11 Best Face Primers For Sensitive Skin, MUA-Approved (2024)

If you are prone to breakouts or flare-ups frequently and using foundation makes things worse, switch to one of the best primers for sensitive skin available. Expertly crafted primers for sensitive skin contain antioxidants like vitamin C that keep acne at bay. What’s more, it gives your skin a smooth and glowing look that lasts all day. Take a look at our list of the top sensitive skin-friendly primers you can include in your skincare routine.

11 Best Face Primers For Sensitive Skin – Reviews And Guide

1. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer

4.2

Now 26% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.93

This is a color-correcting matte finish makeup primer from the celebrity-endorsed brand Maybelline that offers a flawless appearance. Its active ingredients blur imperfections on mature skin and offer a smooth base that covers fine lines.

Maybelline’s skin-perfecting primer is formulated with a water-soluble base. Its key skin care ingredients refine your look and leave you with a fresh and youthful glow. The hyaluronic acid derivative in the product helps reduce the pore size.

This is among the best brightening face primers for uneven skin tone. It brightens dull complexions and combats uneven skin texture. Apply it all over the face after using your daily skin care products for exceptional results. You can either follow it up with a regular makeup routine or wear it alone. To get a better understanding of the product, you can check out this video on YouTube based on a tester’s experience with it.

Pro Tip

After cleansing your face, follow up with a moisturizer and SPF (unless your primer has SPF in it) and then a primer, for the best skin care.

2. Best Artificial Fragrance-Free: Reviva Labs Makeup Primer

4.2

Image: Revivalabs

Now 49% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

The natural ingredients in the Reviva Labs Makeup Primer perfect the skin by refining the texture. The Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin A derivatives help cover fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture.

The product helps even out the skin tone. The active ingredients in this makeup base reduce the size of large pores without clogging them. Dimethicone, a type of silicone present in Reviva Make-up Primer, gives your skin a matte finish and a supple look.

Review:

A satisfied customer writes, “The Reviva Labs Makeup Primer has transformed my makeup routine. It hides my pores, evens the tone, and boosts makeup longevity. A little goes a long way, making it a lasting addition to my routine!”

Quick Tip

Wait 2 minutes after applying the primer and follow up with other makeup products.

3. Best For Oily Skin: Neutrogena Shine Control Primer

4.2

Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON

If you want a fresh start, the Neutrogena Shine Control Primer is the right choice for you. It is a lightweight, smooth, non-greasy formula with rice protein technology that acts like a sponge to absorb all the excess oil from the skin.

The primer also contains silica, which acts as an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It helps blur fine lines, reduces wrinkles, and makes your skin plump and glowing. Reviewers love this product as it conceals large pores on the skin easily.

Review:

A loyal user says “This Neutrogena Primer has been my go-to for years. I have oily skin and this primer keeps excess shine at bay and helps my makeup stay put all day. It’s lightweight and a little goes a long way.”

Pro Tip

Apply a thin layer of the primer to avoid piling the product under your foundation.

	Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer Best Dermatologically-Tested	Reviva Labs Makeup Primer Best Artificial Fragrance-Free	Neutrogena Shine Control Primer Best For Oily Skin
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	All	All	All,Dry Skin
Dimensions	0.74 x 1.85 x 4.78 inches	1.25 x 1.25 x 4 inches	0.9 x 3.25 x 6.63 inches
Weight	1.45 Ounces	0.96 Ounces	1.23 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	4,396	189	164
Price	$8.93	$9.99	-

4. Best Hypoallergenic: Almay 5-in-1 Correction Primer

4.1

Now 5% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.95

This lightweight, oil-free make-up primer is the first step to perfect skin and flawless finish makeup. The color-correcting makeup primer contains microspheres that provide a smooth base to your skin and makeup. These microspheres blend easily into your skin and give you a refined look.

The bi-colored spheres serve a dual role. While the lavender microspheres help even out skin tone, the green microspheres help reduce skin redness. You won’t need an additional foundation after using this calming primer. Reviewers have noted that the add-on bonus is its oil-free gel formula that is light on your skin. Moreover, ethically conscious consumers adore this product as it is not tested on innocent animals.

