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The Best Face Primer

Last updated on June 17, 2022

We looked at the top 6 Face Primers and dug through the reviews from 21 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Face Primers.

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Face Primers

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
  Top Pick

e.l.f. Lightweight Matte Finish Face Primer

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

e.l.f.

Lightweight Matte Finish Face Primer

E.l.f.'s 0.47-ounce moisturizing face primer is lightweight and contains vitamins A, C and E. This primer is vegan and cruelty-free, has a creamy consistency that glides on smoothly and is compatible with all skin types.

Overall Take

You Won't Feel ThisThis amazing product will give your complexion the lift it needs and prep it for your makeup routine in no time.

  Runner Up

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Cruelty-Free Vegan Face Primer

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP

Cruelty-Free Vegan Face Primer

This affordable primer has a silky formula that will create the smooth, matte finish you want before applying the rest of your makeup. Choose from the clear or color-correcting lavender and green shades. Once you start using this product, you'll want to use this 1.01-ounce primer each time you get ready to do your face.

Overall Take

It's Just So SilkyWith this primer, you will feel completely confident that you are putting your best look out there.

  We Also Like

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Pore Eraser Face Primer

Maybelline New York

Baby Skin Pore Eraser Face Primer

Maybelline is known for its high-quality cosmetics. Their 0.67-ounce Baby Skin primer won't disappoint; it instantly erases pores and leaves your skin looking pristine. This primer is non-comedogenic and leaves you with a soft, matte finish.

Overall Take

Evens It All OutThis primer works so well that you can use it without any foundation for a fresh, glowy look.

  Strong Contender

Rimmel Stay Matte Ultra Lightweight Formula Face Primer

Rimmel

Stay Matte Ultra Lightweight Formula Face Primer

Rimmel's Stay Matte 1.0 ounce primer has the correct name. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy and keeps your skin perfectly matte for as long as eight hours. You'll be impressed with how well it works for so little money.

Overall Take

Name Says it AllUsing this primer, you won't have to worry about your face looking dull or shiny.

  Also Great

Touch In SOL No Pore Blem Anti-Wrinkle Face Primer

Touch In SOL

No Pore Blem Anti-Wrinkle Face Primer

Here's a great face primer with a soft melting gel formula containing green tea extracts and soluble collagen to minimize wrinkles, improve elasticity, and leave you with a smooth, seamless skin surface.

Overall Take

Makes Faces Feel VelvetyYour face will feel hydrated and soft; once you apply it, there will be no detectable lines or pores.

Buying Guide

Have you ever wondered how some people have such incredibly smooth skin? The most likely answer is face primer, a cosmetic product applied after moisturizer and before foundation. Primers are formulated to even out skin tone, fill in pores and fine lines and help makeup last longer.

Many claim that primers create a “clean canvas” for makeup application, and this is a perfect comparison. They create even, oil-free surfaces that allow the foundation to bond with the skin better. Some use primer over moisturizer and don’t even bother with foundation, and this can create the appearance of fresh, soft, clean and flawless skin.

Face primer choices include mattifying, hydrating, luminizing, blurring and other options. Many offer combinations of these, and if you have dry skin, you might want a hydrating primer if you’re not using a moisturizer beneath it. Most makeup experts recommend washing and using a moisturizer first, though. Traditional primers are silicone-based, but these products can have many other ingredients, like vitamins and hyaluronic acid.

There are many kinds of gel and powder primers at different price points, but check how many ounces are in there because you could end up paying more for less if you’re not careful. Some also come with color-correcting properties that can help even out your skin tone.

Green and yellow correctors help with mild redness and discoloration, while lavenders can neutralize sallow skin and yellow tones. Also, read the ingredients list carefully because you won’t want the product to contain harmful chemicals like parabens or anything you might be allergic to.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, Simplemost analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
13

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the face primers available to purchase.
6

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

21

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

389,947

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Rimmel Stay Matte Ultra Lightweight Formula Face Primer

Our Total Score

9.6

Key Takeawy

Rimmel's Stay Matte 1.0 ounce primer has the correct name. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy and keeps your skin perfectly matte for as long as eight hours. You'll be impressed with how well it works for so little money.

What to Look For

  • Here are some more tips for color correction. Use blue for orange hyperpigmentation and sunspots, peach for dark circles and blue tones for dark circles beneath the eyes.
  • Only use foundation after your last skin treatment (moisturizer or toner).
  • Apply primer gently with your fingers instead of a makeup brush for the best results.
  • Let the primer dry for one full minute before applying foundation or powder on top.
  • People with dry skin can use about a quarter-sized dollop of primer, and others can use less. Remember, a little primer goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
  • If a primer or any other cosmetic product leaves your skin feeling red, irritated or itchy, stop using it immediately and wash it off your face.
  • Always apply primer and makeup with clean hands and fingers.

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