Primer is a product that is typically applied to the skin before foundation. Primer can help foundation go on smoother and make sure makeup stays all day. Instead of just wearing primer under your base makeup, you can actually mix your primer with your foundation. This simple hack will help your foundation blend more seamlessly into the skin and give it a dewier finish. We recommend using a 50/50 ratio of foundation to primer or 2/3 foundation to 1/3 primer if you need more coverage.

TRY: BECCA COSMETICS FIRST LIGHT PRIMING FILTER ($59) 

Touted as a fix for “Bad Face Days”, this lilac colour-correcting primer is made with a pearl complex to combat dullness and give an instant brightness boost. Formulated with a blend of prickly pear, sodium hyaluronate and ginger, this primer will plump, brighten, hydrate and of course, keep your base makeup looking glowy and fresh all day long.

Mixing a drop of face oil into your foundation will make it go further and leave your skin luminous. If you are acne-prone, choose oils that are more lightweight. To prevent streakiness, start applying your oil and foundation mixture from the centre of the face. Since most skin concerns such as redness and open pores are on the middle of the face, always start there and work outwards. For that coveted “yoga skin” look, use the ring and middle finger to massage your foundation in, making small circles.

TRY: SUNDAY RILEY CEO GLOW VITAMIND C + TURMERIC FACE OIL ($121)

Perk up tired and parched skin with this multitasking oil from Sunday Riley. Containing turmeric, raspberry seed oil and vitamin C, it offers instant hydration and more even skin tone with consistent use over time.

Serums typically contain skin-boosting antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrators. Mixing a drop of serum into your foundation will not only result in a more natural, glossy finish, doing so can also dramatically improve your complexion in the long run. A little goes a long way, so add a pea-sized amount of serum into your foundation before mixing and applying.

Try: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum ($120)

If you have dry, crepe-like skin, this cult-favourite from Peter Thomas Roth could be just what you need. Enriched with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (75%), Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum leaves skin looking plump and smooth upon application — while also working to stave off fine lines and other signs of ageing in the long run.

Water is great for your overall health and wellbeing but did you know that adding water to your base makeup will do you a world of good too? Mixing your liquid foundation with H2O right before you apply adds moisture without any additional oil and makes skin look more radiant.

This article first appeared in Her World