Best Makeup Primers for a Flawless Base
Makeup primers are an essential part of any makeup routine. They create a smooth base for foundation, help makeup last longer, and can even out skin tone. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the best makeup primer that suits your needs.
When looking for the best makeup primer, the critical thing to consider is your skin type. Primers come in different formulations, including oil-free, silicone-based, and hydrating. If you have oily skin, an oil-free primer will help control shine and prevent makeup from sliding off. If you have dry skin, a hydrating primer will provide extra moisture and prevent flakiness.
Another factor to consider is the finish you want to achieve. Some primers have a matte finish, while others have a dewy or luminous finish. A matte primer is ideal if you want to control shine, while a dewy primer is perfect for achieving a radiant glow.
After researching and testing various makeup primers, we have identified the best makeup primers that cater to different skin types and finishes. Whether you’re looking for a long-lasting primer or a primer that will give you a flawless finish, we’ve got you covered.
Best Makeup Primers
As makeup enthusiasts, we know that a good primer can make all the difference in achieving a flawless, long-lasting look. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best makeup primers on the market. Whether you’re looking for a primer to smooth out your skin’s texture, control oil, or extend the wear of your foundation, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
1) e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
If you’re looking for a primer that will grip your makeup while hydrating your skin, e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a great option. Here are the pros and cons we’ve found after using this product:
PROS
CONS
We were impressed with how well this primer kept our makeup in place throughout the day. It also gave our skin a smooth, soft-focus effect. We appreciated that it was formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to keep our skin hydrated.
However, we did find that it was difficult to apply eye makeup over this primer. It also felt sticky at first, although it did blend into our skin quickly. Finally, we’re not sure if this primer will work well for all skin types.
Overall, we think that e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a great option for those looking for a primer that will grip their makeup and hydrate their skin. Just be aware that it may not work well for all skin types and can be difficult to use with eye makeup.
2) e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
If you’re looking for a primer that will give you a smooth, flawless canvas for long-lasting makeup application, then the e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer might be for you.
PROS
CONS
We’ve been using the e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer for a few weeks now, and we have to say, we’re pretty impressed. The primer goes on smoothly and helps to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines. It also provides a great base for foundation, helping it to last longer and look more even.
One of the things we really like about this primer is that it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. We also appreciate that it’s made with skin-loving ingredients and is cruelty-free and vegan.
That being said, there are a couple of downsides to this primer. Some users may find the smell to be off-putting, although we didn’t find it to be too strong. Additionally, if you have very oily skin, you may find that the primer doesn’t work well for you, as it does have a slightly oily texture. Finally, while we found that the primer worked well with most foundations, it may not be the best option for all skin types.
Overall, we think that the e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer is a great option for anyone looking for a hydrating, cruelty-free primer that will help their makeup last longer and look better.
3) Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly primer that delivers a smooth, poreless finish, Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer is worth considering.
PROS
CONS
We’ve found that applying this primer before foundation helps to create a smooth, even base that keeps makeup in place throughout the day. The lightweight formula feels comfortable on the skin and doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
One thing to note is that this primer may not be the best option for those with very oily skin, as it doesn’t control oil production. Additionally, some reviewers have reported issues with pilling or balling up of the product, which can be frustrating.
Overall, we think Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable primer that delivers a poreless finish. Just be aware that it may not be the best option for those with very oily skin or those who need a long-lasting primer.
4) e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer
If you’re looking for a makeup primer that will give you baby-soft skin and a flawless finish, e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer is worth considering.
PROS
CONS
We tried e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer and found that it provides a great base for makeup application. It fills in pores and fine lines, creating a smooth and even surface for foundation. We also appreciate that this primer is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great option for conscious consumers.
However, we did notice that the smell of this primer is not pleasant. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely noticeable. Additionally, the coverage of this primer is light, so it may not be suitable for those with severe skin imperfections.
Overall, e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer is a great option for those looking for a vegan and cruelty-free primer that provides a smooth and even base for makeup application. If you can overlook the smell and light coverage, this primer is definitely worth trying.
5) Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30
If you’re looking for a primer that will give you a flawless, soft-focus finish while also protecting your skin from the sun, Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30 might be the perfect product for you.
PROS
CONS
Overall, we think Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30 is a great choice for anyone looking for a primer that will provide both skincare benefits and a flawless finish. The product is backed by science and has received high ratings from users, making it worth the investment.
6) RMS Beauty ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer
If you’re looking for a primer that can hydrate your skin and make it look radiant, then the RMS Beauty ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer is a great choice.
