15 Best Drugstore Face Primers, Makeup-Artist Approved – 2024
Prep your skin right to ensure long-lasting and smudge-free makeup.
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: 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 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
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If you want to slay a flawless make-up look, prepping your skin before applying foundation is very important. So, before you stress out about not having products for that, relax because we have your back covered with the best drugstore face primers. Adding a face primer to the make-up routine will give you a smooth skin texture. It acts as a base for the foundation and holds the make-up for long hours. It blurs out fine lines, pores, and blemishes too. Now go ahead and explore the top 15 drugstore face primers that we’ve listed below.
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Face Primers
1. Best Over All:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is sweat proof and waterproof. It blends easily with the skin tone and leaves a matte finish. It minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. This statement-making primer has a unique formula that gives a silky appearance. Experience enhanced features as the primer minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving your skin with a dewy finish. It is ideal for prepping, brightening, and balancing one’s complexion. The infusion of pearl powder enhances the appearance of makeup and leaves one looking gorgeous. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review based on a tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sweat proof
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
- All-day wear
- Minimizes pores and fine lines
- Controls excess skin sebum
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Cakey appearance
- May not give a smooth appearance
- May clog pores
"This primer reduces redness on my sensitive skin. I like it because it does not give a cakey feeling, even when I layer it with a lot of makeup products. It also reduces the appearance of my dark circles, something that I did not expect it to do."
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 2,372 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best For Aging Skin: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
The CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer hydrates mature skin and minimizes the signs of aging. The ageless primer is infused with panthenol, vitamin E, and green tea extract that hydrate and protect the skin for a longer duration. The nourishing formula firms the skin and leaves a youthful glow, and several reviewers online have lauded the product for the same. This hydrating formula can be applied as a foundation primer for a smooth base and moisturized look.
Pros
- Keeps skin younger
- Hydrates skin
- Cruelty-free
- Plumps the skin
- Improves skin elasticity
- Blurs wrinkles and fine lines
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
Cons
- Consistency could be too thick
- Has added artificial fragrance
"I like this primer because it makes me glow even when I am doing minimal makeup. It is non-greasy on the skin and feels lightweight as well. It tones down redness and preps my skin for foundation by filling in lines and pores. A single layer is enough for the whole day."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 736 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best For Oily Skin: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
The Rimmel Stay Matte Primer is an ultra-lightweight formula that minimizes the appearance of pores. It also controls shine for up to 8 hours, leaving you with a soft, perfectly matte finish. It is non-greasy and keeps you fresh for longer. The featherweight primer blends flawlessly for a velvety finish. You can check this video out if you need to know more about the product based on a reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Controls shine for over 8 hours
- Masks pores
- Offers natural finish
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Can be used alone or with a foundation
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Cakey appearance
- Consistency can be too thick
"This setting spray ensures that makeup stays in place, even during sweaty days. It gives a natural finish. I like how it controls oil but it needs some touch-ups for very oily skin types. The scent is also pleasant."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,946 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
| Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer Best Over All | CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer Best For Aging Skin | Rimmel Stay Matte Primer Best For Oily Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | All,Dry Skin,Oily,Oily Skin |
| Dimensions | 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches | 6 x 5 x 4 inches | 1.18 x 1.81 x 4.29 inches |
| Weight | 1.28 Ounces | 1.06 Ounces | 1.48 Ounces |
| Color | - | Primer | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,372 | 736 | 3,946 |
| Price | $15.99 | $13.97 | $5.64 |
4. Best Fast Absorbing Formula: NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer
The NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer is a lightweight, creamy formula. It provides a sparkling effect that stays long. This glitter primer glides easily on the skin, helping you create those celebrity-inspired looks. It blends well with the skin tone and offers flawless skin. It is infused with vitamin E and jojoba extract that nourish the skin and protects against environmental aggressors. To find out more about this product based on a tester’s experience of using it, check this video review out.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Leaves a glittery effect
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,802 rave reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Reducing Pores:Revlon PhotoReady Primer
The Revlon PhotoReady Primer is a tinted formula that blends seamlessly to soften the skin. It also blurs imperfections, fine lines, and wrinkles. It smoothens the skin texture and tone. The primer contains silica mattifiers that reduce the production of sebum and control excess oil secretion. The pore-reducing formula minimizes the pore size and mattifies the skin for a flawless, airbrushed finish. With this expertly-crafted primer, you can achieve a flawlessly photo-ready look effortlessly.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Blends seamlessly with the skin
- Reduces pore size
- Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
Pro Tip6. Best For Combination Skin:NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer
The NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer is a silky silicone-based formula that protects the skin and creates a smooth, matte finish. It blends evenly with the skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The primer offers an airbrushed finish. It is available in three shades.
