The Best Cruelty Free & Vegan Makeup Primer in UK
Sometimes makeup can be a bit of a pain, you know, when you spend all that time perfecting your streak-free look with your favourite brands and brushes, only to find it has become a patchy mess a couple of hours later. Especially now, when so many external factors, such as the changing weather and steamy masks, can affect our overall look.
Naturally, areas of our face can need a little more encouragement than others when it comes to controlling surface texture that’s optimal for makeup, such as the T-zone which is often too oily or too dry, porous, and generally troublesome. These types of skin issues can mean bad makeup days, where you wind up looking like you stood in a hot shower directly post makeup.
With all that, when you have a great makeup day when everything just seems to stay put - you relish in it (selfie optional to remember it by). At Poko, we’ve figured it’s probably down to your base under the makeup aka your primer. Luckily for everyone, we’ve developed the best cruelty-free primer vegan makeup primer in UK that’s useful for any makeup application or perfect on its own.
How does a primer affect makeup?
Primer is exactly what it says on the tin - it primes the skin for what is about to come afterwards, such as liquid foundations, concealers, or even tinted moisturisers. Primers work to smooth out the skin, filling in the pores to create an optimised skin surface. Essentially, a primer can create a supple base for ease of makeup application.
Oftentimes, primer is sold as an individual product intended to be the last step in your skincare routine before you apply makeup. Using primer as part of a high-quality skincare routine creates the ideal canvas for a natural glow or full face of makeup alike.
As well as that, a primer has many different forms. It can also be used to extend the freshness of makeup by using the same technology in a slightly different formulation, such as a spray bottle aka a setting mist. It can be used prior to makeup application or afterwards for a look that won’t waver.
Primer or moisturiser - what’s the difference?
With that being said, there is an ongoing debate that primers can be a “take it or leave it” type of product, with many skincare fanatics wondering if they are essential. Truth is, it’s all down to the quality and formulation of the product - but also, is this extra step actually necessary?
Well, yes! If your intention is to create a flawless, natural, and professional look - then this can only be achieved with the right foundation. Nope, not the makeup kind - the skincare kind.
Moisturisers and primers are both similar in style. The moisturising properties you get from a moisturiser provides you with the needed balance for dry and irritated skin. Primers, on the other hand, take things one step further, especially if you intend to wear makeup afterwards.
However, not everyone remembers to add the extra step to their routine. Or, you simply may not want to stock up on too many products as things might get a little confusing. Therefore, we’ve come up with the perfect solution.
Our collection of hydrating moisturisers is both innovative and practical combining moisturising properties with a priming base. We’ve developed the best cruelty-free makeup primer that doubles as a moisturiser. Meaning, you don’t have to do any of the deciding or remembering - so you can get a two-for-one deal.
Take care
Reapply throughout the day as needed (even on top of foundation!). This is ideal for us makeup lovers to ensure it stays looking good. However, take care when reapplying moisturiser on top of powder-based makeup products.
Most powder products provide a matte finish to combat oil production on some skin types. So, think twice before lashing a wet product on top of a powder finish to avoid a mucky mess. Opt for a setting spray instead of a powder - or simply just embracing your natural glow with our vegan primer on its own!
This cruelty-free primer should be the last step in your skincare routine prior to makeup. Cleanse and tone the skin then dot the moisturiser all over your face. Gently work in circular motions, allowing it to settle into the skin for about five minutes before applying makeup.
Be two steps ahead
We’re not done just yet. What’s the point in applying product after product on top of a base that isn't secure?
Think of it like painting a wooden table, you have to sand and prime it first before you can get an even coating. So, the more care and attention you put in from the start, the better the outcome will be. The same logic applies to skincare, so you can start your prep way in advance from the night before.
The Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser can be used as a night cream to even the skin tone, combat skin dullness, and restore its natural texture that can be affected with age. Likewise, you can also apply this one during the day, but we love it as a nighttime treat.
Collagen is a natural structure deep in the skin’s tissue that tends to fall in production as we age. Which is no fun, as collagen is what makes our skin appear fresher and generally stronger. Active ingredients in the Ultra Hydrating Moisturiser are combined with added matrixyl 3000 to stimulate collagen production.
Our cruelty-free primer gives us much-needed support in targeting dehydration from the loss of collagen in the skin - which in turn will provide a suitable skin quality that acts as a primer for makeup application. As well as that, this moisturiser reduces the effects of uneven skin tone that may happen over time due to sun exposure. This is great news, as our concealer may have less of a job at hand.
Poko tip: Always wear an SPF when using this one - as collagen may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Make life easier and find a matching foundation or powder with added SPF in the formulation.
Silky Smooth
One of our newest additions to the Poko family, the Super Light Silky Moisturiser saves lacklustre skin and transforms it with a healthy glow. The new Super Light is exactly that, an incredibly lightweight texture suitable for application anywhere on the body. However, we find it works particularly well for the face especially as a makeup primer.
Biometric moisturisers and natural sugars keep skin hydrated and plumped, such as fructose, urea, and trehalose. These are naturally occurring sugars that appear in many fruits and are very beneficial to human skin. The Super Light uses ingredients to replicate the essential Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) of the skin’s epidermis, which tends to diminish with age.
