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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.
![](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2024/08/Beauty-Awards-2024-top-photo-1280x1280-2.jpg)
![bobbi-brown-primer](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2024/08/Bobbi-Brown-Mini-Vitamin-Enriched-Face-Base-Moisturizer-Primer-with-Vitamin-C-Hyaluronic-Acid.jpg)
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-primer](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2024/08/Armani-Beauty-Luminous-Silk-Hydrating-Makeup-Primer.jpg)
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-primer](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2024/08/Hourglass-Vanish-Airbrush-Primer-.jpg)
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-primer](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2024/08/LAWLESS-Mini-Forget-the-Filler-Skin-Plumping-Line-Smoothing-Moisturizer-Makeup-Primer.jpg)
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.
![patrick-starr-primer](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2024/08/ONE-SIZE-by-Patrick-Starrr-Oil-Sucker-Extreme-Mattifying-Alkaline-Primer.jpg)
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-primer](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2024/08/Rare-Beauty-by-Selena-Gomez-Pore-Diffusing-Primer-Always-an-Optimist-Collection-.jpg)
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-primer](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2024/08/Smashbox-Mini-Photo-Finish-Smooth-Blur-Oil-Free-Foundation-Primer.jpg)
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.