Pros
- Easily blends with the skin
- Fast-absorbing
- Masks fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces the appearance of large pores
- Available in three shades
Cons
- No photo-finish look
- Greasy formula
"This primer is so gentle on my skin! It is long-lasting, even when the weather is humid or rainy. It has a silky finish which also makes my skin look very glowing. It also masks the subtle redness on my left cheek. I like it as my everyday makeup."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,885 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
7. Best Color-Correcting Formula:Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer
The Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer is a water-based formula that blurs skin imperfections and smoothens fine lines. It is a color-correcting formula that preps your skin for makeup. It is lightweight and non-greasy and is suitable for oily skin. The infused active ingredients and glycerin offer a silky, smooth finish. The primer also hydrates the skin, helps create a flawless base, and provides long-lasting makeup wear. The primer also hydrates the skin and provides long-lasting makeup wear.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Blurs fine lines
- Masks skin imperfections
- Hydrates the skin
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Chemical smell
- May irritate sensitive skin
8. Best Skin Brightening Formula:L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
The L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer instantly illuminates and lightens one’s complexion and prolongs the makeup wear. It is a unique formula that blends seamlessly with the skin and boosts skin luminosity. It minimizes the appearance of large pores and blurs fine lines. It can be used alone for a natural look or can even be blended with a foundation to plump up the skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smoothens skin texture
- Brightens skin complexion
- Blends seamlessly with skin
- Leaves a natural glow
- Highlights cheekbones
Cons
- Cakey appearance
- May contain skin irritants
Quick tip9. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer
The e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer is a vegan formula that is infused with salicylic acid, vitamin E, and tea tree oil. These ingredients control blemishes and breakouts, making the product an ideal choice for acne-prone skin. The silky base smoothly glides on the skin and controls acne formation.
Pros
- 100% vegan formula
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- No harsh chemicals
- Controls acne breakouts
- Glides smoothly on the skin
Cons
- May feel greasy
"I like the e.l.f poreless face primer because it spreads easily. It clears some of the redness from my face without irritating my skin. It blurs my pores very well and keeps my skin hydrated."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 9,535 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
10. Best Lightweight:L.A. Girl Pro Prep High Definition Smoothing Face Primer
The L.A. Girl Pro Prep High Definition Smoothing Face Primer is a lightweight formula that smoothens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps minimize the appearance of large pores and makes skin ready for applying foundation and makeup. This affordable skin primer is infused with light-diffusing particles and skin-nourishing vitamin E. The invigorating formula hydrates and nourishes the skin and enhances makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Smooth application
- Fills up fine lines
- Masks wrinkles
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Softens the skin
Cons
- Greasy
- Not sweatproof
"I love this primer as it gives a smooth base and helps my makeup stay intact throughout the day. I apply it every day before going to the office and it never fades away. The best part is it keeps my skin soft and moisturized. It is one of my best purchases this year."
11. Best For Dull Skin:Neutrogena Prep+ Correct Primer
The Neutrogena Prep+ Correct primer is a silky, lightweight formula infused with seaweed extract that refreshes dull-looking skin. It is a color-correcting primer that blurs imperfections and evens out the skin tone. The green-toned matte primer reduces facial redness and improves skin texture and tone. It is lightweight and does not create a cakey appearance. The primer blends easily with the skin. Its correcting formula blurs all imperfections and reduces the pore size. This pore minimizer formula is available in three color-correcting shades.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Improves dull skin
- Evens out the skin tone
- Offers pore blurring effect
- Blurs imperfections
- Smoothens the skin surface
- Reduces redness
- Reduces the pore size
Cons
- None
12. Best Long-Wear:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Glow-Lock Face Primer
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Glow-Lock Face primer seals skin glow. It creates a radiant base and preps your skin for long-wear makeup. The primer from L’Oreal, a celebrity-endorsed brand, is infused with glycerin and vitamin E that boost skin hydration. This makeup foundation base is a lightweight primer that can be applied alone or blended with a foundation.
Pros
- Seals skin glow
- Illuminates the skin
- Hydrates skin
- Lightweight
- Suitable for dry/normal skin
Cons
- None
13. Best Drugstore Primer With SPF:e.l.f. Beauty Shield SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer
The e.l.f. Beauty Shield Skin Shielding Primer helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the appearance of large pores. The lightweight primer glides easily on the skin and leaves you with a glowing, airbrushed finish. It is rich in antioxidants, and the SPF 50 protects the skin from harmful aggressors and UV damage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rich in antioxidants
- Protects the skin from sun damage
- Gives radiant finish
- Reduces pore sizes
- Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- None
14. Best For Oily Skin:Honest Beauty Everything Primer
The Honest Beauty Everything Primer provides long-lasting makeup coverage and leaves skin with a matte finish. This mattifying primer is infused with micronized bamboo powder that helps blur imperfections. This award-winning, dermatologist-tested product is blended with aloe vera extracts, peony root extracts, and hyaluronic acid that exhibit hydrating properties to soothe skin redness and irritation. These ingredients also make your skin firmer and reduce fine lines. This illuminating primer contains mica that gives your skin a flawless complexion and a gorgeous glow. It preps your skin with enough moisture to make it look fresh and dewy. The primer is an oil-free formula that controls shine without making the skin too dry. It is best suitable for oily skin as it controls oil secretion. Several reviewers, after testing the product, have lauded it for its smooth appearance and long-lasting results.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Oil-control formula
- Free from dyes and artificial fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Free from mineral oils
- Oil-free formula
- Blurs imperfections
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Toxicologist-verified
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
15. Best For Dry Skin:Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer
The Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer hydrates and moisturizes the skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and other imperfections. It also reduces pore size. Its unique formula blends flawlessly with the skin for an even skin tone.
