Illuminating primer

[WellTidy]

I've been using Estee Lauder illuminating primer for under make up, and also sometimes mixed with a bit of foundation/BB cream, for a while now. I like it as it gives a smooth make up base and a bit of brightness and radiance, but isn't at all sparkly (a good thing!).

Can anyone recommend something similar that they think works well for them? My skin is normal to dry. I'm 41. I need to replace my Estee one and I'm wondering whether to buy it again or try something different.

[squoosh]

I really like Becca Backlight primer.

[Fallonjamie]

Second Backlight. I got some for Christmas and love it!

[ElspethFlashman]

The L'oreal Lumi one. It's basically the same as Chanel Le Blanc (owned by the same company)

It's not iridescent, just makes you look a bit brighter.

[SausageSoda]

I like Mac Strobe primer

[BusterGonad]

I gave Soap & Glory Hocus Focus, it's quite nice and smells good too.

[mowglik]

I wasn't expecting to like no 7 radiance primer at all but got given a sample and love it. I bought the normal primer at the same time and much prefer the radiance one

Otherwise I sometimes use the above two mentioned mac strobe or soap and glory hocus focus rubbed between my hands and lightly pressed over areas that I want to have a subtle sheen. Mac strobe is more subtle and hocus focus is like a champagne gold so not too ott either

[WellTidy]

Thanks for the replies. I've read reviews of them all.

The Becca one looks wonderful, just what I'm after. I will have to hang on before I can buy that though. RRP is £33, although QVC are selling it for £26 plus £4P&P. The Estee one is £25, which I could basically get for 'free' using my Boots point, so a bit of a stretch to go to £33 cash.

I am not good with contouring and highlighting at all, so I don't think (based on the reviews) that Mac Strobe or Loreal Lumi would be good for me.

Hocus Focus sounds great. And only £11. Really tempted to give it a go!

[ElspethFlashman]

The Lumi I just mix with moisturiser. It's v subtle.

It's v different to strobe cream IMO. Strobe cream is much more reflective. I definitely wouldn't wear it all over my face.

[DancingHouse]

Hocus focus is great for mixing with bb creams or foundation

[Softkitty2]

Yes to becca, try the mac strobe creams and charlotte tilbury wonder glow

[dailymaillazyjournos]

I've just started using Lancome's La Base Pro Hydra Glow illuminating primer and really like it. Glowy but not sparkly. I'm 56 with very dry skin and it feels very comfortable.

[SausageSoda]

I put Strobe cream all over my face as a normal primer. Once foundation is on & powder it's fine and gives a lovely healthy glow. I wouldn't wear it on its own though.

[CleopatraCominAtcha]

I use lumi magique under foundation for a bit of light - am not a highlighter/contour person at all but it works as an all-over primer, esp under powder foundation.

[bigredboat]

I recently bought the L'Oréal lumi one, under foundation it's great, not shiny shimmery, just gives a lovely
glow. Not tried it on its own but I would say it's definitely primer rather than highlighter so you don't need to contour to use it.