15 Best Drugstore Face Primers For Long-Lasting Makeup – 2023
Prep your skin right to ensure long-lasting and smudge-free makeup.
Baishali Bhattacharya Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
Image: Shutterstock
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 your skin a smooth texture. It holds the make-up for long hours and blurs out fine lines, pores, and blemishes too. Now go ahead and explore the top 15 drugstore face primers that we’ve listed below.
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Face Primers
Best Over All:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
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. The primer has a unique formula that gives a silky appearance. It prevents shine and leaves one 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.
Pros - Lightweight
- Sweat proof
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
- 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
Quick tipBest For Aging SkinCoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
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. It can also be applied as a foundation primer for a moisturizing, hydrating look.
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
Best For Oily SkinRimmel Stay Matte Primer
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.
Pros - Lightweight
- Controls shine for over 8 hours
- Masks pores
- Non-comedogenic
- Can be used alone or with foundation
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Cakey appearance
- Consistency can be too thick
Best Fast Absorbing FormulaNYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer
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. It blends well with the skin tone. 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, check this video review out.
Pros - Lightweight
- Leaves a glittery effect
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Greasy
Best For Reducing Pores Revlon PhotoReady Primer
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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Blends seamlessly with the skin
- Reduces pore size
- Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
Pro TipBest For Combination Skin NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer
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.
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
Best Color-Correcting Formula:Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer
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 and provides long-lasting makeup wear.
Pros - Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Blurs fine lines
- Masks skin imperfections
- Hydrates the skin
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Chemical smell
- May irritate sensitive skin
Best Skin Brightening Formula:L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
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.
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
Quick tipBest For Acne-Prone Skinl.f Blemish Control Face Primer
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. The silky base smoothly glides on the skin and controls acne formation.
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
Best Lightweight:A Girl Pro Prep High Definition Smoothing Face Primer
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. The primer is infused with light-diffusing particles and skin-nourishing vitamin E. The invigorating formula hydrates and nourishes the skin and enhances makeup.
Pros - Lightweight
- Fills up fine lines
- Masks wrinkles
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Softens the skin
Cons
- Greasy
- Not sweatproof
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. The primer is available in three color-correcting shades.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Improves dull skin
- Evens out the skin tone
- Blurs imperfections
- Smoothens the skin surface
- Reduces redness
- Reduces the pore size
Cons
None
The L’Oreal Parish Infallible Glow-Lock Face primer seals skin glow. It preps your skin for long-wear makeup. The primer is infused with glycerin and vitamin E that hydrate the skin. It is a lightweight primer that can be applied alone or blended with a foundation.
Pros
- Seals skin glow
- Illuminates the skin
- Hydrates skin
- Lightweight
- Suitable for dry/normal skin
Cons
None
The e.l.f. Beauty Shield Skin Shielding Primer helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and minimizes 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
- Reduces pore sizes
- Blurs fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
None
Honest Beauty Everything Primer
The Honest Beauty Everything Primer provides long-lasting makeup coverage and leaves skin with a matte finish. It is infused with micronized bamboo powder that helps blur imperfections. This award-winning product is blended with aloe vera extracts, peony root extracts, and hyaluronic acid that 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 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.
Pros - Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Free from dyes and artificial fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Free from mineral oils
- Oil-free formula
- Blurs imperfections
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Toxicologist-verified
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
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
- Reduces fines lines and wrinkles
- Vegan formula
- Maintains skin’s natural moisture balance
Cons
- May feel sticky
[ 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.
- 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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