Pros
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Minimizes pore size
- Combats uneven skin tone
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Vegan formula
- Maintains skin’s natural moisture balance
Cons
- May feel sticky
"The primer settles nicely and gives a smooth finish. It softens my fine lines and pores. I usually combine it with a glowing primer and apply a sheer foundation on top for the best look."
[ Also Try – Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ]
These are the 15 best face primers that you can buy online. They mask all imperfections and offer the perfect base for your makeup. More importantly, they are lighter on your pocket. The next section gives you a brief on the basics of a primer and why you need to use it.
What Is A Primer? Why Should We Use It?
A makeup primer creates the ideal base for your foundation. It creates a thin protective layer between your skincare and makeup products. It fills in the pores and blurs out fine lines and other imperfections. It helps your foundation blend better with the skin for a flawlessly smooth finish. You can use a primer by itself for a dewy finish or layer makeup on top of it to create a glamorous look that lasts all day long.
The next section helps you pick the right product suitable for your skin.
Buying Guide For Drugstore Primers
Know Your Skin Type
- For Dry Skin
If you are selecting a primer for dry skin, check for the hydrating ingredients that seal moisture within the skin. Check for glycerin, aloe vera, or shea butter that soften and moisturize the skin and keep your skin hydrated for long hours.
- For Oily Skin
Oily skin is tricky to manage. Choose a primer that is infused with tea tree and vitamin E that prevent acne breakouts and control excess sebum formation. The primer should be non-comedogenic and grease-free.
- For Sensitive Skin
An illuminating face primer works best for sensitive skin. It can reduce skin redness and inflammation. Additional SPF is better for protection against sun damage. The primer should also contain chamomile extract, tea tree extract, and essential oils to protect the skin and nourish it.
Ensure Natural Ingredients
The primer should be free from harmful chemicals and artificial fragrances.
Check The Pricing
Most face primers are reasonably priced. You do not have to spend the big bucks. Be wary of the pricing.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Applying A Drugstore Face Primer
Priming is the first and most important step to achieving lasting makeup looks. Master the art of flawless makeup with our helpful guide on using a drugstore face primer given in the infographic below. Whether you are a beginner or a makeup enthusiast, these dos and don’ts will refine your primer application skills. Take a look!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
It is very important to have your makeup intact throughout the day to avoid the unnecessary hassle of touchups. Therefore, a primer is a must-have in your arsenal to keep your makeup last for hours. Thankfully, many drugstore brands have come up with face primers for different skin types. The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer addresses oil control and effectively minimizes shine, the NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer blends well, offering a long-lasting base for glittery makeup looks, and the L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer blurs imperfections and adds a radiant glow to the skin. A good primer contains soothing ingredients that will allow your skin to have a smooth texture before applying makeup. It will also blur out pores, fine lines, and blemishes. Before choosing the best drugstore primers, consider your skin type and also check the ingredients and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a primer necessary for makeup?
Applying a primer before makeup blurs all imperfections, seals open pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also offers a long-lasting makeup hold. Hence, a primer is essential for makeup.
Can you just use a primer without foundation?
Yes, you can use a primer by itself, without blending with foundation.
When should you use a face primer?
You may use it after your skin care routine (cleansing-toning-moisturizing) and before you apply your makeup.
Is a primer good for daily use?
Yes, a primer can be used daily. A lightweight primer is preferable in this regard.
How long should you leave a primer on before applying foundation?
You may apply the foundation right after applying a primer.
Which type of primer is the best for normal skin?
Non-comedogenic face primers with hyaluronic acid are best for normal skin. The formulations offer smooth texture and an illuminating effect.
Does the primer have to match your skin tone?
There are two ways to determine the shade of the primer. Many opt for primers that are the exact shade of their foundation. Many go for primer shades that are the opposite of the shade of their blemishes. For example, if your skin is facing redness, go for a green primer. If your pores are yellowish, go for a purple primer. You can go for colorless, translucent primers as well.
Should you apply a primer or a moisturizer first?
Apply the moisturizer before your primer. Make sure to complete your skin care regime before you start with your makeup regime.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup artistry. She understands that preparing your skin before makeup application is essential for a flawless look. So, she tried some drugstore face primers, went through numerous user reviews online, and made this list of the best ones out there. These shortlisted products will help conceal all your pores and blemishes and keep your makeup intact for long.
Read full bio of Mary Ajaka
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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