Fact Checked
By Wendy Gould
Do You Need a Best Drugstore Primer?
Whether or not it is necessary to apply primer before makeup is a matter of personal preference. Some people find that primer helps to create a smoother, more even base for their makeup and also helps to extend the wear time of their makeup. Others may not notice a significant difference when using primer.
It’s important to consider your individual skin type and concerns when deciding whether or not to use primer. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a primer formulated to control oil production can be beneficial. If you have dry skin, a hydrating primer may help to create a smoother base for your makeup.
If you’re not sure whether primer is necessary for you, you can try using anyone among our best drugstore primers guide for a few days and see if you notice a difference in the wear time and appearance of your makeup.
How to Choose The Best Drugstore Primer?
When choosing the best drugstore primer for your skin, there are a few things to consider:
Skin type
Skin concerns
Ingredients
Brand reputation
Reviews
Compatibility with your makeup
( Pro Tip: It’s always a good idea to do a patch test before applying all over your face, to check for any potential allergic reactions.)
Our Methodology: How We Choose The Best Drugstore Primers?
How to Choose The Best Drugstore Primer?
We consulted the top dermatologists to know their recommendations on the best drugstore primers along with the facts supporting their references. Further our team inspected & researched plenty of drugstore primers in the light of ingredients, price, size & other important aspects to find the top picks for you.
Here’s a quick view to our best drugstore primers for the year 2024!
Best Drugstore Primers 2024 (Our Top Picks)
Let’s Get a Tour on Individual Drugstore Primers Featured Above
Drmtlgy Makeup Primer No. 1 is a revolutionary formula designed to create a flawless canvas for your makeup. This lightweight primer not only extends the longevity of your makeup but also blurs imperfections and minimizes the appearance of pores. With its nourishing ingredients and smooth texture, it leaves your skin feeling silky and hydrated throughout the day. Enhance your beauty routine with Drmtlgy Makeup Primer No. 1 for a radiant and long-lasting makeup look.
Brand: Drmtlgy | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract | Size: 1 oz / 28 g | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Price: $38.00
Green Signal
- Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores.
- Long-lasting formula keeps makeup in place all day.
- Smooth and even application for a flawless look.
Red Flag
- The product may not be widely available in all locations
Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser is a popular drugstore primer that is formulated to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving the skin with a smooth and even finish. It is an oil-free primer that can help to control shine and provide a base for makeup to adhere to.
Brand: Maybelline | Key Ingredients: Bitter Cherry Extract, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol | Size: 20 Ml / 0.67 Fl. Oz. | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Price: $7.99
Green Signal
- Leaves Skin Baby Smooth
- Blurs Open Pores
- Natural Matte Finish Look
Red Flag
- Runs Out of Stock
Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer is a popular drugstore primer that is formulated to control shine and help makeup stay in place for longer. It’s suitable for oily and combination skin types, as it helps to reduce the appearance of shine and keep the skin looking matte. It can also help to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Brand: Rimmel London | Key Ingredients: Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glycerin, Silica, Magnesium Sulfate | Size: 30 Ml / 1 Fl. Oz. | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Price: $5.97
Green Signal
- Minimizes the Appearance of Pores
- Gives Perfectly Matte Complexion
- It’s lightweight & Non-greasy
Red Flag
- May Not work well with Dry Skin
E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer is a drugstore primer that is formulated to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving the skin with a smooth and even finish. It is a silicone-based primer that can help to create a smooth base for makeup and extend the wear time. It also contains hyaluronic acid which helps to hydrate the skin.
Brand: E.l.f. | Key Ingredients: Ceresin, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract & Squalane| Size: 20 gm / 0.74 oz. | Skin Type: Normal Skin | Price: $10.00
Green Signal
- Grips Makeup for All-Day Wear
- Provides Smooth & Velvety Texture
- The Application Is Super Easy
Red Flag
- Won’t Work Great For Large Pores
Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer is a drugstore primer that is formulated to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving the skin with a smooth and even finish. It is a lightweight, translucent primer that can help to create a smooth base for makeup and extend the wear time.
Brand: REVLON | Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, Glycerin, Silica Silylate, Tocopherol, Titanium Dioxide| Size: 27 ml / 0.91 Fl. oz. | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Price: $24.73
Green Signal
- Softens the Appearance of Imperfections
- Smooths and Perfects Skin for Makeup
- Brightens & Evens Out Skin Tone
Red Flag
- The Packaging Can Be Improved
Best Drugstore Primer for Dry Skin
Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Primer
Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Primer is a drugstore primer that is formulated to blur the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone, leaving the skin with a smooth and even finish. It’s available in multiple formulas, each targeting specific skin concerns, such as blur + redness control, blur + smooth, or blur + illuminate.
