Face primers are an essential part of any makeup routine, serving as a base that helps your makeup last longer and look smoother for a whole day out.
Whether you have oily or dry skin, a good face primer can help to create a flawless canvas for the rest of your makeup. But how do you choose? In this article, we’ve picked the 8 best face primers that will help you achieve your desired look according to your skin type as well.
Why do we need to consider our skin type?
When choosing a face primer, it’s essential to consider your skin type because if you have oily skin, there are primers that can help control oil to keep your makeup in place. On the other hand, for those with dry skin, choosing a hydrating and nourishing primer will prevent your makeup from looking cracked and fine lines from appearing.
One critical thing to consider when purchasing a face primer is the ingredients. You’ll want to make sure that the primer you choose is free of harmful chemicals that could irritate your skin. Also, keep a look out for primers that are made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and vitamin E.
We’ve done the research and testing to identify the 8 best face primers that will help you achieve a flawless look. From drugstore options to high-end brands, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect primer for you.
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Best Face Primers To keep your makeup still all day
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 8 best face primers that will help you achieve a flawless look all day long.
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer
If you’re looking for a primer that provides a soft-matte finish, controls shine, and minimizes the appearance of pores, Milk Makeup’s Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer might be for you.
Pros
- Blurs pores and controls shine for up to 8 hours
- Lightweight and non-comedogenic formula
- Contains skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and bakuchiol
Cons
- May leave white residue if too much product is used
- Some users may not like the water cream texture
This makeup primer is so lightweight and applies easily. Especially if your skin is more on the oily to combination side it leaves skin with a soft-matte finish that lasts all day. We noticed that our pores look less visible and skin appears smoother overall which is what we’re aiming for right?
One thing to note is that a little goes a long way with this primer. If you use too much, you may end up with a white residue on your skin. However, if you use the right amount, it blends in seamlessly and provides a great base for makeup.
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer Infused with Caring Serum Smoothes Liners and Pores
If you are looking for a face primer that is suitable for mature skin, then L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer Infused with Caring Serum Smoothes Liners and Pores is worth considering.
Pros
- Infused with a caring serum for healthy-looking skin
- Instantly smooths the look of lines and pores
- Universally flattering rosy formula for radiant skin
- Works well for dry skin types
Cons
- May not work well for sensitive skin types
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer is infused with a serum that gives our skin a healthy-looking glow. It instantly smooths the look of lines and pores, making our skin look more youthful and radiant. The rosy formula is universally flattering and gives our skin a natural-looking, soft-focus finish.
This particular may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin, as it contains fragrance and other potential irritants. Finally, it may not provide long-lasting coverage, so you may need to reapply it throughout the day.
Overall, we would recommend L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer Infused with Caring Serum Smoothes Liners and Pores to anyone looking for a primer that is suitable for mature skin. It is easy to apply, gives our skin a healthy-looking glow, and instantly smooths the look of lines and pores. However, if you have oily or sensitive skin, or if you need long-lasting coverage, this primer may not be the best option for you.
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Visible Lift Radiance Booster
If you’re looking for a primer that will give you a radiant finish and keep your skin hydrated all day, the L’Oreal Paris Makeup Visible Lift Radiance Booster might be the right product for you.
Pros
- The primer instantly brightens your skin and evens out your complexion, leaving your skin looking smooth and luminous.
- The formula is enriched with nourishing oils and iridescent pearls, which help to hydrate your skin and give it a healthy glow.
- The primer is lightweight and non-greasy, so it won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.
Cons
- Some users might find that the primer is too shimmery for their liking, as it contains iridescent pearls.
- The primer might not work well for those with oily skin, as it is oil-based.
- The primer might not provide enough coverage for those with more severe skin imperfections.
Overall, we think the L’Oreal Paris Makeup Visible Lift Radiance Booster is a great option for those who want to add some radiance and hydration to their skin. It’s easy to apply, gives you a natural-looking glow, and helps your makeup last longer. Just be aware that it might not be the best option for those with oily skin or those who prefer a more matte finish.
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup, Blur + Pore Minimize
If you’re looking for a lightweight primer that doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily, Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup, Blur + Pore Minimize is a great option.
Pros
- Blurs skin imperfections and smooths fine lines
- Primes skin for even makeup application without a greasy feel
- Weightless, water-based formula, non-oily
Cons
- Lighter blurring primer so it may not cover all imperfections
This primer goes on smoothly and blurs imperfections, making it perfect for those who want a flawless look. It also helps your makeup last all day without feeling heavy on your skin. However, it may not work for all skin types and doesn’t completely minimize pores. Additionally, the packaging may vary, so what you receive may not be what is reflected on the site.
Overall, if you’re looking for a primer that is lightweight, non-oily, and blurs imperfections, Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup, Blur + Pore Minimize is a great choice.
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
If you’re looking for a primer that will keep your makeup in place all day, e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is worth trying.
Pros
- The gel formula grips makeup, helping it stay in place all day.
- It gives skin a soft-focus effect, smoothing out imperfections.
- Enriched with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, it moisturizes and preps the skin.
Cons
- The primer can feel sticky when first applied.
- It might be too hydrating for oily skin
We tried out e.l.f. Power Grip Primer and were impressed with its ability to keep our makeup in place all day. The gel formula goes on clear, making it suitable for all skin types and skin tones. It also gives the skin a soft-focus effect, smoothing out any imperfections.
