A primer was never included in my make up bag; I didn't really see the point in using them, until recently. I found that during the hot weather my make up felt as though it was sliding off and melting away - causing me to re-apply and use more and more of it up! I switched to using a tinted moisturiser but missed the protection and the coverage that foundation gives you. After doing some research and asking my friends I was introduced to the wonderful world of primers!

A primer is very useful as it evens out your skin tone, smoothes away any impurities and banishes those pesky pores, leaving your skin prepped and primed for foundation. It also helps your make up stay on for longer and look more 'flawless.'

All you have to do is find the one for you - but there are SO many to choose from, I did not know where to start! As I had never used a primer before, I wanted to start off with a cheap one to see how it worked for me, that way if I found I did not like it; my bank balance wouldn't be too shocked! That is where I found Boots 17 Photo Flawless Primer and at £4.99 I could not say no!

Packaged in a black plastic tube, (a little like a lip gloss) with gold writing presented on the front informing you of the name and the aim. I like the way it looks as I feel it's quite sleek and sophisticated without being too simple or too over the top, all of the Boots 17 range are packaged in a similar way. To access the product, you simply unscrew the lid and squeeze the tube. One disappointment would be the size of the primer - the contents is only 15ml which makes me feel like I can't use a generous amount each time, so it does not last long meaning I end up going through quite a few! But for a cheap price, can you complain?

The product itself feels very creamy and is clear in colour, it does not have a scent which I find more appealing as some beauty products have a smell that is so overpowering it would give your perfume a run for its money! The application is very easy and straightforward - I like to apply mine with my fingers, however you can use a foundation or stippling brush if you wish. As soon as I have applied it, I can see that my skin feels noticeably softer and sometimes if I am not going to be wearing make up on a 'lazy day' I will just pop a bit of this on and it really does make all the difference!

However when I am wearing foundation, I apply it straight after the primer and find that it helps it to stay on and make my face feel and look smoother! My foundation no longer disappears during the day and I feel I can once more, wear it with confidence!

This primer claims to minimise pores, however I have not seen any evidence of this - so if you are concerned or have a problem with pores I would not recommend this product as I personally have not seen a dramatic difference. Also there is no oil control, I have combination skin and in the oil patches I sometimes find I have to apply a little bit more powder! So if you have oil prone skin perhaps that is something to think about! Everybody's skin is different, so I think if you are interested in this product the best thing to do is purchase it for the cheap price of £4.99 and see how you get along with it!

Personally, I use this as my everyday staple for my prep before foundation, however when I am going out or on a special occasion I like to use a slightly more high end product. I would recommend this to a friend as I love the way it makes my foundation look and more importantly feel. If you're looking for a primer that does the job - look no further!

Available at Boots or Boots.com