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The best face primers are the secret to long-lasting, fresh-looking, and locked-in glam.
Photographed by:Giancarlos Kunhardt;Prop stylist:Andrea Bonin.
Just like you would prep a canvas before painting a masterpiece, your makeup deserves the same treatment.
It plumps, moisturizes, blurs pores, and locks down makeup for up to 18 hours.
Plus, the gel formula has a super sweet cooling effect the moment it meets your skin.
Contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman applying Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer
Pair it with the brand’ssetting sprayfor even better staying power.
Pair it withArmanis Luminous Silk Foundationfor a seriously glowy moment.
It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, meaning it’s safe for people with sensitive skin.
Blackman before applying Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer
A hydrating primer that containsSPF, of course.
Since this formula reduces flashback, it’s a good pick for photo-forward events like weddings.
Miami-based makeup artistNatalie Dreshercalls it one of her favorite makeup primers for its ultra-light texture and glowy finish.
Blackman before applying Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer
Pair it with your makeup or wear it solo for a dewy look.
Tester feedback:“It glides on smoothly and keeps your makeup in place all day long.
The formula also features skin-loving ingredients like hydration-boostinghyaluronic acid,niacinamide, and aloe.
Allureshopping editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer
“It’s a refreshing change from the spackle-like reputation of most makeup primers.”
To use as a cleanser, apply a generous amount onto the skin like a makeup-removing solution.
As a face mask, apply a thick layer onto the skin for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
Trakoshis before applying the Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer
Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
E.L.F.
’s Liquid Poreless Putty.
You’ll also find familiar skin-care ingredients in this formula, like moisturizing squalane and calming resveratrol.
Trakoshis after applying the Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer
Let this formula sit on your skin for roughly 30 seconds before going in with your base makeup.
Look for a lightweight mattifying oroil-controlling primerthat employs ingredients like silica or salicylic acid, says Pena.
People withdry skinshould seek creamy, hydrating, or plumping primers formulated with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Deanna Pai applying Armani’s Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
If you have redness, Pena suggests opting for acolor-correcting primerwith a green tint to help neutralize.
(Soothing ingredients like aloe or green tea can also help.)
How should I apply a face primer?
Interim shopping director Deanna Pai before applying Armani’s Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
Makeup artist tip #1?
Allow the primer to dry fully for around a minute before you put on your makeup.
“Applying lightly and sparingly is my go-to rule,” he adds.
Pai after applying Armani’s Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
Makeup artistVincent Oquendoalso recommends starting small.
In contrast, someone withoily skinshould stick to the bare minimum because it sits on the surface longer.
Always apply primer with clean fingers so your makeup absorbs fully and isn’t sullied by outside grime.
Commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Merit’s Great Skin Priming Moisturizer
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?
Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?
Hoffmann before applying Merit’s Great Skin Priming Moisturizer
Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
Hoffmann after applying Merit’s Great Skin Priming Moisturizer
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
Allurecommerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Hussein before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Hussein after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han applying Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum
Han before applying Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum
Han after applying Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum
