Primers are used as a base before you apply foundation, they work by prepping the skin, and ensuring that it is smooth enough to apply makeup without it looking cakey.
Not only do they smoothen and prep the skin, but primers also allow your makeup to last longer and work as a base layer to stop it from sliding from the skin.
Primers have come a long way since they first appeared on the market, now they not only help keep makeup in place but can also help with any skin concerns.
For example, if you have oily skin there are mattifying primers, if you have dry skin then you can buy hydrating primers, and if large pores are a concern, then there are even primers to minimise them.
To give your face a real treat, check our reviews for the Best Facial Steamers, they are a vital part of any professional facial treatment which you can do at home. They are the ultimate skin decongestant tool, allowing any active ingredients you use on your face afterwards to more effectively sink into your skin.
What You'll Learn...
- 1 Best Drugstore Primers
- 1.1 Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer
- 1.2 Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer
- 1.3 Revlon Photoready Prime Plus Face Makeup For All Skin Types
- 1.4 Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Booster Primer and Serum
- 1.5 Covergirl Base Business Face Primer
- 1.6 Milani Prime Light Strobing + Pore Minimizing Face Primer
- 1.7 Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
- 1.8 Nyx Professional Makeup Shine Killer Mattifying Primer
- 1.9 e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Face Primer
- 1.10 L’Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer
- 1.11 Wet n Wild Focus Matte Face Primer
Best Drugstore Primers
Below we’ve put together a list of 11 of the best drug store primers you can find
Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer
This ultra-light formula will make sure your skin stays oil free for up to eight hours.
Rimmel has designed this primer so that it won’t feel greasy on your skin and will still leave your makeup looking flawless.
Apply this primer before your foundation to mattify oily skin, reduce the appearance of pores and even out the skin tone.
Rimmel has designed their primer to make sure it doesn’t clog pores and will still leave a velvety base on the skin.
This primer can be worn underneath makeup, on its own or even over makeup if you need to touch up on any oily spots during the day.
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer
Maybelline’s Master Prime Primer is made from a water-based formula that has a weightless and non-oily feel.
Not only does it blur out any pores, skin imperfections or dry lines but it also lasts all day without any makeup sliding off.
This primer does not clog pores, has been dermatologically tested and can even be used by those with sensitive skin. Wear under makeup or on its own.
Revlon Photoready Prime Plus Face Makeup For All Skin Types
This is a hydrating primer that works at smoothing out the texture of the skin.
Revlon has infused its primer with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and pumpkin seed extract. These ingredients work at hydrating the skin and blur out any lines you would prefer to stay hidden.
After continuous use of this product, you will begin to notice that after four weeks skin texture looks improved, and the appearance of fine lines will have become reduced.
This product is suitable for all skin types; however, it would work best for those with acne scars, fine lines, or an uneven texture.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Booster Primer and Serum
Not only does this product work as a primer, but it can also be used as a serum.
This is because it has been formulated with peptides which help to even skin tone and improve skin texture, this helps your face to look and feel smoother and healthier.
To use as a primer, apply before makeup to leave the skin looking radiant under your foundation.
Neutrogena has advised you to let the primer fully dry on your face before you apply any foundation as a way to ensure that there’s no sticky residue.
Covergirl Base Business Face Primer
Covergirl’s primer will visibly reduce the appearance of pores while also working to mattify the skin.
It has a long lasting, weightless feel and is an oil free formula, so you can be assured that it won’t clog any pores.
It will help to extend the length of your makeup so that it will stay put all day.
This primer is suitable for all skin types and is also fragrance free so it can even be used on the most sensitive of skin.
Milani Prime Light Strobing + Pore Minimizing Face Primer
This is an illuminating primer that minimises pores and fine lines while also making skin glow underneath any makeup.
This primer will blend easily onto the skin, and it can be used with any type of foundation such as cream, powder, or liquid.
The primer also has soft focus pigments which work at illuminating the skin, so it appears brighter and more youthful looking.
Milani recommends massaging 1-2 drops into the skin after cleansing. It can be used either on its own or underneath the foundation to ensure your makeup lasts the entire day.
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
This Maybelline primer works at creating a smooth canvas for makeup by blurring pores and mattifying skin, making it a particularly great choice if you have oily skin.
This primer is great at reducing the appearance of pores, even if you choose to use it without any makeup, and not only this but the moisturising qualities in the product leave the skin feeling soft for the entire day.
If you choose to wear makeup underneath, then you can be sure your foundation will effortlessly glide on.
To use, squeeze onto fingers and massage a small amount onto clean skin.
Nyx Professional Makeup Shine Killer Mattifying Primer
Nyx’s Shine Killer primer has been infused with charcoal, which is a key ingredient to keep oil and shine at bay. It will create a matte finish for makeup, allowing it to stay in place all day.
Nyx recommends taking special care when applying the product to your t-zone, as this is where the skin is the oiliest.
When applied to the face, the primer will at first leave the skin looking black, but this is just the charcoal doing its job, the primer will soon start to turn translucent as it dries into the skin.
You’ll also be pleased to know this product is not only vegan friendly but also cruelty free.
e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Face Primer
This primer won the 2018 Influencer Reviewer’s Choice Award, so you know it’s going to be a great product.
The weightless formula creates a smooth foundation base and leaves the skin feeling silky and smooth.
The tone adjusting primer minimises the appearance of blemishes and fine lines and will leave skin with a matte finish.
If you want a fresh-faced look for the day, you can apply the primer and then a little powder.
If you’re after a full-on glam look then the primer will also make sure your makeup lasts for hours without it slipping off.
L’Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer
This lightweight formula not only feels silky when applied but also works at minimising the appearance of pores, mattifies, and leaves skin soft to touch.
You can apply this primer to the face or the undereye area and wear it on its own or underneath makeup.
If you’re choosing to wear it underneath makeup, then you’ll need to make sure your moisturiser has completely absorbed before applying. This makes sure there’s no sticky residue.
To get the most out of your makeup and to ensure it stays on your face as long as possible,
L’Oreal recommends pairing it with their Infallible Pro Spray and also their Makeup Extender Setting Spray. This will lock in your makeup and keep it looking fresh all day.
Wet n Wild Focus Matte Face Primer
This primer has a lightweight feel and has been specially designed to create a matte base before applying foundation and to blur out any fine lines.
It will create an even makeup application and brighten your complexion, so your face will appear glowing even under a foundation base.
To use, you can apply a thin layer to the skin before applying your makeup. Make sure to massage in until the product is fully absorbed.
When looking for a suitable primer, whichever one you choose it’s going to depend on your skin type.
If you have oily skin, then a mattifying primer would be the best option. If you have larger pores, then you may want to choose one that has been specially formulated to blur these out. If your skin is particularly dry, then a hydrating primer would work best for your skin.
Whatever you choose, drugstore primers have an extensive range and are much more low cost than premium beauty brands, which is perfect if you need a budget friendly primer or something for just everyday wear.