9 Best Expert-Approved Drugstore Primers With SPF (2024)
Prep your base and protect your skin from harmful sun rays with these potent formulas.
Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special event categories.
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Image: Shutterstock
The best drugstore primers with SPF offer the goodness of makeup and skin care in one product, all within your budget. It is like hitting the jackpot. Isn’t it? Primers play an important role in perfecting your base and maintaining your makeup for long hours. SPF, on the other hand, needs no introduction! It protects your skin against the harsh sun rays and is an absolute must. But, you no longer have to spend a fortune on high-end brands, trying to get the best of both. Instead, multiple drugstore brands now offer the goodness of the primer along with the care of SPF.
Drugstore primers with SPF benefit your skin hugely. You can now step out into the sun without any worry of skin burns or makeup meltdowns. Not only do these primers provide a clear canvas for your makeup application, effectively covering pores, uneven skin texture, and excess shine, but they also offer the added skincare benefit of sunburn prevention. They also ensure your skin stays protected. Here, we have listed the best drugstore primers with SPF that will cater to the needs of different skin types. So, go ahead and check them out now!
In This Article
9 Incredible Drugstore Primers With SPF For A Flawless Base
1. Best For Fine Lines: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother
Say goodbye to shiny skin with this SPF primer that provides a wonderful matte-velvet finish. This is a 1-of-a-kind skin smoother that comes with broad-spectrum SPF 30, so you have assured sun protection every time you apply it. Once applied, the primer provides an instant blurring effect on fine lines and wrinkles and reduces the appearance of large pore sizes. The best part about this primer is wearing it on its own or as a base for your foundation. We recommend applying the makeup primer after a moisturizer for the best results. Check out this video detailing a tester’s experience of using this primer for more details about it.
Pros
- Reduces the appearance of large pores
- Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
- Includes broad-spectrum SPF 30
- It can be worn on its own
Cons
- It may not have any moisturizing effects
"The Miracle Blur makes my skin look so good. It creates a smooth complexion and blurs the pores. Even when applied under makeup, it does not feel heavy. It gives a very natural look."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 3,787 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Full-Coverage: Full Spectrum Covergirl Matte Ambition Primer
If you’re looking to minimize the appearance of your pores and achieve long-lasting, all-day wear for your makeup, this primer is the perfect solution. If you have oily to combination skin, this is a good drugstore primer because it extends the wear for the whole day and offers a mattifying natural finish. Prep your skin by applying a layer of this primer to control any oil and get a shine-free finish. With this primer, you have ensured a smooth base for all your makeup looks. So, whether you want to go for a subtle look or natural glam, this full coverage primer will hold it in place. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Oil-control
- Shine-free
- Mattifying finish
Cons
- It may not be suitable for dry skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,230 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Dry And Combination Skin: Milani Prime Protect SPF 30 Face Primer
This primer is perfect if you want to deal with issues like discoloration and uneven skin tone. Not only is the formula lightweight, but it blends like a dream and minimizes pores. All you have to do is apply it before your makeup, and you will notice a semi-matte finish that is almost skin-like. This vegan product is not tacky or chalky because it contains glycerin, which can be moisturizing for dry and combination skin types. So, you can go ahead and create the perfect canvas for any look with this beautiful primer. The product is not tested on animals, which makes it ideal for people seeking cruelty-free makeup choices. To get a better understanding of the product, you can check out this video detailing a reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Evens skin tone
- Moisturizing
- Affordable
- Suitable for dry and combination skin types
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May not reduce the appearance of large pores
"I love using this SPF primer daily. It feels lightweight and sits comfortably under my makeup. It blends seamlessly on the skin."
Pro Tip4. Best For Sensitive Skin: Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen
A little bit goes a long way with this non-comedogenic face primer, especially if you want to minimize the products in your morning makeup routine. The incredible oil-free formula contains minerals that absorb excess oil and blur fine lines. It also provides SPF 15 protection and diffuses light to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and large pores. Many reviews indicate that the primer works wonders if you have sensitive skin. It does not trigger any traumatic skin reactions.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Enriched with minerals
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil-free formula
Cons
- Some may find the consistency too thin
5. Best For All Skin Types: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
If you are looking for a primer that preps your skin for lasting makeup while protecting it against free radical damage, the statement-making Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is what you need. It has a lightweight formula crafted with plant-based ingredients like shea butter that provides long-lasting hydration and the green tea, linseed, and cucumber extract protect your skin with antioxidant benefits. It also contains blurring minerals that help soothe the skin and improve its appearance for a blurred, demi-matte finish. The dewy primer also prevents your makeup from creasing. Additionally, the SPF 30 in the primer protects your skin against harmful UV rays. Ethically conscious consumers are obsessed with this product as it does not undergo any animal testing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all age groups
- Sun protection with SPF 20
- Leaves no white cast
- Long-wearing
- Soft, matte finish
- Eco-friendly
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause eye irritation
6. Best Color-Correcting: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer With Sunscreen
If you are looking for a primer that protects you and provides instant color correction, you must add this product to your makeup bag. The silky and lightweight formula contains natural soy and antioxidants that instantly even and smoothen your skin. It also contains feverfew flower extract and various minerals, which reduce any redness and the appearance of large pores. This primer is a great choice to cover any blemishes, especially under medium-coverage foundations.
