A flawless makeup look is the dream of every beauty enthusiast, but the key to achieving this lies in having the perfect base. A primer acts as a bridge between your skincare and makeup, offering a myriad of benefits that range from minimising pores and fine lines to enhancing the longevity of your makeup application.
Our comprehensive guide will take you through a carefully curated selection of the best face primers available, highlighting their unique features, suitability for different skin types, and the transformative effects they can have on your makeup routine. From pore-filling primers that create an airbrushed finish to hydrating primers that ensure a radiant glow, you'll find options that cater to your personal preferences.
With the right face primer, you'll have that perfect base to discover the full potential of your makeup, allowing you to confidently face the world with a flawless, photo-ready finish.
So without any delay, let us walk you through some of the best face primers to give your contemplating thoughts a back seat with a well informed decision through this article.
Some essential factors to consider when making choice for a face primer
Skin Type: Your skin type is a crucial factor. Choose a primer designed for your skin type, whether it's oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal. Primers are formulated to address different concerns associated with each skin type.
Ingredients: Review the ingredient list, especially if you have sensitive skin. Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic options. Avoid products with ingredients that may irritate your skin.
Texture: Consider the texture of the primer. Some primers are gel-based, while others are cream or silicone-based. The texture should align with your skin's needs and the desired makeup finish.
Hydration: Look for primers with hydrating properties if you have dry skin. They can provide extra moisture and prevent makeup from clinging to dry patches.
Pore Minimization: If you have enlarged pores, seek a primer that offers pore-minimising benefits. These primers can create a smoother, more even surface for your makeup.
Mattifying or Illuminating: Decide whether you want a matte or illuminating finish. Mattifying primers control oil and reduce shine, while illuminating primers add a radiant, dewy glow to your skin.
SPF Protection: Some primers include sun protection factor (SPF), which is beneficial for daily sun exposure. However, it's important to use sunscreen separately for complete sun protection.
Colour Correction: Consider colour-correcting primers if you have specific skin concerns. Green can neutralise redness, while lavender can brighten dull skin. Choose the colour that addresses your needs.
How we chose them for you.
Research: We conducted extensive research to identify the most popular and highly recommended face primers currently on the market.
User Reviews: We scoured user reviews and feedback from a variety of sources, including online retailers, beauty forums, and social media, to gather insights on how these primers perform in real-life scenarios.
Skin Type Consideration: We took into account the different skin types and concerns that individuals may have. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, our selections cover a range of options to suit your specific needs.
Makeup Finish: We considered the desired makeup finish. Some prefer a matte look, while others opt for a radiant, illuminating finish. Our chosen primers cater to various makeup preferences.
Longevity: For those who require makeup that lasts all day or night, we selected primers with proven long-wear capabilities. These options help your makeup stay put, regardless of the occasion.
Budget-Friendly Options: We considered both high-end and more affordable drugstore options, giving you the flexibility to choose a primer that aligns with your budget.
Read further to find some of the finest recommendations on face primer
For a flawless, polished finish, Lakmé's Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer is the perfect pre-makeup solution. This premium primer has a silky blur formula that instantly brightens, primes, and softens pores and imperfections. It is made by Lakmé, the most prominent colour cosmetics brand in India. It smooths the surface for applying makeup, making sure that it goes on smoothly and lasts longer.
The matte-textured, lightweight, and waterproof primer leaves the skin looking radiant and even-toned. Because of the ashy finish and settling in pores that some users have experienced, it is essential to moisturise with Lakmé Peach Milk Moisturiser prior to application. Use the Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer to up your makeup game right now!
Specifications:
Price: 629
Type: Makeup Primer
Size: 30 ml
Skin Type: All
Finish: Matte
Speciality: Long-Lasting
Pros | Cons |
Silky smooth application | Potential ashy finish |
Instantly brightens and primes | Not suitable for dry skin |
Creates an even-toned base | Some reported clogging pores. |
Suitable for all skin types | May not extend makeup longevity significantly |
Long-lasting makeup hold | |
Water-resistant formula |
User’s Review: It’s the best primer I have ever used it’s my 4th purchase, it actually does blur large open pore making skin look very smooth like a baby skin, just go for it
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying due to the 4.2-star Amazon rating from 11,000+ satisfied users, signifying its popularity and effectiveness in prepping the skin for makeup.
