This One Product Is My Secret Weapon for Skin That Glows All Day Long

As deputy beauty editor here at Who What Wear UK, I'm always trying to find the secret to getting that glow that we all so desperately want. No beauty trend has remained as timeless as luminous skin, and from facial serums to tinted moisturisers and glowy foundations, I've tried my fair share of products over the years to emulate that sought-after look. However, around a year ago, I realised I had been overlooking one product when creating a glowy base. I'm talking about the best primers.

I'm not sure about you, but I used to skip primer altogether, as I was reluctant to add an extra step to my makeup routine. That said, my desk was constantly filled with primers that promised a radiant complexion, so one day I decided to give them a go, and I quickly realised what I had been missing all my life.

Deputy beauty editor Grace Lindsay wearing an illuminating primer under her makeup.

Not only did these products make my makeup last all day long, but a select few gave me that gorgeous, lit-from-within glow (very similar to the finish of a glowing moisturiser) I had been trying so hard to create. Since my discovery, I've made it my mission to test some of the most popular and highly-rated illuminating primers out there, and trust me when I say I've found some absolute gems. In fact, my collection is getting a little bit out of control.

A collection of deputy beauty editor Grace's favourite illuminating primers.

Whilst you definitely do not need this many products to create a glowy makeup look, I highly recommend adding just one of these primers to your makeup bag. I've rounded up my top illuminating primers below for you to shop, and I've even consulted an expert makeup artist to find out what makes them so good.

What Does an Illuminating Primer Do?

First things first, what do these products actually do? We all know that general makeup primers help your foundation last longer, but why opt for an illuminating one?

"An illuminating primer often works to reflect light," explains Mona Baubant, EME pro artist at Rare Beauty. "They can smooth, hydrate and illuminate in one step, and they work to create a radiant base for your makeup that you can use under foundation and concealer for a glowing complexion."

Water-Based vs. Silicone Primers

When choosing a primer, consider the formula if you prefer an illuminating finish. Look for ingredients ending in "icone", such as dimethicone—these are silicones and are used to prolong makeup wear and smooth skin texture. However, they often result in a mattifying finish, so ensure there aren't too many and that they're not the main ingredients.

Ideally, if you want a glowy or dewy finish, opt for a water-based primer; look out for "aqua" as the primary ingredient in the formula.

How to Apply an Illuminating Primer

"I like to apply one to two pumps of the primer to clean and moisturised skin before going in with foundation or concealer," says Baubant. "You can also apply it to your neck and décolletage to give your collarbone a nice glow. If you want an even more radiant complexion, I like to mix in one pump with foundation too."

So, now you know how to use one, take a look at my favourites.

The Best Illuminating Primers

• Best Overall: Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer, £14
• Best for Long-Lasting Makeup: Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer, £27
• Best for a Radiant Finish: Vieve Skin Nova Instant Radiance Primer, £33
• Best for Dull Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Makeup Primer, £42
• Best for Oily Skin: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, £39

1. Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer

2. Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer

3. Vieve Skin Nova Instant Radiance Primer

Vieve is always my go-to brand for glowy base products, and this primer is no exception. The sleek packaging makes it great for travel, and it's really hydrating on the skin. Although the formula is a bright gold colour, don't let this put you off; it blends in beautifully.

"After considering primers to be purely a special occasion makeup product for many years, it was love at first try for me and this illuminating primer from Vieve, which has now been a makeup-bag staple for the past couple of years," says beauty contributor Mica Ricketts.

"I was worried at first that this might be a little much for my oily skin, but it really does deliver perfectly balanced radiance that looks naturally dewy rather than too slick. In fact, the finish is so beautiful that I often skip most of my other makeup, meaning it's a great timesaver too."

4. Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Makeup Primer

5. Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser

6. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer

7. Victoria Beckham Beauty X Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser

8. Guerlain Parure 24K Gold Radiance Booster Primer

9. By Terry Cellularose CC Serum

Okay, this product isn't technically a primer, but I always apply it under my makeup to add a little radiance. The CC Serum comes in six shades and is designed to brighten and moisturise the skin. In the summer months, I apply this and add a bit of concealer for a lit-from-within finish.

"For me, this is more of an investment makeup product due to the price, but you really do only need the tiniest amount, so it lasts for ages," says Ricketts. "Apricot Light is my go-to shade, and I adore the way that it not only boosts brightness, but subtly colour corrects and blurs over areas where I have a lot of acne scarring and redness from blemishes. For me, this works perfectly as a full base in its own right (if you like a sheer finish), but the luminosity does still shine through any concealers or foundations that you apply on top of it too."

10. Saie Glowy Super Gel

11. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

12. Refy Glow and Sculpt Primer

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.