Pros
- It lasts for up to 8 hours
- Non-comedogenic
- Colour correcting
- Evens out skin complexion
Cons
- Must not be used by people who are allergic to mica
7. Best Cruelty-Free: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Bare With Me Daily Moisturizing Primer
When looking for a soothing and rejuvenating base product with strong staying power, you have to consider adding the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Bare With Me Daily Moisturizing Primer to your cart. The lightweight formula of this base for makeup is infused with cannabis oil and doesn’t leave any greasiness after application. The daily sun care primer also provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and does a great job at protecting and hydrating your skin without feeling tacky or heavy. Reviewers love the product because it does not offer a white cast on the face. The sheer coverage formula dries transparent.
Pros
- No white cast
- Non-greasy
- Cruelty-free
- Infused with cannabis oil
- Moisturizing
Cons
- It may not be suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types
8. Best Hypoallergenic: Physicians Formula Natural Defense Protect Your Prime Oil Sunscreen
If cream primers are not your style and you are looking for something that’s fast-absorbing, we suggest that you try the dermatologist-tested Physicians Formula Natural Defense Protect Your Prime Oil Sunscreen. This lightweight primer oil has anti-aging benefits and is fast-absorbing and alcohol-free, which means it will blur any fine lines and provide a perfect base for your makeup. The miracle formula also contains SPF, RPF, PPF, and a 360-degree total defense complex, which prevents the early signs of aging and strengthens the skin’s barrier against damage done by the sun and pollution.
Pros
- Contains SPF 15, RPF, PPF, 360-degree total defense complex
- Suitable for dehydrated skin
- Alcohol-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Must not be used on acne-prone skin
"I use this product in my daily routine. It acts as an SPF moisturizer and primer and has been a savior for my busy mornings. The formula is quick-absorbing when used in the right quantity. It does not cause any irritation on my sensitive skin."
9. Best For Pore-Blurring: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer
The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer is a convenient mattifying face primer for normal to oily skin. It is infused with clay that helps control oil and keep your pores clean. With its pore-refining properties, this primer from the celebrity-endorsed brand works to instantly blur the appearance of pores, leaving your skin looking smooth and flawless, making it a great addition to your skincare routine. The pore-minimizing primer glides on your skin effortlessly to create a smooth canvas for makeup application, leading to a long-lasting and enhanced makeup look. Additionally, the SPF 20 in this skin-smoothing formula protects your skin against harmful UV rays. Cha Cha Woska, a certified makeup artist says, “If your face starts getting shiny during the day, dab a bit of the product on top of your makeup in oily spots to restore the matte look.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Long-wearing
- Controls excess shine
- Works well with all foundations
- Contains SPF 20
- Provides a matte finish
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
"This primer has a lightweight texture that is suitable for daily use under makeup. It has a very subtle and pleasant scent to it. It keeps my makeup long-lasting. It applies easily on the skin. It blurs the pores and reduces excess shine."
The Bottom Line
A smooth base is crucial for every kind of statement-making makeup look. Drugstore primers can provide a flawless canvas without blowing through your budget. Many drugstore primers cover pores and help maintain the texture of your skin before you start applying foundation and other makeup products. The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother provides a matte-velvet finish and reduces the appearance of large pores, while the Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is a lightweight primer that minimizes pores. If you are looking for a long-wearing formula in primers, add the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer to your enhanced beauty routine. These primers have lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that are skin-friendly. Some of these primers help rejuvenate and moisturize the skin while helping in the nourishment of the deeper layers of your skin. If you want a shine-free matte finish, some of these drugstore skin-prepping primers might be able to give you just that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do primers with SPF work?
Yes. Primers with SPF improve your skin texture and make your foundation last longer while protecting your skin from harsh UV rays.
Do I need a primer if I use SPF?
Yes. SPF protects your skin from harsh UV rays, but a primer creates a canvas for base makeup. Also, primer helps hold your makeup for many hours. So, use a primer after sunscreen.
Does ELF primer have SPF?
Yes. ELF primers contain SPF.
Should primer go on before or after moisturizer?
Apply the moisturizer before using a primer.
Can I replace primer with sunscreen?
Yes. Use a primer that features SPF instead of using a sunscreen separately.
Is ELF primer SPF good for people with mature skin types?
Yes. ELF primer with SPF protects mature skin and improves its texture. It fills the fine lines and wrinkles and offers an even skin finish.
Do you put primer all over your face?
Yes. Put primer all over your face wherever you are planning to apply foundation.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author of this article, is a fashion and makeup enthusiast who loves to keep up with the latest trends in the beauty industry and review makeup products. Her strong knowledge of makeup trends and products help her provide a well-researched article on the best drugstore primers with SPF. These primers help reduce the appearance of large pores and protect your skin from sun damage simultaneously.
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.