PROS
CONS
We’ve used this primer and found that it really does hydrate your skin and make it look radiant. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on your skin. However, we did find that it may not work as well for all skin types, so you may want to test it out before you buy it.
One thing we really like about this primer is that it’s refillable, which helps reduce waste. It also comes in a fancy package that’s easy to work with. Overall, we think this is a great primer for anyone who wants to hydrate their skin and make it look radiant.
7) Cover FX Blurring Primer
If you’re looking for a primer that creates a soft-focus effect and gives you a smooth skin finish, then you should definitely consider the Cover FX Blurring Primer.
PROS
CONS
Overall, we think the Cover FX Blurring Primer is a great choice if you’re looking for a primer that creates a soft-focus effect and gives you a smooth skin finish. The primer is suitable for all skin types and tones and is clean and vegan, making it a skin solution you can feel good about. However, it may not be the best choice for people with oily skin, and it is a bit pricey compared to other primers on the market.
8) Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup
If you’re looking for a primer that will keep your makeup in place all day, then the Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup is a great choice.
PROS
CONS
This lightweight, clear jelly primer absorbs quickly and helps to create a smooth base for your makeup. It’s great for minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines, and it doesn’t cause any skin irritation or breakouts. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it.
One thing to keep in mind is that the primer does dry quickly, so you’ll need to work fast to apply it evenly. Some users also note that it can be a bit tricky to spread, so you may need to experiment with different application techniques to find what works best for you.
Overall, if you’re looking for a primer that will keep your makeup looking flawless all day, the Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup is definitely worth considering.
9) NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer
If you’re looking for a vegan, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested primer that creates a smooth canvas for easy makeup application, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer is a great option.
PROS
CONS
Overall, we recommend NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer for anyone looking for a vegan, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested primer that creates a smooth canvas for easy makeup application. The primer has 10 makeup-extending benefits and is infused with marshmallow root extract, making it feel great on the skin. However, some users might find the primer too thick, not suitable for their skin type, or not long-lasting enough.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best makeup primer, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of important factors to keep in mind when making your decision.
Skin Type
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a primer is your skin type. Different primers are designed for different skin types, so it’s important to choose one that is suitable for your skin. If you have oily skin, look for a primer that is oil-free and mattifying. If you have dry skin, look for a primer that is hydrating and moisturizing.
Coverage
Another important factor to consider is the coverage you want from your primer. Some primers are designed to provide a sheer, natural look, while others offer more coverage to help conceal blemishes and imperfections. Consider the level of coverage you want and choose a primer accordingly.
Texture
The texture of your primer can also impact how it looks and feels on your skin. Some primers have a silky, smooth texture that glides on easily, while others have a thicker, more substantial texture. Consider the texture of your primer and how it will feel on your skin throughout the day.
Ingredients
Finally, it’s important to consider the ingredients in your primer. Look for a primer that is free of harsh chemicals and contains ingredients that are beneficial for your skin. Some common ingredients to look for include antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
By considering these key factors, you can choose the best makeup primer for your needs and achieve a flawless, long-lasting makeup look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of primer works best for oily skin?
If you have oily skin, it’s best to look for a primer that’s oil-free and mattifying. These types of primers help control oil production and keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, which can help reduce the appearance of pores and control oil.
How can I ensure my makeup lasts longer with the right primer?
To ensure your makeup lasts longer, it’s important to choose a primer that’s specifically designed to extend the wear time of your makeup. Look for primers that are labeled as long-wearing or have a matte finish. These types of primers create a barrier between your skin and your makeup, helping to prevent it from fading or smudging throughout the day.
Which primer can give my skin a natural glow?
If you want to achieve a natural, dewy look, look for a primer that has a luminous finish. These types of primers contain light-reflecting particles that can give your skin a subtle glow. Look for primers that are labeled as illuminating or have a pearlescent finish.
What are the recommended primers for dry skin conditions?
If you have dry skin, it’s important to choose a primer that’s hydrating and moisturizing. Look for primers that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which can help plump up your skin and keep it hydrated throughout the day. Avoid primers that have a matte finish, as these can make your skin look even drier.
What primer should I use for aging or mature skin?
For aging or mature skin, it’s important to choose a primer that’s hydrating and contains anti-aging ingredients such as peptides or antioxidants. These types of primers can help plump up your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for primers that have a dewy finish, as these can help give your skin a more youthful appearance.
How do I choose a primer that’s suitable for all skin types?
If you have combination skin or are unsure of your skin type, it’s best to choose a primer that’s labeled as suitable for all skin types. Look for primers that have a lightweight formula and are oil-free. These types of primers can help control oil production in your T-zone while providing hydration to your dry areas.