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer by Maybelline New York lets you wear makeup that is flawless and long-lasting. The best way to reduce pores, manage shine, and get a matte finish that lasts up to 16 hours is with this blurring primer. It is made especially for normal to oily skin types and contains mattifying minerals to help absorb and control oil production. It also provides SPF20 protection.
Although it works wonders at disguising pores and prolonging the wear of makeup, it's important to remember that some users with sensitive skin have experienced adverse reactions. For those who want to avoid shine and have a long-lasting, matte makeup look, this primer is the one for you undoubtedly.
Specifications:
Price: 530
Type: Matte + Poreless Primer
Skin Type: Normal to Oily
Size: 30 ml
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
SPF: SPF20
Duration: Up to 16 hours
Pros | Cons |
Blurs pores effectively | Not suitable for sensitive skin |
Long-lasting makeup wear | Insufficient pore-filling effect |
Contains SPF20 for sun protection | Requires a relatively large quantity |
Ideal for normal to oily skin | Limited moisturising properties |
Matte finish controls shine | May need a patch test |
Suitable for all-day makeup |
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying due to its impressive 89% positive ratings from over 100,000 customers, a testament to its brand reputation and effectiveness in delivering quality products.
This 3-in-1 oil-free gel primer hails from India, with a mission to transform your makeup routine. It excels in filling fine lines and minimising wrinkles, reducing the appearance of pores, and providing essential moisture to your skin, ensuring your makeup stays in place for a fresh, flawless look. It's a true multitasker, creating a smooth canvas for your makeup application. However, please note that it may not last all day as claimed. Additionally may also not be fully waterproof. Although On the bright side, Insight Cosmetics prides itself on being alcohol-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, making it a fantastic choice for conscious beauty enthusiasts seeking an affordable and effective primer. With this one, discover the secret to smoother, more radiant skin with Insight Primer today.
Specifications:
Price: 248
Type: Gel primer
Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types
Package: 30 ml tube
Finish: Natural
Material Type: Waterproof, Paraben-free
Cruelty-free: Yes
Pros | Cons |
Fills fine lines and minimises wrinkles | Limited lasting power |
Reduces the look of pores | May not work for very oily skin |
Moisturizes skin for makeup prep | Minimal coverage for imperfections |
Provides a smooth flawless base | May require reapplication throughout the day |
Free of parabens and cruelty-free | |
Affordable price |
User’s Review: It's a very nice primer and I feel for a beginner it is perfect to use. Does cover up areas and gives a good face platform
Why it's worth buying: It's worth buying for its budget-friendly, paraben-free formula. Its popularity with 5,000 recent buyers speaks volumes about its effectiveness.
RENEE Bollywood Filter Face Primer is your key to a flawless and velvety-smooth canvas. This 15-gram jar of perfection blurs fine lines, wrinkles, and pores instantly, ensuring a smooth, even-toned appearance that paves the way for long-lasting makeup. With a non-greasy, lightweight formula, it's a comfortable and skin-friendly choice for all skin types.
It keeps your skin soft, hydrated, and in control, all while being cruelty-free. However, it's worth noting that it contains added fragrance, which may not be ideal for those with pigmentation-prone skin. Nevertheless, embrace the magic of this Bollywood Filter for a red-carpet-worthy look that's both luxurious and considerate of your skin's needs.
