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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Face primers bridge the gap between skincare and makeup routines by helping makeup to adhere more easily to your skin. Designed to create a smooth canvas for makeup application, face primers boost the staying power of foundation, concealer, rouge, and highlighters, while preventing makeup creasing that can occur from extended wear. However, the latest and best face primer formulas could easily be considered skincare in their own right, also offering a litany of complexion-enhancing benefits.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick, Tatcha's The Silk Canvas Protective Primer, leaves your face feeling silky smooth while strengthening your natural skin barrier. If you're looking for a more affordable pick, consider The Ordinary's High-Spreadability Fluid Primer, which prevents your makeup from creasing or clumping over dry patches.
We conducted hours of research on the best face primers, evaluating each formula on texture, ingredient list, and overall performance. To compile this roundup, we considered dozens of fan-favorite products and consulted with Byrdie editors for their top picks. Any complexion type can benefit from a face primer, but, if you’re someone who is constantly dealing with makeup meltdown and/or is trying to minimize the look of uneven skin texture or prominent pores, a primer is truly invaluable, says professional makeup artist Nydia Figueroa, a VaultBeauty member. There’s a formula out there for everyone, even sensitive skin types for whom silicones are a no-go.
Ahead, find the best face primers to extend the wear of your makeup and improve your complexion.
Best Overall: Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
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Courtesy of Sephora
Excellent at blurring skin with a soft-focus
Natural actives strengthen the skin barrier
Hadasei-3 softens skin
Squalane provides anti-inflammatory properties
Expensive
Infused with both silk extracts and silk powder, this velvety balm makes your skin feel, quite literally, smooth as silk. Ideal for all skin types, the multi-tasking formula, a top pick for Byrdie Editorial Director Hallie Gould, minimizes shine and offers a soft-focus finish. It also contains pollution-fighting natural actives meant to not only repair immediate damage but also strengthen the skin barrier to protect against future damage. Plus, it contains the brand's signature Hadasei-3, a complex of youth-boosting ingredients that leave the skin soft and radiant, according to the brand. This formula can also be used on eyes and lips as well as face.
Key Ingredients: Silk, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Budget: The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer
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Courtesy of Sephora
Affordable
Slippery texture eases application
Can be mixed with foundation
Silicone-heavy formula
This ultralight serum-like formula, which comes with a serum-esque dropper applicator, enhances the spreadability of complexion products such as foundation and concealer in order to help ensure the color stays nice and even. This means it'll also prevent your makeup from creasing or clumping over dry patches, which is a major plus. FYI, it is silicone-based, but if that’s not an issue for you, this is a great pick.
Key Ingredients: Hexamethyldisiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Drugstore: PYT Beauty Baby Got Base Face Primer
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Courtesy of Bloomingdale's
Hyaluronic acid delivers moisturizing properties
Clean, cruelty-free, and sustainable
Affordable
May be too heavy for oily skin
This cruelty-free, vegan, and clean formula is packed with moisturizing ingredients and comes at an affordable price point. Jojoba oil, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid give it a silky skin-feel, though reviewers note that it dries down quickly without any greasy after-feel. Bonus points for the fact that the packaging is made from 29% recycled plastic.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, coconut oil, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
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Courtesy of Sephora
Mattifying formula blurs skin
Doesn't aggravate acne-prone skin
Dimethicone blurs skin
Strong scent
Those with oily skin can benefit from using a primer even more so than most; pick the right formula and you can greatly cut down on the likelihood of unwanted slick spots cropping up mid-day. This formula is oil-free, and instantly tamps down shine but never makes skin look or feel chalky—instead, it's left feeling cushiony and super touchable. It also has a subtle peach tint that delivers a filter-like blurring effect.
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5 or 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Dry Skin: Isla Face Base Priming Moisturizer
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Courtesy of Isla
Hyaluronic acid boosts hydration
HEV complex provides blue light protection
Contains alcohol
Primers aren’t just for the oily skin set; there are plenty of hydrating options out there that are ideal for adding extra moisture to dry skin. Former Byrdie Editorial Director Faith Xue is a fan of this one from Isla, which boasts a lightweight formula with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, clinically proven to plump and smooth out skin. A special HEV complex provides protection from blue light while a hydrating blend of natural plant oils leaves skin that tends to dry out smooth and supple.
