ELLE beauty edit: skin perfectors

Somewhere between a primer and a tinted moisturiser, skin perfectors are fast becoming must-haves in our make-up bags. Thanks to their skin-smoothing, shine-erasing, glow-giving properties, they add life to tired complexions and get it perfectly prepped for foundation. With party season fast approaching and lots of late nights on the horizon, trust us, you're going to want to add one into your beauty routine. Here are our top picks...

Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector, £26

Not only does this disguise imperfections and even out skin tone, but it contains a subtle iridescent sheen, which leaves skin radiant and luminous. Mix a small blob in with your regular foundation for an instant winter-skin pick-me-up.

Benefit The POREfessional, £24.50

More than just a primer (although it does prep skin beautifully for base), this mattifies, fills in fine lines and reduces pores and leaves skin looking smoother and more refined.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Magic Touch Instant Blur, £12.99

Clinically proven by dermatologist specialists to enhance the quality of your skin (that's texture, tone and pores), this also minimises redness (hurrah), and adds a flattering soft-focus effect to skin. Plus Cheryl Cole is a big fan, and if it's good enough for Cheryl...

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal, £30

We loved the original liquid but we adore the pressed version of this light-reflecting cult product too. Use it post-foundation to add radiance to skin (don't forget to dab a little on your cupid's bow and in the inner corners of your eyes to widen), but unlike other foundations it's creamy texture means skin will look velvety, not cakey. Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups too.&

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up, £30

A moisturiser, primer and mask in one this genius hybrid plumps, hydrates and leaves skin smoother, softer and more even, in seconds. Thanks to its multi-tasking ability it has become our go-to product when time is short but we're in need of some serious face-saving help.

Charlotte Tilbury WonderGlow, £38.50

We can't get enough of this quick fix for tired, dull skin. Pressed on pre or post make-up it transforms lacklustre complexions by diffusing light back onto ski and flooding it with luminosity. We promise once you try it, you'll be just as hooked as we are.

Lancome Visionnaire Blur, £40

Formulated with PhotoSmooth technology and a silky gel texture, this glides on to skin underneath make-up to correct uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. We'll take two please.