21 Best Makeup Primers For Long-Lasting Makeup – Top Picks Of 2024
Mattify your oily t-zones and achieve a smooth finish before applying the foundation.
Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailored to the individual.
Read full bio of Mary Ajaka
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
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
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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A good primer ensures long-lasting makeup. That’s why the best makeup primers are absolute favorites among makeup artists and enthusiasts. They create a proper canvas on which you can experiment with your makeup skills. Primers blur open pores and hide fine lines and offer a flawless, hydrated and smooth finish. It also acts as a shield on your skin to protect it from the harsh ingredients infused in makeup products. Primers are great solutions for oily t-zones as well. They offer great oil control and conceal the visible signs of aging on your skin. Mary Ajaka, a makeup artist, opines, “Primers also keep your skin moisturized, smooth it out, and brighten its tone for enhanced makeup application.” The market is flooded with options so it can be a daunting task to find the right primer for your skin type. But worry not because we have made it easier for you. Swipe up to explore the 21 makeup primers that we think are the best!
In This Article
What Is A Makeup Primer?
The primary purpose of a makeup primer is to prepare your skin and create a smooth base before you put on makeup. It creates an extra layer between the skin and makeup, evens out your skin, reduces the look of dark spots, and helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also fills in pores, hydrates the skin, and allows the makeup to last longer.
However, there is a wide range of primers that address specific skin types and issues.
Different Types Of Makeup Primers
- Mattifying Makeup Primers: A mattifying makeup primer is a water-based primer that gives the skin a mattifying effect. It helps reduce shine on the face and minimizes the appearance of pores.
- Strobing/Illuminating Makeup Primers: An illuminating makeup primer gives your face extra shine. It also evens out the skin tone and helps you achieve a smooth skin surface.
- Color-Correcting Makeup Primers: A color-correcting makeup primer helps minimize the appearance of dark spots and dark circles.
21 Best Makeup Primers
1. Best Overall:Covergirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
The Covergirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer is a liquid foundation that also works as a primer. It is formulated with hyaluronic complex and vitamin C that firm and hydrates the skin. The anti-aging primer will plump up your skin and instantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It also evens out skin tone and blurs other imperfections. Thousands of Amazon reviewers who have tried and tested this product rave about its smooth and seamless application.
Suitable for: Mature Skin
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Pump dispenser
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to use
- Available in multiple shades
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 736 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Trusted by makeup artists, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré evens and smoothens the skin texture. It brightens the complexion and increases skin suppleness and firmness. The nourishing formula is enriched with aloe vera, shea butter, beeswax, and soy proteins. It is a versatile primer that works as a face cream, face mask, and makeup remover. The primer leaves the skin calm, soft, and smooth. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This video will give you a better insight into the product based on the tester’s experience of using it.
Suitable For: Sensitive Skin
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Natural ingredients
- Dermatologist-tested
- Travel-friendly
- Contains parabens
- Tube packaging
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 16,070 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3. Best For Redness:E.l.f Tone Adjusting Face Primer
If you want to conceal redness and spots that can be seen through the foundation, try out the e.l.f Tone Adjusting Face Primer. This neutralizing and color-correcting face primer with a subtle green tint helps minimize redness, evens out the skin tone, and creates a natural-looking matte base for your makeup.
This primer has a silky and creamy formula suitable for all skin types. It gives you a flawless complexion and perfect coverage. You can either wear this alone or as a makeup base. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product through a reviewer’s experience of using it.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Hydroquinone-free
- No triclosan and triclocarban
- Takes time to dry
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 13,149 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Covergirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer Best Overall | Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Best For Sensitive Skin | E.l.f Tone Adjusting Face Primer Best For Redness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | - | All |
| Color | Primer | - | - |
| Dimensions | 6 x 5 x 4 inches | 2 x 2 x 2 inches | 1.6 x 1.6 x 5.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.06 Ounces | 0.96 Ounces | 2.4 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 736 | 16,070 | 13,149 |
| Price | $13.97 | $29.0 | $6 |
4. Best For Enlarged Pores: Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer
If oily skin and enlarged pores are a concern, the Benefit POREfessional Face Primer will be the best choice for you. This lightweight makeup primer helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores to give you silky, smooth skin before applying makeup. It is infused with a vitamin E derivative that combats free radicals. In addition, it has an oil-free and translucent formulation and complements all skin tones. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product. Thousands of positive Amazon reviews show that this product delivers exceptional results such as a soothing matte finish on mature skin.
