hyaluronic acid serum vs niacinamide serum

15 BEST FACE PRIMERS FOR MATURE SKIN, ACCORDING TO PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTS

For women entering middle age, the needs of their skin begin to change. It may become drier, lose elasticity, and wrinkles may become more obvious. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on perfect makeup! A primer made specifically for mature skin can be your secret weapon. Here’s the scoop on the 15 best face primers for mature skin, according to professional makeup artists. With their recommendations, you’ll find the perfect primer to hydrate, smooth, and create a long-lasting base for your makeup, while addressing the unique concerns of your mature skin.

OUR TOP PICKS

MILK HYDRO GRIP PRIMER

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a popular choice for all skin types, but it can be particularly beneficial for mature skin. This award-winning gel primer is infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, ingredients known to plump and hydrate the skin, helping to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. The innovative formula also contains blue agave extract, which acts like a grip to hold your makeup in place for up to 12 hours, while still leaving a dewy finish. This is a great option if you’re looking for a primer that will address dryness, keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day, and give you a radiant, youthful glow.

L’ORÉAL PARIS AGE PERFECT FACE BLURRING PRIMER

Designed specifically for mature skin, L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer is a multitasking wonder. This primer boasts a lightweight, velvety texture that feels comfortable all day long. It’s infused with a caring serum, which includes imperial peonies, to not only provide a blurring effect that minimizes the appearance of lines and pores but also improve your skin’s overall radiance and smoothness over time. The universal rosy formula adds a subtle hint of color to even out your complexion and promote a healthy-looking glow. This drugstore favorite is a perfect choice if you want a primer that combines instant blurring with long-term skincare benefits, all at an affordable price.

TATCHA THE LIQUID SILK CANVAS

For a luxurious primer experience, Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer caters to mature skin concerns with a blend of elegance and efficacy. This weightless liquid primer feels like silk on the skin, thanks to silk extracts that provide a smooth canvas for makeup application. It’s formulated without oil, making it suitable for even oily or combination mature skin types. But where The Liquid Silk Canvas truly shines is its protective qualities. It includes Tatcha’s signature Hadasei-3 complex, which helps shield skin from environmental aggressors that can exacerbate signs of aging. This primer is a great option if you prioritize a lightweight, luxurious feel with the added benefit of environmental protection for your mature skin.

HOURGLASS N° 28 PRIMER SERUM

Hourglass N°28 Primer Serum offers a unique two-in-one approach for mature skin. This silky, lightweight formula combines the benefits of a hydrating serum with a smoothing primer. Packed with 28 age-defying ingredients, it delivers a powerful dose of nourishment. Fourteen essential oils like lavender and geranium work to soften the appearance of fine lines, while 10 lipid-rich plant oils including jojoba and rosehip provide deep hydration. Vitamins A, B5, C, and E offer additional antioxidant protection and promote a healthy glow. This multi-tasking product is ideal for mature skin that craves both hydration and a flawless makeup base.

STRIVECTIN LINE BLURFECTOR INSTANT WRINKLE BLURRING PRIMER

StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer lives up to its name by offering both immediate and long-term benefits for mature skin. This primer utilizes a combination of blurring technology and skin-loving ingredients. The formula fills and optically minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. But StriVectin doesn’t stop there. It also features niacinamide and botanical extracts that work to improve skin texture and refine pores over time. This dual-action primer is a great choice if you want to see immediate results while also investing in the future health and appearance of your mature skin.

STILA ONE STEP CORRECT

Stila One Step Correct is a multi-tasking color-correcting primer that simplifies your routine for mature skin. This 3-in-1 formula combines a hydrating primer with color-correcting pigments to address various concerns and achieve a more even-toned complexion. Green tones help neutralize redness and camouflage blemishes, while lavender counteracts sallowness for a more vibrant appearance. Peach tones brighten and illuminate the skin, diminishing the look of sunspots and age spots. This all-in-one product is ideal for mature skin that needs a boost of hydration, color correction, and a radiant finish, all in one convenient step.

NO. 1 DE CHANEL SKIN ENHANCER

Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Skin Enhancer is a unique entry on this list, blurring the lines between skincare and makeup for mature skin. This product boasts a radiant illuminator formula that combines a hint of tint with skincare benefits. The key ingredient is Red Camellia Extract and Oil, formulated by Chanel research to promote vitality and shield the skin. While it provides a subtle color boost to even out skin tone, it isn’t designed for full-coverage. However, the lightweight texture works beautifully on its own for a natural, lit-from-within glow on mature skin, or can be layered under foundation for extra radiance and a touch of perfecting coverage.

