15 Best Drugstore Face Primers, Makeup-Artist Approved – 2024

Prep your skin right to ensure long-lasting and smudge-free makeup.

Reviewed by Mary Ajaka, Makeup Artist
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English)
Edited by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

If you want to slay a flawless make-up look, prepping your skin before applying foundation is very important. So, before you stress out about not having products for that, relax because we have your back covered with the best drugstore face primers. Adding a face primer to the make-up routine will give you a smooth skin texture. It acts as a base for the foundation and holds the make-up for long hours. It blurs out fine lines, pores, and blemishes too. Now go ahead and explore the top 15 drugstore face primers that we’ve listed below.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Over All:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
Price on Amazon
Best For Aging Skin:CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
Price on Amazon
Best For Oily Skin:Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Fast Absorbing Formula:NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer
Price on Amazon
Best For Reducing Pores:Revlon PhotoReady Primer
Price on Amazon
Best For Combination Skin:NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Color-Correcting Formula:Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Skin Brightening Formula:L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
Price on Amazon
Best For Acne-Prone Skin:e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer
Price on Amazon
Best Lightweight:A Girl Pro Prep High Definition Smoothing Face Primer
Price on Amazon

15 Best Drugstore Face Primers

1. Best Over All:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

4.3
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer Image: Elizabeth Mott

The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is sweat proof and waterproof. It blends easily with the skin tone and leaves a matte finish. It minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. This statement-making primer has a unique formula that gives a silky appearance. Experience enhanced features as the primer minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving your skin with a dewy finish. It is ideal for prepping, brightening, and balancing one’s complexion. The infusion of pearl powder enhances the appearance of makeup and leaves one looking gorgeous. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review based on a tester’s experience of using the product.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 1.28 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Sweat proof
  • Waterproof
  • Long-lasting
  • All-day wear
  • Minimizes pores and fine lines
  • Controls excess skin sebum
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • Cakey appearance
  • May not give a smooth appearance
  • May clog pores

My Personal Experience

"This primer reduces redness on my sensitive skin. I like it because it does not give a cakey feeling, even when I layer it with a lot of makeup products. It also reduces the appearance of my dark circles, something that I did not expect it to do."


protip_icon Quick tip
Try a primer hack to lengthen your eyelashes. Use a disposable mascara wand to apply primer on your lashes before mascara. The mascara effect post priming creates the illusion of gorgeous long lashes.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 2,372 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

2. Best For Aging Skin: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer

4.3
Covergirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer Image: Covergirl

The CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer hydrates mature skin and minimizes the signs of aging. The ageless primer is infused with panthenol, vitamin E, and green tea extract that hydrate and protect the skin for a longer duration. The nourishing formula firms the skin and leaves a youthful glow, and several reviewers online have lauded the product for the same. This hydrating formula can be applied as a foundation primer for a smooth base and moisturized look.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Color: Primer | Product Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces

Pros

  • Keeps skin younger
  • Hydrates skin
  • Cruelty-free
  • Plumps the skin
  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Blurs wrinkles and fine lines
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores

Cons

  • Consistency could be too thick
  • Has added artificial fragrance

My Personal Experience

"I like this primer because it makes me glow even when I am doing minimal makeup. It is non-greasy on the skin and feels lightweight as well. It tones down redness and preps my skin for foundation by filling in lines and pores. A single layer is enough for the whole day."


Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 736 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

3. Best For Oily Skin: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

4.3
Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer Image: Rimmel
Now 19% Off

The Rimmel Stay Matte Primer is an ultra-lightweight formula that minimizes the appearance of pores. It also controls shine for up to 8 hours, leaving you with a soft, perfectly matte finish. It is non-greasy and keeps you fresh for longer. The featherweight primer blends flawlessly for a velvety finish. You can check this video out if you need to know more about the product based on a reviewer’s experience of using it.

Skin Type: All,Dry Skin,Oily,Oily Skin | Product Dimensions: 1.18 x 1.81 x 4.29 inches | Weight: 1.48 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Controls shine for over 8 hours
  • Masks pores
  • Offers natural finish
  • Non-comedogenic formula
  • Can be used alone or with a foundation
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • Cakey appearance
  • Consistency can be too thick

My Personal Experience

"This setting spray ensures that makeup stays in place, even during sweaty days. It gives a natural finish. I like how it controls oil but it needs some touch-ups for very oily skin types. The scent is also pleasant."


Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,946 rave reviews on Amazon.

