15 Best Drugstore Face Primers For Long Lasting Makeup 2022

15 Best Drugstore Face Primers

1. Best Over All: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is sweat proof and waterproof. It blends easily with the skin tone and leaves a matte finish. It minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. The primer has a unique formula that gives a silky appearance. It prevents shine and leaves one with a dewy finish. It is ideal for prepping, brightening, and balancing one’s complexion. The infusion of pearl powder enhances the appearance of makeup and leaves one looking gorgeous. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review. Pros

Lightweight Sweat proof Waterproof Long-lasting Minimizes pores and fine lines Controls excess skin sebum Cruelty-free Paraben-free Non-greasy

Cons

Cakey appearance May not give a smooth appearance May clog pores

2. Best For Aging Skin: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer

The CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer hydrates mature skin and minimizes the signs of aging. The ageless primer is infused with panthenol, vitamin E, and green tea extract that hydrate and protect the skin for a longer duration. The nourishing formula firms the skin and leaves a youthful glow. It can also be applied as a foundation primer for a moisturizing, hydrating look. Pros

Keeps skin younger Hydrates skin Cruelty-free Plumps the skin Improves skin elasticity Blurs wrinkles and fine lines Minimizes the appearance of pores

Cons

Consistency could be too thick Has added artificial fragrance

3. Best For Oily Skin: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

The Rimmel Stay Matte Primer is an ultra-lightweight formula that minimizes the appearance of pores. It also controls shine for up to 8 hours, leaving you with a soft, perfectly matte finish. It is non-greasy and keeps you fresh for longer. The featherweight primer blends flawlessly for a velvety finish. You can check this video out if you need to know more about the product. Pros

Lightweight Controls shine for over 8 hours Masks pores Non-comedogenic Can be used alone or with foundation Non-greasy

Cons

Cakey appearance Consistency can be too thick

4. Best Fast Absorbing Formula: NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer

The NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer is a lightweight, creamy formula. It provides a sparkling effect that stays long. This glitter primer glides easily on the skin. It blends well with the skin tone. It is infused with vitamin E and jojoba extract that nourish the skin and protects against environmental aggressors. To find out more about this product, check this video review out. Pros

Lightweight Leaves a glittery effect Cruelty-free Long-lasting Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

Greasy

5. Best For Reducing Pores: Revlon PhotoReady Primer

The Revlon PhotoReady Primer is a tinted formula that blends seamlessly to soften the skin. It also blurs imperfections, fine lines, and wrinkles. It smoothens the skin texture and tone. The primer contains silica mattifiers that reduce the production of sebum and control excess oil secretion. The pore-reducing formula minimizes the pore size and mattifies the skin for a flawless, airbrushed finish. Pros

Lightweight Blends seamlessly with the skin Reduces pore size Blurs fine lines and wrinkles Suitable for all skin types

Cons None

6. Best For Combination Skin: NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer

The NYX Professional Studio Perfect Primer is a silky silicone-based formula that protects the skin and creates a smooth, matte finish. It blends evenly with the skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The primer offers an airbrushed finish. It is available in three shades. Pros

Easily blends with the skin Fast-absorbing Masks fine lines and wrinkles Reduces the appearance of large pores Available in three shades

Cons

No photo-finish look Greasy formula

7. Best Color-Correcting Formula: Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer

The Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer is a water-based formula that blurs skin imperfections and smoothens fine lines. It is a color-correcting formula that preps your skin for makeup. It is lightweight and non-greasy and is suitable for oily skin. The infused active ingredients and glycerin offer a silky smooth finish. The primer also hydrates the skin and provides long-lasting makeup wear. Pros

Lightweight Non-greasy Blurs fine lines Masks skin imperfections Hydrates the skin Non-comedogenic

Cons

Chemical smell May irritate sensitive skin

8. Best Skin Brightening Formula: L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer

The L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer instantly illuminates and lightens one’s complexion and prolongs the makeup wear. It is a unique formula that blends seamlessly with the skin and boosts skin luminosity. It minimizes the appearance of large pores and blurs fine lines. It can be used alone for a natural look or can even be blended with a foundation to plump up the skin. Pros

Lightweight Smoothens skin texture Brightens skin complexion Blends seamlessly with skin Leaves a natural glow Highlights cheekbones

Cons

Cakey appearance May contain skin irritants

9. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: l.f Blemish Control Face Primer

The e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer is a vegan formula that is infused with salicylic acid, vitamin E, and tea tree oil. These ingredients control blemishes and breakouts. The silky base smoothly glides on the skin and controls acne formation. Pros

100% vegan formula Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free No harsh chemicals Controls acne breakouts Glides smoothly on the skin

Cons

May feel greasy

10. Best Lightweight: A Girl Pro Prep High Definition Smoothing Face Primer

The L.A Girl Pro Prep High Definition Smoothing Face Primer is a lightweight formula that smoothens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps minimize the appearance of large pores and makes skin ready for applying foundation and makeup. The primer is infused with light-diffusing particles and skin-nourishing vitamin E. The invigorating formula hydrates and nourishes the skin and enhances makeup. Pros

Lightweight Fills up fine lines Masks wrinkles Paraben-free Fragrance-free Softens the skin

Cons

Greasy Not sweatproof

11. Best For Dull Skin: Neutrogena Prep+ Correct Primer

The Neutrogena Prep+ Correct primer is a silky, lightweight formula infused with seaweed extract that refreshes dull-looking skin. It is a color-correcting primer that blurs imperfections and evens out the skin tone. The green-toned matte primer reduces facial redness and improves skin texture and tone. It is lightweight and does not create a cakey appearance. The primer blends easily with the skin. Its correcting formula blurs all imperfections and reduces the pore size. The primer is available in three color-correcting shades. Pros

