13 Best Korean Primers To Keep It Smudge-Free For Long(2024), Expert’s Picks
Stay oil and shine-free all day long with the perfect products to hold your makeup in place.
Elizabeth Hickman is a hair and makeup artist in Southern California with over 15 years experience in styling people for weddings and special events. She believes in the ‘less is more’ concept and focuses on enhancing the natural beauty of her clients to help them look and feel their best on their special day.
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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.
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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.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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The secret has been revealed! The K-beauty industry currently has one of the top makeup routines globally, and the best Korean primer is a key component in their makeup kit. Thus, there is no excuse why we should not learn from them to achieve that flawless glow and start using the right primers the right way! Even though the primer is an important component of the beauty regimen, many prefer to skip it or use a moisturizer as the foundation’s base. Unfortunately, it serves no purpose, as what you need is a primer to maintain your makeup and keep it smudge-free for long.
A primer also serves as a radiant canvas for the foundation to blend easily by blurring wrinkles and eliminating open pores. It also leaves the skin feeling soft and fresh. Korean primers are perfect for everyone, whether you are a beauty and makeup junkie obsessed with trends or a humble beginner who wants to learn the best. Now, if you are trying to figure out which Korean primer to get, check out our list of the top 13 Korean primers for all skin types. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
13 Best Korean Primers For All Skin Types!
1. Best For Uneven Skin Tone: Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer
Are open poresor wrinkles giving you a hard time? Dot, dab, and conceal them with No Pore Blem Primer by Touch In Sol. Working as a makeup booster and trusted by several makeup artists, this pink-coated primer can seamlessly cover blemishes, open pores, and tackle fine lines to create that flawless base for your makeup products. It corrects uneven texture and skin tone with no fuss, delivering exceptional results. Ideal for no-makeup days, its soft and silky texture is infused with tea extracts and soluble collagen that energize, moisturize, and increase the skin’s suppleness too, making it feel feather-soft and velvety all day long. Kavita, a personal blogger, finds herself addicted to this primer. She writes, “I used this primer for the first time with my 10-minute makeup routine, and by the end of the day, I was pleasantly surprised with how my makeup looked. I looked like I had only just applied my makeup! What I liked about this primer was the smooth gel-like texture it has. It did not feel heavy on the skin and a small pump was enough to cover my whole face (i).” Check out this video to explore a tester’s experience of using this primer.
Pros
- Pink-coated primer
- Tackles fine lines and corrects unevenness
- Conceals blemishes and open pores
- Makeup booster
- Energizes and smoothens
Cons
- Not recommended for oily skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,983 reviews claiming its efficacy.
2. Best Lightweight Solution: Etude House Face Blur
This one hides, even-tones, smoothens, and also provides sun protection! Skip those million layers of creams when one primer can do it all for you. With a multi-blurring formula, Etude House Face Blur is a transparent solution that visibly hides pores, smoothens the texture, and refines the skin making it look brighter. Since this pore-filler primer also includes SPF 33, you don’t have to dodge the sunlight anymore! Jean Kuah, a personal beauty blogger, has positive reactions about the product. She writes, “It does make your skin tone look more even after application. I guess the blurring effect is referring to the visibility of your pores. I would say it minimizes only small pores (ii).” Use it as a pre-makeup base or sunscreen, this lightweight, quick sink-in Korean face primer prevents makeup from filling up the pores and is worth a try. It is a good primer for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Transparent and lightweight solution
- Visibly lightens the skin
- Doubles up as a sunscreen
- Hides pores and tones skin
- Evens out the texture
Cons
- May have an overwhelming fragrance
- Not recommended for sensitive skin
Pro Tip3. Best Ultra-Hydrating Formula: Missha M BB Boomer
Like a magnet for the foundation, Missha M BB Boomer’s enhanced adhesion, and illuminating glow combination will make you regret not having tried it earlier. The cream has pink pearl-like particles that deliver a silky smooth and dewy effect on skin and works wonderfully against wrinkles too. Creating a uniform, invisible layer for you to explore your makeup on, the cream primarily contains Moringa Oil (patented)— a super-hydrating element, Squalene retains the natural moisture and helps pamper your skin, Adenosine, and Arbutin that tackles fine lines.
Pros
- Robust adhesion
- Lightweight and sheer primer
- Smoothes wrinkles
- Hydrating and ultra-nourishing formula
- Retains moisture
- Silky and soft texture
Cons
- The fragrance may be bothersome
"This primer moisturizes and smoothes my dry skin. It lends my skin a dewy finish. I love how clean and glowy my skin looks after I apply this product. It layers well under my foundation and prolongs its wear time. I also love its mild scent."