Humectants are substances used to keep things moist and retain significant amounts of water, providing quenching of the skin. Urea is a humectant and natural emollient that gives our skin some much-needed smoothing. Good news for our makeup! Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are also humectants, drawing in dewiness as needed.
Apply as liberally as needed, as a base or as a top-up. Its lightweight texture means it is forgiving to our pores. Dot around the face and work in light, circular motions. This one is sure to give you a glow, perfect as an under makeup base for a dewy finish.
Poko tip: why not use this on your body too? We find it’s amazing prior to tan application. Apply liberally to areas of the body as needed at least a day before applying your favourite tan.
Sink or...serum?
If you’re not convinced by our suggestions so far, then maybe our lightweight Soothing Serum will do the trick. This one is used to combat stressed-out skin from environmental factors such as the wind or air conditioning. In turn, these factors force the skin to produce an excessive amount of oil in an attempt to moisturise itself.
This oil buildup is bad news for our makeup - often causing it to split on the surface and become patchy. If that’s not bad enough, this oil production leads to unwanted acne.
Aloe vera powder is a concentrated source of enzymes and antioxidants to protect the skin against pollutants, and works as a natural anti-inflammatory. Tea tree oil takes it even further, helping to revive the skin in reducing its general irritation. This serum makes a perfect pair with the Light Hydrating Moisturiser or the Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser and should be used as an add-on to enhance their performance.
Apply the serum under these moisturisers to ensure proper absorption. Simply pump a small amount of product onto your fingers and pat lightly into the skin after cleansing and toning. We know the morning is a test of time, but try to let it settle before rushing in with a moisturiser.
There’s more
Just when you thought we were done, our Luxury Facial Oil can take things even further. Powerful moringa oil and baobab oil contain vitamins A, D, E, and F to fight moisture loss and replenish the skin. Using natural oils in skincare has many benefits, such as keeping the skin from drying out.
The sebaceous glands naturally produce oil throughout the day to moisturise the skin, which is fine, however, it can be troublesome. Age and free radicals can lead to the overproduction of these oils which may clog the pores and destroy your makeup. Overproduction means that the skin needs help to function properly - enter the Luxury Facial Oil.
Prepping the skin with our facial oil regularly should help keep the natural oil production under control for a look that won’t slip. The oil can be used independently as desired or mixed into your moisturiser. Apply a couple of drops to the skin in upward motions after moisturising or together with your moisturiser of choice.
Prime your face and your makeup
We’ve covered priming the skin for the perfect skin texture, but what about enhancing the texture of your foundation? Dab your foundation on the back of your hand with a couple of drops of oil to create a glossy consistency.
Apply your makeup directly with your fingertips or your favourite foundation brush to give your skin the ultimate natural glow. This could be the final step after your priming moisturiser to ensure an even finish. We’ve tried it, and love the goddess-like results!
However, if you opt for a brush application, ensure proper aftercare to clean your utensils. Oil product buildup can affect the overall texture of the brush’s bristles and may lead to unwanted bacteria. Steep your brush in some lukewarm water, swirl it around, and then run it under the tap until the water runs clear. Let air dry until you’re ready to apply your makeup again - perfect!
We’ve done our job, has your makeup?
As a vegan and cruelty-free brand, we love to shout it from the rooftops. When it comes to using your favourite foundations, concealers, or blushes there’s a thought that may come into mind - is this vegan?
We pride ourselves on our commitment to keeping animals safe from unnecessary testing and are always vegan friendly and cruelty-free. As a plant-based brand, we’ve developed some of the best cruelty free face primers for your ease of mind. So you can enjoy a well-deserved skincare treat that enhances your makeup application while ensuring that our furry friends don’t suffer for it.
Generally, when you opt for products that are against animal testing and the use of by-products you are also ensuring your skin is getting a more natural and mindful solution. Always look for approving testing on the packaging of products, such as the Leaping Bunny logo and the Vegan Society - which we proudly have.
Curveball: "vegan" does not mean "cruelty-free". Blunt, we know, but the differences have importance. Vegan simply means that the ingredients used to make the formulation contain no animal products or by-products. Cruelty-free ensures the makeup is never tested on animals either as a final product or its listed ingredients. The development process of vegan and cruelty-free ensures the safety of the animals that we adhere to on the daily.
The best cruelty free primer UK
So there you have it. Getting your makeup to look just right can be down to a number of factors. Whether it’s your individual skill level or makeup products of choice - one thing you need is a good base underneath. A good base means a good moisturiser and a good priming moisturiser at that. Regardless of weather conditions or a professional application, a little secret is what’s in our Poko products.
The layering of skincare products ensures the ultimate makeup application for a natural look or full-face look. Your skin will thank you as it embraces some skin-loving properties from our cruelty-free face primers. Look after your skin from morning till night so you're ready for a day of baking (not the cake kind).
Better yet, you can apply your favourite skincare knowing that everyone is benefiting, hint: you and the animals. Strictly, our priming moisturisers and all other products are completely cruelty-free.
We believe in enhancing your natural beauty and giving you the means to glow. Should you choose a full face of makeup or a natural soft finish, just know that we’ve got the goods to cheer you on.