Review:

A happy user types, “This Almay Primer not only color corrects and adapts to my skin tone, but it also keeps my makeup fresh during my 12-hour shifts. It’s my go-to choice for a luminous, long-lasting look!”

5. Best Vegan: Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer

4.3

Image: Juice Beauty

BUY ON AMAZON | $36

This is a silicone-free, lightweight facial makeup primer. It contains rich coconut alkanes and an organic base of botanical extracts is infused in the serum, making it a great addition to your beauty routine. This illuminating formula imparts hydration to dull skin. It renders a smooth, glass-like skin appearance, reduces fine lines, and blurs imperfections.

It is a perfect base for all foundations and acts as a smooth canvas for any kind of makeup. The natural ingredients, like aloe leaf juice, improve hydration, enhance skin barrier, and lock the natural moisture of the skin. Coconut alkanes, organic glycerine, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil are great emollients that smoothen the skin. The hyaluronic acid, along with vitamins C and E, reduces wrinkles and blurs enlarged pores. The product does not undergo animal testing, which makes it ideal for people seeking cruelty-free options.

Review:

A tester shares, “As someone with acne scars and inflamed skin, I’ve struggled to find a primer that works. But the Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer keeps my makeup intact for hours, giving me an illuminated, youthful glow.”

6. Best Cost-Effective: Benefit POREfect Deal! Primer Set

4.6

Image: Benefit

Now 6% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $46.49

This mattifying primer instantly minimizes large pores, reduces fine lines, and gives you an all-day makeup look. The silky lightweight formula of the Benefit POREfect Deal! Primer Set not only reduces pore size but also promotes a radiant look. It comes as a set of two products.

Review:

A user writes, “The Benefit POREfect Primer has been my go-to for 2 years. With my oily yet occasionally dry skin, this primer hides my pores and smooths out my skin. It visibly improves my skin, outperforming many others I’ve tried.”

7. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Too Faced Prime And Pore less Pure Face Primer

3.8

BUY ON AMAZON | $59.65

This is a colorless and 100% oil-free formula that reduces pore size. It is the perfect primer for sensitive skin that craves a radiant glow. The mattifying and oil-free formula reduces surface oil, blemishes, and skin redness. It also blurs fine lines. The primer’s vitamin E and A derivatives act as antioxidants that reduce wrinkles, giving your skin a youthful glow and luster.

Review:

According to a reviewer, “This primer from Too Faced a savior for oily skin. In scorching heat, my makeup stayed put flawlessly for hours. It’s my ultimate solution for maintaining a fresh look.”

8. Best Sun Protection: Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Primer

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON

The Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Primer is a dermatologically-approved all-in-one formula made with 5.4% zinc oxide and 5.4% titanium oxide. It provides a high level of sun protection. The SPF-infused primer also protects against the effects of pollution and sun damage.

The natural ingredients conceal dark spots, reduce blemishes, and correct uneven skin tone. The potent antioxidants, algae extract, cactus extract, and green tea extract help fortify the skin, reduce wrinkles, and restore skin moisture. Its perfect nude tone blurs all the imperfections before applying makeup. Many reviews indicate that the primer also offers light coverage if applied alone.

Review:

9. Best Hydrating: Pony Effect Ultimate Prep Primer

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON

The Pony Effect Ultimate Prep Primer is available in many variants for all skin types. This variant is specially made for those with sensitive skin and large pores. It acts like a sponge to absorb excess oil from your skin. This soft, silky, and balmy primer covers large pores and gives you a plump, porcelain-like skin texture. According to several reviews, you can wear the primer before applying makeup or you can even wear it alone for lighter coverage.

Review:

A happy user says, “The Pony Effect Primer rescued my trip to Hong Kong when I ran out of primer, and now it’s a must-have in my makeup routine. A little goes a long way, leaving my skin moisturized and makeup intact. It’s a gem!”

