But not all face primers compare; from downright sticky to seriously pilly results, it’s important to choose the right one for your skin type, concern, and makeup style. So, ahem, that’s why we’re here—to show you the best makeup primers on the market that we at Cosmo are low-key obsessed with.
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1
Best Overall Makeup Primer
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
Pros
- Formula doesn’t leave a film over your skin, instead it has a more-so tacky finish that doesn’t feel sticky
Cons
- Testers note that they run through the product quickly as they have to use a few pumps per application
I couldn’t do a makeup primer story justice without giving this cult favorite the number-one spot. It’s safe to say that the Milk Hydro Grip is basically a universal makeup primer for all skin types being that it’s fragrance-free, lightweight, and not to be dramatic, but a *miracle* formulation. The credit can be given to its super hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, aloe, niacinamide, seed extracts) that help your skin retain water and prevent moisture loss without being too heavy. As for its all-day grip, that can be attributed to the blue agave extract that essentially keeps your makeup “sticking” to your face without being, well, sticky.
- Key ingredient(s): Blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, aloe, niacinamide
- Formula: Gel
- Size: 0.33 oz., 0.76 oz., 1.52 oz., 5.28 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “Ever thought you’d discover a secret handshake between your face and makeup? Welcome to the MILK Hydro Grip Primer—i.e., the matchmaker of the beauty world! This nifty little potion feels like the enthusiastic best friend that grabs your foundation by the hand and says, ‘You two are going to get along just fine!’ Its gel-like consistency is a refreshing splash of hydration, a siren call for parched skin.“
2
Best Drugstore Makeup Primer
Maybelline Baby Skin
Pros
- Dimethicone temporarily fills in skin texture without clogging pores
Cons
- Won’t give you that super dewy look if that’s what you’re going for
I’m a sucker for an inexpensive makeup product that doesn’t look, perform, or feel like you spent very little moola on it. So allow me to intro y’all to this next pick that checks every one of those boxes: Maybelline’s Baby Skin. Dimethicone, aka the MVP smoothing component in makeup, is the number one ingredient in this formula. It’s also precisely the reason I gravitate towards this drugstore makeup primer for a ridiculously, erm, srry, baby smooth base for my makeup.
- Key ingredient(s): Dimethicone
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 0.67 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “Wow, what?! Ok, I was a skeptic when I bought this but even squeezing product out I could see it was going to work. My skin hasn’t been the best this summer so it was so nice to find a product that literally blurred my texture.”
3
Best Makeup Primer & Face Lotion
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Pros
- Can be used as a regular AM/PM moisturizer as well as a cleansing milk and overnight mask when applied liberally
Cons
- Doesn’t contain silicone so it won’t blur pores or fine lines
If you’re into French beauty, or really just beauty in general, you’ve most likely heard the rave reviews surrounding this wonder cream. For the gist: The Lait-Crème Concentré (said in a v spot-on French accent) is basically the holy grail of face lotions thanks to its rich formulation of fatty acids and vitamins that deliver a potent shot of moisture to your skin. The result is a super-prepped and primed base that’ll allow your makeup to lay smoothly and last longer. But—but!—the benefits of this product don’t just stop there. In fact, it can also be used as cleansing milk and makeup remover lotion.
- Key ingredients: Fatty acids, shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, soy proteins
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 1.01 oz., 2.54 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “This has become a staple in my daily skincare and makeup routine. I use it not only as a face cream but also as a primer, and it has made a noticeable difference in how my makeup looks and feels throughout the day. As a face cream, it provides excellent hydration without leaving my skin greasy…when used as a primer, it helps my makeup last all day and creates a smooth base for application.”
4
Best New Makeup Primer
Provence Beauty Bare Lumiere Protecting + Perfecting Cream
Pros
- Fragrance and essential oil free making it great for sensitive skin types
Cons
- Let the product dry down a few minutes before applying makeup or it may pill
Obsessed was an understatement when I first got my hands on this new priming cream from French beauty brand Provence. When you first feel the formula out of the tube, it’s extremely thick, yet when applied to your face it’s practically weightless, filling in any texture for a perfectly smooth base ready for the rest of your makeup. Ectoin, a main ingredient in the formulation, has incredible barrier repair, protection, and soothing properties that work in tandem with the other antioxidants, and emollients in this cream for major moisture and radiant, even skin.
