Q. I’m looking for an illuminating primer to apply before foundation to brighten my skin. Which do you recommend?

A. These are brilliant for a dull skin day (or any day really). If you can afford to splurge - and it does seem to last forever - then we suggest you make straight for the Guerlain counter and invest in Guerlain L’Or Make-up Primer, currently £39.95 for 30 ml at John Lewis. With gleaming glints suspended in the gel primer, this will make you look as if you’re lit from within. Gorgeous.

Also pretty brilliant is Soap & Glory Hocus Focus, a budget buy at £11 for 30 ml. The long name is 'Instant Visual Flaw-Softening Illuminator' and since it was developed under the eagle eye of our friend Marcia Kilgore, it’s a small work of staggering genius. 

Not only will Hocus Focus diffuse the appearance of large pores, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation (as they say in the blurb), as one reviewer says ‘this pinkish pearly golden lotion brings such a natural true glow to the skin’. Add it to your moisturiser or foundation for a sheeny glow.

Do also have a look at the ‘Make-up Primer’ category in our latest Beauty Bible Award Winners, here.  We didn't specifically trial illuminating primers but testers found that a couple of the winners gave the radiance you’re looking for, as well as blurring blemishes and persuading foundation to last really well.

Prize Draws