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Byrdie / Reese Herrington
Any well-applied, seamlessly-blended makeup look all starts with a solid base. Primer can sometimes be a step skipped over or deemed unnecessary, but if being and working with makeup artists has taught us anything, it’s that the devil is in the details when it comes to achieving optimum skin results.
While primer may be one of the first steps in your makeup routine, it holds your look together and keeps it lasting longer. It can mattify or add glow, blur pores, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and you’ll also be pleasantly surprised at how affordable some of the best primers are.
If you find your makeup always goes flaky, you can’t seem to control your shine, or if your eyeshadow is constantly creasing, it’s time to go back to the very start and sub in a primer after your moisturizer and before your makeup. Then watch in awe throughout the day at what an improvement this tiny step makes to the staying power of your products.
Different primers provide different benefits. We reviewed and tested a wide variety on every skin type and also had a peek inside our colleagues’ kits and got their favorites, with many saying the drugstore finds come out on top and work even better than the more expensive offerings. After conducting hours of research on the best affordable makeup primers—evaluating each product based on its ingredients, benefits, and finish—we landed on these drugstore gems.
Best Overall
Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
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Walgreens
Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free
Mattifies skin
Can leave a greasy residue
Living up to its nickname "Photoshop in a bottle," we could all see a difference in how this primer minimized our pores, especially around the cheeks and nose. Apply a few drops onto your bare face to instantly improve softness and smoothness. If you're looking to streamline your routine, you can also mix it straight in with your foundation—either way, you'll reap the complexion-enhancing benefits and delight in the all-day moisture it provides.
Who It's For
The ultra-silky texture works on every skin type, leaving oily skin mattified and dry skin hydrated and smooth. We tested it on dry skin and found that our entire face felt instantly smooth, soft, and moisturized. The pores around our nose and cheeks were magically minimized, too.
Key Ingredients: Silicone, silica, bitter cherry extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
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Byrdie / Olivia Handcock
Read Full Review: This $7 Primer Is Literally the Blur Tool IRL—Trust
Best Mattifying
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
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Walmart
Long-lasting
Lightweight
Controls t-zone shine
Those with dry skin may find this slightly drying, but we found when teamed with the right moisturizer, it worked on all complexions
The right primer can work wonders when it comes to keeping skin matte and tamping down sheen all day. We tried this particular shine-controlling option and can confirm it does just that and lasts hours. The best part for us was how it never felt too dry or resulted in a cakey appearance.
Who It's For
This product is best for those with oily skin looking to reduce shine all day long.
Key Ingredients: Silicone, silica, talc | Skin Type: Oily, dry | Dosage: Pea-size amount | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Large Pores
COVERGIRL Trublend Base Business
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Amazon
Oil-free
Boosts radiance
Recently reformulated to be fragrance-free
The tube is slightly smaller, but we found a little bit goes a long way with this product, so it should still last a long time
While there’s no product out there that can change the actual size of your pores, there are ways that you can make them appear smaller, like using a primer such as this one. The oil-free formula smooths away the look of prominent pores and has a subtle lilac tint that delivers an overall more luminous glow and gives skin a vibrant appearance. We also love that this primer has recently been reformulated to remove the fragrance, making it gentler and more sensitive-skin friendly.
Who’s It For
All skin types can enjoy this drugstore gem—especially if you want a matte finish that's still fresh and vibrant.
Key Ingredients: Silicone, silica, talc, retinol | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dull Skin
Neutrogena Glow Primer & Serum
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Walmart
Revitalizes tired skin
Lightweight
Dermatologist tested
Due to the hydrating ingredients (which we love), this primer may need a couple more minutes to absorb before you apply your makeup
If your complexion looks dull, lackluster, and generally a bit drab, consider using this skincare-makeup hybrid. Part serum, part primer, it delivers a mammoth dose of hydration via hyaluronic acid (always a surefire way to boost radiance), leaving skin plumped, smooth, and refreshed. And per the primer part of things, we gave this product a try and found it definitely helped to keep our makeup locked in all day.
Who It's For
We know you’ve been on the go nonstop, which is why we love this glowy primer and serum for you. It’s the best remedy for tired, dry skin that needs a boost.
