The Best Face Primers For a Flawless Makeup
Makeup primers are used to create a smooth and even canvas for makeup application by filling in fine lines, blurring pores, and minimizing the appearance of imperfections. The best face primers often have ingredients such as dimethicone, which help to create a silky texture and provide a velvety finish, allowing makeup to glide on effortlessly. If you have dry skin, we recommend you check the best setting powder for dry skin.
They can also help control oil production, reduce shine, and extend the longevity of makeup. Some primers may also contain skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or antioxidants, which can offer additional hydration, nourishment, and protection for the skin.
We’ve reviewed a dozen primers and chose the 9 best face primers for a flawless, smooth makeup application.
Our Top Picks on Amazon
BEST OVERALL:
BEST BUDGET:
BEST FOR DRY SKIN:
BEST FOR OILY SKIN:
BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN:
BEST PORE MINIMIZING:
BEST SMOOTHING:
BEST WITH SPF:
BEST ILLUMINATING:
Best Overall
Milk makeup hydro grip primer is one of the best primer on the market. The formula contains a blend of ingredients, mainly Aloe water and Hyaluronic acid that work together to create a smooth and hydrating base for your makeup application. This especially benefits those with dry skin.
Best Budget
If you’re looking for a budget primer, this primer offers exceptional quality for an affordable price. It helps to minimize pores and create a smooth surface for makeup application.
This primer has a velvety texture that glides easily onto the skin, instantly blurring pores and fine lines. This primer also helps control excess oil, so your makeup can last all day.
Best For Dry Skin
This Primer is one of the best primers for dry skin, who aim to achieve a smooth and flawless base for their makeup. The Pixi Beauty primer is specifically formulated to hydrate and nourish the skin. It’s Infused skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, to hydrate and smooth out the skin.
Best For Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice SHINE STOPPER Primer is perfect for those who deal with oily skin. This lightweight primer is specially formulated to control excess shine and minimize the appearance of pores, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. It’s packed with antioxidants to help protect the skin from the environment.
Best For Combination Skin
This primer is designed to address the needs of those with both oily and dry areas on their face. The lightweight formula helps control excess oil in the T-zone while providing hydration to dry patches. It’s Made with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E and grape seed extract, which help enhance the appearance of the skin.
Best Pore-Minimizing
The Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer aims to provide impeccable, poreless skin. This primer has sebum-controlling ingredients that work to mattify the skin and prevent makeup from sliding off.
Best Smoothing
This smoothing primer is packed with ingredients like marshmallow root and shea butter, that soothe and smooth out the skin. This primer not only helps blur imperfections and even out skin tone but also extends the wear of your makeup.
Best With SPF
If you’re enjoying the sun every day, this product is perfect for those seeking to protect their skin from the sun. This primer has ingredients, like shea butter, green tea leaf, and cucumber extracts that nourish and hydrate the skin.
Best Illuminating
If you are looking for a natural everyday glow or a more intense highlight for special occasions, this lotion is an ideal choice. It’s infused with ultra-fine pearls that reflect light and produce a soft-focus effect on the skin. This product also helps to blur any imperfections, which results in a flawless complexion.