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
Best Over All
CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
Best For Aging Skin
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
Best For Oily Skin
Skin Type All Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal All,Dry Skin,Oily,Oily Skin
Dimensions 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches 6 x 5 x 4 inches 1.18 x 1.81 x 4.29 inches
Weight 1.28 Ounces 1.06 Ounces 1.48 Ounces
Color- Primer -
Rating
Reviews2,3727363,946
Price$15.99$13.97$5.64

4. Best Fast Absorbing Formula: NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer

4.5

The NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer is a lightweight, creamy formula. It provides a sparkling effect that stays long. This glitter primer glides easily on the skin, helping you create those celebrity-inspired looks. It blends well with the skin tone and offers flawless skin. It is infused with vitamin E and jojoba extract that nourish the skin and protects against environmental aggressors. To find out more about this product based on a tester’s experience of using it, check this video review out.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.04 x 1.09 x 4.09 inches | Weight: 0.62 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Leaves a glittery effect
  • Cruelty-free
  • Long-lasting
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • Greasy

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 1,802 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

5. Best For Reducing Pores:Revlon PhotoReady Primer

4.2

The Revlon PhotoReady Primer is a tinted formula that blends seamlessly to soften the skin. It also blurs imperfections, fine lines, and wrinkles. It smoothens the skin texture and tone. The primer contains silica mattifiers that reduce the production of sebum and control excess oil secretion. The pore-reducing formula minimizes the pore size and mattifies the skin for a flawless, airbrushed finish. With this expertly-crafted primer, you can achieve a flawlessly photo-ready look effortlessly.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.51 x 1.51 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Blends seamlessly with the skin
  • Reduces pore size
  • Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • None
protip_icon Pro Tip
On no-makeup days, this primer can be your reliable bestie. Just apply a bit on the center of the face, blending it outwards. It makes for the perfect airbrushed look by itself. Follow it up with sunscreen and lip balm.

6. Best For Combination Skin:NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer

4.3
NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer Image: Nyx
Now 31% Off

The NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer is a silky silicone-based formula that protects the skin and creates a smooth, matte finish. It blends evenly with the skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The primer offers an airbrushed finish. It is available in three shades.

Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Easily blends with the skin
  • Fast-absorbing
  • Masks fine lines and wrinkles
  • Reduces the appearance of large pores
  • Available in three shades

Cons

  • No photo-finish look
  • Greasy formula

My Personal Experience

"This primer is so gentle on my skin! It is long-lasting, even when the weather is humid or rainy. It has a silky finish which also makes my skin look very glowing. It also masks the subtle redness on my left cheek. I like it as my everyday makeup."


Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 1,885 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

7. Best Color-Correcting Formula:Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer

4.3
Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Primer Image: Maybelline New York
Now 18% Off

The Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer is a water-based formula that blurs skin imperfections and smoothens fine lines. It is a color-correcting formula that preps your skin for makeup. It is lightweight and non-greasy and is suitable for oily skin. The infused active ingredients and glycerin offer a silky, smooth finish. The primer also hydrates the skin, helps create a flawless base, and provides long-lasting makeup wear. The primer also hydrates the skin and provides long-lasting makeup wear.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 0.74 x 1.85 x 4.78 inches | Weight: 1.45 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Blurs fine lines
  • Masks skin imperfections
  • Hydrates the skin
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • Chemical smell
  • May irritate sensitive skin

8. Best Skin Brightening Formula:L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer

4.3
L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer Image: L’oreal Paris

The L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer instantly illuminates and lightens one’s complexion and prolongs the makeup wear. It is a unique formula that blends seamlessly with the skin and boosts skin luminosity. It minimizes the appearance of large pores and blurs fine lines. It can be used alone for a natural look or can even be blended with a foundation to plump up the skin.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 0.83 x 0.83 x 4.82 inches | Weight: 1.13 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Smoothens skin texture
  • Brightens skin complexion
  • Blends seamlessly with skin
  • Leaves a natural glow
  • Highlights cheekbones

Cons

  • Cakey appearance
  • May contain skin irritants

protip_icon Quick tip
Primers can help you salvage your dry gel eyeliners. Mix a bit of primer with your dried-out gel liner to make it as good as new.

9. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer

4.3
e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer, Acne Fighting Formula, Preps & Soothes Skin, Small, 0.47 Fl Oz (14mL) Image: Elf Cosmetics
Now 13% Off

The e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer is a vegan formula that is infused with salicylic acid, vitamin E, and tea tree oil. These ingredients control blemishes and breakouts, making the product an ideal choice for acne-prone skin. The silky base smoothly glides on the skin and controls acne formation.

Skin Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.4 x 12.88 inches | Weight: 1.76 Ounces

Pros

  • 100% vegan formula
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Controls acne breakouts
  • Glides smoothly on the skin

Cons

  • May feel greasy

My Personal Experience

"I like the e.l.f poreless face primer because it spreads easily. It clears some of the redness from my face without irritating my skin. It blurs my pores very well and keeps my skin hydrated."


Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 9,535 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

10. Best Lightweight:L.A. Girl Pro Prep High Definition Smoothing Face Primer

4.2
L.A. Girl PRO Prep HD High Definition Smoothing Face Primer Image: L.a. Girl
Now 30% Off

The L.A. Girl Pro Prep High Definition Smoothing Face Primer is a lightweight formula that smoothens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps minimize the appearance of large pores and makes skin ready for applying foundation and makeup. This affordable skin primer is infused with light-diffusing particles and skin-nourishing vitamin E. The invigorating formula hydrates and nourishes the skin and enhances makeup.

Skin Type: Combination | Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches | Weight: 0.53 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Budget-friendly
  • Smooth application
  • Fills up fine lines
  • Masks wrinkles
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Softens the skin

Cons

  • Greasy
  • Not sweatproof

My Personal Experience

"I love this primer as it gives a smooth base and helps my makeup stay intact throughout the day. I apply it every day before going to the office and it never fades away. The best part is it keeps my skin soft and moisturized. It is one of my best purchases this year."


11. Best For Dull Skin:Neutrogena Prep+ Correct Primer

4.2
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Prep + Correct Primer Image: Neutrogena
Now 52% Off

The Neutrogena Prep+ Correct primer is a silky, lightweight formula infused with seaweed extract that refreshes dull-looking skin. It is a color-correcting primer that blurs imperfections and evens out the skin tone. The green-toned matte primer reduces facial redness and improves skin texture and tone. It is lightweight and does not create a cakey appearance. The primer blends easily with the skin. Its correcting formula blurs all imperfections and reduces the pore size. This pore minimizer formula is available in three color-correcting shades.

Product Dimensions: 0.79 x 1.87 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 1.44 Ounces.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Improves dull skin
  • Evens out the skin tone
  • Offers pore blurring effect
  • Blurs imperfections
  • Smoothens the skin surface
  • Reduces redness
  • Reduces the pore size

Cons

  • None

12. Best Long-Wear:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Glow-Lock Face Primer

4.3
 L’Oreal Paris Inflallible Glow-Lock Face Primer Image: L’oreal Paris

The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Glow-Lock Face primer seals skin glow. It creates a radiant base and preps your skin for long-wear makeup. The primer from L’Oreal, a celebrity-endorsed brand, is infused with glycerin and vitamin E that boost skin hydration. This makeup foundation base is a lightweight primer that can be applied alone or blended with a foundation.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 0.98 x 1.52 x 5.22 inches | Weight: 1.48 Ounces

Pros

  • Seals skin glow
  • Illuminates the skin
  • Hydrates skin
  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for dry/normal skin

Cons

  • None

13. Best Drugstore Primer With SPF:e.l.f. Beauty Shield SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer

4.2
l.f. Beauty Shield SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer Image: E.l.f

The e.l.f. Beauty Shield Skin Shielding Primer helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the appearance of large pores. The lightweight primer glides easily on the skin and leaves you with a glowing, airbrushed finish. It is rich in antioxidants, and the SPF 50 protects the skin from harmful aggressors and UV damage.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Protects the skin from sun damage
  • Gives radiant finish
  • Reduces pore sizes
  • Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
  • Not tested on animals

Cons

  • None

14. Best For Oily Skin:Honest Beauty Everything Primer

4.2
Honest Beauty Everything Primer Image: Honest Beauty

The Honest Beauty Everything Primer provides long-lasting makeup coverage and leaves skin with a matte finish. This mattifying primer is infused with micronized bamboo powder that helps blur imperfections. This award-winning, dermatologist-tested product is blended with aloe vera extracts, peony root extracts, and hyaluronic acid that exhibit hydrating properties to soothe skin redness and irritation. These ingredients also make your skin firmer and reduce fine lines. This illuminating primer contains mica that gives your skin a flawless complexion and a gorgeous glow. It preps your skin with enough moisture to make it look fresh and dewy. The primer is an oil-free formula that controls shine without making the skin too dry. It is best suitable for oily skin as it controls oil secretion. Several reviewers, after testing the product, have lauded it for its smooth appearance and long-lasting results.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 2.3 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 2.24 Ounces.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Oil-control formula
  • Free from dyes and artificial fragrances
  • Cruelty-free
  • Free from mineral oils
  • Oil-free formula
  • Blurs imperfections
  • Hypoallergenic formula
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Toxicologist-verified

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive skin

15. Best For Dry Skin:Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer

4

The Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer hydrates and moisturizes the skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and other imperfections. It also reduces pore size. Its unique formula blends flawlessly with the skin for an even skin tone.