Key Ingredients: Purified hyaluronic acid concentrate | Skin Type: Dull, dry | Dosage: A few drops | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Oily Skin
BLK/OPL Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer
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BLK/OPL
Mattifies skin
Special oil-eliminating properties
Absorbs instantly
Smaller size than other options, but only a tiny amount is necessary
This featherweight gel option is an especially beneficial choice as it dries down to an undetectable matte finish and boasts a natural astringent to help stop oil in its tracks. Use it all over or just on areas prone to excess sheen, like your T-zone.
Who It's For
Those with oily skin are excellent candidates for using this primer. Think of it as the key component in getting your skin and makeup to work together or an extra security measure to help keep your complexion mattified.
Key Ingredients: Witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.42 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best With SPF
NYX Professional Makeup Daily Moisturizing Primer SPF 30
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Amazon
Non-comedogenic
Generous size
Hydrating
Contains SPF 30
May be slightly heavy for those with oily skin
This multi-functional find acts as a primer to smooth skin and prolong makeup wear, but the benefits don’t stop there. Cannabis sativa seed oil works to impart long-lasting hydration while also soothing skin, and there’s also your daily dose of SPF 30 in the mix, too.
Who It's For
Anyone who’s constantly searching for ways to streamline their morning routine (insert hand-raising emoji here) will appreciate this multi-tasker.
Key Ingredients: Cannabis sativa seed oil, avobenzone, homosalate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Dime-size amount | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Redness
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Prep + Correct Primer
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Walgreens
Reduces redness
Lightweight
Evens skin tone
Can be drying
Don’t be freaked by the pale green color of this primer—it’s the secret weapon for minimizing unwanted redness. (Green neutralizes red because the two colors fall opposite one another on the color wheel.) This is a great option for when the temperatures start to soar and the summer flushes set in or in the winter when the tops of our noses and cheeks turn rosy from the cold.
Who It's For
This color-correcting pick is ideal for anyone dealing with rosacea or blemishes or wanting to soothe and even out their complexion, even before you reach for foundation and concealer.
Key Ingredients: Seaweed extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Lids
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer
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Walmart
Mattifies skin
Dries clear
Boosts radiance
Go in light-handed with this product to avoid it looking cakey
This mattifying eyeshadow primer absorbs oil and acts as a buffer between skin and shadow—be it cream or powder—to keep it looking smooth and even. It dries clear but does also have a subtle illuminating effect, which is never a bad thing in our book.
Who It's For
If you’re constantly dealing with eyeshadow that slides and creases, consider prepping lids with this shadow primer beforehand.
Key Ingredients: Talc, silicone, polymers | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.34 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Lips
NYX Professional Makeup Lip Primer
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Walmart
Hydrating formula
Prevents lipstick smudging and feathering
Enhances color
Might not work as well with darker shades of lipstick
Just like a good primer can ensure your foundation stays put, a lip primer can help lock lipstick in place. Simply line and fill in your pout with this creamy pencil; it creates the perfect canvas, helping lip color glide on smoothly and preventing it from ever bleeding or feathering.
Who It's For
If a bold lip color is a staple in your life, having this primer in your repertoire is the key to ensuring a long-lasting look that won’t smudge.
Key Ingredients: Wax, silica, jojoba esters | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Lashes
L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Primer
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Amazon
Ophthalmologist-tested
Flake- and smudge-free
Enhances lash volume
May make eyelashes feel slightly heavier, but that was a small price to pay for us to get thicker lashes
Believe it, your lashes can also benefit from a primer. This particular pick makes lashes look extra long and thick, all while acting as a mascara magnet to ward off the potential for mid-day flakes or smudges. Don’t worry about the goopy-looking formula; it works best if you carefully comb it through as you apply, then let it set for about 30 seconds before topping it with mascara. FYI, this buy goes on white, but that cast disappears once you layer on mascara.
Who It's For
This product is great as a daytime alternative to wearing fake eyelashes for anyone who loves a bold lash look all day.
