Makeup primers have come a long way since the early days of online tutorials, magazine reviews, and YouTube (when it first started)! I still remember one of my favorite YouTubers claiming that primers didn’t make a difference in our makeup and were a waste of money. However, times have changed, and the world of primers has evolved into something remarkable.
Today, makeup primers are like a magical fusion of skincare and makeup. While their main purpose is to help our makeup last all day, they offer so much more than that. Primers work as a shield, protecting our pores from clogging and preventing breakouts. They also assist in maintaining hydration levels and controlling oil production, ensuring our skin looks flawless and fresh.
In this quick and comprehensive guide, we’re going to review 6 amazing options that deserve a spot in your collection. Whether you’re seeking a primer that guarantees all-day makeup longevity or one that provides intense hydration, our list has you covered. Discover the transformative power of makeup primers and find the perfect fit for your beauty routine!
All products featured on BiedazzleBeauty were personally tried and independently selected by Ashley. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best Long Lasting Primer – Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
If your main reason for wearing a makeup primer under your foundation is to keep your makeup in place all day, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is the perfect choice. This primer effectively grips onto your makeup, ensuring it lasts all day and night. Say goodbye to the worry of your makeup melting away or slipping from your face. Moreover, it contains Hyaluronic acid, which prevents your skin from drying out.
When applied to the face, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer goes on clear, giving your skin a natural-looking glow. The only downside is that it can feel a bit sticky upon initial application. However, once it dries, this sensation completely disappears, and you won’t notice it throughout the day!
Best Pore Minimizing Primer – Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer
A pore-minimizing makeup primer won’t have any long-term effects on reducing pore size. When you wash it off at the end of the day, your skin will look the same. Pore-minimizing primers simply make your pores appear less noticeable by filling them in and creating a blurring effect. This is why I often say that the Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer can be best described as an Instagram filter in a bottle!
When used under foundation, this primer helps to make large pores appear smaller. It also helps your makeup last longer and gives your skin a smoother appearance. It has a matte finish, which may not be ideal for those with dry skin. Although this primer, like many others, contains hyaluronic acid, it’s always important to moisturize before applying primer. If you’re looking for great moisturizer recommendations, check out our “6 Best Moisturizers in 2023” list!
Best Primer for Dry Skin – Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer
We mentioned earlier that the POREfessional may not be the best option for dry skin, so which makeup primer is? The Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer is a perfect choice as it hydrates, smoothens, and brightens the skin, leaving you with a healthy glow. Infused with coconut water and probiotics, this primer helps revive dry skin.
The Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer also aids in making your makeup last longer while providing a smooth base for foundation application. One aspect I truly love about this primer is that it doesn’t feel sticky at all; it’s incredibly smooth and hydrating. I’ve personally never experienced any breakouts from using this product, but it’s important to note that it contains olive oil, which can potentially clog pores and lead to breakouts. If you’re prone to acne, you might want to explore other options from our list.
Best Primer for Oily Skin – e.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Putty Primer
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Puffy Primer is my top recommendation for those with oily skin in need of a makeup primer. Infused with white charcoal and kaolin clay, this primer effectively absorbs excess oil. Despite its matte finish, it does not dry out your skin; it simply keeps oil under control.
In addition to oil control, this primer also minimizes pores and keeps your makeup in place all day long. As previously discussed in “The 15 Best Drugstore Makeup Products in 2023“, high-quality products can be found at the drugstore! E.l.f. Cosmetics has truly stepped up its game and continues to amaze me year after year. It rivals high-end options you’d find at Sephora. Plus, at $10 or less, how could you resist giving this one a try?
Best Primer for Mature Skin – Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
This makeup primer is the most lightweight one I’ve ever tried, and it flawlessly blurs the skin. It does a wonderful job being a barrier between your makeup and your skin, effectively preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
In addition to its oil-free formula, this primer helps even out your skin tone and provides a smooth canvas for applying makeup. It extends the wear of your makeup, ensuring it stays in place throughout the day. While the product does have a slight citrus scent, it isn’t overpowering and is only noticeable during application.
Furthermore, Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer has proven to be highly beneficial for mature skin, particularly for those over 50! Its lightweight texture and blurring effect help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture, imparting a more youthful and smooth complexion. This is an excellent choice for mature individuals seeking a reliable and age-defying makeup primer!
Although Tatcha’s primer is on the more expensive side, it’s often true that you get what you paid for!
Best Overall Primer – Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is my top choice for the best overall makeup primer, suitable for every skin type. This primer was featured in “The Best 17 Makeup Products in 2023” and I continue to stand by it! This was the first primer I used that made me realize how beneficial they can be in my daily beauty routine. In fact, I wore this primer on my wedding day, and I highly recommend it to any bride-to-be as it ensures flawless and long-lasting makeup for all-day photo sessions!
I love how it effectively hides pores and creates a smooth base for your makeup application. It keeps your makeup intact throughout the day, eliminating the worry of your makeup melting off by midday. This clear, oil-free primer is specifically designed to avoid clogging your pores, ensuring a healthy and breathable canvas for your makeup.
Discovering the right makeup primer can be a game-changer for your beauty routine. Primers are the secret weapon in creating a flawless look by blurring imperfections, extending the longevity of your makeup, and keeping excess oil at bay. With their ability to create a smooth canvas and enhance the performance of your foundation, primers lay the foundation for a polished finish that lasts all day.
We’d love to hear from you in the comments section about your chosen primer and how it worked for you. Sharing your experiences and insights can help others make informed decisions and find their own secret weapon for a flawless makeup application. Remember, with the right choice, you’re one step closer to achieving that perfect, long-lasting look!
Let us know which primer you decide to try and get ready to rock that flawless, makeup-ready complexion!