Primers are considered to be the best base products of all time. They keep you looking flawless throughout the day, regardless of whether you spend the day indoors or you decide to go to the great outdoors.
For centuries, primers makeup seems to be loved by a lot of people, even experts in makeup. Because we just live without them, primers are dubbed as the key to makeup setter.
Selection List
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For those who do not know what is a primer makeup is, let me describe them to you.
What is primer makeup?
Primers are basically silky soft creams as well as gels that are specially made to be underneath your makeup.
They aim to provide a good base onto which foundation can be applied perfectly by filling it in fine lines and smoothing out the uneven skin texture.
Besides that, primers makeup setter keep your makeup looking fresh and intact on your skin, giving you a great look all day long.
If you want to know more about how you apply primers makeup, you are in the right place. I will also give you more information about how you can pick the perfect primer makeup setting that will suit your skin.
Just as I have written on the title of this article, I will give you a list of the top 10 best primers drugstore, along with reviews, that you can try out today.
There are various types of makeup primers, depending on the look that you are trying to achieve. These will be discussed in just a second.
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The main aim of applying primers setting makeup to your face, besides giving you a flawless face, is to give assurance that your make up will last longer on your face. Which is why they are applied first prior to the application of the makeup.
Types of primers
I figured that before I give you the recommended primers, I should first describe the list of types of primers, just in case of those that are beginners.
Below are the types of Primers makeup
1. Anti-ageing primers
These types of primers are formulated to keep your makeup intact while providing both protective and reparative qualities.
Many of these primers have SPF, which is what protects the skin from the sun’s UV rays, keeping you from developing any skin conditions while the primers are applied.
As a simple explanation, the sun’s rays will only hit the makeup. It will not penetrate your skin. When your skin is protected from the rays, its texture will be preserved, keeping it from drying up. As a result, your skin will not only look young, it will feel young.
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2. Blurring primers
Using light-reflecting technology to create a soft-focus effect that airbrushes out flaws, these types of primers makeup are sometimes called the Instagram filter for your face. Such characteristics make it easier to cover.
A good example of such a primer is the Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Blur + Smooth. It is said to hold makeup all day and gives you a flawless look.
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3. Illuminating primers
If you want your foundation to look a lot more like skin and not makeup, the illuminating primer is the type of primer you should be looking for.
For such primers, you can choose to apply them on your whole face or just pick points to apply it, like the nose for instance because they look so much like your skin, they are barely noticed.
However, they add some complexion to the part that they are applied to. The best part about this type of primers is that they are available for people of all skin types like a primer for oily skin, as well as different skin colors.
4. Hydrating primers
Having dry skin can be a great challenge. You need all products that will maintain moisture on your skin rather than removing it.
Once you apply a primer on dry skin using the best dry skin primer, you can have a bit of a flaky look plus you are putting your skin at a high risk of skin condition like acne.
As such, you need a primer that will provide a good base for your make up while ensuring that your skin is hydrated. This is where the best hydrating primers come in.
A hydrating primer makeup, like the Lancôme La Base Pro Hydra Glow Primer, keeps your skin nourished as well as plump.
5. Pore-minimizing primers
This type of primer is great if you have pores that seem to dominate your face. This formula minimizes the pores on your face.
The main aim of these primers is to make the pores less noticeable on our skin by simply blurring out the pores. In addition to that, they also mattify, so you can get rid of shine and greasiness in one swipe. This brings us to our next types of primers.
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6. Mattifying primers
These type of primers are an excellent product for those that have oily skin. It gives the skin a blurred effect, covering all the spots that you may have and bringing out the glow of your skin. You can use the best primers for oily skin, mattifying and blurring makeup primer.
7. Color-Correcting Primers
The color-correcting primers are quite diverse from the others. These ones are formulated to erase problems with the concept of the color wheel.
If you are not familiar with the concept, it is simply a system where shades on the opposite side of the wheel cancel each other out. This helps to conceal any complexion issues that you may have.
A good example of such a primer is the NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Liquid Primer, which comes in 5 shades; green combats redness, pink combats a tired complexion while blue removes sallow tones.
Top 10 best primer drugstore
Now that I have given you the types of primers that are out there, let us look at the top best primers makeup that I compiled for you. All these products can be found on amazon. Below are the makeup primers best.
1. L’Oreal Paris Studio Professional Secret
Best primer makeup for sensitive skin
For those who have never used L’Oreal (pronounced Lo-u-ree-al) products before, it is a brand that has been around for many years and has blown people’s minds away by the results they achieved using the products. This Primer is no exception.
L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Color Correcting Anti-Dull Skin Primer, Light Skin, 0.68-Fluid Ounce
Features
- Infused with moisturizing agents to ensure a smooth, even application
- SPF to protect skin from damaging UV rays
- The pink and apricot correctors feature mother-of-pearl particles
- Made in Paris
It keeps your skin smooth and radiant. It will not only make you look like a supermodel, but it will also make you feel like one.
