The Best Face Primers
The right makeup can help you feel confident and help you have fun creating artistic looks to express yourself. Everyone remembers things like foundation, concealer, and mascara, but there are so many other products that make a huge difference in the final look. One unsung hero is facial primer, as it creates a smooth canvas for your foundation to help your skin look flawless. But not all primers are created equal. Here are the best face primers to choose from for a beautiful new look.
What to Look For
Deciding on the right face primer is never easy. But while you peruse the marketplace, there are a few questions to ask yourself to help find the perfect pick for you: Is this primer well-suited for my skin type? Does it last long enough for my needs? And, considering the quality of its ingredients and its size, is it worth the price? Those criteria helped us round up a few of our favorites. For example, we’re crazy about e.l.f.’s Hydrating Face Primer because it’s packed with premium ingredients and it works for all skin types. It’s also gentle and doesn’t tend to leave an oily sheen. But we also loved Rimmel’s Stay Matte Mattifying Primer, which is great for those of us with oiler skin. To learn more about these and the rest, read on.
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
Smooth operator
For a versatile, gentle, and fast-acting primer, go with this option from Maybelline. This primer can be used with or without makeup, and it easily smooths out imperfections. Once applied, it allows your skin to look natural and glowy. Use it as a base for your masterpiece or on its own to blur out some blemishes quickly and gently. Competitors, take note: this is what the perfect primer looks like.
Pros:
- Can be used with or without makeup
- Easy to apply
- Clear gel formula works for every skin tone
- Matte finish to avoid the shine
Cons:
- It may not last as long as some others
- May cause acne
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer
Those shadows need a base
Elizabeth Moss is a big name in the primer game, and for good reason. This company’s line of makeup products boasts top-shelf ingredients that are fast-drying and totally transparent. This option is our go-to primer for prepping the eyelids and the skin around the eyes for artful eyeshadow. In fact, the area around the eyes is where we usually need a primer the most, since it’s an area that’s prone to wrinkles. Blur those blemishes with this affordable primer from Elizabeth Mott.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- A little goes a long way
- Doesn’t give off an oily look
- Helps eye shadow stay in place for longer
Cons:
- The thickness means you have to really rub it in to spread it out evenly
Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer
Control the shine
For those of us with oily skin, putting more substances onto our faces can seem like a bad idea. Fortunately, Rimmel relieves us of those worries with this mattifying primer. The lightweight formula is designed to help reduce the greasy, shiny look that so many of us rock naturally. Better yet, it doesn’t feel oily on the skin and can even minimize the appearance of pores. Affordably priced and super effective, this mattifying primer turns that sheen into a smooth-skinned dream.
Pros:
- Helps reduce the shine of oily skin
- Long-lasting, this primer can last up to eight hours
- Super inexpensive
- Reputable company
Cons:
- It doesn’t dry completely clear, so it’s best used as a primer for other makeup, especially for those with darker skin tones
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Primer
Redness reduction
For an excellent lightweight primer that you won’t feel on your face, go with the Maybelline Master Prime. Heck, with this primer on your face you might even forget it’s there. The “weightless” feeling of this pick comes from the water-based, non-oily formula. Another great option for wearing alone or as a base for your makeup regimen, Maybelline keeps it light and bright.
Pros:
- A little goes a long way
- Controls redness
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Since it’s lightweight and water-based, those with particularly large pores may not notice much of a reduction
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
Hydrate your skin
Jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, this primer hydrates and rejuvenates your skin. Better yet, the top-shelf ingredients are cruelty-free and vegan-safe. This primer is also free of parabens, phthalates, and other questionable components. With e.l.f., the focus is on brightening the skin, reducing redness, and lightening the appearance of blemishes. Achieving all that while sticking to high-quality ingredients is a tall order, but e.l.f. pulls it off.
Pros:
- Creates a smooth, healthy base for your makeup
- Works with any skin type and skin tone
- Silky texture
Cons:
- Some people don’t like the smell, though it dissipates quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a primer?
Primer is often called a real-life filter for your face. It smooths and evens everything out so that your makeup has a solid base.
What should I look for in a good primer?
Find one that says it minimizes pores and stays matte. You do not want to end up shiny. Also, get to know your skin type and consider how the different options will interact with your skin type.
What does primer do, exactly?
Primer is formulated to fill in pores and fine lines. It effectively evens the skin out, and in some cases, it can even out your skin tone.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.