Pro TipTouch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer Best For Uneven Skin Tone | Etude House Face Blur Best Lightweight Solution | Missha M BB Boomer Best Ultra-Hydrating Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Dry | - | - |
| Dimensions | 1.7 x 1.7 x 4.3 inches | 2.24 x 1.89 x 1.1 inches | 1.57 x 1.1 x 0.75 inches |
| Weight | 1.06 Ounces | 1.28 Ounces | 1.13 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,983 | 376 | 1,010 |
| Price | $17 | $23.0 | $16.45 |
4. Best Waterproof Formula: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
Are you looking for a suitable primer for oily skin? Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer has a sebum-controlling formula that combats oiliness and leaves the skin matte and smooth. It minimizes the appearance of pores and holds makeup all day long. The lightweight and breathable primer tackles extra oil and leaves skin feeling super soft. It is comfortable to wear as it is both sweat-proof and waterproof. This mattifying primer also brightens and balances the skin tone, enhancing the appearance of makeup, and does not require frequent touch-ups. It is a non-greasy and long-lasting primer.
Pros
- Sebum-controlling formula
- Suitable for uneven and oily skin
- Matte finish
- Non-greasy
- Sweat -proof
- Waterproof
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May show inconsistent results
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 2,372 rave reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Protection: Heimish Artless Glow Base SPF 50+ PA+++
The Heimish Artless Glow Base is a two-in-one product that acts as a makeup primer and sunscreen. This all-in-one moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup base formula give you flawless-looking skin for makeup to glide on easily, along with keeping your skin hydrated. The anti-aging formula has a pink pearl base that brightens your skin tone and texture. It has a lightweight formula that offers triple shield protection and shields your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation. Many reviewers mention that the primer creates a shimmery golden pearl glow base by reflecting light, which they absolutely adore.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Cruelty-free
- No white caste
- Suitable for all skin types
- Illuminating finish
- All-in-one formula
Cons
- Not suitable for very oily skin
- Overpowering fragrance
"It smoothes out my skin texture and lends me a healthy glow. The SPF-infused formula protects my skin against harsh UV rays. It is lightweight and feels soft on my skin. It does not make my skin look greasy. It leaves no white case on my face."
6. Best Skin Enhancing Formula: VDL Lumilayer Primer
Get ready to be wowed if you choose VDL Lumilayer Primer for it guarantees a radiating glow even before you apply makeup! Enhancing the texture, and complexion with its full and seamless coverage, the lumilayer prismatic pearls technology absorbs and reflects lights, thus giving the skin a natural glow. And as for the minimized pores and wrinkle free skin— it gives you all! Suitable for all skin types, prime on, and get ready to shine.
Pros
- Ensures a glowing effect
- Skin enhancing ingredients
- Delivers full coverage
- Blurs out blemishes
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Not recommended for sensitive skin
"This primer feels lightweight on my skin and spreads nicely. It illuminates my face instantly and makes it look healthy. It layers well under my foundation and stays put for hours."
7. Best Odorless Formula: TONYMOLY Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm
Open pores can be such makeup spoilers. And since making them disappear last minute is next to impossible, this primer can minimize their appearance to a great extent. Packed in a cute egg-shaped shell, this cream-based product has a silky-smooth balm-like consistency and contains a blend of egg whites and a herbal complex (burdock, lemon, hop, peppers, Sylvia, and soap grass) that guarantee the elimination of dead cells and excess sebum control. And the best part— a small amount is all you need to get that desired finishing, thus making the product last longer.
Pros
- Blurs pores, blemishes, and fine lines
- Contains natural ingredients
- Odorless
- Eliminates dead cells
- Controls oil
- Lasts longer
Cons
- Not recommended for very oily skin
- Expensive
8. Best For Pore Minimizer Formula: UNICORN GLOW Long Wear Primer
Get that flawless finish with the pore-minimizing formula by UNICORN GLOW Long Wear Primer. This Korean pore minimizer primer will prep and prime your skin flawlessly and create a canvas for long-wear makeup. It instantly smoothens fine lines and pores, blurs out skin imperfections, and moisturizes your skin without looking greasy or shiny. It is formulated with jojoba oil, chamomile, shea butter, and cica to give you a soft satin finish that enhances your complexion. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Pros
- Long wear formula
- PETA approved
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Nonylphenol-free
- Ethoxylates-free
- Triclosan-free
- Triclocarban-free
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons
- May cause dryness
"My skin transforms as soon as I apply this primer. It smoothes out my fine lines and fills my pores. It lends my face a crease-free look. The formula nourishes my skin and boosts its elasticity. It allows my base makeup to apply easily on top. It also reduces excess shine."