Suitable For: Oily skin
- Oil-free formula
- Lightweight
None
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 839 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Long-Lasting:NYX Professional Makeup The Marshmallow Primer
The Marshmallow Primer by NYX Professional Makeup is a multitasking primer that keeps your makeup intact for 16 hours. It is enriched with marshmallow root extract to smoothen the skin. This primer softens, hydrates, soothes, evens out the skin, blurs fine lines, adds a soft-focus finish, and keeps makeup fresh. It has a slightly whipped texture that dries up right after application. Practice guilt-free makeup artistry with this product that is free of animal testing.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Complements all skin tones
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
None
6. Best Hydrating:Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
Get a perfect dewy makeup base with the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer. This face primer brightens, smoothens, and hydrates the skin while offering you a healthy-looking finish. It is infused with coconut water, probiotics, and skin revivers to boost skin’s radiance, promote elasticity, and hydrate while locking down makeup for fresher, more extended, and more flawless wear. It creates the perfect makeup base, and you can also wear it alone for a dewy look.
Suitable For– Dry Skin
- Boosts radiance
- Promotes skin elasticity
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
None
7. Best Brightening:Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer
The Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer preps the skin for makeup to glide on and last longer. It minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines and helps maintain the skin’s youthful appearance. The primer is formulated with grapefruit extract, green tea, and white tea extracts. The grapefruit extract promotes luminosity and skin radiance, while green tea and white tea extracts provide anti-aging effects.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Expensive
8. Best For Shine Control:TATCHA The Silk Canvas
The Silk Canvas face primer by TATCHA instantly diminishes pores, fine lines, and reduces excess shine. It has a velvety texture and gives a soft-focus finish to your skin that allows the makeup to glide smoothly. The formula features silk extracts (rich in amino acids) that retain natural moisture and hadasei-3 (a blend of green tea, algae, and rice) for smooth skin. It creates a protective barrier between makeup and skin to minimize clogged pores that can lead to breakouts. The primer also has anti-aging properties that reveal a youthful complexion.
The anti-pollution natural active ingredients in the formula fight environmental stressors and support the skin’s barrier function to act against future attacks while visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dullness.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Free from urea, DEA, or TEA
- Expensive
Quick Tip9. Best Anti-Wrinkle:StriVectin Line Blurring Primer
The StriVectin Line Blurring Primer is formulated with skin-benefiting ingredients. It contains blurring microspheres that fill and blur out deep-set wrinkles and improve the skin texture. The primer has a lightweight and breathable formula that helps prolong makeup wear. It is developed with the patented NIA-114 technology that helps strengthen the skin barrier.
Suitable For: Mature skin
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Drying
10. Best Matte Finish:Dr. Brandt Pore Refiner Primer
The Dr. Brandt Pore Refiner Primer will help you achieve flawless, photo-ready skin. It creates an excellent base for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. The primer has a velvety formula that absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, and blurs fine lines. It is also resistant to sweat and humidity. This product is a two-in-one pore refiner and makeup primer that absorbs excess oil and mattifies shine, creating a smooth, flawless finish with or without makeup. It can be used alone or for midday touch-ups.
Suitable For: Oily and Combination skin
- Matte-finish
- Sweatproof
- Humidity-resistant
- Lightweight
- Overpowering fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,181 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
11. Dermablend Professional Insta-Grip Jelly Primer
The Dermablend Professional Insta-Grip Jelly Primer has a 3-in-1 hydrating formula that instantly moisturizes the skin. This lightweight formula gets absorbed quickly, minimizes the appearance of pores, and provides a smooth canvas for a foundation and concealer. Its sticky texture makes it last up to 24 hours and feels comfortable on the skin.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Triclosan-free
- Silicone-free
- 100% vegan
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 1,628 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
12. dermalogica Skinperfect Primer
The dermalogica Skinperfect Primer will help smoothen fine lines and brighten your skin. It has a velvety formula containing soy protein that improves skin texture and creates a smoother surface. The primer also contains SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and has a silky feel to give a “soft focus” effect.
