We Never Used to Wear Primer, But This One Changed Our Minds and Makeup Forever

There are two types of people in the world: those who believe that no makeup look is complete without a good primer and those who have worn primer on special occasions but never include it on their list of must-have beauty products. Because this is a safe space and I would never lie to you, I'm going to be transparent and say that I've always fallen into the latter category—until recently. I remember applying primer for special occasions like prom, college banquets, and summer soirées, but I was never one to reach for this product on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong—I'm not denying the effectiveness of primer (the before and after pics below don't lie), but I am admitting that I've always kept my routine short, sweet, and under 10 products. But after multiple applications and a longevity test, I am pleased to announce that I'm now a proud primer enthusiast.

Allow me to introduce you to the primer that made me convert. Hourglass's newly launched Vanish Airbrush Primer ($56) has a translucent gel formula that glides on the skin with ease and instantly creates a blurring effect. Formulated with innovative micro-spherical powders and without parabens or sulfates, this is the kind of product I never have to question. In short, prepare for the look of pores, fine lines, and excess oil to make a disappearing act while this primer earns a permanent spot in your beauty cabinet. But no more spoilers—you're here for the results, and editor in chief Kat Collings and I are here to give them to you. From LA to NYC, we put Hourglass's three steps to airbrushed skin to the test by creating a full look using the Vanish Airbrush Primer, Seamless Finish Foundation Stick ($48), and Airbrush Concealer ($36). Did it give us a flawless face? Did it hold up through a typical long day of work? Keep scrolling to find out.

Kat Collings, Editor in Chief

"I live in Los Angeles, and my typical workday varies, but it usually includes meetings, seeing samples of our clothing lines, writing stories, and attending press events. I like my everyday makeup routine to be simple, so it usually consists of six core products: skin tint, concealer, brow gel, mascara, blush, and lip tint. I've never regularly used a primer because I considered it an unnecessary step for everyday life. I thought primer was a product just for 'the professionals' and only made sense if you're getting makeup done for an event where you'll be photographed, like a wedding or red carpet."

"Honestly, so much about this primer blew my mind. I had no idea primer could absorb oil and balance the skin. The pictures don't lie—my before and afters definitely show a noticeable difference in shine. I was also surprised that it made my makeup last all day long. I knew primer was supposed to make foundation and concealer look more seamless, but I had no clue that it's a complete hack for giving your makeup staying power. It was the ultimate test when I applied it in the morning and didn't feel the need to touch up before a night out."

"The foundation stick completely changed my idea of what foundation can be. Previously, I thought foundation was good at concealing but also super heavy, so you'd inevitably look like you're wearing too much makeup or have some issue, whether that was caking, the worsening of dry skin, or the dreaded line along your jaw where the makeup stops. This foundation is a different breed, though. It packs the coverage of a serious foundation, but it's also super fluid and weightless like a serum skin tint or BB cream. It turns out you can have the best of both worlds."

"This concealer is the perfect finishing touch to my flawless trio. What stood out the most to me about it was how much brighter my skin looked. I've been in a personal battle with my dark under-eye circles for years now, and they finally retreated with the concealer on my side."

Aniyah Morinia, Associate Editor

"I live in NYC, and a typical day for me includes working from home, shooting content, and treating myself to dinner or something sweet as a reward for getting through the workday. My weekends are a bit more social, but on the weekdays, I stick to a pretty consistent routine. I like to think of myself as a beauty minimalist, keeping my daily routine at just five simple products, give or take. Primer typically hasn't been included in this top five—not because I thought I didn't need it, but I just hadn't found a primer that I loved until now."

"I'm always scrolling on Instagram and saving and sharing flawless, airbrushed beauty looks, but I struggle to achieve that effect IRL. For the first time, I started my makeup look with Hourglass's primer, and I felt that my finished product was comparable to a filter on Instagram. I love how quickly I felt the product working. I didn't expect to see the blurring effect in action before even applying my base. My skin truly looked super even and airbrushed, bringing my selfie game to new heights. I'm someone who immediately wants to take my makeup off after a long day, but that didn't happen because my makeup looked so good all day long. (And I couldn’t stop taking selfies.)"

"I'll be the first to admit that my standards for foundation are incredibly high, and not many foundations impress me. I like easy application, a natural finish, and full coverage. The foundation stick checks every box. It's buildable and covers the majority of my blemishes, so I don't have to use too much concealer, which could create a heavy or cakey look. Think maximum coverage with minimal product."

"Concealer is a must-have product for me. Whether I'm going for a full glam look or just doing my everyday makeup routine, my concealer is of the utmost importance. I struggle with dark circles and hyperpigmentation, and this concealer hid both of those while also giving me a radiant look. I'm definitely swapping out my drugstore concealer for this one to achieve that filter finish every single time."

What makes this trio so appealing is that each product works well in any climate. Whether you're in sunny Los Angeles, brisk NYC, or anywhere in between, this stuff will keep your skin and makeup looking fresh from morning till night. If you need me, I'll be sending product links to everyone I know and stocking up for my next vacation.