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Rather than just adding another step to your beauty routine, priming your face using one of the leading face primers in 2023 can be a great idea. It not only provides the most beautiful makeup finish, but it will also ensure that the foundation remains in place throughout the day.
A primer serves two essential functions. Firstly, it evens up the skin's outer layer, creating a smooth base for your makeup to adhere to evenly. Secondly, it gives grip for your makeup to cling to the skin, extending its wear. However, recent formulas have evolved to include additional skincare benefits — from primers containing added hydrating compounds to oil-controlling compositions on the opposite end of the skincare spectrum and everything in between.
If your makeup is resting conspicuously in wrinkles, pores, fine lines, around blemishes, and attracting attention to the imperfections, you should consider using a primer. Plus, if your morning makeup becomes blotchy by lunchtime, you, too, will benefit from one.
Top Face Primers of 2024 in Detail
Maybelline Primer — Best Overall
Key Features
- Controls and minimize the shine on the skin
- The gel texture instantly blur the appearance of pores
- Smoothing and non-comedogenic formulation
- Makes the skin appear light and matte
If you want to achieve the perfect look along with getting baby-like skin, this pore-erasing primer from Maybelline is a go-to choice. The moisturizing properties of this primer efficiently create a smooth canvas to apply makeup on flawlessly. It blurs out your pores and draws attention away from your imperfections while leaving the skin matte and poreless.
The universal formulation of this primer goes well with sheer to full coverage foundations to even out your complexion. Though it is suitable for all skin types, it works great for oily skin by wicking away and controlling the skin's natural oil all day long.
JUNG SAEM MOOL Primer — Flawless Application
Key Features
- Redness-neutralizing and even skin tone
- Creates a smooth and flawless base
- Soothes and repairs irritated skin
Introducing JUNG SAEM MOOL Face Primers, the secret to achieving a flawless and radiant complexion. With a well-renowned reputation, Korea's leading celebrity makeup artist, Jung Saem Mool, has formulated these primers to help you maintain a youthful glow on a daily basis. The Redness Corrector primer is a true hero when it comes to neutralizing redness and evening out the skin tone. Its green-tinted formula works wonders, leaving you with luminous and flawless skin. Say goodbye to redness and hello to a complexion that looks naturally beautiful.
For a seamless canvas and a delicate makeup look, the Flawless Base primer is your go-to choice. It fills in craters and pockmarks, creating a smooth base that allows your makeup to glide on effortlessly. Your skin will appear flawless and ready for any makeup style you desire. With the Comfort Wear primer, you can enjoy not only a flawless look but also soothing and repairing benefits. Infused with "Cica Care" ingredients, it provides comfortable wear, soothing irritated skin and promoting its natural healing process. Experience a comfortable and confident day, free from skin irritations.
Elizebath Mott Primer — Runner Up
Key Features
- Cruelty-and paraben-free primer
- Crafted with premium-quality and anti-allergen ingredients
- Leaping Bunny approves
- Contains sebum-controlling elements
After you are done with your skincare routine and ready to put on some makeup, this primer is the perfect choice to apply to disguise open pores. Its matte and long-lasting formula ensures that your makeup look will stay the same the whole day. After applying this primer, you will get an instantly smooth and blurry effect on the skin.
This foundation from Elizabeth Mott will be your best companion to get a flawless makeup look. As it has some oil-controlling properties, it is best suited for people with oily skin who dream of a matte makeup look. Aside from smoothing your skin out, the formula also balances the complexion and prevents creasing.
Rimmel Primer — Honorable Mention
Key Features
- Skin perfecting, non-greasy, and ultra-lightweight formula
- Efficiently banish the shine by controlling sebum for up to 8 hours
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and open pores
- Can be used before the makeup or alone as a moisturizer
Makeup stays in place all day long with Rimmel London's Stay Matte Primer, which not only minimizes the appearance of pores but provides a velvety canvas for makeup as well. Use it alone, under, or over makeup to get flawless skin. This lightweight and non-oily primer provides up to 8 hours of shine control while leaving behind a soft, matte finish.
Before applying foundation, dab a small bit on your finger and smooth it over your face. It's especially good for minimizing pores around the under-eye area. This primer is an excellent addition to your makeup collection if you want to extend the wear time of your foundation or BB cream while also reducing shine. This would make a thoughtful present for a girlfriend, sister, or mother--anyone really.
COVERGIRL Primer — Most Convenient
Key Features
- Pump bottle for easy and convenient use
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
- Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny approved formulation
- A perfect combination of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
This 3-in-1 liquid foundation from Covergirl and Olay will help you retain the youthful radiance of your skin. This anti-aging foundation adds softness to the skin, making wrinkles appear less prominent and giving the illusion of a more youthful complexion. The amazing formula evens out the appearance of pores and dark circles, giving you younger-looking skin.
While hyaluronic complexes and vitamin C provide firming nourishment to keep your skin healthy and radiant, your skin's tone seems more even, and other blemishes are blurred.
Milani Primer — Also Consider
Key Features
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
- Provides nourishment and glow to the skin
- Contains powerful ingredients, suitable for all
- Prevents fading and control sebum for up to 16 hours
The Make It Last three-in-one spray is the perfect choice to prime your face to prepare for makeup application, correct the uneven complexion and imperfections, and lock in the makeup for a long time. It allows you to wear your favorite makeup look for up to 16 hours and without creasing or smudging. You can wear this multi-purpose spray before or after the makeup for an exquisite and flawless finish.