Lightweight Improves dull skin Evens out the skin tone Blurs imperfections Smoothens the skin surface Reduces redness Reduces the pore size

Cons None

12. L’Oreal Paris Inflallible Glow-Lock Face Primer

The L’Oreal Parish Infallible Glow-Lock Face primer seals skin glow. It preps your skin for long-wear makeup. The primer is infused with glycerin and vitamin E that hydrate the skin. It is a lightweight primer that can be applied alone or blended with a foundation. Pros

Seals skin glow Illuminates the skin Hydrates skin Lightweight Suitable for dry/normal skin

Cons None

13. Best Drugstore Primer With SPF: l.f. Beauty Shield SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer

The e.l.f. Beauty Shield Skin Shielding Primer helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and minimizes the appearance of large pores. The lightweight primer glides easily on the skin and leaves you with a glowing, airbrushed finish. It is rich in antioxidants, and the SPF 50 protects the skin from harmful aggressors and UV damage. Pros

Lightweight Rich in antioxidants Protects the skin from sun damage Reduces pore sizes Blurs fine lines and wrinkles

Cons None

14. Honest Beauty Everything Primer

The Honest Beauty Everything Primer provides long-lasting makeup coverage and leaves skin with a matte finish. It is infused with micronized bamboo powder that helps blur imperfections. This award-winning product is blended with aloe vera extracts, peony root extracts, and hyaluronic acid that soothe skin redness and irritation. These ingredients also make your skin firmer and reduce fine lines. This illuminating primer contains mica that gives your skin a gorgeous glow. It preps your skin with enough moisture to make it look fresh and dewy. The primer is an oil-free formula that controls shine without making the skin too dry. It is best suitable for oily skin as it controls oil secretion. Pros

Paraben-free Phthalate-free Silicone-free Free from dyes and artificial fragrances Cruelty-free Free from mineral oils Oil-free formula Blurs imperfections Hypoallergenic Dermatologist-tested Toxicologist-verified

Cons

Not suitable for sensitive skin

15. Best For Dry Skin: Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer

The Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer hydrates and moisturizes the skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and other imperfections. It also reduces pore size. Its unique formula blends flawlessly with the skin for an even skin tone. Pros

Hydrates and moisturizes skin Minimizes pore size Reduces fines lines and wrinkles Vegan formula Maintains skin’s natural moisture balance

Cons

May feel sticky

[ Also Try – Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ] These are the 15 best face primers that you can buy online. They mask all imperfections and offer the perfect base for your makeup. More importantly, they are lighter on your pocket. The next section gives you a brief on the basics of a primer and why you need to use it.

What Is A Primer? Why Should We Use It?

A makeup primer creates the ideal base for your foundation. It creates a thin protective layer between your skincare and makeup products. It fills in the pores and blurs out fine lines and other imperfections. It helps your foundation blend better with the skin for a flawlessly smooth finish. You can use a primer by itself for a dewy finish or layer makeup on top of it to create a glamorous look that lasts all day long. The next section helps you pick the right product suitable for your skin.

Buying Guide For Drugstore Primers

Know Your Skin Type

For Dry Skin

If you are selecting a primer for dry skin, check for the hydrating ingredients that seal moisture within the skin. Check for glycerin, aloe vera, or shea butter that soften and moisturize the skin.

For Oily Skin

Oily skin is tricky to manage. Choose a primer that is infused with tea tree and vitamin E that prevent acne breakouts and control excess sebum formation. The primer should be non-comedogenic and grease-free.

For Sensitive Skin

An illuminating face primer works best for sensitive skin. It can reduce skin redness and inflammation. Additional SPF is better for protection against sun damage. The primer should also contain chamomile extract, tea tree extract, and essential oils to protect the skin and nourish it.

Ensure Natural Ingredients

The primer should be free from harmful chemicals and artificial fragrances.

Check The Pricing

Most face primers are reasonably priced. You do not have to spend the big bucks. Be wary of the pricing.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup artistry. She understands that preparing your skin before makeup application is essential for a flawless look. So, she tried some drugstore face primers, went through numerous user reviews online, and made this list of the best ones out there. These shortlisted products will help conceal all your pores and blemishes and keep your makeup intact for long. Is a primer necessary for makeup? Applying a primer before makeup blurs all imperfections, seals open pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also offers a long-lasting makeup hold. Hence, a primer is essential for makeup. Can you just use a primer without foundation? Yes, you can use a primer by itself, without blending with foundation. When should you use a face primer? You may use it after your skin care routine (cleansing-toning-moisturizing) and before you apply your makeup. Is a primer good for daily use? Yes, a primer can be used daily. A lightweight primer is preferable in this regard. How long should you leave a primer on before applying foundation? You may apply the foundation right after applying a primer. Which type of primer is the best for normal skin? Non-comedogenic face primers with hyaluronic acid are best for normal skin. The formulations offer smooth texture and an illuminating effect. Does the primer have to match your skin tone? There are two ways to determine the shade of the primer. Many opt for primers that are the exact shade of their foundation. Many go for primer shades that are the opposite of the shade of their blemishes. For example, if your skin is facing redness, go for a green primer. If your pores are yellowish, go for a purple primer. You can go for colorless, translucent primers as well. Should you apply a primer or a moisturizer first? Apply the moisturizer before your primer. Make sure to complete your skin care regime before you start with your makeup regime.