One thing to think about before picking out your primer of choice is what sort of benefits you’re hoping your primer will offer. While all primers will help your face better hold and show makeup, this isn’t the only thing they do. Some primers will help hydrate and smooth your face, while other primers may provide benefits in terms of filling in pores and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Something else to consider is what type of skin you have. We spoke above about how users with sensitive skin may want to keep this in mind. It’s also an important question to ask if your skin is more dry or oily. Different primers may provide special benefits to users, or they may be designed to work especially well with certain skin types. Also, keep in mind that different primers will offer different types of finishes. Many primers on this list will have a matte finish, while others may have a more dewy finish.
Since primers are usually worn under other products, you’re likely planning to put other products on top of your primer. Depending on what other products you use, this may dictate what primer you ultimately purchase. You might think about what products you’re already wearing and how these might pair with your primer, whether these other products are BB cream, foundation, mascara, or something entirely different.
Lastly, you might want to consider how much primer you need to buy. Primer is usually sold in small containers, ranging in size from less than half an ounce up to 1 ounce. Some primers can be purchased in a two-pack, while others are only sold in individual quantities.
This creamy primer hydrates smooths and fills in pores and fine lines. It is infused with vitamin E and offers a natural matte finish.
This product is cruelty-free, vegan, and 100% free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. It is great for all skin types.
This primer controls shine for up to eight hours and helps to perfect your skin while it’s applied.
This product minimizes the appearance of pores and it can be used alone or with foundation.
Prep your complexion for perfection by using this clear studio-perfect primer. The silky formula will create a smooth matte surface for foundation and prolong the wear of your makeup.
Each color serves a different purpose. The clear color covers fine lines and large pores. The lavender color brightens and illuminates yellow undertones. Finally, the green color helps to eliminate redness.
This primer contains collagen to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It helps establish smooth skin with a texture that can appear to be seamless.
This product uses plant-based ingredients like green tea extracts and soluble collagen to help minimize wrinkles, pores, and uneven skin tone while energizing your skin for long-lasting makeup wear.
This product will go on like a moisturizer, while helping your skin look matte and poreless.
This product is smoothing, pore-blurring, and non-comedogenic.
This primer delivers an immediate smoothing effect on your skin while protecting your makeup throughout the day from oiliness and creasing.
This product is weightless, non-greasy, and long-wearing, so you won’t need constant touch-ups. It is also paraben-free and cruelty-free.
A: You have a lot of products already, and you’re wondering whether or not you actually need to buy another one. While using a primer is not absolutely necessary, it will help your makeup stay on longer and sit easier on your face. You’ll also be pleased with the other benefits that wearing primer offers your face. While none of these benefits are absolutely essential, we think that they make the primer a worthwhile investment.
A: Many primers will contain antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. Others may feature ingredients like green tea extra and grape seed. Typically, primers will either be water-based or silicone-based. They are often advertised as being cruelty-free or vegan, and some are also free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. If your skin tends to be more easily irritated and you’re concerned about how using a primer might affect your sensitive skin, it’s best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist before you begin using a primer.