Pros

  • Hydrates and moisturizes skin
  • Minimizes pore size
  • Combats uneven skin tone
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Vegan formula
  • Maintains skin’s natural moisture balance

Cons

  • May feel sticky

My Personal Experience

"The primer settles nicely and gives a smooth finish. It softens my fine lines and pores. I usually combine it with a glowing primer and apply a sheer foundation on top for the best look."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

[ Also Try – Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ]

These are the 15 best face primers that you can buy online. They mask all imperfections and offer the perfect base for your makeup. More importantly, they are lighter on your pocket. The next section gives you a brief on the basics of a primer and why you need to use it.

What Is A Primer? Why Should We Use It?

A makeup primer creates the ideal base for your foundation. It creates a thin protective layer between your skincare and makeup products. It fills in the pores and blurs out fine lines and other imperfections. It helps your foundation blend better with the skin for a flawlessly smooth finish. You can use a primer by itself for a dewy finish or layer makeup on top of it to create a glamorous look that lasts all day long.

The next section helps you pick the right product suitable for your skin.

Buying Guide For Drugstore Primers

Know Your Skin Type

  • For Dry Skin

If you are selecting a primer for dry skin, check for the hydrating ingredients that seal moisture within the skin. Check for glycerin, aloe vera, or shea butter that soften and moisturize the skin and keep your skin hydrated for long hours.

  • For Oily Skin

Oily skin is tricky to manage. Choose a primer that is infused with tea tree and vitamin E that prevent acne breakouts and control excess sebum formation. The primer should be non-comedogenic and grease-free.

  • For Sensitive Skin

An illuminating face primer works best for sensitive skin. It can reduce skin redness and inflammation. Additional SPF is better for protection against sun damage. The primer should also contain chamomile extract, tea tree extract, and essential oils to protect the skin and nourish it.

Ensure Natural Ingredients

The primer should be free from harmful chemicals and artificial fragrances.

Check The Pricing

Most face primers are reasonably priced. You do not have to spend the big bucks. Be wary of the pricing.

Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Applying A Drugstore Face Primer

Priming is the first and most important step to achieving lasting makeup looks. Master the art of flawless makeup with our helpful guide on using a drugstore face primer given in the infographic below. Whether you are a beginner or a makeup enthusiast, these dos and don’ts will refine your primer application skills. Take a look!

Dos And Don'ts Of Applying A Drugstore Face Primer (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

It is very important to have your makeup intact throughout the day to avoid the unnecessary hassle of touchups. Therefore, a primer is a must-have in your arsenal to keep your makeup last for hours. Thankfully, many drugstore brands have come up with face primers for different skin types. The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer addresses oil control and effectively minimizes shine, the NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer blends well, offering a long-lasting base for glittery makeup looks, and the L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer blurs imperfections and adds a radiant glow to the skin. A good primer contains soothing ingredients that will allow your skin to have a smooth texture before applying makeup. It will also blur out pores, fine lines, and blemishes. Before choosing the best drugstore primers, consider your skin type and also check the ingredients and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a primer necessary for makeup?

Applying a primer before makeup blurs all imperfections, seals open pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also offers a long-lasting makeup hold. Hence, a primer is essential for makeup.

Can you just use a primer without foundation?

Yes, you can use a primer by itself, without blending with foundation.

When should you use a face primer?

You may use it after your skin care routine (cleansing-toning-moisturizing) and before you apply your makeup.

Is a primer good for daily use?

Yes, a primer can be used daily. A lightweight primer is preferable in this regard.

How long should you leave a primer on before applying foundation?

You may apply the foundation right after applying a primer.

Which type of primer is the best for normal skin?

Non-comedogenic face primers with hyaluronic acid are best for normal skin. The formulations offer smooth texture and an illuminating effect.

Does the primer have to match your skin tone?

There are two ways to determine the shade of the primer. Many opt for primers that are the exact shade of their foundation. Many go for primer shades that are the opposite of the shade of their blemishes. For example, if your skin is facing redness, go for a green primer. If your pores are yellowish, go for a purple primer. You can go for colorless, translucent primers as well.

Should you apply a primer or a moisturizer first?

Apply the moisturizer before your primer. Make sure to complete your skin care regime before you start with your makeup regime.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup artistry. She understands that preparing your skin before makeup application is essential for a flawless look. So, she tried some drugstore face primers, went through numerous user reviews online, and made this list of the best ones out there. These shortlisted products will help conceal all your pores and blemishes and keep your makeup intact for long.


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