10. Best Cruelty-Free: REN Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Primer

4.1

Image: Ren Clean Skincare

BUY ON AMAZON | $48

This is a probiotic-rich clean primer that plumps and mattifies the skin and fills fine lines and pores. Its natural ingredients boost skin texture and help balance the good bacteria. This primer for delicate skin reduces breakouts. This is a silicone-free formula that smooths the skin and gives a long-lasting glow. The agava extracts and the alpha-glucans in the primer make it easy for your skin to breathe.

Review:

A user remarks, “The REN Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Primer exceeded my expectations. It imparts my skin a smooth canvas for makeup. A few drops of the product work like magic, absorbing quickly and enhancing my foundation’s finish.”

11. Best Long-Lasting: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Primer

4.4

Image: It Cosmetics

BUY ON AMAZON | $42

This is an oil-free makeup gripping primer that keeps the skin hydrated and refines skin tone. It minimizes large pores and locks in skin hydration with its infused oil-free formula of glycerin, bark extracts, and ginger root extracts. This long-lasting primer for thirsty skin also works as a perfect blender. You can use it before applying makeup for exceptional results.

Review:

A satisfied customer remarks, “This primer from IT Cosmetics is truly like second skin. It is my go-to product. This primer pairs perfectly with IT serums. It keeps my skin moisturized and keeps my makeup set for hours.”

Primers are not only good for enhancing the longevity of your makeup but also for protecting the health of your skin from the next layers of makeup. However, Tina Tempest, a Makeup Artist & Hairstylist, advises, “Don’t apply face primer under the eyes. This can clog the pores, and lead to white bumps called melia.” If you need some help narrowing down your choice of statement-making face primers for sensitive skin, check out some tips in the section below.

Tips To Choose The Right Primer For Sensitive Skin

• It should be oil- and grease-free.
• It should be able to reduce skin redness.
• Choose a primer with natural ingredients to prevent damage to your skin (sensitive skin is more prone to allergies).
• Check for antioxidants like vitamins A or E or hyaluronic acid.
• Added SPF could also be good if you are willing to add the primer to your enhanced beauty and skin care routine.

Infographic: How To Apply Makeup Primer On Sensitive Skin

Primers are versatile makeup products. They not only make your makeup long-lasting but also have the ability to showcase your makeup as you like – dewy or matte. But for sensitive skin, it is essential to learn the basics of applying makeup primers to prevent any irritation or allergic reaction. Check out the below infographic for more details.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to wear primer every day?

Yes, primers can be used daily. They smoothen the texture of your skin and reduce the appearance of acne and fine lines.

Should a primer go on before or after moisturizer?

Primers should go after the moisturizer. Moisturizer hydrates the skin and preps it for makeup, and primer is the first step of makeup.

Is primer healthy for your skin?

Certain primers, like most of the silicon-based ones, contain comedogenic ingredients that clog your pores and cause excess sweating. Therefore, check the ingredients on the label before purchasing any primer. Non-comedogenic primers like the Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime primer are devoid of any toxins and are suitable for daily wear.

Does a primer irritate the skin?

Primers that are formulated without toxins do not usually irritate the skin. There are certain people who are allergic to even natural ingredients. So, try and avoid primers containing common allergens, like paraben and fragrances, and thoroughly skim through the ingredients list prior to purchasing your primer.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author Baishali Bhattacharya is certified in makeup artistry and keeps up with the latest developments in the beauty industry. She shares her tips for choosing a face primer in her buying guide and explains how to consider parameters such as ingredients for better results. She has gone through numerous user feedbacks to create this list of the best ones for her readers. The best face primers for sensitive skin protect your skin and leave it smooth and glowing.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Tina TempestMakeup Artist & Hairstylist

 

Tina Tempest is a highly qualified makeup artist and hairstylist. She is extremely passionate about helping women feel confident and beautiful through the power of makeup. Tina teaches makeup artists and women from all backgrounds through her makeup masterclasses, in person, and online makeup videos.

Read full bio of Tina Tempest

Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

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.

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Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati 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.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati 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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