Tara O’Farrell’s new favourite primer costs less than a fiver and we’re mad to try it

If an actual makeup artist is recommending something, you can be fairly sure it's decent.

Tara O'Farrell is one of our favourite names in Irish beauty; not least because she's always using affordable bits. Longtime followers of the the Dublin-based MUA (who goes by @tara_makeup on social media) will know that she's a major fan of brands like Rimmel, Bourgeois and Catrice. She's even been known to pick up products in Dealz - truly a woman after our own hearts. The latest pocket-friendly range she's loving? The Ordinary. The brand has become a cult hit around the world thanks to a high-quality range of skincare and makeup chock full of fancy ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid that typically retail for less then €10 to €15. The Ordinary's High Adherence Blurring Surface Smoother and Primer caught Tara's eye in Arnotts recently. She told her Instagram followers that she'd tried it out both on herself and with others and that she was pretty impressed. The formula would best suit oily skin like hers, she added. Like lots of our favourite primers, this one is silicone based. Silicone works like a dream with oily complexions. Its thicker consistency and staying power help to smooth out skin's appearance, fill pores and acne scars and could even help to reduce breakouts by putting a layer between skin and your makeup. (Don't believe us? Benefit's Porefessional is a best-selling silicone based primer - check out the difference it makes to foundation application here.) This lad promises to be mattifying but also hydrating. It's also oil-free, pretty much pH neutral and cruelty free, if that's your jam. You can grab it online or in Arnotts for €4.90.