Specifications:
Price: 314
Type: Cream-based face primer
Volume: 15 ml
Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types
Finish: Natural finish
Special Features: Hydrating, lightweight, non-greasy, cruelty-free
Free from: Sulphates
Pros | Cons |
Blurs fine lines pores and wrinkles | Contains added fragrance. |
Smoothes and evens skin texture | pigmentation |
Lightweight and non-greasy formula | Limited volume (15 ml) |
Provides advanced skin hydration | Packaging in a jar may not be hygienic |
Suitable for all skin types. | May not offer extremely long-lasting makeup wear |
Cruelty-free product. | May require reapplication for extended wear |
User’s Review: I have used a lot of primers but this one is so light weight and smooth. I am in love with the product. The product has a bit of pleasant fragrance and the appearance and packaging is good. I have to say, you need to have this product.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for velvety skin texture and all-day makeup perfection, especially for those without fragrance sensitivity.
The key to a perfect and clean makeup canvas is Colorbar Cosmetics Flawless Finish Primer. This 30ml cream-based primer is made to hydrate, smooth, and enhance the appearance of your skin while looking to minimise pores. Its straightforward lineage includes being alcohol-free, paraben-free, and mineral oil-free, which makes it a kind option for your skin.
Even though its goal is to reduce the visibility of pores, some users have said that it falls short of their expectations in this area. It is noteworthy that there may be variations in individual outcomes. Even though Colorbar's pore-blurring claims may not always hold up, this primer still demonstrates the brand's dedication to a healthy, clean beauty regimen.
Specifications:
Price: 363
Size: 30 ml
Item Form: Cream
Finish Type: Flawless Finish
Material Type Free: Mineral Oil Free, Alcohol Free, Paraben Free
Speciality: No Fragrance
Packaging: Tube
Pros | Cons |
Hydrating and smoothing | Limited pore-blurring effect |
Pores appear smaller | May cause skin reddening |
Suitable for a flawless canvas | Not entirely fragrance-free |
Fragrance-free and skin-friendly | |
Smooth makeup application | |
No mineral oil or alcohol |
User’s Review: I have been using this primer for quite a long time and never felt like changing it. I have sensitive skin and this product never caused any problem on my skin and does the job well. Try it once and you’ll stick onto it forever.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for its skin-friendly formula and effective pore-minimising qualities, as reflected in its impressive 4.2-star rating on Amazon.
A 32 ml bottle of pure innovation, Swiss Beauty Real Makeup Base Highlighting Primer is a multipurpose product. This innovative product gives your face makeup an extra dose of radiance by combining the advantages of a hydrating primer with a hint of natural glow finish that is tinted golden. The key to achieving a smooth, velvety finish is to brighten, highlight, moisturise, and hydrate the skin.
Its pearl powder infusion instantly brightens your complexion, and it can be used as a primer under foundation or on its own for a naturally dewy look. Important to keep in mind, though, is that some users have reported a slightly glittery effect when applying it alone. This effect usually disappears when foundation is applied on top of it. Nonetheless, Swiss Beauty takes inspiration from Swiss innovation, combining it with international cosmetic standards and an understanding of Indian beauty needs, ensuring your base is nothing short of flawless and smooth.
Specifications:
Price: 319
Type: Highlighting Primer
Size: 32ml
Finish: Natural Glow
Skin Type: Normal
Form: Powder
Speciality: Hydrating, Brightening, Smoothening
Shade: Golden-Tint
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight and organic | Makeup application is not seamless |
Enhances makeup adherence | May not extend makeup wear |
Matte finish oil-free | Gel texture may not suit all |
Versatile for eyeshadows and blush | May require reapplication |
Budget-friendly option | |
Suitable for normal skin |
User’s Review: Good for all skin types and a big yes for the makeup artist to buy it.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for its Swiss-inspired innovation, offering a versatile, radiant finish, ensuring a touch of luxury in your beauty routine.
The main goal of this gel-based primer is to give your face makeup a matte, silky, and even finish. When applied under foundation or compact powders, its oil-free, organic formula improves makeup adherence, giving you the desired studio perfection effect. It's also very adaptable, making a great base for blush and eyeshadow.
Although the application is smooth, some users have complained that makeup doesn't go on as smoothly over it—something that a primer should ideally help with. Given Blue Heaven's steadfast dedication to organic, oil-free products, it's worth considering if you're looking for a light, fresh makeup base.
