Face Primers: What To Know Before You Buy?

Selecting the right primer is as hard as choosing your perfect shade of foundation. It takes trial and error to find something that feels weightless, doesn’t clog your pores, and gives your skin just the right texture. How do you navigate the overwhelming world of makeup prep? It’s easy if you ask yourself the right questions first.

Why do I need primer?

Think about how your primer can help you or your client’s skin. Will it be used for high-definition or bridal makeup, where camera-ready durability is priority? Or maybe you want an everyday base with a bit of SPF? “Look at the job at hand first,” advises James. “A primer with a bit of silicone is great at keeping the skin fresh-looking, but it may show shiny hot spots on the face in photography.” 

Anyone with coloring issues can enlist the help of color-correcting primers. A light purple or mauve will cancel out sallow tones, a hint of green evens out ruddy tones from rosacea, and a subtle pink can brighten a dull complexion If you’re ready to take the extra step in your makeup routine, browse some of the best face primer picks for every skin need below.

The Brighteners:

Tarte Brightening Primer price $30. Lightweight and hydrating, Tarte’s formula works on all skin types. “I love that this doesn’t change the texture of your foundation, and it works really well for getting rid of fine lines,” says Vincent.

Benefit Brightening Face Primer, price $29. This silky-smooth texture and sheer pink tint are ideal for livening up dull skin throughout the day. “I even love putting a little of it on the collarbone for a subtle sheen,” suggests Vincent.

The Color-Correctors:

Smashbox Correcting Foundation Primer, price $38. Considered the grandfather of face primers, Smashbox’s wide range of silicone-based primers (including green, lavender, and apricot color-correcting formulas) work well to even out complexions.

NYX Perfect Primer, price $12. One of the better formulations we’ve come across at the drugstore, NYX’s line of primers is an ideal inexpensive color-correcting option, and the lavender tint is amazing on sallow skin.

The Skin Care Hybrids:

Embryolisse Lait-Créme Concentré, price $28. Makeup artists have raved about this skin care/makeup hybrid for years, and with good reason—it’s a primer all-in-one. Dehydrated skin will will stand to benefit its simple yet emollient formula.

Korres Face Primer, price $28. For those sensitive, allergy-prone complexions who have hopped on the silicone-free bandwagon, Korres has your alternative—a primer made with jojoba oil and without any potential irritants. A pro favorite for men’s grooming.

The All-Stars:

Too Fased Poreless Pure, price $30. A Beautylish community favorite that leaves skin silky soft and minimizes the appearance of pores. The non-greasy formula ensures all-day wear with any silicone-based foundation on top.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, $32. Laura Mercier’s oil-free must-have has long been the standby solution for oil slicks and makeup meltdowns. Acne-prone complexions will love this!

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, price $24. A little goes a long way with this velvet-textured primer. A small dose of SPF in a waterproof formula makes this an ideal option for outdoor makeup.

MAC Prep + Prime , price $30. Another fantastic option for the open air (but not the camera), MAC’s high SPF hybrid makes a solid tinted mattifier for oilier complexions.