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Get Your Makeup Looks to Last With The Best Face Primers

  1. L'Oreal Studio Secrets Secret No.1 Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer
  2. Neutrogena Prep + correct Primer for brightening skin, Illuminating makeup Face Primer
  3. Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Face Primer
  4. L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Correcting Anti-Dull Skin Face Primer
  5. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer
  6. LORAC POREfection Mattifying Face Primer
  7. Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15
  8. Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
  9. SEPHORA COLLECTION 10 HR Wear Perfection Foundation 25 Medium Beige Face Primer
  10. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer
  11. NARS Pro Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 PA+++
  12. Cover FX SPF 30 Protection Primer
  13. Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
  14. Stila Hydrating Primer Oil-Free SPF 30
  15. Shiseido Refining Makeup Primer SPF 21 1.1 oz
  16. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Make Up
  17. Dior Skinflash Primer Radiance Boosting Makeup Primer
  18. Cover FX SPF 30 Protection Primer
  19. Benefit Cosmetics Pore Minimizer
  20. Benefit Cosmetics Dr. Feelgood Foundation
  21. Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer
  22. Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Primer
  23. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer
  24. Neutrogena Prep + correct Primer for brightening skin, Illuminating makeup Face Primer
  25. Colorescience Skin Mattifying Face Primer
  26. Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment
  27. Dr. Brandt Pore Minimizer
  28. Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Face Primer
  29. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Oil Free
  30. Benefit Cosmetics Pore Minimizer
  31. Stila Hydrating Primer Oil-Free SPF 30
  32. Neutrogena Prep + correct Primer for brightening skin, Illuminating makeup Face Primer
  33. Buyer's Guide

Face primer is a product that can help your skin look not only flawless but polished and professional. In effect, it creates a canvas on your skin where you can apply your favorite cosmetics, such as foundation and blush, with ease. The best face primer in 2022 also helps minimize pores and fine lines and some may even correct color, reduce oil or dryness, or may be specifically made for problem skin or acne. No matter what kind of face primer you choose, keep in mind that it is an important part of your makeup; just as much as your foundation and moisturizer. Let's dive into our favorite picks.

Detailing the Best Face Primers of 2022

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Secret No.1 Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer - Best Face Primer Overall

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base achieves unbelievably perfect, near-flawless results for your skin. It's a silky, almost spongy texture that glides on easily and smooth. The result is a pore-free, luminous, polished skin. It's highly affordable and easy to find at most any drugstore or retailer and it's from the trusted L'Oreal brand. It's also perfect to use under any foundation and provides a smooth, almost air-brushed look that beats many higher priced face primers.

Neutrogena Prep + correct Primer for brightening skin, Illuminating makeup Face Primer - Runner Up

This budget-friendly primer is our pick for controlling excess oil and helping makeup stay put. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, and leaves a matte finish that keeps makeup looking freshly applied all day. It contains rice proteins that keeps the skin shine-free, and it also minimizes the appearance of pores on contact. It also contains moisturizers that won’t clog pores, so skin stays clear and comfortable.

Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Face Primer - Honorable Mention

In terms of primer tasks, this one ticks all the boxes. You get instant improvement in fine lines, the illusion of smaller pores, and skin is left soft and smooth. This primer helps makeup glide on evenly, and extends its staying power for hours. It has a light texture and leaves skin with a matte finish, though you probably won’t like how it looks on its own.

L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Correcting Anti-Dull Skin Face Primer - Consider

L’Oreal takes primer to another level by incorporating color correction. Sure, these primers all create a smooth canvas for foundation that follows, but each one has a unique tint to address redness or dullness. The green version counteracts redness, the pink version illuminates light skin and the peach version adds radiance to medium/dark skin. Be aware, however, this primer is on the liquid-y side.

CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer - Best Drugstore Face Primer

Combining the perfecting effect of a primer and anti-aging ingredients to improve skin firmness and elasticity, this product works double duty as a moisturizer and primer in one. It goes on like a lotion and instantly smoothes the skin’s texture, and it has no fragrance for those who are sensitive to scents (and it won’t clog pores, either).