The best part about using this product is that it is Noncomedogenic, making it suitable for people that have even the most sensitive skin.
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2. NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer
Best primer makeup for skin radiant
This primer was specifically made for those who like to use makeup that has some sort of glitter in it. I am talking about shimmery eye shadows and cheekbone highlighters.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Pigment Primer
Features
- Pigment Primer: Keep your pigments in place and intensify color payoff with NYX Professional Makeup Pigment Primer; Creamy and blendable, this long wearing eyeshadow primer helps prevent pigments and eyeshadows from creasing, smudging, or fading
- Eye Primer: Apply to eyelids followed by your favorite loose pigments and pressed eyeshadows to intensify color and prevent smudging, creasing, and fading
- All Eyes On Eye Makeup: Complete your look with our full range of NYX Professional Makeup eye makeup products from eyeshadow palettes to mascara, eyeliners, concealers, setting sprays, and eyebrow products
- Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe animals belong in our arms, not in a lab; All of our makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty free brand; We don't test any of our products on animals
- Discover NYX Professional Makeup: Try all of our professional makeup and beauty products today, from eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and false lashes to lipstick, foundation, primer, blush, bronzer, brushes and more
The NYX primer gives you a great pop, making your skin radiant and have a glow effect. As a plus, you can also use this primer under your lip gloss.
3. L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light-Infusing Primer
Best primer makeup for natural look
Here is another great primer from L’Oreal. The Paris studio set primer is said to be so lightweight to the point that you do not even notice that it is on your skin.
L'Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
Features
- The light infusing face primer enlightens complexion, instantly illuminates, and prolongs the wear of any makeup look
- A unique light liquid formula, Magic Lumi primer blends seamlessly into skin to boost its liveliness and luminosity
- Magic Lumi primer works on all skin types and tones to smooth texture, minimize the appearance of pores, and even tone for a natural-looking, flawless complexion
- Wear on its own for a supple, dewy look, wear under or mix it with your foundation for an all over radiant finish, or dab it on key areas as a highlighter
- For a soft, candlelit effect, dab Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer onto freshly moisturized cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, then blend
This is why this is one of the most recommended primers on the market right now. Besides that, it gives you a healthy glow without making you look too frosty. We all want to have a natural look at some point and this is the primer that gets the job done.
4. Covergirl +Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
Best drugstore primers for mature skin
Covergirl and Olay are actually two different brands. Here, these brands came together to manufacture such a great product as this clearly shows that two are better than one.
This primer is very efficient and is renowned for being a great hydrating primer. If you have dry skin, this primer will suit you perfectly.
Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
$13.97 in stock
Features
- PREPS SKIN FOR BEST RESULTS: Makeup primer helps maximize results from liquid foundation
- HYDRATES SKIN: Nourishing formula keeps skin feeling fresh and hydrated
- CONVENIENT PUMP BOTTLE: Bottle comes with a pump dispenser for easy use
- CRUELTY FREE: COVERGIRL products are Leaping Bunny Certified by Cruelty Free International, meaning they are never tested on animals
It is formulated with Olay skincare ingredients. Olay is well known for its production of facial cleansers. It is those hydrating ingredients that were included in this primer.
Also, it is oil-free and well as cruelty-free. For your information, older and mature skin will gain more from using this primer.
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5. Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Water Drop Primer
Best drugstore primers for dry skin
With just a few simple spritzes on your face, this primer makes a good foundation onto which you can put your makeup. It looks fresh and smart all day.
Wet n Wild Photofocus Water Drop Primer - 592A Coconut Dreamin' 0.68 fl oz (Pack of 1)
$5.00 in stock
Features
- Transformative texture from cream to liquid for a soft-focused finish with comfortable wear
- Gives an instant boost of hydration as it preps skin for makeup
- Hyaluronic Acid helps smooth and hydrate skin
- 60% water content leaves skin refreshed and hydrated
- Cruelty-free and gluten-free
This primer is considered to be the best choice for dry skin, onto which it offers some great hydrating benefits.
6. Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set
Best long lasting primer drugstore
The name of this product says a lot about how good this product is, even though I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray - Prime + Correct + Set (2.03 Fl. Oz.) Cruelty-Free Makeup Setting Spray - Long Lasting Makeup Spray
Features
- PRIME + CORRECT + SET: Make It Last Prime + Correct + Set Setting Spray preps your face, reduces the appearance of imperfections and then locks in for the long haul. You can enjoy up to 16 hours without a crease or smudge in sight. Spray before or after makeup application, or wear it alone for a captivating natural finish.
- LONG-LASTING WEAR: This illuminating finishing spray and makeup primer delivers just the right dose of dewy to your complexion with a cooling, refreshing feeling, while locking in your makeup for up to 16 hours without creasing, smudging or fading!
- VEGAN, CRUELTY-FREE BEAUTY: The vegan formula primes, hydrates, and illuminates your skin. Spray under or over makeup to set your look, or wear on its own for a healthy radiance all day long.
- TIPS & TRICKS: Hold bottle 8-10 inches away from your face and spray in a zigzag formation. Do not spray directly into eyes.
