Primer, the unsung hero of any solidmakeup routine, is designed to, well,primethe skin before base makeup. This post-skin care, pre-foundation step creates a canvas that should help you apply the rest of your beauty products evenly and ensure your look lasts as long as possible. “A makeup primer will help with longevity and smoothness and make application easier,” explainsMaria I. Rincon Djuro, a KIKO Milano makeup artist. “It may contain benefits such as long-wear, oil control or hydration,color correction, and/or a blurring effect to smooth skin texture. Many primers also include skin care benefits that help with anti-aging and promote healthier skin.” If you crave that glass skin glow for your makeup (but lack the impossibly perfect genetics to achieve this on your own), get thee to a primer.
Still, with so many options promising pore-blurring perfection, how do you know which primer is right for you? To help, I diligentlytested12 of the most popular primers available, evaluating each on ease of application, performance, and overall feel to discover the 10 best primers that will allow your makeup to apply with “chef’s kiss” smoothness.
InStyle Tip: “A makeup primer can enhance your overall look by offering many beauty benefits. Without one, your makeup may not last as long, and/or your foundation might not appear as smooth. If you have oily skin, for example, a primer will ensure that your foundation stays matte, and it doesn’t melt off your face before the end of the day. The beauty of primers is that you can always find one that suits your needs best!” —Maria I. Rincon Djuro, KIKO Milano makeup artist
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Why I Love It:Dealing with acnecan be an uphill battle, and the last thing you want is for your primer to make things worse—which is why this pick from Dr. Brandt Skincare is such a game changer. Smooth and almost putty-like in consistency, thesalicylic acid-derived formula feels airy and lightweight on the skin, achieving the impressive feat of prepping the face for makeup and blurring pores without clogging them. As someone who struggles with comedonal acne, I can confirm that this pick did not exacerbate my existing breakout and actually made my complexion look calmer and more even-toned. Don’t be scared by the peachy hue, either—this primer quickly blends into both fair and darker skin tones, leaving the complexion better than before.
Editor’s Tip: Because this pick isn’t the most hydrating on the list, make sure to use a solid moisturizer beforehand and a dewy setting spray afterward—your skin (and acne) will thank you for the extra dose of hydration.
Formula: Putty｜Base: Water |Key Ingredients: Red clover flower extract, derivative of salicylic acid｜Size: 1 oz
