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Ahead, scroll through 12 expert-approved primer picks that suit every budget.

Collage of cosmetic products and images of people smiling with glowing skin while holding squeezable cosmetic tubes

Source images:Allureeditors and courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells

Hyaluronic acid also assists in hydrating skin, creating a bouncier appearance.

you could also wear this primer without makeup to blur the look of fine lines and enlarged pores.

The key hydrating player in this gel-based primer is glycerin, which plumps skin for a dewier appearance.

Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer​ in pink branded tube component with BoB 2024 seal in the top right corner on a light gray background

Allureshopping editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer

Miami-based makeup artistNatalie Dreshersays it’s one of her favorite makeup primers for its ultra-light texture and glowy finish.

“This primer is so beautiful on skin and gives it a good bounce pre-makeup,” says Bhatty.

Key ingredients:grapeseed oil, sodium hyaluronate |Finish:satin

Why do I need a primer?

Allure shopping editor Angela Trakoshis before applying the Beautyblender Boost Firming  Smoothing Peptide Primer

Trakoshis before applying the Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer

When you do find the right hydrating primer, you’ll definitely know it.

The makeup experts said that your skin will appear more nourished, hydrated, and radiant.

How do I apply primer?

Allure shopping editor Angela Trakoshis after applying the Beautyblender Boost Firming  Smoothing Peptide Primer

Trakoshis after applying the Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer

“A makeup brush will just drag the primer around,” Phillips noted.

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?

Chanel La Base Illuminatrice white tube with black cap on light gray background

Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han applying the Chanel La Base Illuminatrice

Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?

Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before applying the Chanel La Base Illuminatrice

Han before applying the Chanel La Base Illuminatrice

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han after applying the Chanel La Base Illuminatrice

Han after applying the Chanel La Base Illuminatrice

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer pink to white gradient tube on light gray background

Allurecommerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein before applying the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Hussein before applying the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein after applying the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Hussein after applying the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

The Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer on a light gray background

Alluresenior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer

Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick before applying the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer

Herrick before applying the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer

Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick after applying the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer

Herrick after applying the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer in branded spray component on a light gray background

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum in branded dropper component on a light gray background

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer in a branded tub component with black accents on a light gray background

Tatcha The Silk Canvas in pink branded component on a light gray background

Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer beige tube with black cap on light gray background

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer silver and white tube on light gray background

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer in branded tube component on a light gray background

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer light pink bottle on light gray background