I Always Skipped This Product—Until a New One Gave Me My Glowiest Skin Ever

I'll spend countless hours raving about the transformative powers of concealer or singing the praises of my favourite foundation, but there's one product I've never seen the point of: primer. Actually, before I'm totally disowned by the beauty-editor community, let me say that I've always understood the point of it in theory—I just haven't found one that's been worth adding to my morning makeup routine. Apparently the right primer can do everything from increasing the longevity of the makeup products that you apply on top to imbuing your skin with the kind of radiance you're usually only afforded after eight hours of sleep. That said, I've still never managed to find one that works for me—until now.

When a new primer from Armani Beauty landed on my desk last week, I'll admit I was pretty nonplussed at first glance. However, after a quick scan of the press release, where I discovered that it had been specially formulated as the perfect partner to my beloved Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation (£42)—my wedding-day base product of choice—I had an inkling that this might just be a primer I could get on board with.

Good news: If you're yet to try Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation for yourself, you can get a free sample first to find your perfect shade.

I'm now officially obsessed with Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer for one main reason: It makes my skin look majorly glowy. Unlike other primers that feel heavy and chalky or too greasy (especially when they're formulated for luminosity), this primer is inspired by the texture of charmeuse silk and feels just as luxurious as you might expect. In fact, much like the other products in the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk range, this primer is all about enhancing your natural beauty, meaning it works to create a healthy-looking, naturally radiant complexion rather than a full-on highlighted effect. Perfect for both everyday makeup looks and wedding beauty alike.

So what sets Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer apart from other primers I've tried? First up, there's the formula itself. It boasts a unique oil-in-water formulation for a fresh no-makeup texture that allows it to mesh with the skin for a natural finish.

Then there are the ingredients. Nourishing shea butter, rice butter and hydrating glycerin work together to create a radiant glow rather than relying on silicones to re-create that luminosity. Finally, it contains crystal-encapsulated pigments that disperse onto the skin to correct and unify the complexion for an even, all-over glow.

But that's not all. For me, the game-changing thing about the Armani Beauty primer is the fact that it has a multifunctional formula and boasts a multitude of ways that you can apply it, so you can really personalise your approach to radiant makeup.

Keep scrolling to discover the three different ways that I've been wearing the primer and then shop the best products to use alongside it for your glowiest skin yet.

#1: The Luminous Silk Duo

As it's part of the same range as every makeup artist's favourite bridal foundation—Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation—it makes sense that the new primer would be the perfect first step for days that you're going to be using the cult base product. Admittedly, applying a primer before your foundation and concealer isn't groundbreaking, but it's a sensible place to start when you're trying to create a dewy base.

After I've finished my skincare routine, I've been taking a generous amount of the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer (the brand recommend a walnut-sized amount) and blending it over my skin using my fingertips. Personally, I focus on the area around my nose and the tops of my cheekbones to blur out the enlarged pores before working my way outwards.

By applying it this way, I find that I end up using less foundation and concealer, as my complexion already looks pretty damn good. The Luminous Silk Foundation can then just be applied to any areas that need more evening out or colour correcting rather than being slathered on over your entire face.

#2: The Natural Highlight

This is where things start to get really interesting. The thing that really makes the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer different from others is that you can also apply it over your foundation for an extra boost of glow.

Again, I've found that fingertips are the best method of application here. I like to tap a pea-sized amount onto the tops of my cheekbones, beneath the brow bones and onto my Cupid's bow for a natural alternative to highlighter. It manages to look dewy without being oily, which pleases my acne-prone skin greatly.

I've actually been skipping highlighter entirely (that's how impressed I am with the glow that this primer gives) and instead have been going straight in with bronzer and blusher to add a sheer wash of colour to my skin.

#3: The Glowy Lip Topper

One of the most innovative ways to use this primer is applied over the top of lipsticks. Why? Well, the luminous formula means it lends a healthy-looking sheen to the lips and actually makes them look plumper and fuller. I always prep my lips with a balm before applying my favourite kind of formula—a matte lipstick.

However, patting a little of the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer over the top can totally transform the finished look. I've found that pressing a tiny amount onto the centre of my lips both defines my Cupid's bow and enhances my lower lip for a pretty, everyday lip look that I'm totally obsessed with.

Psst... don't forget to get your free sample of the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation to discover your perfect shade.

Next up, every makeup artist I know recommended this £42 foundation for my wedding day.