Photo: Joshua Jordan
There are a few beauty products that, in our opinion, are non-negotiable for a bride. At the top of that list? Primer. What else can make your foundation seem freshly applied even while you're dancing to Jackson Five during the last hours of your reception? (Exactly — nothing.) Glad you're on board with us, because we've rounded up five multitasking primers that target skincare concerns and create the illusion of a perfectly airbrushed wedding-day complexion.
Acne Eliminating: Jouer Anti-Blemish Matte Primer, $38, Jouer
For all of you brides-to-be dealing with pesky breakouts, consider this your godsend. Not only does it contain salicylic acid to dry blemishes and prevent future breakouts, but it also eases redness. "Even before I put my foundation on top I noticed my blemishes looked less pronounced," our tester says. "I used to use a topical treatment every morning, but now I'm just using this! I'm obsessed."
See More: How to Treat Pre-Wedding Skincare Concerns
Pore Refining: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, $52, Sephora
Yes it's pore refining and has a matte finish, but what won us over is its longevity. "I usually have to blot and reapply my makeup at least twice throughout the work day," our tester says. "This prevented my face from looking shiny until about 5:30 pm and kept my foundation from changing color. I'd say it's a must for any bride getting married in a hot, humid climate."
Hydrating: Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer, $33, Laura Mercier
Our late-twenty-something tester (and anti-aging aficionada) couldn't wait to get her hands on this primer that's infused with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. "My friends say I'm crazy, but I swear I'm starting to see fine lines creep up on my dry skin," she says. "This helped my makeup go on super smoothly and made my skin look plumper — like how my 21-year-old skin used to be. Le sigh."
See More: Say Goodbye to Cellulite, Scars & More: How to Get Wedding-Ready Skin
Glow-ifying: Guerlain Météorites Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer, $73, Sephora
If nights of wedding planning have lead to a less-than-glowing bridal complexion, we say fake it until you make it. This primer contains pearlescent extracts that create a soft-focus finish, no matter what harsh lighting you're in. While we aren't giving you permission to use this in place of a healthy, beautifying diet, our tester definitely achieved a similar glow. "I desperately needed something to rev up my skin, and this was perfect," she says. "One of my co-workers asked if I was juice cleansing, which couldn't have been farther from the truth!"
Skin-Tone Evening: Per-fékt Skin Perfection Gel, $48, Per-fékt Beauty
This gel-slash-mousse is an extreme overachiever. Its claim to fame is reducing redness and discoloration, but it also works its camouflaging magic on large pores and fine lines, too. "It hid imperfections so well that I skipped foundation and just put a bit of tinted moisturizer on top," our tester says. "The dewiness shone through my moisturizer and just made me look like I had perfect skin!"