The 8 Best Makeup Primers to Give Your Foundation Staying Power, Per Testers

Best Overall

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

$38 at Amazon $38 $20 at Sephora View on Milkmakeup.com

Key Ingredients: Blue agave extract, Hyaluronic acid, Cannabis seed extract, Niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.33, 1.52, 5.28 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a must-have if you want skin that looks like it's lit from within. The gel goes on completely invisible (despite the bottle having a greenish tint), and smooths the look of skin right away. All you need is a pea-sized amount, and it grips any and all makeup you put on top of without sacrificing hydration. The ingredients are equally as impressive; the formula contains hydrating blue agave extract and hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory cannabis seed extract, and niacinamide to help brighten and tone the skin. Something to consider: It can feel tacky upon application, but it dries pretty quickly. 

Read Full Review: A Makeup Artist Puts Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Primer to the Test

Best Budget

NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

$17 at Amazon $17 at Target $4 at Ulta

Finish: Matte | Shades: 23 | Size: 0.11 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a quality face primer. Case in point: This creamy primer smooths skin, giving it a soft-focus finish for a little over 15 dollars. Not only does it work well under makeup, but it’s formulated with anti-inflammatory marshmallow root extract which makes it ideal for those who need a little extra skin soothing. We were impressed with its quality, especially given the price. We loved its even consistency that left behind no residue. Plus, it absorbs into the skin completely after a few minutes, creating a soft, hydrated canvas for your makeup. 

Note: the primer has a subtle sweet scent. So if you’re sensitive to fragrance or just don’t love the concept of your primer having a smell, keep that in mind before buying. 

Best Hydrating

Too Faced Hangover Primer

$42 at Amazon $42 $20 at Sephora $42 at Target

Key Ingredients: Coconut water, probiotics | Skin Type: Dry, Combination | Size: 1.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Primers aren’t just for the oily skin sect; there are plenty of hydrating options out there that are ideal for adding extra moisture to dry skin, too. The Too Faced Hangover Primer is infused with moisturizing ingredients like coconut water, glycerin, and probiotics (known to boost skin’s visible radiance and elasticity), making it a great formula for reviving dry skin. We found it was effective at extending makeup wear and ensured our foundation stayed fresher for longer. 

Best Smoothing

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Primer

$54 at Amazon $54 at Sephora $54 at QVC

Key Ingredients: Silk, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Infused with both silk extracts and silk powder, this velvety balm makes your skin quite literally feel as smooth as silk. Ideal for all skin types, the multitasking formula (it can be used on eyes, lips, and face) helps to minimize shine and offers a soft-focus finish that blurs the look of imperfections and fine lines. It also contains pollution-fighting natural actives like camellia sinensis leaf extract 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 trinity of Japanese superfoods, green tea, rice, and algae – antioxidants that leave skin soft and radiant.

One thing we wish we could change is the pot. Although it's an adorable addition to any vanity, it’s not the most hygienic—use the included spatula, or be sure to wash your hands before using it to avoid contamination.  

Best Mattifying

Tarte Cosmetics Poreless Mattifying Primer

$34 at Sephora $34 at Ulta $34 at Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, Echinacea root, Hibiscus flower, Rosemary leaf extract | Skin Type: Oily, Combination | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Poreless Mattifying Primer from Tarte is a great option if you’re looking to shrink your pores and help makeup look its best, even when sweat or an unexpected rainstorm comes into play. This silky, invisible gel mattifies skin and also helps smooth uneven skin texture, scars, and dry patches for up to 12 hours. We found that it has a Vaseline-like consistency and provides the perfect amount of hydration with help from moisture-boosting avocado oil and echinacea root. Additionally, anti-inflammatory hibiscus flower and rosemary leaf extract reduce redness and aid exfoliation.

Best for Oily Skin

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer

$36 $20 at Sephora $36 at Ulta $20 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, Glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5, 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Those with oily skin can benefit from using a primer more than most—the right formula can greatly cut down on the likelihood of unwanted slick spots cropping up midday. This formula from Fenty Beauty is oil-free (a hint of non-clogging hydration comes from dimethicone and glycerin) and instantly sops up shine without making skin look or feel chalky. Instead, it feels cushiony and soft, and delivers a filter-like blurring effect. The primer imparts a white tint that blends (cast-free) into all skin tones. Be warned that it is heavily scented, so if you’re easily irritated by fragrances in cosmetics, you may want to steer clear of this primer. 

Best for Dull Skin

MAC Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer

$39 $36 at Amazon $36 at Ulta $36 $27 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This illuminating primer works a bit like a highlighter on dull skin, providing a radiant base for a gleaming makeup look. It’s creamy and skin-conditioning, thanks to a blend of hydrating ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. When we tested the primer, our skin felt wonderful to the touch and it kept our foundation hydrated with a natural-looking glow. All you have to do is apply a pea-sized amount (or two) to your fingertips and blend, for a glowy finish. Be aware that some reviewers found this product made them break out. 

Best With SPF

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50

$55 at Sephora $55 at Ulta $55 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: SPF 50, Vitamins C and E, Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Oily, Combination | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Sunscreen for your face is a must. And Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 from Charlotte Tilbury will provide that for you while also forming a smooth makeup base. Although this primer has a bit of a watery consistency when first opened, we couldn’t get enough of it. Upon contact with the skin, it felt like a light moisturizer. Though you may want to let it sit on the skin before topping it off with concealer and foundation, it creates a smooth base for makeup. Best of all, it doesn’t pill, so you can layer on as much as you’d like. 

Something to keep in mind is that the formula contains talc, an absorbent mineral that the American Cancer Society says may be carcinogenic. It’s a controversial ingredient that some people prefer to avoid altogether.