LORAC POREfection Mattifying Face Primer - Best Face Primer for Sensitive Skin

Free of oils, silicone, fragrance and parabens, this primer is a dream for anyone with sensitive skin. Lightweight and water-based for extra hydration and long-lasting results, this lotion is also infused with antioxidants, vitamins and plant extracts that work to soothe stressed skin. It absorbs fast and leaves no residue behind and it won’t cause redness, irritation or breakouts.

Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15 - Best Face Primer for Sensitive Skin

This primer offers everything sensitive skin needs… In addition to giving your makeup extra staying power, it instantly minimizes visible redness with a faint green tint as it evens out skin tone and leaves skin feeling silky-smooth. It also contains chemical-free SPF 15 and it’s oil-free to keep breakouts at bay. The creamy texture absorbs fast and leaves no grease behind, and it dries to a natural finish that’s not too matte.

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen - Best Face Primer for Sensitive Skin

As if the broad spectrum chemical-free SPF 30 and four available tints weren’t enough, this primer goes a step further by incorporating anti-aging ingredients that are gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Designed to help makeup stay put (and treat your skin) for 12 hours, the buildable coverage lets you skip the foundation altogether if you so desire. And it’s so light that it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all.

SEPHORA COLLECTION 10 HR Wear Perfection Foundation 25 Medium Beige Face Primer - Best Face Primer for Sensitive Skin

Silicone can aggravate sensitive skin, but this well-priced primer offers all the skin-perfecting and makeup-maximizing benefits without the risk of irritation. It absorbs fast and smoothes the skin on contact, and it has the power to absorb excess oil all day. It’s also oil-free for blemish-prone skin, and users say it works just as well (if not better) than much higher-priced counterparts.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer - Best Face Primer for Sensitive Skin

When it comes to this primer, its name says it all. Designed exclusively for sensitive skin, it instantly calms redness, minimizes pores, improves fine lines and absorbs excess oil. It’s free of colors and contains gentle ingredients that work to fight discoloration too. The lightweight texture leaves skin soft to the touch and it helps makeup stay put from morning till night. Note: Some users report that it feels a little “goopy.” Our advice: Apply sparingly and allow it to set before proceeding with foundation.

NARS Pro Prime Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 PA+++ - Best Face Primer with SPF

NARS Pro Prime's primer is so lightweight you won’t even know it’s there. This primer shields skin from possible damage caused by UV exposure with broad spectrum SPF 30, and has added antioxidants to protect against environmental assaults. With a creamy texture that adjusts to hydrate dry spots and absorb oil where needed, it’s safe for all skin types, including sensitive. Plus it also has mineral powders that blur imperfections so you look even better before you actually apply makeup.

best Cover FX SPF 30 Protection Primer

Cover FX SPF 30 Protection Primer - Best Face Primer with SPF

In addition to SPF 30, Cover FX's primer makes foundation blending a breeze. It does more than just create a flawless canvas for makeup that follows. It also contains ingredients that minimize redness while moisturizing the skin. It glides on and renders pores and fine lines nearly invisible, for picture-perfect makeup that keeps going as long as you do. Here's a tip: For the most even application, use a foundation brush to blend it in.

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen - Best Face Primer for Sensitive Skin

As if the broad spectrum chemical-free SPF 30 and four available tints weren’t enough, this primer goes a step further by incorporating anti-aging ingredients that are gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Designed to help makeup stay put (and treat your skin) for 12 hours, the buildable coverage lets you skip the foundation altogether if you so desire. And it’s so light that it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all.

best Stila Hydrating Primer Oil-Free SPF 30

Stila Hydrating Primer Oil-Free SPF 30 - Best Face Primer with SPF

Offering hydration and skin protection in one tube, this primer doubles as your daily moisturizer as well. Instead of a matte finish it leaves skin dewy, and the fresh look lasts for hours (as does your makeup). Though not technically a BB cream, it contains skincare ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants as well, so it works to improve firmness, and it minimizes fine lines and pores on contact.

