If you’re like me, you know that a flawless makeup look starts with the right foundation and that foundation isn’t just the product you apply to your face. It starts with a good makeup primer. Makeup primers are the unsung heroes of a long-lasting makeup routine, providing a smooth canvas and helping your makeup stay put throughout the day.
In this guide, I’ll take you through why makeup primers are a must-have in your beauty arsenal and which ones are the best in 2024.
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Makeup Primer
I didn’t always use makeup primers. Like many, I thought they were just an extra step I didn’t need. But after trying a few that truly transformed my makeup game, I’m convinced that no makeup routine is complete without one. So, why exactly should you use a primer?
Smoothens Your Skin
Primers act as a smoothing agent, filling in fine lines, pores, and imperfections. They create a flawless base for foundation, ensuring it applies smoothly and evenly. Think of a primer as your skin’s personal smoothing tool, giving your foundation a perfect canvas to adhere to.
Enhances Makeup Longevity
One of the biggest benefits of using a primer is its ability to make your makeup last longer. Whether you’re headed to work, a party, or just going about your day, a primer creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, helping everything stay intact. Without a primer, makeup can fade, crease, or settle into fine lines, which I’ve definitely experienced before.
Controls Oil and Shine
For those of us with oily skin (guilty!), a primer can be a game-changer. Primers that control oil will mattify your skin, keeping shine at bay throughout the day. I personally love using primers with oil-control properties, especially in the T-zone, to avoid midday touch-ups.
Hydrates and Smooths Dry Skin
On the flip side, dry skin can also be a challenge when applying makeup. A good hydrating primer adds moisture to your skin, making your makeup go on more evenly and preventing it from looking cakey. I’ve found that primers with a hydrating formula can make a huge difference on days when my skin feels a little dehydrated.
Helps with Makeup Application
The right primer doesn’t just help your makeup last longer; it also improves how makeup applies. Some primers have a slightly tacky texture, which allows foundation to grip better, creating a more flawless finish. When I use a good primer, my makeup goes on like a dream.
Our Top Picks for the Best Makeup Primers in 2024
I’ve tried numerous primers over the years, and these are my top picks for 2024. Whether you’re looking for hydration, mattification, or a smooth base, these primers will meet your needs.
Best Overall: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
Why I love it: The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is hands down one of my favorites. This primer is known for its hydrating formula that grips foundation and holds it in place for hours. It’s packed with aloe water, cherry blossom, and hyaluronic acid, which provide much-needed hydration.
Pros:
- Hydrating formula
- Grips makeup for long-lasting wear
- Suitable for all skin types
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Can be a bit too tacky for those with oily skin (but perfect for dry skin)
Best Drugstore Primer: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
Why I love it: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly primer that works, Maybelline’s Baby Skin is a fantastic option. It creates a smooth, poreless finish and helps makeup last all day.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Smoothens and blurs pores
- Great for daily use
Cons:
- Can leave a slightly oily finish, so may not be the best for super oily skin
Best Primer for Dry Skin: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Why I love it: This is my go-to primer when my skin feels dry and tight. It’s a versatile primer that doubles as a moisturizer, making it perfect for those of us with dry or sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose (primer + moisturizer)
- Rich and hydrating
- Lightweight but effective
Cons:
- Doesn’t have pore-blurring properties
Best Makeup Primers for Different Skin Types
When it comes to primers, one size doesn’t fit all. Each skin type has its own set of needs, and the right primer can make all the difference.
Best for Oily Skin: Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer
Why I love it: Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer is perfect for oily skin. It mattifies the skin without leaving it feeling dry and helps to blur imperfections, creating a smooth canvas for makeup.
Pros:
- Controls oil and shine
- Blurs pores
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Not as hydrating, so may not be ideal for dry skin
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tatcha The Silk Canvas Filter Finish Protective Primer
Why I love it: This is the primer I turn to when I’m having a sensitive skin day. It’s gentle, soothing, and creates a beautiful, smooth base. Plus, it contains natural ingredients like green tea, which calm irritated skin.
Pros:
- Hydrating and soothing
- Works well for sensitive skin
- Long-lasting finish
Cons:
- Expensive
Best for Mature Skin: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Why I love it: As I get older, I’m noticing the importance of skincare-infused primers. Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base is a primer and moisturizer in one, and it’s packed with vitamins that hydrate and smooth the skin.
Pros:
- Contains vitamins and antioxidants
- Provides hydration
- Perfect for dry or mature skin
Cons:
- Can feel a little heavy on oily skin
How to Choose the Best Makeup Primer for You
When shopping for a makeup primer, you’ll want to consider your skin type, concerns, and the finish you’re going for. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best choice.
Silicone-Based Primer vs. Water-Based Primer
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when choosing a primer is whether to go with a silicone-based or water-based formula.
- Silicone-Based Primers: These primers create a smooth, velvety texture and are perfect for filling in pores and fine lines. They provide a long-lasting, flawless finish. However, they may not be the best choice for acne-prone skin.
- Water-Based Primers: If you have sensitive or oily skin, water-based primers may be the way to go. They’re lightweight and provide hydration without the heavy, greasy feel. These are often the best option if you’re looking for a breathable primer.
Consider Your Skin Concerns
Think about your skin’s needs when selecting a primer. Do you have enlarged pores? Go for a pore-blurring formula. Is your skin feeling dry? Look for a hydrating primer. If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer to keep shine at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use primer without foundation?
Absolutely! Primer can be worn alone to smooth the skin and create a healthy glow. It’s especially useful if you just want to enhance your natural skin texture.
How do I apply primer?
I like to apply primer after moisturizing and before foundation. Using your fingertips, gently press the primer into the skin. Don’t rub it in—pressing it into your skin allows it to adhere properly and creates a smooth base for your makeup.
How do I make my makeup last all day?
To make your makeup last longer, start with a good primer suited for your skin type. I also recommend using a setting spray to lock everything in place and prevent it from fading or creasing.
Meet the Experts
I’ve tested many primers over the years, but I’ve also sought advice from makeup artists and beauty professionals. They recommend starting with a good primer tailored to your skin type and concerns. Whether you’re looking for pore-filling, hydration, or oil control, there’s a primer out there that will make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Makeup primers are essential for achieving a flawless, long-lasting look. Whether you need hydration, oil control, or a smoothing effect, there’s a primer on the market that can meet your needs. From drugstore finds to high-end formulas, you can’t go wrong with the right primer. So, if you haven’t already, I highly recommend incorporating a primer into your makeup routine.
Each of the primers I’ve mentioned here offers a unique benefit. The key is to find one that works best for your skin type and needs. Once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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