If you haven’t been a makeup user your entire life, or if you have but are just now finding yourself interested in adding a good makeup primer to your routine, you’ve come to the right place. The main attraction of a makeup primer is that it can help smooth over your face before adding on your makeup — plus, it can also help with keeping your makeup looking sharp and bright all day long. The important thing when choosing a primer is to make sure it’s right for your skin type.
Our list of the best makeup primers can help you find a good makeup primer for you and your skin type. It features top makeup primers like this Alima Pure Smooth+Prime, which is awesome for using on your T-zone or all over for oil control and lasting coverage. For more options to use under your makeup, see our list below.
This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.
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RMS Master Radiance Base is a versatile cream formula that can be used in a variety of ways to diffuse your skin’s imperfections. Use this multitasker on its own as an incandescent highlighter for a naturally radiant look, or apply it first as a luminous base before adding foundation to your face. This highlighting cream can also be mixed with …
Skin types: Dry, normal
Helps defend against: Dry conditions and pollution
There’s no shame if you’re not familiar with what a top makeup primer can do — many people who use makeup on the regular don’t know exactly what a makeup primer does, and even if they do, they may not fully know the reasons for using one. Basically, a makeup primer is applied right before you’re going to put on your makeup, and after you’ve completed your skincare routine. The primer will help create a smoother, better space for applying your foundation, concealer, or tinted moisturizer. If you’ve ever applied your face makeup before and noticed your pores look huge, this product works to correct that look. Makeup primer will also help your face and eye makeup stay on longer without fading.
To do double duty and really make sure your makeup doesn’t budge, try this Superbloom Skin Soak Face Mist for after you’ve applied all your makeup for the day.
For a more in-depth look at this question, check out our article, What is makeup primer and do I need it?
The best makeup primers can really transform your look and help your makeup take center stage by providing a smooth finish, but there can be a bad thing buried under all this good. Sometimes, even a good makeup primer can clog your pores — Gasp! — we know it’s awful to think about. The worst part is if your pores are clogged, this can cause some serious breakouts, especially if you have sensitive skin or oily skin.
If you’re still wanting to reap the benefits of a top makeup primer without worrying about clogged pores, you’re going to want to look out for a makeup primer for oily skin in particular, or even one designed with sensitive skin in mind. These types of primers won’t irritate your skin like others can and you can still get a smooth, crease-free look without acne.
Dry skin is a seriously annoying issue for those of us out there who are battling with it, and it can become a worse problem especially if we’re using product after product on our face every day. If you’re not willing to give up your makeup routine, but can’t handle any more issues with flakey, dry skin, you’re going to want to make sure each product you’re using on your sensitive face is one that’s formulated for people with dry skin. This is also the case when it comes to choosing a makeup primer.
To find one of the best primers for dry skin, you’ll need to keep a lookout for makeup primers that hydrate while working their magic to help your parched skin feel softer again. Also, keep in mind that a hydrating makeup primer for dry skin should never ever be used in place of your moisturizer.
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