Shiseido Refining Makeup Primer SPF 21 1.1 oz - Best Face Primer with SPF

Though not the highest SPF available, this primer provides adequate sun protection (so long as you’re not spending a lot of time outdoors). It does a great job at priming the skin so makeup lasts, and it leaves a natural finish on its own. It instantly fills fine lines so they’re less noticeable, and it visibly diminishes redness and uneven skin tone so your makeup looks even better.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Make Up - Best Face Primer for Normal Skin

Laura Mercier is a complexion effort, and her foundation primer is the cream of the crop. Created in 1995, this creamy gel dries to an invisible finish that magically helps makeup withstand daily wear and tear. It also contains antioxidants to nourish your skin, and once you see how soft and smooth your skin is before even applying makeup, you’ll never wear foundation without it again. There’s a reason this primer has won countless awards.

Dior Skinflash Primer Radiance Boosting Makeup Primer - Best Face Primer for Normal Skin

When your skin needs a radiance boost, look no further than this primer. We love the built-in brush, the lit-from-within glow it provides and the extra staying power it gives our makeup. Apply where you need extra coverage or all over and watch dullness fade away. The universal shade works on all skin tones, and the optical pigments diffuse light to minimize fine lines and other imperfections.

best Cover FX SPF 30 Protection Primer

Cover FX SPF 30 Protection Primer - Best Face Primer with SPF

In addition to SPF 30, Cover FX's primer makes foundation blending a breeze. It does more than just create a flawless canvas for makeup that follows. It also contains ingredients that minimize redness while moisturizing the skin. It glides on and renders pores and fine lines nearly invisible, for picture-perfect makeup that keeps going as long as you do. Here's a tip: For the most even application, use a foundation brush to blend it in.

Benefit Cosmetics Pore Minimizer - Best Face Primer for Normal Skin

For instant skin smoothing, immediately less visible pores and improved fine lines, apply a thin layer of this lightweight priming balm and let it set for a few seconds. A long-standing favorite, it can be used under makeup as a primer, over makeup for touch-ups, or on its own as a mattifying finishing touch. It’s ideal for the oily T-zone area, but it works well on dry skin, too (so long as you apply moisturizer before).

Benefit Cosmetics Dr. Feelgood Foundation - Best Face Primer for Normal Skin

This miraculous balm renders pores invisible, leaves a smooth surface that helps foundation glide on effortlessly, and stops shine in its tracks. It contains vitamins A, C and E to fight fine lines as you wear it, and it can also be applied over makeup with a sponge for mid-day touch-ups (if necessary). Users love the fresh scent, and we love that it comes in a miniature size for when we’re on the go.

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer - Best Face Primer for Oily Skin

Offering makeup-extension benefits with a formula that’s specially designed to absorb excess oil and minimize shine, this primer also provides the skin with calming green tea and vitamin E. For even more complexion perfection, it also features light-diffusing pigments to minimize pores and fine lines, and the light lotion even helps you use less concealer and foundation.

best Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Primer - Best Face Primer for Oily Skin

Packed with oil absorbers (and 60 percent water), this primer keeps skin matte all day. It also performs its priming duties by minimizing pores and keeping makeup in place. The formula also contains vitamins, antioxidants and peptides to help fight fine lines as well as optical diffusers that help camouflage blemishes and other imperfections. Just remember to only apply a dollop the size of a dime. That’s all you need.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer - Best Face Primer for Sensitive Skin

When it comes to this primer, its name says it all. Designed exclusively for sensitive skin, it instantly calms redness, minimizes pores, improves fine lines and absorbs excess oil. It’s free of colors and contains gentle ingredients that work to fight discoloration too. The lightweight texture leaves skin soft to the touch and it helps makeup stay put from morning till night. Note: Some users report that it feels a little “goopy.” Our advice: Apply sparingly and allow it to set before proceeding with foundation.

Neutrogena Prep + correct Primer for brightening skin, Illuminating makeup Face Primer - Runner Up

This budget-friendly primer is our pick for controlling excess oil and helping makeup stay put. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, and leaves a matte finish that keeps makeup looking freshly applied all day. It contains rice proteins that keeps the skin shine-free, and it also minimizes the appearance of pores on contact. It also contains moisturizers that won’t clog pores, so skin stays clear and comfortable.