- WE ARE MILANI: Born in East LA, we've always been connected to the rich diversity of our neighborhood, because it’s a place that truly embodies the melting pot of Los Angeles. We're not inspired by couture and top models. Our passion is real people, living real lives. Beauty is for everyone. No matter who you are or where you come from, we're here to fuel your self-expression with makeup for every shade, attitude, and ethnicity. No judgment. No exceptions.
The Milani primer surely makes your makeup last all day. As a helpful tip, you should spray it in a zigzag manner, to ensure that it spreads across the entire face.
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7. Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer
Best drugstore primers for reducing pores
This is a mattifying primer that was formulated to reduce your pores while ensuring that the shine reduced. It is an oil-free product that gives you a great matte finish.
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, 1 Ounce (1 Count), Makeup Primer, Refines Pores, Stops Shine, Smooths Skin, For Use Under Makeup or as a Standalone Skin Mattifying Product
$5.97 in stock
Features
- Volume: 30 ml (1 fl oz)
- Skin perfecting
- Ultra lightweight formula
- Controls shine for up to 8 hours
- Never feels greasy or heavy
However, you may need to get an extra moisturizer if you want a long-lasting moist experience.
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8. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
Best drugstore primers for pores erasing
Remember when we talked about the pore erasing primer that makes you look like you have an Instagram effect? Well, the Maybelline primer is better than that.
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer, Clear, 0.67 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
$13.48 in stock
Features
- Pore Minimizer Face Primer: A pore blurring makeup primer, Baby Skin goes on like a moisturizer to help create a smooth canvas over which to apply foundation, and leaves the skin looking matte and poreless
- Bye Bye Pores: Apply primer, face makeup and concealer, or wear primer on a bare face for a low maintenance look that's smooth, matte and moisturized all day; If you're looking to minimize pores, this primer is for you
- Best Face Forward: We have sheer, medium, and full coverage foundation in liquid, stick, and cushion foundation formulas, plus a range of concealers, primers, contours, highlighters, and pressed powders
- Create any look with Maybelline; foundation, BB creams, concealers, and setting powders for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping lipstick to plumping lip gloss
This product has over 2000 positive reviews on Amazon and the number keeps rising, further confirming that it works wonders for many people.
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9. E.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer
Best hydrating primers drugstore
This primer was formulated with Vitamin A, C as well as E. all these make sure that the skin stays hydrated while the pores are minimized and the skin is kept smooth.
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer for use as a Foundation for Your Makeup, Vitamin Infused Formula.47 Ounces
Features
- PRIMER FOR LONG-LASTING MAKEUP: This e.l.f. primer transforms your face into a flawless, smooth canvas ideal for long-lasting makeup application.
- HYDRATING FORMULA: The formula is infused with grape and vitamins A, C, & E to help boost complexion and hydrate your skin.
- GREAT FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN: Great for acne-prone, combination, and oily skin.
- PERFECT PAIRING: Pair with the e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation or Camo Concealer for an all-day satin finish.
- SKIN-LOVING INGREDIENTS: All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients you want, minus the toxins you don’t—all at good-for-you prices. All e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and Vegan.
If you have sensitive skin, do not worry. This product is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, so it won’t give you any irritations.
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10. Revlon PhotoReady Primer
Best drugstore primer for skin brightening
Revlon products have been around for as long as we can even remember. As such, we have developed trust in the brand over the years for great products that give great results.
Revlon PhotoReady Primer, Pore Reducing, 0.91 Fl Oz
Features
- PORE MINIMIZER: This primer evens out skin texture and mattifies the skin so pores look smaller and makeup goes on seamlessly and stays that way
- HIGH-DEFINITION FILTER TECHNOLOGY FORMULA: Take the best selfies even in bad lighting. Our face primer captures and transforms any light to mimic photo filters
- MATTIFIES SKIN: We spiked this formula with silica mattifiers that reduce the production of sebum on the skin
- EASY TO APPLY: Just pump out a small amount of our foundation primer and blend onto your face using your fingertips. Let it sit for a few minutes before applying makeup
- LIVE BOLDLY WITH REVLON MAKEUP: Revlon has the high-quality, high-pigment, the bold color makeup you need to be yourself. Create any look—day to night, weekday to weekend—with our long wear mascara, color eyeshadows, eyeliners, matte or shiny lipsticks, and more
Last on our list is the Photoready primer that comes in two formulations; one for brightening the skin and the other for reducing the appearance of pores on your skin.
These products keep the skin tone bright while preventing it from shining.
Contents
- Selection List
- What is primer makeup?
- Types of primers
- Top 10 best primer drugstore
- 1. L’Oreal Paris Studio Professional Secret
- 2. NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer
- 3. L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light-Infusing Primer
- 4. Covergirl +Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
- 5. Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Water Drop Primer
- 6. Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set
- 7. Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer
- 8. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
- 9. E.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Face Primer
- 10. Revlon PhotoReady Primer