Makeup primers are widely misunderstood beauty products. Essentially, they’re meant to prime your skin after you complete your skincare regimen and before you apply your makeup. But many women neglect this crucial step in their beauty routine and slather on moisturizer instead. While moisturizer may seem like an alternative to primer, it’s not. These products are designed to tackle two completely different tasks. Moisturizers soften and hydrate skin, while primers prep skin for your favorite foundation.
If you’re seeking the benefits of a top-rated makeup primer, look no further. These five primers will allow your foundation to “stay put.” And depending on the primer you purchase, you can also mattify, blur, illuminate, and more! Who doesn’t love a beauty product that has the ability to add moisture, minimize pores, target acne, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles? All you have to do is apply a dime-size dollop of primer to your skin with a Beautyblender sponge and dab it on! To make your life easier, I’ve done the research for you. Here are five of the best makeup primers according to ratings and reviews on Ulta and Sephora’s websites. Go forth and enjoy makeup that lasts all day.
Smashbox Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, 4.6 Stars ($36.00)
Smashbox offers a wide variety of primers that target specific wants and needs. If you’re trying to eliminate oil and shine, reduce redness, even skin tone, minimize pores, protect against UVA and UVB rays, or blur flaws, check out Smashbox. My personal favorite, The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, is Smashbox’s #1-bestseller. If you want to blur imperfections and smooth skin, purchase this silicone-based primer ASAP.
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer, 4.5 Stars ($32.00)
Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Face Primer is the #1 best-selling Prestige Face Primer in the United States. The formula is silky, lightweight, and can be worn under makeup or alone. It dramatically minimizes pores and fine lines, controls oily skin, and keeps makeup in place. And if you’re still not sold, Benefit Cosmetics offers this product in three sizes—mini, standard, and value. Try the mini, and see for yourself what the hype is about!
Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer, 4.5 Stars ($36.00)
There’s a reason beauty gurus swear by this product. Urban Decay’s Optical Illusion Complexion Primer works wonders for normal to combination skin. After it’s applied, it creates a translucent, matte finish. This allows makeup to go on better and last longer. And while it’s worn, the primer works to reduce pore visibility, even skin tone, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. For extra strength, complete your makeup routine with Urban Decay’s All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray.
Catrice 1-Minute Face Perfector, 4.5 Stars ($7.99)
If you aren’t sold by the affordability, the lightweight mousse formula will convince you to try Catrice’s 1-Minute Face Perfector. This primer mattifies in order to make pores visibly vanish. It can be worn alone or under your favorite foundation or tinted moisturizer to create a flawless complexion. It’s offered in one shade that adapts to match most skin tones. If you’re looking to purchase a primer that is both highly reviewed and budget-friendly, look no further.
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer, 4.4 Stars ($34.00)
Although this primer can cure a beauty hangover, no actual hangover is needed to use this product. Too Faced’s Hangover Replenishing Face Primer is ideal for long workdays and late nights. It’s infused with coconut water and probiotics that will revive tired, dull, and lifeless skin. It promotes hydration, skin elasticity, and brightness while also boosting your skin’s natural glow. It can be worn alone or under foundation to fake the appearance of a full night’s rest.