Brand: Maybelline | Kee Ingredients: Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Citric Acid | Size: 30 ml / 1.0 Fl. oz | Skin Type : All Skin Types | Price: $10.99
Green Signal
- Smooths & Blur Away Fine Lines
- Prolongs the Wear of Makeup
- Formulated with a Water-Soluble Base
Red Flag
- May Not Work Great with Foundation
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Primer and Serum is a drugstore primer that is formulated to hydrate the skin, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and leave the skin with a radiant, healthy-looking glow. It’s a two-in-one product that combines the benefits of a primer and a serum, which can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Brand: Neutrogena | Kee Ingredients: Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate | Size: 30 ml / 1.0 Fl. oz | Skin Type : All Skin Types | Price: $16.99
Green Signal
- Infused with Purified Hyaluronic Acid
- Plumps the Dull Skin All-Day Long
- Gives Your Skin an Energized Glow
Red Flag
- Result May Vary For Individuals
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray is a drugstore setting spray that is formulated to help keep makeup in place and extend its wear time. Setting sprays are applied after makeup to “set” it in place, preventing smudging, melting or fading. It’s designed to lock in makeup and provide a long-lasting, flawless finish.
Brand: Milani | Kee Ingredients: Niacinamide, Glycerin, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Fragrance ( Fragrance), Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract | Size: 60 ml / 2.3 Fl. oz | Skin Type : All Skin Types | Price: $10.99
Green Signal
- Reduces the Appearance of Pores
- Helps Adhere Makeup for Long-time
- Long-Wearing Primer and Setting Spray
Red Flag
- Oil Control Is Not Great
E.l.f. Blemish Control Primer is a drugstore primer that is formulated to help control oily skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes and leave the skin with a smooth, even finish. It contains salicylic acid, which is an acne-fighting ingredient, and tea tree oil, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Brand: E.l.f.| Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Glycol, Glycerin, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Fragrance ( Fragrance), Citrullus Lanatus ( Watermelon) Fruit Extract | Size: 60 ml / 2.3 Fl. oz | Skin Type : Acne Prone Skin | Price: $10.99
Green Signal
- Control the Excess Oil Production
- Reduce the Appearance of Blemishes
- Provide a Smooth Base for Makeup
Red Flag
- Doesn’t Last For 16 Hours
No7 Airbrush Away Primer is a drugstore primer that is formulated to help blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pores, and leave the skin with a smooth, airbrushed finish. It’s also enriched with a blend of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and white tea, to help protect the skin against environmental stressors.
Brand: No7 | Key Ingredients: Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate | Size: 30 ml / 1 Fl. oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination Skin | Price: $19.99
Green Signal
- Soften the Appearance of Pores
- Gives Smooth Base for Makeup
- Adds Moisture to the Skin
Red Flag
- Doesn’t Last Long
MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a drugstore primer that is formulated to hydrate the skin and improve the wear time of makeup. It is a unique water-based primer that contains hemp-derived cannabis seed oil, and aloe, which are known for their hydrating properties and can help to improve the skin’s texture and appearance. It also contains blurring powders that help to smooth and blur imperfections, leaving the skin with a smooth and even finish.
Brand: MILK | Key Ingredients: Blue Agave Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and Hemp-Derived Cannabis Seed Extract, Niacinamide | Size: 1.52 oz/ 45 mL | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination Skin | Price: $36.00
Green Signal
- Grips Makeup Up to 12 Hours
- Locks the Moisture into the Skin
- Smooths the Skin Texture
Red Flag
- It’s On The Pricier Side
NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer is a drugstore primer that is formulated to create a smooth base for makeup and extend the wear time. It’s available in multiple formulas, each targeting specific skin concerns, such as hydration, color correction, or oil control. It’s a lightweight primer that can help to blur imperfections and create a flawless base for makeup.
Brand: NYX Professional Makeup | Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Ultramarines | Size: 1 Fl. oz/ 30 ml | Skin Type : All Skin types | Price: $14.00
Green Signal
- Soften Fine Lines & Pores
- It Has a Smooth-Matte Finish
- Extends Wear Time of Makeup
Red Flag
- The Variants May Be Confusing
L’Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base is a drugstore primer that is formulated to blur the appearance of fine lines and pores, leaving the skin with a smooth and even finish. It’s a lightweight primer that can help to create a smooth base for makeup and extend its wear time. It’s also available in multiple formulas, each targeting specific skin concerns, such as color correction or hydration.