ILIA TRUE SKIN RADIANT PRIMING SERUM

Ideal for those seeking a clean, multi-beneficial primer, ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum caters to mature skin with a focus on both makeup performance and skincare benefits. This silicone-free, lightweight formula combines the smoothing properties of a primer with nourishing ingredients. It helps to visibly firm and soften the look of fine lines, while also hydrating and soothing mature skin. Additionally, the serum protects against environmental aggressors that can contribute to signs of aging. This primer is a great choice if you prioritize clean beauty products that deliver a radiant, youthful canvas for makeup application while addressing the unique needs of mature skin.

HOURGLASS VANISH AIRBRUSH PRIMER

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is a favorite among makeup artists for its ability to create a flawless, airbrushed finish on mature skin. This translucent gel primer minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines with innovative microspherical powders. These blur imperfections without settling into wrinkles, a common concern for mature skin. The oil-absorbing formula also helps control shine throughout the day, ensuring your makeup stays put for a long-lasting, flawless look. While not specifically marketed as a hydrating primer, Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is suitable for most skin types, including mature skin, thanks to its lightweight, comfortable feel.

INNBEAUTY PROJECT SLUSHY SERUM MOISTURIZER CRUSH

The InnBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush is a unique product that combines the benefits of a serum and moisturizer in one, making it a great time-saving option for busy mornings. This lightweight formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, known for its powerful hydrating properties, to plump and quench mature skin. Bakuchiol, a gentler alternative to retinol, is also included to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The innovative slushy texture feels refreshing and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. This all-in-one product is ideal for mature skin that craves hydration, wants to target signs of aging, and appreciates a streamlined skincare routine.

DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY YUMMY SKIN MOISTURE REPAIR BALM SERUM

For mature skin that needs a deep dose of hydration and rejuvenation, Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm Serum offers a powerful solution. This 98% natural, fragrance-free balm-to-serum treatment combines the nourishing benefits of a balm with the lightweight feel of a serum. Packed with 16 key ingredients, including Centella Asiatica to soothe irritation and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, it plumps and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This multitasking product goes beyond immediate effects. Over time, it works to strengthen the skin barrier, targeting concerns like tightness, flakiness, and dullness that are common with mature skin. If you’re looking for a natural, deeply hydrating primer that repairs and transforms your mature skin, the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm Serum is a worthy contender.

SMASHBOX MINI PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER+ HYDRATING FACE PRIMER

Suitable for those who want to try before they commit or who prefer a travel-friendly size, the Smashbox Mini Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Face Primer offers a taste of the full-size version. This mini marvel packs the same benefits as its larger counterpart in a convenient, on-the-go size. Boasting a lightweight, water-based formula infused with triple hyaluronic acid, it delivers up to 72 hours of hydration, plumping and smoothing the appearance of fine lines on mature skin. This primer also strengthens the skin’s barrier to protect against environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light, which can contribute to signs of aging. Whether you’re new to Smashbox primers or simply looking for a handy travel companion, the Mini Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Face Primer is a great option for those with mature skin seeking hydration and a prepped canvas for makeup application.

BENEFIT COSMETICS BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL FACE PRIMER

A long-time favorite for a reason, Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer is a great all-rounder for mature skin. This oil-free formula minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines, creating a smooth, matte finish that’s ideal for makeup application. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout the day, without clogging pores or feeling heavy on mature skin. While not specifically marketed for hydration, many users find it doesn’t exacerbate dryness. The POREfessional Primer is a solid choice if you want a primer that addresses visible pores and fine lines, controls shine, and provides a long-lasting base for your makeup on mature skin.

GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK HYDRATING PRIMER

Designed specifically for mature skin, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer offers a luxurious and hydrating canvas. This lightweight formula is infused with shea butter, rice bran, and glycerin, providing deep nourishment and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The oil-in-water texture feels comfortable and refreshing, suitable for even drier skin types. Unlike some mattifying primers, Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer enhances your natural radiance for a dewy, youthful glow. This primer is a great choice for those with mature skin who want to create a smooth, luminous base for makeup application while addressing concerns like dryness and fine lines.

CATRICE THE HYDRATOR PLUMP & FRESH PRIMER

Catrice The Hydrator Plump & Fresh Primer is a budget-friendly option for mature skin seeking a boost of hydration and a plump, refreshed appearance. This lightweight primer is formulated with aloe vera, known for its soothing and hydrating properties, to quench thirsty mature skin. It also contains ingredients that help to mattify and minimize the appearance of pores. While not specifically targeted at addressing fine lines and wrinkles, the plumping effect can help to smooth their look. This drugstore primer is a great choice for those on a budget who want a hydrating primer that creates a fresh canvas for makeup application on mature skin.