- Key ingredients: Ectoin, glycerin, jojoba esters
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 2.0 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “This cream truly delivers on its promise as a 5-in-1 powerhouse. First off, the texture is light and smooth, absorbing quickly without leaving any greasy residue. It provides an instant boost of hydration, thanks to the Aloe Vera, which my skin drinks up. I love how it primes my skin perfectly for makeup, creating a smooth, even base that helps my foundation glide on effortlessly. “
5
Best Makeup Primer for Large Pores
E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
Pros
- Silicone-packed formula effectively smooths out your skin for a super even base
Cons
- Due to the putty-like formula, it’s best to avoid dry patches as it can cling
Chances are you’ve walked into your local drugstore and noticed the iconic e.l.f. Putty Primer in the makeup aisle while contemplating if you should finally pop one in your cart, per the wise words of your favorite 13-year-old TikTok influencer. Well, folks, use this as your sign to take the plunge—it’s as good as they say. The viral primer owes its greatness to a blend of silicones that form a thin layer on top of your skin resulting in (seriously!) pore-vanishing powers and the smoothest canvas ever. Apply the primer to your T-zone and cheeks, or on the areas with the most visible pores.
- Key ingredients: Silicones, glycerin, squalane
- Formula: Putty
- Size: 0.74 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “This stuff is a miracle. I heard about it, saw it, read reviews, and hesitated I’ll admit. I was like putty….blech. WELL LET ME TELL YOU GOOD PEEPS—it goes on so smoothly and you don’t need a lot but has a consistency that allows you to layer/build as needed. I actually saw my pores disappear and my texture was velvety without feeling oily and/or sticky.”
6
Best Makeup Primer Skincare Benefits
Victoria Beckham Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer With TFC8
Pros
- Available in both a golden and clear finish
Cons
- Priciest option on this list
She’s pricey, I hear ya. But JSYK, I wouldn’t recommend dropping 100 bucks on a makeup primer unless it was seriously magical, like this one from Victoria Beckham. See, she’s not just a primer—the formulation was made in collaboration with luxe skincare brand, Augustinus Bader, using its patented skincare ingredient: TFC8. Basically, a potent blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides, this ingredient shines in its skin-healing and tissue-repairing benefits. So, while your face is being primed for the day ahead, the formula is also working to regenerate your skin on a cellular level for the years to come.
- Key ingredients: TFC8, vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 0.5 oz., 1.01 oz., 1.69 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “I love it. When I add this to my routine I rarely need to add foundation. My skin looks plump, fresh and dewy. I use both the golden and the original. ‘Golden’ gives my fair complexion just the bit of color I like.”
7
Best Makeup Primer for Dry Skin
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer
Pros
- Moisturizes very dry skin to prevent makeup from looking patchy or cakey
Cons
- Some testers note that it may feel heavy if you over-apply—you only need a pea-sized amount
Real ones know that this face-priming moisturizer is the secret sauce in every celebrity makeup artist’s kit. All those red carpet glam looks featuring fresh, glowing skin your favorite celebrity rocks can probably be attributed to this hyaluronic acid-packed formula. I think of it as a makeup primer on steroids—it’s got all the skin-smoothing, prep elements of a primer, but all the plumping, soothing, and good-for-your-skin-barrier benefits of a moisturizer.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, vitamins E & C
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “I have been using this product as my base/primer every day for the last five years. This product works so well for those with dry skin or over 50. The worst thing to see is someone with patchy-looking, dry foundation. This base/primer leaves with with a beautiful and moisturized canvas to apply foundation or not. Either way, your skin will look its best.”
8
Best Makeup Primer for Redness
REFY Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer
Pros
- Leaves your skin glowy and luminous
Cons
- Niacinamide takes time to improve redness, so it won’t color correct it upon application
A product that multitasks as a facial massage and a primer? Tell me more. Though rubbing your face for one minute in the a.m. won’t give you razor-sharp cheekbones, it does help to wake you up and de-puff your face a bit. Combine the potential skin-tightening benefits of the roller with the hydrating glycerin, and redness-reducing niacinamide of the primer, and you can see why this has quickly become a fan favorite.
Just note: if you have more of an all-over red tone and want something with more coverage and color correction, try the Erborian CC cream—a personal favorite of mine.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin
- Formula: Serum
- Size: 1.4 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “This primer is such a great consistency and leaves my skin luminous. My face is tacky and ready for product after applying this primer and my makeup STAYS. I would definitely recommend it.”