Colorescience Skin Mattifying Face Primer - Best Face Primer For Acne Prone Skin

With this primer, you can diminish redness and camouflage breakouts before you even apply foundation. In addition to leaving skin smooth and primed for makeup, it also has anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe stressed skin, and its exfoliating salicylic acid helps keep skin clear. It leaves a matte finish in a flash, controls excess oil for hours, and the universal shade works with a wide range of skin tones.

Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment - Best Face Primer For Acne Prone Skin

In addition to mattifying skin, minimizing pores and fine lines, helping makeup stay put, and fighting breakouts with 1 percent salicylic acid (most anti-acne primers only have 0.5 percent), this skin-perfecting primer is also water-resistant. The gel formula creates the illusion of flawless skin upon application. Best of all, it can be also used as a spot treatment at bedtime when you’re in a pimple pinch.

Dr. Brandt Pore Minimizer - Best Face Primer For Acne Prone Skin

As its name implies, this primer works wonders on enlarged pores, but it also keeps excess oil in check by actually regulating your skin’s sebum production (which goes a long way for fighting breakouts). It also contains antiseptic tea tree to control bacteria plus light-diffusing spheres to improve imperfections. Skin is left feeling smooth, looking more even and ready for makeup, and it comes in a tinted version that could have you skipping foundation all together.

Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Face Primer - Best Face Primer For Acne Prone Skin

Beyond leaving skin shine-free and makeup intact for hours, this primer also minimizes the appearance of pores and reduces redness associated with breakouts. On the skincare side, it contains willow bark extract (a natural form of exfoliating salicylic acid) and antioxidant pomegranate extract to help rejuvenate skin. Plus because this formula is water-based, it allows skin to breathe (which also keeps skin clear), and the universal tint flatters all skin tones.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Oil Free - Best Oil-Free Face Primer

Free of pore-clogging oils and packed with oil-absorbing ingredients, this primer leaves an invisible layer on the skin that helps keep makeup in place while ensuring that color stays true all day — and eliminates the need for touchups throughout the day. This formula also has a high water content to keep skin hydrated, and die-hard fans say keeping it in the refrigerator is great for giving skin a refreshing treat.

Benefit Cosmetics Pore Minimizer - Best Face Primer for Normal Skin

For instant skin smoothing, immediately less visible pores and improved fine lines, apply a thin layer of this lightweight priming balm and let it set for a few seconds. A long-standing favorite, it can be used under makeup as a primer, over makeup for touch-ups, or on its own as a mattifying finishing touch. It’s ideal for the oily T-zone area, but it works well on dry skin, too (so long as you apply moisturizer before).

best Stila Hydrating Primer Oil-Free SPF 30

Stila Hydrating Primer Oil-Free SPF 30 - Best Face Primer with SPF

Offering hydration and skin protection in one tube, this primer doubles as your daily moisturizer as well. Instead of a matte finish it leaves skin dewy, and the fresh look lasts for hours (as does your makeup). Though not technically a BB cream, it contains skincare ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants as well, so it works to improve firmness, and it minimizes fine lines and pores on contact.

Neutrogena Prep + correct Primer for brightening skin, Illuminating makeup Face Primer - Runner Up

This budget-friendly primer is our pick for controlling excess oil and helping makeup stay put. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, and leaves a matte finish that keeps makeup looking freshly applied all day. It contains rice proteins that keeps the skin shine-free, and it also minimizes the appearance of pores on contact. It also contains moisturizers that won’t clog pores, so skin stays clear and comfortable.

Buyer's Guide

Your face deserves every investment to pamper it that you can afford, and a suitable primer will give you the smooth and even foundation required to bring out the beauty of your makeup. Primers help create a barrier between excess oil from your skin and makeup, which may ruin the outcome. You need to be mindful of a few things when buying a good primer for your skin, and in this guide of the best face primers, we will walk you through all you need to know.

Your skin type

Before you click on the buy button or hit the store, you should know your skin type. Also, it would help if you considered other factors, such as whether you have skin allergies or conditions which the primer may affect. For people whose skins are healthy, finding a suitable face primer should be easy-peasy.

