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Primers are no longer considered a just-in-case-you-want-to-kick-things-up-a-notch product. They have become absolutely must haves that create a smooth canvas and blur imperfections. Primer is also an important pre-foundation and concealer makeup tool that smoothens your skin and prevents makeup from seeping into fine lines and pores — all of the normal texture we all have on our skin.
But which primer is the ideal pick for you? That depends on what you’re looking for — including any additional hydrating or clarifying ingredients you may benefit from in your primer. Here are seven of the most popular primers and what reviewers have to say about them.
Bobbi Brown Mini Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer with Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid
This popular primer by Bobbi Brown contains moisturizing hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and it’s good for all skin types. The oil-free formula is a 2-in-1 product that can be used as a moisturizer and a primer, so you can skip that extra step in your routine and still come away with smooth matte skin that’s ready for your makeup.
One reviewer says: “Such a rich product. Not only does it provide a great base for makeup but also enhanced my overall skin appearance!”
Buy it here.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer
This luxe makeup brand primer contains shea butter, rice bran, and glycerin — all of which moisturize and soften the skin. You can expect a radiant, more dewy finish with this primer (so it’s not designed to make skin completely matte). It’s ideal for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin.
One reviewer says: “Easily the best Primer on the market. It doesn’t matter what kind of foundation I use (water based or silicone), it will always work and make my makeup look ten times better. It’s hydrating and leaves an amazing glow!”
Buy it here.
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer
This primer stands out for its lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin and absorbs excess oils for a perfectly matte finish. Reviewers rave about how a little goes a long way, with one saying a bottle of this primer lasted her 5-6 months.
One reviewer says: “I tried a sample of this and immediately bought the full size. It kept my makeup on all day and made the application flawless. I’ve been struggling with under eye concealer creasing/piling and that didn’t happen when I added this to my base routine.”
Buy it here.
LAWLESS Mini Forget the Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Moisturizer + Makeup Primer
Another multitasking product, this primer and moisturizer by Lawless is a Sephora “clean” pick that contains firming, tightening peptides — so it’s skincare and makeup in one. The oil-free formula is good for all skin types and designed to suit the needs of women with mature skin.
One reviewer said: “Love it! In my 60s. Use it as primer. Amazing. Must have.”
Buy it here.
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Alkaline Primer
The name says it all: this primer is designed to sap up oil on the skin and leave a soft canvas behind. As such, this primer is best on oily skin and can feel tight and dry if you have normal or dry skin. It contains ingredients like micro-hyaluronic acid and 15 percent mineral silicate complex to tighten pores.
One reviewer said: “I’m an oily skin girl and this primer has impressed me! Living in a hot and humid climate definitely adds on to the struggle of keeping skin from getting greasy and sticky! This primer has been absolutely a game changer! It absorbs quickly, leaves a smooth, super matte finish, and helps to keep oil at bay throughout the hottest and most humid days! Works beautifully under makeup!”
Buy it here.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Pore Diffusing Primer - Always an Optimist Collection
Yet another winner from Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty makeup collection: This primer contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, green tea, and vitamin E and leaves a blurring matte effect on skin. It’s a lightweight gel formula that reduce shine and evens out skin texture, plus it works on all skin types.
One reviewer said: “I got this as a free sample with purchase and will be buying it for the rest of my make up wearing life. I have super oily skin and this stuff is magic on it. My makeup lasts all day, I don't look like I poured oil on my face at the end of the day and it blurs pores beautifully.”
Buy it here.
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer
This primer gel is oil-free and contains vitamins A and E and plant extracts for smoothening and hydration. The vegan formula is ideal for all skin types.
One reviewer said: “was first introduced to this primer 10 years ago and been loyal ever since. it’s the only primer i use. my foundation is silicone based which pairs perfectly with this silicone based primer. does exactly what it’s suppose to do - smooths out any texture and blurs my pores. my sensitive combination skin loves this non-comedogenic product. a little goes a long way.”
Buy it here.
