10 Best Makeup Primers Of 2026
Makeup Primers — Reviews, Recommendations & Updated Buying Guide September 2026
Maybelline New-York, Complexion Perfecting Base Serum
Why We Love It
SHEGLAM Camera On Smooth & Blur Primer Mattifying Makeup
Why We Love It
Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer
Why We Love It
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping
Why We Love It
SHEGLAM Makeup, Good Grip Hydrating Primer
Why We Love It
Swiss Beauty Real Makeup Base Highlighting Primer|
Why We Love It
L'Oréal Paris Pore Minimiser Primer
Why We Love It
Pilgrim Glow Primer Lightweight Gel Based Velvety Matte
Why We Love It
INSIGHT Cosmetics Pore Mnimizer Primer Primer For Face
Why We Love It
Essence jelly GRIP undereye primer stick
Why We Love It
Quick Pick
10 Best Makeup Primers Of 2026
Quick Pick
Maybelline New-York - Complexion Perfecting Base Serum - Fixes Makeup for Up to 24 Hours - Formula Enriched with Niacinamide and Aloe Vera - Grippy Serum - 30 ml
SHEGLAM Camera On Smooth & Blur Primer Mattifying Makeup Base Primer for Smoothing Skin
Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer, Peach, 10 g, Multi
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping, Foundation, Moisturising Primer for 24 Hour Makeup Hold, 35 ml
SHEGLAM Makeup - Good Grip Hydrating Primer - Long-Lasting Hold
Swiss Beauty Real Makeup Base Highlighting Primer| Skin-Hydrating Poreless Primer With Natural Glow Finish For Face Makeup |Shade - Natural Tint, 32Ml
L'Oréal Paris Pore Minimiser Primer, Advanced Derm Primer, Tightened Pores, Resurfaced Skin, Matte Finish, 24H Wear, Prime Lab, 30ml
Pilgrim Glow Primer Lightweight Gel Based Velvety Matte Finish, Blurs Pores, Vit C+E Infused
INSIGHT Cosmetics Pore Mnimizer Primer Primer For Face Makeup Pores And Fine Lines Minimizer Hydrating And Moisturising Infused With Aloe Vera Silk Matte Finish 10 ml (Pack Of 1) Transparent
essence jelly GRIP undereye primer stick | Ideal base for concealer, nourishing, wrinkle-free result, with hyaluronic acid and panthenol, vegan cosmetics, 4.6 g
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.