9. Best Skin Corrector: Banila Co Prime Primer Classic
No skin is perfect, hence why you need an ultimate prep primer ! For your makeup to look flawless – ready your skin with Banila Co Prime Primer Classic that acts as a skin corrector. Blurring the wrinkles, smoothening the texture to minimizing the pores, this formula also has pore-tightening properties because of which the users can’t stop raving about how satin-smooth the skin feels. An instant skin freshener and toner, the primer is suitable for normal skin types, ensuring to keep your makeup intact and smudge-free for longer too.
Pros
- Skin corrector
- Blurs the lines, brightens the texture
- Minimizes and tightens pores
- Satin-smooth, fresh, and even-toned finish
- Strong adhesion and long wear
- Smudge-free
Cons
- Not ideal for oily and acne-prone skin
"This primer hides the appearance of my pores instantly. It makes my skin look soft and flawless. Its hydrating composition soothes my skin and reduces redness. It allows my foundation to apply smoothly and lends my oily skin a matte finish."
10. Best For Oil Control: Blithe INBETWEEN Pore Priming Cream
The Blithe INBETWEEN Pore Priming Cream is specially formulated for those with visibly large pores and oily skin. This primer offers a flawless canvas that holds your makeup in place for a long time. It is infused with nutrient and moisture-rich sodium acrylates crosspolymer-2, which helps smooth wrinkles and pores. To further enhance the skin protector formula, potent ingredients like cica, heartleaf, green tea, tea tree, and mugwort are added to soothe irritated skin. The silicon-free formula moisturizes your skin, blurs large pores, gets absorbed instantly, and enhances your complexion. This product is tested to be safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Controls excess sebum
- Suitable for oily and combination skin types
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalates-free
- No artificial fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Does not minimize pores
"I love how soothing this formula feels on my skin. It fills my pores, absorbs excess oil, and makes my skin look flawless. It does not leave residues on my skin. The formula lends a smooth, matte finish to my face."
Pro Tip11. Best Hydrating Option: Atopalm Daytime Undermakeup Moisture Cream
Dealing with dry skin but cannot skip makeup? Try this primer for it has an intensely hydrating formula made of plant-derived ingredients that will heal your skin while forming a fresh and glowing base for makeup. Ideal for the base for makeup to set and blend for dry to sensitive skin, your skin stays protected as the primer works towards retaining the natural moisture, and bringing back the youthful shine. So, if you need an ultra-moisturizing base for makeup, Atopalm today!
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Primer with moisturizing effect
- Retains natural moisture
- Intensely hydrating
- Plant-derived ingredients
- Adds shine and freshness
- Suitable for dry to sensitive skin
Cons
- It may be sticky.
"This product creates a thin barrier on my skin and prevents moisture loss. It restores my skin’s pH level. It has a creamy consistency, which spreads easily on my skin. It is non-greasy and fragrance-free. It does not highlight my dry patches."
12. Best For Hydrating Formula: JUNG SAEM MOOL Skin Setting Glowing Base
Create a perfect canvas for makeup with this pore-refining formula – JUNG SAEM MOOL Skin Setting Glowing Base. This Korean primer is made safe and suitable for all skin types. It helps in smoothening fine lines to give your skin a flawless and natural finish. Infused with pink flower complex and shimmery pearl for that extra touch of added glow, the primer helps you achieve a dewy, rosy finish. It also contains a mineral complex that provides constant hydration to your skin under the layers of makeup. Sensitive skin-friendly, this primer can be included in your everyday routine to get radiant-looking skin.
Pros
- Refine pores
- Long-lasting dewy and luminous finish
- Lightweight formula
- Easy to use
Cons
None
"This primer goes smoothly on my skin and boosts its radiance. It reduces redness and makes my base makeup last all day. I love how silky my skin feels after I apply this product. It has a non-greasy texture, which feels nice on my skin."
13. Best For Glowing Skin: LANEIGE Glowy Makeup Serum
Get that glowy and hydrating base for your makeup with the LANEIGE Glowy Makeup Serum. This intensely nourishing, radiance-boosting primer gives you a smooth finish and glass-like Korean skin that radiates even under makeup and holds it in place for hours. Although moisturizing, it is a lightweight formula infused with diamond mineral powder and ceramide hydration gel. It gives you a healthy glow while ensuring the serum feels comfortable on your skin. The versatile formula can be used with or without makeup just to give you Korean glass skin!