Brand: L’Oreal Paris | Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate | Size: 0.5 Fl. oz/ 15 ml | Skin Type : All Skin Types | Price: $7.25
Green Signal
- Smoothens the Appearance of Pores
- Provides Matte Finish Base for Makeup
- Silky, Lightweight Formula Glides onto Skin
Red Flag
- It’s Hard To Blend Along Makeup
What Does a Primer Do to Your Face?
A primer applied to the skin before makeup to create a smooth and even surface for the makeup to adhere to. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, and can extend the wear time of makeup. Some primers are formulated to address specific skin concerns such as redness or oily skin.
What Does a Primer Do to Your Face?
What Ingredients To Look For In a Drugstore Primer?
A primer typically contains a combination of ingredients that work together to prepare the skin for makeup application. Some key ingredients found in primers include:
- Silicones, which create a smooth and even surface on the skin
- Dimethicone, a type of silicone, which helps fill in fine lines and wrinkles
- Vitamin A, C and E are antioxidants which provide skin benefits
- Glycerin, which helps to hydrate the skin
- Polymers, which help to hold makeup in place.
Additionally, some primers also contain SPF and other skin-care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide to provide additional benefits.
Benefits of Using a Primer
Benefits of Using a Primer
There are several reasons why someone might choose to apply primer before applying makeup:
Smooths out the skin’s texture
Primer can help to create a smooth and even surface on the skin, which can make it easier to apply makeup and can also help to create a more flawless-looking finish.
Extends the wear time of makeup
Primer can help to keep makeup in place for longer by creating a barrier between the skin and the makeup, which can prevent the makeup from absorbing into the skin and also can reduce the amount of oil that comes in contact with the makeup.
Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores
Primer can help to blur the appearance of fine lines and pores, which can make the skin look smoother and more even.
Can address specific skin concerns
Some primers are formulated to address specific skin concerns such as redness, oily skin, or dryness.
Enhancing the makeup application
Primer can help to create a more even and long lasting makeup application.
FAQ’s
Q.What Primer Is Best for Normal Skin?
A. A silicone primer is mattifying and evens out the texture of your skin which is why considered to be the best for normal skin. It plugs your pores and produces a smooth canvas for your face makeup to glide over.
Q.Is Primer Different for Different Skin Tones?
A. Primers are not specifically formulated for different skin tones. However, some primers may have added pigments or color-correcting properties that can help to even out the skin tone. For example, a primer with a slight peach undertone can help to neutralize blue or purple undertones in the skin. A primer with a yellow undertone can help to neutralize redness.
Q.How Do You Know What Shade of Primer to Use?
A.Primers are typically colorless and transparent, so they do not come in different shades like foundation or concealer do. However, some primers may have color-correcting properties that can help to even out the skin tone. These color-correcting primers can help to neutralize discoloration, such as blue or purple undertones, redness, or sallowness.
To choose the best color-correcting primer for your skin, it’s best to identify the specific skin tone concern that you want to address.
For example, if you have blue or purple undertones, a peach-toned primer may be a good choice. If you have redness, a green-toned primer may be a good choice.
Q.What Comes First, Moisturizer or Primer?
A. The order of application for skincare products is crucial to ensure that each product can perform its function effectively.
Moisturizer should be applied before primer. Applying moisturizer first will help to hydrate and nourish the skin, making it smooth and plump. This will allow the primer to glide on smoothly and create a perfect base for makeup application.
It’s also important to note that some primers can have moisturizing properties, but they should not be used as a replacement for your daily moisturizer.
Final Verdict – Best Drugstore Primers 2024
In 2024, when it comes to the best drugstore primers, Drmtlgy Makeup Primer No. 1 will definitely stand out as a top choice. With its smooth and even application, long-lasting formula, and ability to minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores, it provides a flawless canvas for makeup. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it offers a lightweight and non-greasy feel. While some cons, like limited shade range and potential incompatibility with certain foundations, exist, its overall performance and quality make it a standout option for achieving a flawless and long-lasting makeup look.
Why Should You Trust Us?
Our experts have thoroughly investigated every detail of each product for a week or more and have determined that they pass safety checks. This ensures that the products we recommend are the best for addressing your skincare concerns.
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