Suitable For: Mature skin
- Lightweight
- Sun protection
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,052 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
13. The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer
Getting a natural and dewy look is now easy with The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer. This primer’s lightweight, serum-like formula spreads quickly and moisturizes the dry patches, especially around the eyes and nostrils. It is non-oily and gives a natural dewy look.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Water-free
- Alcohol-free
- Nut-free
- Oil-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
None
14. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
This makeup primer is a cult classic for a reason. It is different from other traditional formulations and efficiently conceals imperfections, evens out the skin, and minimizes the look of fine lines and pores. This primer creates a smooth canvas so that your makeup glides on smoothly and stays put all day long. The lightweight, silky texture of the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer does not leave any greasy residue after application. In addition, the broad spectrum of SPF 15 offers sun protection.
Suitable For: All skin types (especially blemish-prone skin)
- SPF 15
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- No nanoparticles
None
15. Honest Beauty Everything Primer
Enhance your makeup artistry with the elegant seamless Honest Beauty Everything Primer. This product helps control sebum production on your face. It has an instantaneous mattifying effect and helps blur out any imperfections on your face. It is infused with hyaluronic acid and peony root extract. The primer preps your skin before makeup by providing ample hydration for a luminous and dewy finish.
- Lightweight
- Matte effect
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Petroleum-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologically-tested
None
16. Cover FX Gripping Primer
The Cover FX Gripping Primer has a clear gel-like formula that visibly firms the skin, grips makeup for all-day wear, and creates a glass-like finish. It is expertly crafted with clean ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin. This resurfacing primer’s formula is enriched with kelp extract that smoothens the skin and creates a perfect makeup base. It also has a plankton-derived polymer complex that smoothens fine lines, reveals youthful complexion, and micro-algae extract (rich in vitamins and amino acids) that reduces signs of aging.
Suitable For: Normal skin to dry skin
- Long-lasting
- Alcohol-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
- Talc-free
- Mineral oil-free
None
17. tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer
The Honest Beauty Everything Primer is a product that helps control sebum production on your face. It has an instantaneous mattifying effect and helps blur out any imperfections on your face. It is infused with hyaluronic acid and peony root extract. The primer preps your skin before makeup by providing ample hydration for a luminous and dewy finish to maintain your timeless beauty.
- Waterproof
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Petroleum-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
None
18. Murad Skin Primer
The Murad Skin Primer has a velvety-smooth finish and blurs, primes, and protects the skin for 12 hours of makeup wear. The primer glides over skin and reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone for the enhanced beauty of your skin. It is non-comedogenic and is formulated with mushroom peptides that fight the visible signs of aging and restore skin firmness and elasticity to give a youthful appearance.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
- Formaldehyde-free
- Petrolatum-free
None
19. FENTY BEAUTY Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
The FENTY BEAUTY Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is suitable for all skin types. This celebrity-endorsed pore-diffusing primer smoothes the skin for better foundation application and lasts long with an instant retouch effect. Its oil-free formula minimizes the look of pores, visibly evens skin tone, smoothens texture, and instantly reduces shine without making your skin dry or chalky. The lightweight primer has a cushiony, touch-me-now texture that mattifies skin for a full-on sensory experience. It creates a filter-like blurring effect and melts instantly into all skin tones without a trace.
Suitable For: All skin types (especially oily skin)
- Lightweight
- Pore-filling
- Gets absorbed instantly
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
None
20. MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
Flaunt your timeless beauty with the MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer provides the perfect base for smooth makeup coverage and lasts all day without any slippage with its hydrating gel formula. This primer contains blue agave extract that provides a sticky layer that allows the makeup from fading or transferring. The hyaluronic acid, hemp seed extract, niacinamide, and aloe water help hydrate your skin and keep it from flaking and ruining your makeup.
Suitable For: Normal, sensitive, and dry skin
- Oil-free formula
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
None
21. Charlotte Tilbury WONDERGlOW
Create an effortlessly dewy look with Charlotte Tilbury WONDERGLOW instant soft-focus beauty flash primer. The primer creates a smoother-looking canvas under your foundation. It can be used alone to turn around the look of tired, dull skin. The fluorescent core light diffuser in the formula re-emits light around the face and creates a soft-focus to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and imperfections. The primer contains bionymph peptide that makes the skin smooth and plump, wild pansy extract (rich in oligosaccharides) to reduce wrinkles; hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin for up to 24 hours; rosehip oil to revitalize the skin, and camellia oil for a dewy-look.