ALL ABOUT FACE PRIMER

WHAT IS FACE PRIMER?

A face primer is a cosmetic product applied to the face before makeup to create a smooth base and enhance the wear of makeup. Primers can also be used to address specific skin concerns, such as oily skin, dryness, or large pores.

BENEFITS OF USING A FACE PRIMER

  • Creates a smooth base: Primers can help to fill in pores and fine lines, creating a smooth surface for makeup to apply to. This can help to make your makeup look more flawless and even.
  • Extends the wear of makeup: Primers can help to keep your makeup in place longer, preventing it from fading or smudging. This is especially important for people who have oily skin or who are going to be in a hot or humid environment.
  • Controls shine: If you have oily skin, a primer can help to control shine and keep your face looking matte.
  • Hydrates the skin: Some primers are also formulated to hydrate the skin. This can be beneficial for people with dry skin or who are using other drying makeup products, such as foundation powder.

TYPES OF FACE PRIMERS

There are many different types of face primers available, each with its own benefits. Some of the most common types of primers include:

  • Hydrating primers: These primers are designed to hydrate the skin and are a good choice for people with dry skin.
  • Mattifying primers: These primers are designed to control shine and are a good choice for people with oily skin.
  • Smoothing primers: These primers are designed to fill in pores and fine lines and are a good choice for people who want to create a smooth base for makeup application.
  • Illuminating primers: These primers are designed to give the skin a radiant glow and are a good choice for people who want to achieve a dewy look.

HOW TO APPLY FACE PRIMER

  • Cleanse and moisturize your face as usual.
  • Apply a small amount of primer to your fingertips or a makeup sponge.
  • Smooth the primer evenly over your face, paying attention to areas where you tend to get oily or where you have large pores.
  • Let the primer dry completely before applying your makeup.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FACE PRIMER

  • Consider your skin type: If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating primer. If you have oily skin, choose a mattifying primer.
  • Consider your desired finish: If you want a dewy finish, choose an illuminating primer. If you want a matte finish, choose a mattifying primer.
  • Consider your makeup concerns: If you have large pores, choose a smoothing primer. If you want to extend the wear of your makeup, choose a long-lasting primer.

Once you’ve found the right face primer for your skin type and needs, you can enjoy the benefits of a flawless, long-lasting makeup application.

CONCLUSION

With this list of the 15 best face primers for mature skin, chosen by professional makeup artists, you have countless options to target your specific concerns. Whether you prioritize hydration, smoothing out wrinkles, achieving radiant skin, or ensuring lasting wear, there’s a perfect primer for you. Remember to consider your skin type and desired results when choosing. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the primer that helps you achieve the most perfect, youthful makeup look! Remember, you need to follow a step-by-step make up guide that works for older women. Wishing you beauty always, no matter your age!

15 BEST TONERS FOR DRY SKIN

Dry skin can feel tight, rough, and flaky. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather, genetics, and aging. Toners can be a great addition to your skincare routine for dry skin, as they can help to remove impurities, balance your skin’s pH, and prepare it for moisturizer. But with so many toners on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Here’s a guide to the 15 best toners for dry skin.

OUR TOP PICKS 

CERAVE HYDRATING TONER

CeraVe’s soothing toner offers a refreshing dose of hydration and nourishment for your skin, thanks to its key ingredients including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. This 6.8 oz product is particularly well-suited for individuals with active skincare routines, as it replenishes moisture and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Despite some reports of stickiness by a few reviewers, its hydrating formula leaves skin feeling soothed and revitalized.

ELTAMD SKIN RECOVERY ESSENCE TONER

This toner from CeraVe is suitable for all skin types due to its gentle formula and high-quality ingredients. Free of alcohol and fragrance, it preserves the skin’s natural oils and features a patented blend of amino acids that soothe irritation and enhance the skin barrier. Reviewers praise its effectiveness in reducing pore size and improving wrinkles, with noticeable results from the first use. However, a few users found the formula to be too drying for their skin. Available in a 7.3 oz size, this toner offers gentle and calming benefits for a variety of skincare needs.