Specifications:
Price: 245
Item Form: Gel
Size: 30g
Finish: Matte
Material Type: Oil-free
Speciality: Organic
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight and organic | Makeup application is not seamless |
Enhances makeup adherence | May not extend makeup wear |
Matte finish oil-free | Gel texture may not suit all |
Versatile for eyeshadows and blush | May require reapplication |
Budget-friendly option | |
Suitable for normal skin |
User’s Review: I've used a lot of makeup fixers but also felt itchy after applying them. But this one is so good. It doesn't feel itchy, has a nice and mild fragrance and also sets makeup very well for hours. Doesn't have a heavy consistency, feels so hydrating to the skin and is also very nice to be used as a primer. Will definitely set the makeup perfectly.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying due to 13000+ positive Amazon ratings, offering a budget-friendly, organic option for a lightweight, matte finish primer.
The 3-in-1 Pore-Refining, Mattifying, and Hydrating Primer from Just Herbs is revolutionary for face makeup. With a lightweight gel-based formula that works for all skin types—from normal to oily, dry, and combination—this 20g bottle packs a powerful punch. Its pore-refining and mattifying qualities are your key to a matte finish that lasts all day.
Furthermore, it is more than just a primer; in addition to providing SPF 15+ sun protection, it nourishes your skin with the goodness of coconut, moringa, and sweet almond oil. Though it gives flawless coverage and glowing skin, some users might find it to be less hydrating than they had anticipated. Adopt a natural, faultless look that strengthens, protects, and improves the quality of your base with Just Herbs.
Specifications:
Price: 475
Type: Gel-based Primer
Skin Types: All (Normal, Oily, Dry, Combination)
Size: 20g
Finish: Matte
Speciality: Natural
SPF: 15+
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight and organic | Makeup application is not seamless |
Enhances makeup adherence | May not extend makeup wear |
Matte finish oil-free | Gel texture may not suit all |
Versatile for eyeshadows and blush | May require reapplication |
Budget-friendly option | |
Suitable for normal skin |
User’s Review: It actually gives a filter-like finish . Completely blurs out all the pores and your face looks flawless after using this . It is affordable also .
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for a matte finish, SPF protection, and positive customer reviews with a 4.6-star rating on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions ( FAQs)
Should I use a face primer every day?
It's not necessary to use a face primer every day, especially if you don't wear makeup regularly. However, if you want to enhance makeup longevity or address specific skin concerns, using a primer can be a daily option.
When should I apply a face primer in my makeup routine?
Apply face primer after your skincare routine and before applying foundation or other makeup products. Allow it to set for a minute or two before continuing with your makeup application.
Can I use a face primer without foundation or other makeup?
Yes, you can use a face primer alone to create a smoother, more even complexion. Some primers are designed for this purpose and can give your skin a natural, radiant look.
Do I still need sunscreen when using a primer with SPF?
While some primers contain SPF, they may not provide adequate sun protection on their own. It's advisable to use a separate sunscreen to ensure your skin is adequately protected from UV rays.
Can I layer multiple primers for different purposes?
Yes, you can layer primers if you have specific concerns. For example, you can use a pore-minimising primer on areas with large pores and a hydrating primer on drier areas of your face.
How do I remove face primer at the end of the day?
Remove face primer as part of your makeup removal routine. Use a makeup remover, cleansing oil, or micellar water to effectively cleanse your face before your regular skincare routine.
In Bottom line
Our carefully curated list of recommended face primers offers a diverse range of options to cater to your unique needs and preferences. From lightweight gel-based primers to hydrating and pore-refining options, our list ensures that you'll find the perfect primer to enhance your makeup application.
With a focus on quality, brand reputation, and user feedback, our recommendations aim to simplify your shopping experience, allowing you to confidently invest in a product that aligns with your beauty goals. So, why wait? Find the world of possibilities our primer recommendations have to offer and transform your makeup game today. Happy Shopping
Disclaimer: The above content is non-editorial and produced by a third party partner. Outlook India does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of the content*.
*The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change
