A smooth base is key for great makeup — and that starts with a great primer. (Getty)(Getty)
If you use foundation, concealer, tinted sunscreen or any other kind of makeup but aren't using a primer, it's time to change that. The right primer can blur the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and there's a smoothing add-on that can make all the difference: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Illuminating Face Primer, only $16 at Amazon.
This popular primer smooths pores, lines and wrinkles while creating a flawless base for makeup — and has more than 27,000 fans.
One user, who wrote, "You may get compliments," added, "I tried this one just as a potential replacement for foundation, not as a primer. Wore it two days in a row, received compliments on my makeup from two different people? Used my normal cheap drugstore powder on top but apparently this stuff is magic. I guess I AM thanking you later!"
If you're new to primer, fear not: It's an easy addition to your routine. Apply it after your moisturizer and before foundation, and watch how it minimizes pores and softens lines and wrinkles. If you're wondering whether yet another layer will make your skin feel weighed down, don't be: Shoppers say this one feels super light. The texture is similar to a combination of a CC and BB cream, meaning it's smooth and velvety, and it doesn't make your skin feel greasy throughout the day. Perhaps best of all, there's no guesswork here: It comes in a universal shade that flatters all skin tones and works with all skin types, including oily complexions.
With more than 28,000 five-star reviews, this Elizabeth Mott primer is an easy win. Here's what Amazon shoppers are saying about the multitasker.
"The product glides on easily," a shopper explained. "The feel is more water-like. I have fine lines, wrinkles and large pores, but this product helps with all of those things. I usually use professional [products], but this one is really working for me."
"I love this," wrote another satisfied customer. "I can use it alone like a CC+ Cream or under makeup and it totally reduces my redness. I love how it feels when it goes on and it lasts all day! Feels like a moisturizer and gives a makeup effect without the makeup. Must buy!"
This five-star reviewer shared: "This stuff blurs pores like no other! I have very oily skin so I decided to apply this on my bare face (no makeup) and see how it would hold up the oiliness throughout the day, and it passed the test!"
"I honestly don't have words for how much I love this!" raved another fan. "If it came in a 32-ounce tube, I would buy it. I'm in my 40s and have inherited my mother and father's skin issues just in the last few years. I have texture, redness, fine lines and dimpling of the skin. This fades the redness and makes my skin so even toned; it is not too dewy or too matte. It gives my skin a glow without being shiny!"
One customer cautioned that even though it's meant to be used on the eyelids, it can cause irritation: "I liked the packaging (tube vs. pot), I liked the ease of application (smooth), I liked the color (pinkish) and I liked the price. What I did not like was the fact that it irritated my eyes."
This shopper had a different eye issue: "I had high hopes that this would solve my eye creasing problem! Unfortunately, that was not the case for me. I still got the usual creases on my eyelids, and the product made my eyelids dry and flaky as well."
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.