refining, smoothing coat of Face Primer gets you through the day with skin that’s more eggshell than stucco.

Get the real deal on which beauty products really work, our favorite beauty solutions, and treat yourself to a little something: how about a new mascara, concealer or lip balm to add to your makeup palette?