Specifically it’s really good for keeping skin moisturized because it contains Hyaluronic Acid, which helped to keep our skin hydrated throughout the day. Plus E.L.F is vegan and cruelty free and affordable which is a huge plus.
Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup
If you’re looking for a lightweight and clear jelly primer that absorbs to a smooth canvas under foundation and concealer, then Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup is a great choice. It’s perfect for those with combination, oily, sensitive, or normal skin types.
Pros
- It smoothes complexion out, making fine lines less noticeable. It’s not magic, so deep wrinkles only soften slightly.
- Didn’t cause any skin irritation or breakouts.
- Stays put along with foundation and concealer.
Cons
- A bit sticky but does help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Tricky to spread.
- Expensive.
We’ve been using Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup for a while now, and we’re happy with the results. It provides a smooth base for foundation and concealer, making our skin look flawless. We also appreciate that it’s cruelty-free.
One downside is that it’s a bit sticky, which can make it a bit tricky to spread. However, it does help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It’s also quite expensive, so it might not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
Overall, we recommend Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup for anyone looking for a lightweight and clear jelly primer that provides a smooth base for foundation and concealer. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, it’s definitely worth trying out.
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
If you’re looking for a reliable primer that will keep your makeup looking fresh all day, Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is a great choice. It’s especially helpful for those with oily skin as it leaves a matte finish that prevents makeup from creasing or becoming oily.
Pros
- Infused with effective Korean ingredients and breakthrough formulas
- Matte finish that protects makeup throughout the day from oiliness and creasing
- Balances complexion and enlivens the appearance of the skin
Cons
- Some users may find the product a bit drying, especially in the winter months
- May not be suitable for those with very dry skin
- The tube is small and may not last as long as some users would like
We’ve been using this primer for several weeks now and have been impressed with the results. It’s easy to apply and provides a smooth base for foundation or other makeup. Our makeup stays put all day and doesn’t become oily or creased.
One downside is that the product can be a bit drying, especially in the winter months when skin tends to be more dry. However, this might be better for those with oily skin. Regardless, we’ve found that using a good moisturizer before applying the primer can help alleviate this issue.
Radiant Complex Face Primer and Pore Minimizer
If you’re looking for a face primer that will transform your skin into a smooth matte canvas for applying foundation and makeup, Radiant Complex Face Primer and Pore Minimizer is a great option.
Pros
- Creates an instant mattifying base for cosmetics that balances and brightens skin tone.
- Specifically made for oily skin
- Hydrating cream goes on smooth to support foundation and makeup, and won’t run or peel.
- Our non-greasy, waterproof formula blocks oils to ensure your glow is flawless.
Cons
- Some reviewers have reported that the product is not effective in minimizing pores.
- The consistency of the product may be too thick for some users.
- The product may not work well for those with dry skin.
Radiant Complex Face Primer and Pore Minimizer is a professional prep that provides a poreless beauty look by saying “Girl, Bye!” to oily pores and any blemish during your facial contour routine. It creates an even coat that hydrates the skin and supports foundation and makeup, and won’t run or peel. The non-greasy, waterproof formula blocks oils to ensure your glow is flawless.
In our experience, the product goes on smoothly and provides a great base for foundation and makeup. However, the consistency of the product may also be too thick for some users, and it may not work well for those with dry skin.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best face primer for your look, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a face primer:
Skin Type
The first thing to consider is your skin type. Different primers are formulated for different skin types, so it’s important to choose one that is compatible with your skin. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to look for a primer that helps control oil and shine. If you have dry skin, you may want a primer that provides extra hydration.
Texture
The texture of the primer is also important. Some primers are thick and heavy, while others are lightweight and silky. The texture you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of foundation you plan to use. If you’re using a heavy foundation, you may want a lighter primer. If you’re using a lightweight foundation, you may want a thicker primer.
Ingredients
The ingredients in the primer are also important to consider. Look for primers that contain ingredients that are beneficial to your skin, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and SPF. Avoid primers that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate your skin.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the primer. While some high-end primers can be quite expensive, there are also many affordable options available. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality, so it’s important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
In summary, when choosing a face primer, consider your skin type, the texture of the primer, the ingredients, and the price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best primer for your look and ensure that your makeup stays in place all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the top-rated face primer for mature skin?
When it comes to mature skin, it’s important to choose a primer that not only helps your makeup last longer but also provides anti-aging benefits. Our top pick for mature skin is the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. It’s a silicone-based primer that smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, while also creating a flawless base for your makeup.
How can I choose the perfect primer for my skin type?
Choosing the right primer for your skin type is crucial for achieving a flawless makeup look. If you have oily skin, look for a mattifying primer that helps control shine. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating primer that will keep your skin moisturized throughout the day. If you have combination skin, look for a primer that can balance out both oily and dry areas. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and do some research before making a purchase.
Which primer offers the best results for minimizing pores and wrinkles?
If you’re looking for a primer that can help minimize the appearance of pores and wrinkles, we recommend the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer. This primer is oil-free and contains a vitamin E derivative that helps protect your skin from free radicals. It also has a lightweight texture that blurs out imperfections and creates a smooth canvas for your makeup.