If your skin is dry, you should go for primers that come with a moisture lock which helps get more moisture in the skin. If your skin is aging, primers with antioxidants will be your best bet. Natural primers with few additives will be the best choice for people with rather sensitive skin.

Longevity

A good primer ought to last for a minimum of eight hours regardless of the oily nature of your skin. But you may need to check for the primer brands that work well with your type of skin. Note that this will not prevent your makeup from eventually wearing off, but it should do a great job of keeping it on your face for a longer period of time. If you live in an environment with high temperatures, you will definitely need a primer more often. Therefore, you need to check which primer will hold up to the environmental conditions you find yourself in.

Environment

As stated above, the type of environment you find yourself in plays a huge role in your decision. You will need to expose your skin and makeup to such environments consistently. This is why you need a good primer that can withstand the elements of your environment. Undoubtedly, humid and hot climates have a reputation for melting makeup, making them wear off quicker than cooler environments. Therefore, you should search for a primer that comes with SPF protection if you reside in humid or hot areas as this can help protect your skin from sun damage in addition to the benefits of a typical primer.

Consistency

A good quality primer does not come with artificial ingredients or dyes, which may adversely affect your oil glands. Search for primers that are non-comedogenic and oil-free. Such primers can help keep your skin fresh and dry all day. When choosing a primer, it is advisable that you go for one with a smooth formula that doesn't glide too much on your face. Note that you have to be consistent in the type of primer you use so that you can prevent your skin from reacting to different kinds of chemicals found in various primers.

Brand reputation

Your primer is probably only as good as the producer, and this is why you need to be mindful of the track record of the manufacturer. Go through their website and check for reviews on reputable e-commerce platforms to ensure their value proposition. Also, check if the products come with a warranty or if they're returnable.

Why should I use a primer for my face?

Undoubtedly, everyone desires for their skin to look outstanding, and this is made even more possible by using the right skincare products the right way. Keep reading as we take you through some of the exceptional benefits of using the best face primers.

Softer skin

By using your primer regularly, your face will become softer and smoother. Also, you will be pretty comfortable with your skin because it will make it look flawless thanks to the skin healing features of most quality primers.

Outstanding glow

One outstanding function is that it gives your skin hydrating components and essential oils, which help keep moisture retained in the skin. This is the reason why your skin looks refreshed and glowing after using a primer.

They are lightweight

Primers are not heavy because they are made using a lightweight formula so you barely feel them on your face. Also, they don't harm the skin. Due to its light nature, your skin won't be loaded with any harmful chemicals either.

Better lasting makeup

One of the most prominent advantages of using a primer is that it can help keep the makeup on your skin for longer. By transforming your skin into a smooth surface, the makeup can stay on better.

How to effectively apply face primer

When you find the primer that suits your needs, you need to understand how best to apply it. The first and most important rule of using primers is that you should always apply moisturizer before priming because it makes the application of the primer even. Here are some crucial steps to help you properly use your face primer.

First step

Begin by moisturizing and cleaning your face and then applying a light sunscreen. After that, you are set for primer use.

Second step

The next thing to do is to squeeze the primer out on the back of your hand and mix it using your finger to warm up the product. Then lightly dab the primer onto your face.

Third step

Rub the primer in gently and ensure that you reach every corner of your face. Once you notice that the primer is absorbed, you can begin applying the foundation.

FAQs

Q. How do I know if a primer is good for me?

A. If you are searching for the best primer for combination skin, you should be conscious of your skin tone, skin type, and any skin issues. Based on these factors, you need to define your needs and select a product on this basis.

Q. What does combination skin type mean?

A. This skin type refers to a mix of both dry and oily skin. Some people have oily skin on some parts of their faces, while some areas are dry. The blend of both is what gives rise to combination skin.

Q. What do I need to know before choosing a good primer as a newbie?

A. If you are looking for the best primer for combination skin, you should be conscious of the specifications of your skin tone, skin type, and skin issues. Search for brands you know— maybe a brand that you use for other products— and look for a primer that checks all your boxes.


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