9
Best Makeup Primer for Oily Skin
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer
Pros
- Testers swear by how long it makes their makeup last
Cons
- If you apply too much, testers warn that it may start to pill
Gels and serums are a great option for oily skin types that typically can’t handle the feeling or heaviness of a cream or moisturizer. This silicone-based primer from Smashbox has that lightweight gel-serum formulation that applies like a dream. It’s oil-free, which is a major key in preventing your skin from greasing up again by mid-day. Fun fact: It can also be used over makeup throughout the day if you notice any shine starting to peek through.
- Key ingredients: Silicone, vitamins A & E
- Formula: Gel
- Size: 0.34 oz., 1.01 oz., 1.69 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “I used this for my wedding, and I didn’t need a touch up the whole day. I still wear it daily. That same year, I was cast in a small role and even on the video shoot, the make up gal was so impressed that she started using it because she didn’t have to do as many touch ups. Well, that was 2015, and I still wear the primer and Smashbox foundation. The primer lasted, the husband not so much.“
10
Best Eye Makeup Primer
Pat McGrath IntensifEYES Longwear Eyeshadow Primer
Pros
- Contains caffeine, which offers temporary skin-tightening effects
Cons
- Price doesn’t reflect the amount of product
There’s something about a creasing eyeshadow sitch that’ll just ruin a day. Take it from me—a gal who rocks a low-key smokey eye on the daily—once your eye look starts fading, your whole glam is ruined. (Dramatic? Maybe.) Though, alas, there is a solution! Queen Pat McGrath came in clutch with this eyeshadow primer that is the only one I have ever tried that *actually* prevents the aforementioned, intensifies the pigment, and makes it super easy to blend shadows.
- Key ingredients: Amino acids, vitamin E, ceramides
- Formula: Liquid-cream
- Size: 0.16 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “I’m actually in awe of this product. I have deep-set eyes and my eyeliner CONSTANTLY transfers to my upper lid. I’ve tried many primers to stop this issue, but none have worked…until this. I gave it a few days and tried different shadows and methods of application, and it passed each test with flying colors. I was hesitant to try this product at first since it’s on the pricier side, but wow. It works. I feel like it also makes my eyeshadow look better than usual.”
11
Best Makeup Primer for Lips
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer
Pros
- Great for matte lipsticks that often reveal dry patches or fine lines
Cons
- Won’t offer major hydration to replace a lip balm
‘Member all those times you’ve gone to apply your favorite lipstick, only to be sorely disappointed as the color cakes onto your dry, chapped lips resulting in a look that’s entirely not the vibe? Yup, me too, up until I discovered that lip primer was a thing made to prevent this very problem from occurring. And before you think you can grab any ol’ chapstick, think again! Unlike your classic lip balm, which is used as a lubricant to hydrate dry lips, a lip primer instead is designed to act essentially as a base that fills in lines, cracks, and texture for even application of your next lip product.
- Key ingredients: Wax, vitamin E
- Formula: Balm
- Size: 0.16 oz.
Glowing Customer Reviews: “After decades of using straws and pursing my lips, I have lines around my mouth where lipstick would travel. I tried lipliners—colored and clear—and lip serums/primers. Nothing stopped the bleeding until this! No more bleeding or traveling and my lipstick glides on! Even my most drying lipsticks feel better with this underneath! LOVE.”
How to choose the best makeup primer:
Choose between a silicone-based primer vs. a water-based primer
Let’s break the two down:
- Silicone-based primers: Formulated with silicone ingredients (i.e., dimethicone, polysilicone, trisiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, etc.) these primers act essentially as a lightweight film over your skin, filling in texture, pores, creases, and flaky patches to create a totally smooth, even base for your makeup application. The silicone also traps moisture so your skin stays hydrated and protected.
- Water-based primers: Formulated with humectants similar to a serum (i.e., hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycerin, etc.), these primers add hydration, as well as create a tacky surface for your makeup to essentially “stick to” (see: plant extracts).
FWIW, silicone is a super common ingredient used in beauty products, and although it gets a bad rap, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel says that it’s totally safe for your skin when used in cosmetic products. It also has a large molecular weight meaning that it won’t clog your pores resulting in acne. See? It offers all the skin-smoothing benefits you could possibly want for under the base of your makeup, without any negatives. Win-win.
TL;DR: Either one works and totally depends on your personal preference. On days when I want to conceal my pores, I use a silicone-based primer. On days when I need a little more hydration or a dewy effect, I’ll reach for a water-based one.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the top lip masks and the best eye liners. She’s an authority in all makeup categories, but an expert when it comes to makeup primers. She regularly tests and analyzes them on herself for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to assess new formulas and brands
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
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