To Prime or Not to Prime

To Prime or Not to Prime

Every artist has that one question they get asked over and over again.

For me, it’s this: “Do I really need a primer?”

Some people swear by it. Others think it’s just an extra step.

So who’s right?

Well, after years behind the brush (and plenty of experimentation), I’ve come to a pretty clear conclusion.

The Primer That Changed Everything

Let me introduce you to Brilliant Glow: Illuminating Primer & Skin Perfector, a.k.a the product that ended the debate for me.

This two-in-one skincare-meets-makeup formula doesn’t just prep the skin; it transforms it. The moment it launched, I knew it was something special. It's now available in two glow-getting shades:

  • Light/Fair: a cool champagne tone

  • Medium/Dark: a warm bronze tone

What Makes it So Brilliant

At the heart of Brilliant Glow is the WonderBright Complex, a blend designed to make your skin look (and feel) lit from within.

Here’s what’s doing the work:

  • Vitamin C Derivative: helps brighten with continued use

  • Cucumber Essence: hydrates up to 4x more effectively than hyaluronic acid

  • Micro-Pearls: blur fine lines for that soft-focus, radiant finish

It’s skincare that performs like makeup — and makeup that treats your skin like skincare.

How I Use It

My favorite routine for an effortless, radiant look:

  1. Apply a sheer layer of Brilliant Glow all over as a primer.

  2. Add Perfect Canvas Foundation for a smooth, even base.

  3. Finish with a second light layer of Brilliant Glow on the cheekbones for a natural, photo-ready highlight.

The result? A semi-matte glow that’s radiant — never greasy, glittery, or overdone.

I’ve used it on countless brides (including myself!) and the photos always speak for themselves: that angelic, bridal glow every woman dreams of.

Ways to Apply

Brilliant Glow works beautifully with:

  • Your hands

  • A brush

  • A sponge

  • Or TEMPTU Air, which is my personal favorite for layering throughout the day

The Air allows you to build whisper-light layers, perfect for quick touch-ups when you need a little extra refresh.

Bonus Tip: All-Over Radiance

Here’s a trick I love sharing — even with my fair-skinned clients:

Use the medium/dark shade as a body bronzer.

It adds warmth, subtle shimmer, and a healthy summer glow — no orange tones, no streaks, no self-tanner drama.

Settling the Debate Once & For All

So, do you really need to prime?

After seeing what Brilliant Glow can do, my answer is simple: yes, every time.

Because when a primer makes your skin look this radiant, it’s no longer optional—it’s essential.

Written by Pro Artist, Kyle Harder