TOWER 28 SOS DAILY RESCUE FACIAL SPRAY

Tower28’s red spray bottle toner has garnered popularity for its gentle, non-irritating formula that improves skin tone and is suitable for all skin types. Free of fragrance and housed in a convenient spray bottle, this toner contains hypochlorous acid, known for its calming and purifying properties. Endorsed by the National Eczema Association, it effectively soothes eczema flare-ups, inflamed acne, and perioral dermatitis. While some users find the spray a bit harsh, the lightweight formula quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it hydrated, radiant, and refreshed. Despite the desire for a finer mist, the toner’s efficacy in calming irritation and promoting skin healing makes it a popular choice among skincare enthusiasts.

PAULA’S CHOICE SKIN PERFECTING 6% MANDELIC ACID + 2% LACTIC ACID LIQUID EXFOLIANT

If you’re looking for a toner that gently exfoliates while also hydrating dry skin, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant is a great option. This unique formula combines two alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – mandelic acid and lactic acid – to remove dead skin cells without irritation. Mandelic acid is known for being gentler on skin than other AHAs, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. Lactic acid, a naturally occurring AHA, helps to hydrate and plump the skin. This exfoliating toner can help to improve the appearance of dry skin by smoothing rough texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and brightening the complexion. It’s also formulated to be fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY DAILY GLOW TONER WITH NIACINAMIDE

Charlotte Tilbury’s lightweight solution is suitable for all skin types and doesn’t contain any harsh acids. It uses niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3, which helps to brighten the skin and has multiple benefits like calming, moisturizing, and strengthening the skin. Sephora customers love it because it’s gentle, clears pores, and improves skin texture, making it great for preparing the skin before applying makeup. It’s particularly good for people using strong retinoids, as it doesn’t contain drying or irritating ingredients like BHA or AHA. Even if you’re using retinol, you can safely use this product alongside it. It’s praised for its nice texture and hydrating formula, but it’s on the pricey side. You get 5 ounces of product in each bottle.

SK-II CLEAR LOTION SKIN TONER

The SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner is praised for its ability to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin without any fragrance. It’s suitable for all skin types. The main ingredient, Pitera™, along with AHAs, helps to improve skin texture by providing essential nutrients. Users find it hydrating and soothing, noticing immediate improvements in dullness and texture. It effectively cleans pores, even picking up dirt missed during face washing. However, some users note that the bottle can leak a bit, so caution is advised when pouring the slightly runny solution from the frosted bottle.

LA MER THE ESSENTIAL TONIC

La Mer’s The Essential Tonic is a luxurious choice for hydrating and refreshing your skin. Despite being on the pricey side, its key ingredients, including Miracle Broth and marine ferment, provide deep moisture and soothing benefits. It’s designed to complement La Mer’s Creme de La Mer moisturizer, enveloping your skin in hydration. With a perfect 5-star rating on Sephora, it’s hailed as the best splurge toner for those looking to indulge in high-quality skincare. Available in a 6.7 oz size, this tonic offers a lavish addition to your skincare routine.

CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ ESSENTIAL REFINING ESSENCE

Toners like this one, which contain alcohol and succinic acid, are adept at managing sebum production, thus diminishing surface shine and greasiness on the skin. The incorporation of hyaluronic acid and glycerin in this formula is applauded for preventing excessive dryness. Many individuals with oily skin regard this toner as a valuable investment, commending its capacity to regulate oil levels and impart a revitalizing radiance that lasts all day. Users appreciate its cooling sensation and its ability to enhance makeup application. Nonetheless, it is considered expensive, and some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the scent. Each bottle holds 5.7 ounces of product.

MURAD CLARIFYING TONER

Many people who care about their skin choose the Murad Clarifying Toner to help get rid of blemishes and make their skin clearer and healthier. This toner has special things like witch hazel extract, which makes pores smaller and reduces redness. It also takes away extra oil and dirt from your skin without making it too dry. There are good things in it like grape seed extract and vitamin E that protect your skin from things that can make it worse, like pollution. People like how it feels fresh and makes their skin clean and full of energy. It’s great for skin that’s oily or gets acne often. Using the Murad Clarifying Toner can be an important part of making your skin look better and clearer.

SKINCARE JUNKIE PORE THERAPY DAILY TONER PADS

People who love taking care of their skin really like using Skincare Junkie Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads. These pads have a strong formula that helps make your skin look fresh, brighter, and less crowded with dirt and oil. They have important stuff like salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid that clean out your pores and make your skin smoother. They also have fruit enzymes and PHAs that make your skin look better and feel nicer, along with hyaluronic acid that keeps your skin hydrated. On Amazon, they got a perfect 5-star rating, and people say they’re the best for getting beautiful skin. Each pack comes with 50 pads, so you have plenty for your everyday skincare routine.