If you love to have a dewy finish, you can count on this primer for the correct amount of dewiness. It offers a cooling and refreshing sensation, along with locking the makeup and preventing it from creasing.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding a High-Quality Face Primer
Your face is worth every penny you spend on pampering it. A good primer will offer you a smooth and even base for your makeup, enhancing its natural attractiveness. Primers act as a buffer between your skin's oil and your makeup, keeping the two apart and preventing a disastrous mix-up. When shopping for a great face primer, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. We'll walk you through them all in this guide to the top face primers.
Which Factors Impact the Purchasing Decision of Face Primers?
Your skin type
It is crucial to know your skin type before making a purchase or going to the store. You should also think about whether you have any skin allergies or disorders that the primer could exacerbate before using it. Finding a good primer for your face should be a cinch for those with good skin.
If you have dry skin, look for primers with a moisture lock, which helps draw moisture to the surface of your skin. Antioxidant primers are your best bet if your skin is beginning to show signs of aging. People with sensitive skin should use natural primers with only a few ingredients.
Longevity
Regardless of how oily your skin is, a decent primer should keep you looking fresh for at least eight hours. However, it's possible that you'll have to search for primer products that are compatible with your skin type.
However, bear in mind that this will not stop your makeup from wearing off over time, but it will help keep it in place for extended periods of time. The primer will be more necessary if you live in a hot climate. As a result, you must determine which primer is most resistant to the conditions in which it will be used.
Environment
As previously mentioned, your decision is heavily influenced by your surroundings. You'll have to expose your face and cosmetics to these types of conditions more often. Because of this, it's critical to use a high-quality primer that will hold up to the rigors of outdoor use.
Humid and hot climes have a well-deserved reputation for melting makeup and causing it to wear off faster than in more tranquil settings. If you reside in a hot environment, you should look for a primer with SPF protection. These primers will help keep you from perspiring excessively.
Consistency
Artificial additives and colors may negatively affect your oil glands, but a high-quality primer will not include any of them. Look for primers that don't clog pores and don't contain oil. Using a primer like this will help keep the skin looking and feeling fresh and dry throughout the day.
Look for one with a smooth composition that doesn't smear or smear excessively on your face for a primer. To avoid skin reactions from primers containing different chemicals, use the same type of primer every time.
The reputation of the company
As a result, the quality of your primer is likely to be based on the reputation of the company that makes it. Verify their value proposition by reading through their website and looking for reviews on credible e-commerce sites. Check to see if there is a warranty included with the purchase.
How to Choose the Perfect Face Primer
To combat dryness, use a moisturizing makeup primer
A primer for dry skin is essential if your skin cries out for moisture after a shower. You can moisturize your skin and prepare it for makeup in one step by using a nutritious primer instead of lotion. For the best results, look for primers that contain phrases like "hydrating, soothing, or nourishing" in their descriptions.
Use a mattifying primer for oily skin
Using a primer will help if you have problems with shine or excess oil. To do this, use a mattifying primer that controls oil production on the skin. Products that reduce the appearance of pores also help reduce shine. To avoid irritating your skin further, look for products that are oil-free.
If you have skin that is prone to irritation, use a gentle primer
Choosing primers with minimal chemicals is a fantastic option if you've discovered your skin is sensitive to the products you're using. You can find primers for sensitive skin that don't contain any of these things at most beauty supply stores. When it comes to facial creams, fewer ingredients equals a decreased risk of an allergic reaction.
If you have mature skin, apply a nutritious makeup primer
Fine wrinkles and blotchy skin are common as people become older. For this skin type, seek antioxidant-infused primers to add to your makeup collection. Using a moisturizing primer before applying your makeup will help keep your look fresh all day long.
Why Should You Use a Primer on Your Face?
Everyone wants their skin to appear its best, and utilizing the right skincare products and applying them correctly helps achieve this goal even more effectively. To learn more about the astonishing benefits that utilizing great face primers may provide, keep reading.
Softer skin
Regular use of your primer will soften and smooth your skin. Additionally, you'll feel better about your skin because most excellent primers have skin healing properties that make your skin appear flawless.
Outstanding glow
Essential oils and hydrating components assist your skin to retain moisture, which is an excellent feature. This is why you have a dewy complexion and a radiant radiance.
Lightweight
Because primers are produced with a lightweight mix, they are not heavy. They're very gentle on the skin. Because it's so light, your skin won't be bombarded with dangerous chemicals that could have an adverse effect on your health.
Makeup that lasts longer
When you use a primer, your makeup will stay on longer because of the benefit of extending the wear time of your foundation.
How to Apply Primer
Once you've found the primer that's right for you, you'll want to know how to use it. Applying moisturizer prior to priming is the most crucial primer rule since it ensures an even application of the primer. To make sure you get the most out of your face primer, follow these instructions.
Step 1
After hydrating and cleansing your face, apply your favorite sunscreen and let it dry completely before applying your primer.
Step 2
Squeeze the primer onto the back of your hand, warm it up with your finger, and then dab it on your face for the second application.
Step 3
Using a light hand, carefully rub in the primer, making sure to get it in every nook and cranny of your face. Once you see that the primer has been absorbed, move on to applying the foundation.
