Achieve a Post-Vacation Glow With These Expert-Backed Illuminating Primers

• Lightweight texture

• May not be best for oily skin

While this illuminator creates a pearly base for makeup, its sheen looks even better when lightly dusted down the neck and along the décolletage. The pink tint is universally flattering and blends seamlessly into the skin, rather than sitting on top.

Size: 1 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 3.3/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is a great product. First, it smells like roses. But most importantly, it gave my skin a wonderful luminosity. Even other people noticed. And I have older skin. I'm very happy with my purchase.”

Fans of the OG Hydrogrip will adore its shimmering younger sister. She has the same grip and hydrating properties as her predecessor, just with a light-reflecting pearlescent finish that remains intact for hours.

Size: 1 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars

Our expert says: “The iconic Hydro grip primer now has got some glow to it! It adds a boost of extended hydration, while seriously locking makeup in place and adding that gorgeous glow, with reflecting pearls as an ingredient. The radiance is universal and will look beautiful on all skin tones.”–David Razzano, makeup artist and Sephora beauty director

• Multiple shades

• Can feel sticky

Are you truly a makeup fan if your arsenal doesn’t at least have one product from makeup whisperer Kevin Aucoin’s offerings? If you’re looking for the perfect place to start, this illuminating primer is worth your attention. Not only does it come in a slew of golden shades, but it also conditions the skin with passionfruit and marula oil.

Size: 1 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Over the years, as I deepened my knowledge of makeup, I started to value quality formulas over buzzy ones. Already a proud owner of a Kevyn Aucoin concealer, I added this illuminator to my routine and never looked back. Rain, shine, cold or hot, a light brush of this formula to my cheeks helps create the perfect balance of dewy cheeks and matte everywhere else.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

• Can be used as blush and highlighter

• Some users find it difficult to build pigment

The best thing about this formula lies within its name—enhancer. An illuminator this good shouldn’t only be relegated to priming when it works beautifully as a blush, bronzer, highlighter, and so much more.

Size: 0.6 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is the most beautiful color and has light shimmer, elegant, long-lasting, and easy to remove. It truly colors with no demarcation and works with any makeup beneath.”

• Plumps and nourishes the skin

• Sheer coverage

Unlike other illuminating primers that simply enhance your glow, this one goes the extra mile to plump (using hyaluronic acid) and nourish (thanks to glycerin and shea butter).

Size: 0.85 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “This luxurious primer feels so soft and smooth on the skin – you will love it! Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, this primer will deliver moisture throughout the day, and the illuminating pearls will create a soft, natural glow to the skin. It comes in two shades: ‘Rosa’ for Fair to Light complexion, and ‘Ambra’ for Medium to Deep complexion.”

• Skin tone shades

• Some users note it can feel a little thick

If a bronze, sunkissed glow is what you're after, Kosas has the remedy. This formula comes in 10 shades that complement a range of skin tones, featuring ingredients that brighten and hydrate.

Size: 1 fl oz

Revolve rating: 3.2/5 stars

A Revolve reviewer says: “Absolutely love that it evens out skin with a bit of bronzing.”

• Sun protection

• Some users dislike the strong fragrance

Chasing a summer glow is one thing, but protecting your skin in the process is even better. Nars’ Radiance Primer is designed to give you a radiant finish while offering broad-spectrum protection—SPF 35, to be exact. Furthermore, the oil-free formula won’t clog pore, so acneic skin can glow, too.

• Hydrating

• Some users note that it can pill

Dryness is no match for Rare Beauty’s illuminating primer, which conditions the skin with glycerin as a botanical blend, comprised of white lily and gardenia.

Size: 0.94 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

Our expert says: “This is a gel-based primer is weightless, yet smoothing. The ultra-fine pearls within have a soft radiance, which is perfect for any age. It pairs wonderfully with skin tints and lightweight foundations.”

• Primes and moisturizes

• Dispenser can be faulty

Victoria Beckham’s chic, clean-girl beauty approach meets Augustinus Bader’s sophisticated, science-backed formulas in this skin care-makeup hybrid. The formula primes and moisturizes with help from Augustinus Bader signature TC08 complex, which combines peptides, vitamins, and amino acids to rejuvenate the skin.

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Augustinus Bader rating: 4.9/5 stars

An Augustinus Bader reviewer says: “I love it. Love the color and how it feels putting it on my face. Blends in beautifully. Doesn’t feel heavy at all. Will def buy it again.”

• Long-lasting

• May not be best for oily skin

Where the OG Blurring Blam left a natural, matte, airbrushed finish, the radiant version achieves the same effect with a touch more sheen and a pearlescent veil.

Size: 0.63 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

Our expert says: “This is a unique and innovative product within the category of primers. The formula is a ‘balm to powder’ primer that instantly blurs out uneven texture and imperfections, while prepping skin for foundation. It gained a cult status in its original matte finish and now it comes in Universal radiant, which has a soft golden pearl – perfect for illuminating the skin. Plus, this primer is good for all skin types, especially normal to oily skin. If you struggle with excess oil, you can now achieve that soft radiance without the need to add powder.”

• Lightweight

• Sheer coverage

An ELLE editor favorite, the Glowy Super Gel has also built a legion of followers for its lightweight, glow-inducing formula that works well under makeup or swirled into your go-to moisturizer.

Size: 1 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I don’t always want a glowing base, but on the days I do, this is the formula I reach for. I adore Saie’s products because they’re intentionally designed to be safe for acne-prone skin like mine. The Glowy Super Gel is subtle enough for an everyday soft glow, or can be built up for full-glam finishes.”—NP

• Depuffing

• Sheer coverage

Buy for the radiant priming effects, keep for the built-in massager. Niacinamide and glycerin are the stars of the product, both working to brighten and hydrate the skin as the roller applicator sculpts.

Size: 1.4 fl oz

Sephora rating: 3.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This primer offers such a soft, subtle sheen that elevates even the simplest makeup look. Beyond that, I'm more obsessed with the roller applicator, which depuffs and sculpts the skin for a more flawless finish.”—NP

True to its function, primers prep the skin for subsequent products to stick to. “Primers can be used daily; they are mostly lightweight and will often allow you to use less foundation, while also smoothing the skin, and helping makeup adhere,” Razzano explains. As such, you don’t want to apply an excessive amount to avoid pilling or separating your foundation and concealer.

“Less is more when it comes to primer. Use a small amount, so you can apply a thin, even layer in the center of the face and then blend it outward towards the edges. You can use your fingers to help blend the product easily, but a makeup brush is also a good way to apply, if preferred. A damp sponge is not the best tool for primer application, so be sure to save those for your foundations and concealers,” he adds.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose interviewed a Sephora beauty director to determine the best illuminating primers on the market and best practices.