Key Ingredients: Wax, polymers, jojoba oil | Size: 0.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best High-End Dupe
NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer
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Amazon
Lightweight and silky-smooth
Blurs and softens imperfections
Three shade options
May not work with sensitive skin
Many say NYX Studio Perfect Primer is a dupe of Smashbox's beloved Photo Finish Primer. The lightweight, silky-smooth formula offers color correction while blurring pores, softening fine lines, and creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. Just a heads up, the silicone-based formula might irritate sensitive skin.
Who It's For
This product is perfect for those who need a two-in-one color corrector and skin smoother.
Key Ingredients: Silicone | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
e.l.f Acne Fighting Putty Primer
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Ulta
Smooths bumps
Soothes inflammation
Prevents future breakouts
Can be hard to spread
This putty-style primer from e.l.f. smooths bumps to create a more even surface for makeup application, but it doesn't stop there. The double-duty formula calls on zinc to soothe inflammation and salicylic acid to prevent future breakouts, while kaolin clay helps keep oil under control.
Who It's For
As our superlative mentions, this is the top pick for anyone who needs help covering up or preventing breakouts.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc, kaolin clay | Skin Type: Acne-prone, oily | Size: 0.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Travel
Milani Eyeshadow Primer
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Ulta
Dries quickly
Lightweight feel
Enhances eyeshadow pigment
Smaller tube but a tiny amount is all you need
Despite the smaller size tube, this primer never seems to end. A minuscule dot across the lids makes a world of difference to the overall finish of your eye makeup, especially if you are rocking a smokey eye. It prevents creasing on even the most hooded eyes and extends the wear of eyeshadow to keep your makeup always looking freshly applied. We were particularly impressed with how well our makeup held up even in the sweltering summer heat waves.
Who It's For
Anyone who wants long-lasting eye makeup can give this product a try—it’s the perfect base for a soft or bold look.
Skin Type: All | Size: 0.3 Fl. Oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
![A person adding the Milani Eyeshadow Primer to their eyelid]()
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
![A person holding the Milani Eyeshadow Primer]()
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
![A person adding the Milani Eyeshadow Primer to their eyelid]()
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
![A person mixing the Milani Eyeshadow Primer on their fingers]()
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Where We Stand
Primers are a crucial step in any makeup routine, as it’s not only a base for makeup, but a way to ensure your makeup stays on all day while addressing some skin concerns, like radiance, smoothing, blurring, and more. Our unanimous favorite is the Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer, which felt ultra-silky upon application and left our skin with a Photoshop-like blurring effect. If you’re looking to conceal your pores, try COVERGIRL Trublend Base Business Pore Minimizing Skin Primer as its oil-free formula smooths away the look of prominent pores while also lifting the appearance of skin with its lilac tint. Lastly, if you’re looking for a great budget-friendly buy, our recommendation is the Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer.
What to Consider When Buying Drugstore Primer
- Avoid Silicone: If you see silicone on the back of the label, explains Kelli J. Bartlett, NYC-based makeup artist, put it back down. She recommends opting for primer with silica instead, like BLK/OPL Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer, as it can help absorb oil naturally without drying skin out.
- Concern: Primers are typically made to address one chief concern. Therefore, explains Bartlett, you should stick to only your top needs to get the most out of your primer. For instance, Neutrogena Prep + Correct Primer addresses redness, and Covergirl Base Business Face Primer helps minimize the appearance of large pores.
- Seasonal: Based on the season or temperature, you’ll need a primer for different concerns. During winter months you might need a primer for dry skin that lets you apply more makeup seamlessly, notes Bartlett. “In summer, you might be looking for a radiant primer that lets your skin shine with SPF,” says Bartlett. NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Primer SPF 30 is one of our favorite options with built-in sun protection.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Clare Holden has been a fan of beauty and fashion since she was a child. While studying for her degree in Journalism and Communications, Clare worked at makeup counters part-time. After graduating, she went back and trained as a makeup artist after falling in love with beauty and skincare. She has done makeup for fashion shoots, TV, weddings, and events and has written for publications all over the world.
For this story, Team Byrdie worked with an expert to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when buying drugstore primers:
- Kelli J. Bartlett, an NYC-based makeup artist.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough drugstore primers from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