Key Ingredients: Rose water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 0.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Runner-Up, Best for Dry Skin: RMS Beauty “Re” Evolve Radiance Locking Primer
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Courtesy of Credo Beauty
Squalane and hyaluronic acid boost hydration
Refillable
Clean and cruelty-free
Expensive
Another top choice for those with drier skin, this formula is packed with hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid but also is specially formulated to keep all the hydration locked in for up to 24 hours. The gel formula also boasts excellent makeup-gripping prowess; in a brand-backed consumer study, users found that it helped their makeup stay put for eight hours. It’s squeaky clean, too, and touts super unique, refillable packaging.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Bare Minerals Blemish Rescue Anti-Redness Mattifying Primer
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Courtesy of QVC
Gel-lotion formula contains salicylic acid to minimize oil
Kaolin clay mattifies skin
Clean and cruelty-free
Expensive
If you’re prone to breakouts, you may tend to keep your makeup routine more on the streamlined side, but this is one product that’s totally worth adding. The gel-lotion primer formula is hydrating enough that it can easily double as your moisturizer, and it’s packed with ingredients that are ideal for oily, acne-prone, irritated skin including salicylic acid to minimize oil, zit-zapping sulfur and zinc, mattifying kaolin clay, and calming.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, kaolin clay, zinc, sulfur | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Large Pores: Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer
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Ulta
Dimethicone blurs skin and diminishes appearance of pores
Mini and value sizes available
Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Although there's no way of changing the size of your pores, a good primer can drastically minimize their appearance. This clear and oil-free silky balm creates a smooth layer over the skin, instantly camouflaging the look of pores—and fine lines—in the process. The formula also boasts vitamin E, offering clinically proven antioxidant protection against free radical damage.
Key Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 0.3 or 0.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Editors Say
"This was the first primer I fell in love with when I had more acne and needed something to lock down a fuller-coverage foundation. I return to this smoothing, silicone finish every time I go to a wedding or big event when I know I need my makeup to last through sweat, weather, and dancing." — Kathryn Vandervalk, Editorial & Strategy Director
Best for Fine Lines: Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Primer
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Courtesy of Sephora
Microsphere powder diffuses light and fills in fine lines
Evens out texture
Hyaluronic acid boosts hydration
Not the greatest value
Legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath created this line-smoothing, youth-boosting primer as a microsphere powder that simultaneously fills in wrinkles and diffuses light. The result? Your skin looks totally line-less and also feels very smooth and ready for makeup application. The formula includes also hyaluronic acid, which offers lightweight hydration and makes your complexion appear nice and plump, too.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Runner-Up, Best for Fine Lines: Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer
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Courtesy of Amazon
Subtle tint works on all skin tones
Glycerin boosts hydration and blurs skin
Expensive
True to its name, this formula excels at both hydrating—a boon for more mature skin, which tends to be drier—and blurring away the appearance of any fine lines or other texture. Pro tip: Apply it with a damp makeup sponge or foundation brush to further up the blurring effect. It also has a subtle tint designed to work on all skin tones, which makes this ideal to wear solo on days when you want to go makeup-free.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 0.75 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Brightening: LYS Beauty Secure Skin Gripping Serum Primer
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Courtesy of Sephora
Alpha hydroxy acids helps fade dark spots
Niacinamide reduces sebum
Clean and cruelty-free
May pill under certain foundations
Dealing with stubborn dark spots or acne scars? If so, this primer from LYS Beauty is for you. This gripping serum not only works hard to keep makeup in place, but it’s brimming with texture and tone improving skincare benefits. A blend of fruit-derived AHAs visibly smoothes out rough skin while vitamin C-rich grapefruit extract fades the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The formula also contains niacinamide, which reduces sebum, making this a must for anyone with oily and acne-prone skin.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, combination | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Dewy Skin: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Makeup Primer
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Courtesy of Macy's
Glycerin and shea butter boost hydration
Subtle tint works on all skin tones
Expensive
To achieve glassy, glowy skin prep your skin with a radiance-boosting primer, like this luminous formula. It’s super creamy and hydrating, leaving your complexion fresh and dewy even before you apply any makeup whatsoever, thanks to a combo of glycerin, shea butter, and rice bran. Expect skin that's smooth, supple, and absolutely glowing, making for the best base for makeup.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin, rice bran | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Natural: Exa Beauty Jump Start Smoothing Primer
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Courtesy of Credo
Silica formula is suitable for sensitive skin
Fragrance derived from essential oils
Clean and cruelty-free
Contains alcohol
This brand is the first private line from clean beauty juggernaut Credo, so you can feel confident knowing the formula is squeaky clean. To that point, there are no silicones to be found, but rather a laundry list of protective antioxidants meant to help shield your skin from all sorts of environmental aggressors, from blue light to pollution. There are also quartz crystals (real ones) in the mix to deliver a gorgeous blurring effect that works well with the semi-matte finish. As would be expected from Credo, the formula is also 97% natural, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and safe for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Silica, raspberry seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Multi-Tasker: Lawless Beauty Set the Stage Hydrating Primer Serum
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Courtesy of Sephora
Contains peptides and nourishing oils
Silicone-free formula
Calms skin
Expensive
Truly defining a skincare-makeup hybrid, this product is equal parts skin-soothing serum, hydrating moisturizer, and makeup primer. The moisture-rich serum contains peptides, rosehip, and sea buckthorn oil, which is rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, and lycopene that protect your complexion from free radical damage. However, what’s truly noteworthy here is the texture, which somehow manages to morph from serum to oil to a non-sticky gel—plus, we love that it’s also free of silicone.
