Q&A: ACNE

Q. I am 33 with oily skin that is still acne-prone.  I use oil-free, blemish fighting foundation and concealer, which I am happy with, but some days I need a primer to make my makeup last all day.  However, I find that the more effective the primer is at extending the life of my makeup, the more likely it is to cause or aggravate my spots.  Is there such thing as a truly effective primer that won’t make my already terrible skin worse?
A. We have a few suggestions for you.  If you want to stick with a primer, our Executive Assistant Amy who has an oily chin finds that the Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Blemish & Shine Control is very effective.

We wonder whether you would consider Elysambre Organic Pre Makeup Base , which does much the same job as a primer but hopefully without the irritation.  It is nearly 100 per cent natural, and primes the skin so that foundation sits better and longer.  You can use over your usual day cream or, we suggest, try it on its own without a moisturizer.

Lastly, true mineral make-up can be a godsend for anyone with spots as it actively treats them at the same time as making your skin look gorgeous.  Try Jane Iredale or Bare Minerals; it does take a bit of practice to learn the application (buff and swirl with a special kabuki brush) but the results are fabulous.  Why not book in for a make-up makeover at the counters?  They are usually free and you get lots of tips.

• Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Blemish & Shine Control / £29