CREDIT: SMASHBOX

Primers are one of those cosmetics that have a split vote as to whether they are worth it or not. Those who use primers would never do their makeup without using it where as some people just think of it as an extra, annoying step to their routine. Even though it may be an added step to your makeup routine, it could be a very beneficial one.

Makeup primers became very apparent in the '90s and have gained much popularity in today's cosmetic industry. Modern primers are nowhere near as basic as they used to be; some are colour correcting and some actually have treatments in them. Where primers used to the barrier between your skin care and makeup, they now can actually enhance your skin care as well as your makeup. Many brands today wouldn't even imagine not having a primer as part of their line.

There are so many primers nowadays, it's hard to pick out the best one, so I have narrowed it down to one of the best brands when it comes to picking a primer: Smashbox Cosmetics.

Primers are one of Smashbox's star products; they have a total of 11 face primers, many of which have won numerous awards. Eleven primers may seem daunting, but it is quite easy to decipher which one is best for you. They have three basic primers that are perfect for pretty much everyone, which help smooth out your foundation and make it last longer as well. They have their original formula, a light version (perfect for oilier skin) and then one with an SPF 20 (always beneficial).

Smashbox also has colour-correcting primers, which not only do what a regular primer does, but also help correct any pigmentation concerns. Their Luminizing Foundation Primer has a bit of a sheen and helps give a healthy overall glow to the complexion (perfect for the upcoming winter season). The Balance primer is lavender in colour and helps brighten up dull complexions as well as help diminish the appearance of dark spots. The Blend primer is apricot in colour and evens out skin discolouration especially areas with a darker pigmentation. The Adjust primer is green in colour and works miracles on any redness to the skin (without making you look like Shrek).

Smashbox also has specialty or treatment primers which actually benefit the skin in the long run. The Hydrating primer has an extract derived from desert plants that helps nourish the skin, even in harsh climates. It is super lightweight, oil-free and will reduce any flakiness that your foundation may be causing. The Targeted Line and Pore primer is a bit different from the rest of the primers because you only want to apply it to certain areas of the face (usually nose, forehead, and cheeks) as it completely blurs out pores and lines, giving you an airbrush finish.

The last two primers help treat your skin in the long run. More Than Primer Dark Spot Correcting helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and helps get rid of acne marks, giving a more radiant complexion while still having the benefits of a makeup primer. Blemish Control Primer (their newest primer) has 2 per cent salicylic acid, which helps actually treat acne, and since it's so lightweight it won't clog your pores!

If you're still skeptical on the idea of a primer, go get a makeup artist to do half your makeup with a primer and the other side without and your views on primers will more than likely change!