Suitable For: All skin types
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
None
These are the 21 best primers for women available on the market. Now, let’s learn about the correct way of applying a makeup primer:
How To Apply A Makeup Primer
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser.
- Apply your regular cream or moisturizer evenly all over the face.
- Squeeze a tiny bit of the makeup primer and use your fingertips to apply.
- Focus on the T-zone to fill the pores and also along the lash line.
- Use gentle, circular motions and blend it outwards.
- Once you’re done, let the primer sit on your skin for 2-3 minutes.
- When the primer sets on your skin, you can go ahead with your makeup routine.
Before you buy a makeup primer, these are the following factors that you need to consider.
What To Look For In A Face Primer: Buying Guide
- Determine Your Skin Type
Pick a primer based on your skin type. Go for a hydrating primer if you have dry skin. Look for primers with words like “soothing,” “hydrating,” or “replenishing” mentioned in the label. Choose a mattifying primer if you have oily skin. A mattifying primer formulated with silicone, which can control oil and fill in pores, could be your best bet. Look for keywords like “pore eraser” or “shine control primer” on the label. If you have sensitive skin, look for primers devoid of parabens, artificial fragrances, and other harmful ingredients. Finally, go for a nourishing and antioxidant-rich primer if you have mature skin to cover wrinkles and blotchiness.
- Address Specific Skin Issues
Choose a color correcting primer if you have dark spots, patches, redness, and pigmentation issues. For example, a green makeup primer will help reduce redness; a purple primer will work if you have yellow undertones; a pink primer will add a slight blush and illuminate your look; a yellow one will help cover up bluish veins, and a peach-colored primer will hide pigmentation and dark circles. Go for a “non-comedogenic” primer if you have oily and acne-prone skin. For example, hide enlarged pores with a “pore minimizing” primer or get a “sweat-resistant” primer if you are active all day. You can also get a separate eyelid primer if you want your eye makeup to stay in place. If you have extremely sensitive skin, opt for products that are dermatologist-tested. Also, make sure to conduct a patch test before using the product.
- Choose A Primer With SPF
If you want your skin to look beautiful even during the summers and don’t want to go for a separate SPF before applying makeup, you can use a primer that has SPF in it. A makeup primer with SPF is excellent to be used all year round. During the summer, the higher the SPF, the better it will be for your skin.
The Bottom Line
The makeup primers are commonly used to make your skin smoother and even. Therefore, it is essential to prepare your skin before makeup. It covers the open pores and reduces the appearance of visible signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. These primers contain vitamins C and hyaluronic complex that act as a protective barrier and provide long-lasting results to give you a flawless look. The Covergirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer is a versatile option that has added anti-aging benefits. The Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer is ideal for oily skin and gives your skin a matte finish, while the MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is our choice for dry and dull skin. It also holds the makeup in place longer. The makeup primers mentioned in our list are lightweight, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. However, some products may have a runny consistency and sticky texture and it is better to avoid such formulas while picking the best makeup primer for your skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She understands that a good primer ensures long-lasting makeup as it creates a perfect canvas to polish with your makeup skills. She has perused many user reviews on trusted online forums to find you these great makeup primers. They create an extra layer between the skin and makeup, even out your skin, reduce the look of dark spots, and help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a primer, a foundation, and a concealer?
A primer is a base that creates a layer between your skin and makeup. It allows the makeup to go on smoothly and makes it long-lasting.
A foundation closely resembles your skin color and is applied over a makeup primer. It evens out your complexion while hiding redness and blemishes.
A concealer is a kind of color-corrector that brightens your skin by blurring out imperfections and blemishes. For example, it covers dark circles, age spots, and pores.
Can you use a face primer under your eyes?
Yes, you can use a face primer under your eyes.
Can you use a face primer on your eyelids?
No, it is better if you use an eyeshadow primer separately to keep your eye makeup in place.
Can you use a moisturizer as a primer?
Yes, you can mix moisturizer with a dollop of aloe vera gel and then apply it to your face as a primer. This will be a great combination to soothe redness and maintain a dewy finish without making your skin oily. However, it may not be as effective as a professional formula.
How long should I wait to apply foundation after a primer?
After a face primer, wait for 2-3 minutes before applying a foundation. However, some primers dry instantly, and you can waive off the waiting period.
Can you mix primer with foundation?
Yes, you can mix primer with foundation. It is a great way to save time, especially if you’re in a rush.
Read full bio of Mary Ajaka
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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