THE ORDINARY GLYCOLIC ACID 7% TONING SOLUTION

In the quest for clearer skin, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution steps up as a champion for blemish-prone and acne-faring complexions. This toner packs a punch with 7% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that acts as a chemical exfoliant. By gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, it helps clear clogged pores, reducing the appearance of blemishes and preventing future breakouts. However, unlike some harsh acne treatments, The Ordinary’s toner boasts a formulation that prioritizes balance. Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative is included to lessen the potential for irritation that AHAs can sometimes cause on sensitive skin. This toner also aims to improve overall skin texture and tone, promoting a smoother and brighter appearance. 

INNISFREE GREEN TEA HYALURONIC ACID TONER

Innisfree’s Green Tea Facial Toner is praised for its ability to calm and soothe irritated skin, thanks to its key ingredients: panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and green tea tri-biotics™. Green tea is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can effectively alleviate skin irritation, redness, and swelling. This toner harnesses the balancing benefits of green tea leaves in a lightweight liquid formula that feels gentle on the skin. With a size of 6.8 fluid ounces, this product offers ample supply for daily use. Keep in mind that Innisfree’s Green Tea Facial Toner is not cruelty-free.

HARUHARU WONDER BLACK RICE HYALURONIC TONER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

The Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice toner is made especially for sensitive skin, giving it a gentle but good treatment. It has ingredients like rice extract and hyaluronic acid that calm and hydrate your skin. With fermented black rice extract and other good stuff, it helps sensitive skin. K-beauty is famous for using ingredients that soothe the skin without causing irritation, and this toner does just that. But, some people say it can sometimes make your skin feel a bit dry. Each bottle has 5.1 ounces of product, so you have enough for your skincare routine.

PIXI GLOW TONIC

For those with combination skin, which can be oily in some areas and dry in others, finding the right balance is key. Pixi Glow Tonic might be your perfect match. This toner contains 5% glycolic acid, a gentle yet effective AHA that exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. This can help to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores in oily areas, while also promoting smoother texture and a brighter tone overall. Pixi Glow Tonic goes beyond just exfoliation, though. It’s formulated with soothing ingredients like ginseng and aloe vera to calm and hydrate, addressing dryness concerns. This balance of exfoliation and hydration makes it a good option for combination skin, helping to regulate oil production without stripping away essential moisture.

RENEE ROULEAU ELDERBERRY SOOTHING TONER

Infused with elderberry fruit extract, sodium PCA, and biosaccharide gum-1, this alcohol-free toner offers anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, perfect for sensitive skin. Users appreciate its ability to balance and relax the skin, preventing post-cleanse discomfort and promoting a healthy glow. Additionally, it’s noted for reducing hyperpigmentation and is suitable for sensitive, breakout-prone skin due to its minimal ingredient list. With anti-aging benefits packed in, this toner offers a comprehensive solution for skincare needs. Each bottle contains 6 fluid ounces of product, and it’s cruelty-free.

WHAT CAN FACIAL TONER DO FOR YOUR SKIN?

In the past, toners were mainly used to control oily skin and acne, especially in teenagers. But now, they’ve changed a lot. Toners today are made for different skin types and problems to help you take better care of your skin.

Usually, toners are used after washing your face to prepare it for other skincare products like serums and moisturizers. They work quickly to get into your skin and remove any leftover makeup or dirt. Some toners have acids that help remove dead skin cells and make your skin smoother. Others focus on hydrating your skin to keep it moisturized. Basically, the type of toner you use decides what it does for your skin.

HOW DO YOU APPLY FACIAL TONER?

Applying facial toner is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps:

Start with a freshly cleansed face: Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and pat it dry with a clean towel.

Pour or spray the toner onto a cotton pad: Shake the toner bottle if needed, then pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad. Alternatively, some toners come in spray bottles, allowing you to mist it directly onto your face.

Swipe the cotton pad across your face: Gently sweep the saturated cotton pad across your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. Focus on areas that may be oilier or have more impurities, such as the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone).

Allow the toner to dry: Let the toner absorb into your skin for a few seconds to a minute before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.

Follow with moisturizer: Once the toner has dried, apply your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration and complete your skincare routine.

CONCLUSION

Do you really need toner? Yes, toner is really necessary for the skin. And finding the best toner for dry skin is important for maintaining hydrated and healthy skin. With many options available, it is essential to consider factors such as ingredients, hydration levels and skin sensitivity when choosing the right toner for your needs. From alcohol-free formulas infused with hyaluronic acid to soothing toners infused with plant extracts, there are toners designed to address specific dry skin concerns. (rewrite this)