Key Ingredients: Sea salt, shea butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best SPF: Supergoop 100% Mineral Smooth & Poreless Matte Screen SPF 40
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Mineral, blendable tint blurs pores
SPF 40 protects against sun exposure
Silicone may not be great for acne-prone skin
Need to reapply for lasting sun protection
A mineral primer, this formula provides sun protection with an excellent matte finish. Thousands of glowing reviews make this a cult favorite sunscreen that doubles as a primer, with many reviewers noting so. The silicone formula helps to blur pores and mattify excess oil while providing a subtle tint of color. Note that the subtle tint works well with most skin tones, but according to the manufacturer, not all. In addition to SPF, the formula contains white mulberry root helps to brighten the skin and improve tone and while butterfly brush extract to protect against blue light.
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Color Correcting: Danessa Myricks Beauty Prism FX Hydrating Lotion
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Danessa Myricks Beauty
Prismatic effect refracts light to smooth and blur skin
Multi-colored micronized crystals offer subtle color correction
Mica may not be good for acne-prone skin
The multi-colored micronized crystals in this formula from celeb makeup artist and color specialist, Danessa Myricks create a prismatic effect that refracts light to smooth and blur imperfections. Available in three shades with different tones, each formula offers subtle color correcting benefits. Ingredients like squalene and vitamin-e give the formula a silky texture as they help boost the hydration of the skin.
Key Ingredients: Squalene and vitamin-E | Skin Type: All | Size: .53 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
Tatcha The Silk Canvas Filter Finish Protective Primer is our best overall pick, making skin both look and feel smooth, and can be used on eyes and lips, too. A primer is even more of a makeup must-have if you’re dealing with oily skin; in that case, you’ll want to try the Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer. The aptly-named Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional Face Primer is great for anyone trying to minimize the look of prominent pores.
Meet the Expert
Nydia Figueroa is a beauty expert and professional makeup artist in the New York/New Jersey area and the owner of Faces By Nydia Makeup Studio. Her work has appeared frequently in editorial shoots as well as major fashion shows. She’s a member of VaultBeauty, an app that helps connect makeup artists with clients.
What to Look For
No Silicone
Up until recently, any primer by definition contained silicone, one of the most effective ingredients for creating a smooth and even texture on the skin. That being said, it’s a no-go in the clean beauty world and can irritate the skin barrier. These days, there are plenty of non-silicone options out there, so it really is a matter of personal preference.
Antioxidants
When it comes to face primers, Figueroa recommends seeking out a formula that’s nourishing and packed with antioxidants. “This is beneficial for all skin types because it helps correct signs of aging and combats free radical damage,” she says. While primer may technically be the first step of your makeup application, you can also think of it as the last step of your skincare routine–you’ll want it to have some long-term skin benefits, too.
Finish
Dealing with oily skin? Seek out formulas labeled as “mattifying” or with a “velvet” finish, indications that they’ll help tamp down excess oil. Have a perpetually dry complexion? Choosing a primer with a luminous or radiant finish is a great way to help impart an added glow to your skin from the very outset of your makeup routine.
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How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Even though she doesn’t wear a ton of makeup, she always likes to use a primer whenever she’s going to wear foundation; she especially loves hydrating, glowy formulas for her dry skin. She considered dozens of primers for this roundup, evaluating each on its formula, ingredient list, and overall performance.
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