10 Best Makeup Primers Of 2026
Makeup Primers — Reviews, Recommendations & Updated Buying Guide October 2026
E.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Why We Love It
Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer
Why We Love It
Smashbox Photo Finish Primers | Face Primers for Makeup
Why We Love It
Lancôme La Base Pro Perfecting Oil-Free Makeup Primer
Why We Love It
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping
Why We Love It
Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer
Why We Love It
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer Infused with
Why We Love It
TOUCH IN SOL No Poreblem Primer
Why We Love It
E.l.f. Power Grip Primer Mini
Why We Love It
E.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
Why We Love It
Quick Pick
10 Best Makeup Primers Of 2026
Quick Pick
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz, Clear
Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer, Hydrating Makeup Primer with 2% Niacinamide For Up To 24HR Make Up Wear, Glides Like Serum, Plumped Skin Look, Clear, 30 ml
Smashbox Photo Finish Primers | Face Primers for Makeup, Smooths Skin & Extends Makeup Wear | Hydrating, Pore-Minimizing & Mattifying Formulas
Lancôme La Base Pro Perfecting Oil-Free Makeup Primer - 0.8 Fl Oz | Smoothing Face Primer Controls Shine - Flawless Matte Canvas for Long Lasting Makeup Application - For All Skin Types
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping, Foundation, Moisturising Primer for 24 Hour Makeup Hold, 35 ml
essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer, Longlasting Makeup Base, Vegan | Lightweight Grippy Gel Formula, Refreshing Primer for All Skin Types, Silicone-Free, Cruelty Free, Paraben Free
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Face Blurring Primer Infused with Caring Serum Smoothes Liners and Pores
TOUCH IN SOL No Poreblem Primer – Pore Primer for Korean Makeup, Mattifying Primer for Oily Skin, Pore Eraser for Large Pores, Blurring Finish from K Beauty (1.01 fl.oz/30ml)
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Mini, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer, Evens Skin & Brightens, Grips Makeup, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz
Buying Guide: Makeup Primers
📋 Table of Contents
1What's the difference between silicone-based and water-based primers?
Silicone-based primers create a smooth, long-lasting base and work best with powder or silicone makeup, while water-based primers feel lighter and work better with liquid foundations. Choose silicone if you want maximum hold and a matte finish, or water-based if you have sensitive skin or prefer a dewy look.
2How much primer do I actually need per application?
A pea-sized amount is enough for your entire face—primers are concentrated formulas, so using too much can actually make makeup slide off. A standard 30ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with daily use.
3Should I use a primer if I have oily skin, or will it make things worse?
Primers are especially helpful for oily skin because they create a barrier between oil and makeup, keeping everything in place longer. Look for mattifying or pore-minimizing primers specifically designed to control shine.
4Is it worth buying an expensive primer, or are budget options just as good?
Budget primers work fine for basic coverage and hold, but higher-end options often last longer, feel more comfortable, and address specific concerns like pore-filling or color correction. If you wear makeup daily or have sensitive skin, investing in a quality primer usually pays off.
5Can I use the same primer under my eyes and on my face?
Most full-face primers work on the eye area, but dedicated eye primers are thicker and stickier to keep eyeshadow locked in place all day. If you wear eyeshadow regularly, a separate eye primer is worth it; otherwise, one multipurpose primer is fine.
How we choose
Our editors are people who genuinely love testing and writing about products. We compare each product's real-world usability and strengths, then distill what matters most into our own "Why We Love It" points — so you get an honest, at-a-glance sense of what counts before you buy.