Pros
- Dewy finish
- Can be used without makeup
- Smooth texture
- Easy to use
- Dropper applicator
- Long wear formula
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for oily skin
Don’t just moisturize, prime-up with one of the 13 best Korean primers listed above! Still not sure which one to include in your beauty routine? Our buying guide below can help:
Buying Guide For Best Korean Primer
How to Choose the Most Suitable Korean Primer for Your Skin?
Look for the following features to choose the most suitable Korean primer for your skin:
- Firstly, it should suit your skin type. If you have oily skin, don’t settle for combination skin primer as it may turn greasy on your skin and ruin the makeup.
- It should be non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.
- Primer is applied to transform skin into a canvas for smooth makeup application, so naturally pick the one that guarantees maximum skin corrections like blurring pores and fine lines.
- If you have dry skin, pick a moisturizing primer that can hydrate and repair your skin, whereas for oily skin, choose a water-based primer that controls excess sebum secretion to keep your makeup smudge-free. Pick an expert-recommended formula packed with non-toxic ingredients if you have sensitive skin prone to redness and allergies.
When and How to Apply A Primer?
A primer should be applied after moisturizing, and before makeup. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply a primer:
- Take a pearl-sized solution on your palm and apply it as dots all over your face and neck area.
- Now, gently dab or pat with a sponge or fingers in circulation motion thus spreading it all over.
- Let it be for half a minute or until it dries, then you can start applying makeup.
Benefits of A Good Primer?
A primer is a must-have for those who apply makeup regularly. Not only does it protect the skin and hide the appearance of blackheads, texture, enlarged pores, and wrinkle lines, but it also enhances the overall makeup look by forming a glowing base underneath. And a good primer with ultra-hydrating or sebum control features can deliver additional benefits to the skin too.
Infographic: How To Choose A Korean Primer
Korean primers are your best bet if you want to achieve flawless skin. They deliver a streak-proof base while prolonging the wear time of your foundation. However, the market is filled with various Korean primers, and choosing a product suitable for your skin type can be tricky. Check out our infographic to understand the factors to consider while adding a primer to your cart. Scroll down! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Korean primers are all the rage right now! Primers should always be one of the most important cosmetics in your makeup bag. They help in providing a smooth base for your foundation and also tend to keep your makeup smudge-free. The Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer creates a smooth base for makeup and effectively reduces blemishes, while the VDL Lumilayer Primer offers full coverage for a radiant finish and enhanced complexion. The Etude House Face Blur hides pores for even-toned skin and a soft-focus effect. Korean primers also blur wrinkles, patches, and dark spots to some extent. However, you should steer clear of primers that do not tend to even out the skin’s texture or are laden with harmful chemicals that may irritate or harm the skin. Instead, opt for cosmetologist-approved primers infused with nourishing ingredients that are safe for all skin types. However, read reviews before finalizing a product to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is any primer necessary for makeup?
Yes, primer is an important step in makeup. Primers create a barrier between skin and makeup and prevent makeup particles from clogging your pores. They also hold your foundation in place for a long time.
Do I need a primer before the foundation?
Yes, applying primer before wearing the foundation is important. Primers reduce sebum production and let your foundation stay for a long time. Also, primers improve the skin texture, enabling a smooth application of foundation.
Can you wear primer without makeup?
Yes, primers can be worn by themselves. Primers blur your pores, smoothen your skin texture, and fill your fine lines. As a result, it helps you achieve flawless skin.
Can we use Korean primer daily?
Yes. Korean primers do not contain harsh chemicals and are suitable for most skin types. However, read the ingredient list before using the product daily. Also, remember to prep your skin with skin care products before applying the primer.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Srijita De, has a deep interest in makeup. She has provided this detailed list of the best Korean primers after thorough research on the formulation and ingredients of the products. She also went through numerous user reviews and feedback on multiple forums and brand websites to help you pick the perfect one. These primers provide a spotless canvas for the foundation to blend easily by blurring wrinkles and eliminating open pores.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Kavita’s Beauty Book
https://www.kavitasbeautybook.com/beauty/top-secret-for-perfect-makeup-review-touch-in-sol-no-poreblem-primer
(ii) Your Girl Boss Beauty Blog
https://yourgirlboss.blogspot.com/2016/08/etude-house-beauty-shot-face-blur.html
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