Best Foundation Primers in 2022

Last update: December 17, 2022

Can I use moisturizer as primer?

There are a lot of primers on the market, but you may be wondering if you can just use your regular moisturizer instead. The short answer is yes, you can use moisturizer as a primer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, your moisturizer should be light and non-greasy. Otherwise, it will just end up making your makeup look oily and slip off your face. Second, you'll need to apply a little bit more moisturizer than you would normally use, since it will be serving double duty. Overall

Can we use BB cream instead of primer?

BB cream is a multi-purpose product that can be used as a primer, moisturizer, and foundation. It is often lighter in texture than foundation and provides a more natural finish. While BB cream can be used in place of primer, it is important to choose a formula that is suited for your skin type.

Do you need primer to wear foundation?

Foundation is one of the most important products in your makeup bag, but do you really need to wear primer underneath it? The short answer is: it depends. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, or if you want your makeup to last all day, then yes, you should definitely use primer. But if you have dry or sensitive skin, or if you only wear foundation occasionally, then you can probably get away with skipping it.

How can I make my foundation flawless?

There are a few things you can do to make sure your foundation looks flawless every time you wear it. First, always start with a clean, moisturized face. This will help your foundation go on smoothly and evenly. Second, use a foundation brush or sponge to apply your foundation, and blend it well into your skin. Third, set your foundation with a powder to help it stay in place all day long. Finally, if you need extra coverage, use a concealer under your foundation to cover up any blemishes or imperfections. By following these simple tips, you can ensure


Eye Primer Makeup Eyeshadow Base: Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Base to Prevent Oily Lids & Creasing - Clear Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer for All Shadows - Paraben Free & Cruelty Free, 10g Review:


Okay, so I never review anything. I'm slack. Before making any purchases, I thoroughly research and read reviews, but I never take the time to actually write them. Since years, I have been a fervent supporter of Nars eye primer. Before I started using the NARS primer, I always had mascara transfer concerns because my eyelids are oily. Although I have tried every eye primer available, nothing has ever come close to NARS. UP TO THIS. I'm surprised that a $15 product from a brand I don't recognize on Amazon outperforms NARS. I enjoy this material. It lasts all day, feels great, dries quickly, is colorless, only requires a little, and lasts for at least 16 hours (I work 12-hour shifts!). I'm shocked and will now be a devoted admirer of this product, and that's all I have to say about it. My favorite.



Thank Me Later Primer. Paraben-free and Cruelty Free. …Matte Face Primer (30G) Review:


Okay, so I never review anything. I'm slack. Before making any purchases, I thoroughly research and read reviews, but I never take the time to actually write them. Since years, I have been a fervent supporter of Nars eye primer. Before I started using the NARS primer, I always had mascara transfer concerns because my eyelids are oily. Although I have tried every eye primer available, nothing has ever come close to NARS. UP TO THIS. I'm surprised that a $15 product from a brand I don't recognize on Amazon outperforms NARS. I enjoy this material. It lasts all day, feels great, dries quickly, is colorless, only requires a little, and lasts for at least 16 hours (I work 12-hour shifts!). I'm shocked and will now be a devoted admirer of this product, and that's all I have to say about it. My favorite.



TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer, 1.01 fl.oz(30ml) - Face Makeup Primer, Big Pores Perfect Cover, Skin Flawless and Glowing, Instantly Smoothes Lines, Long Lasting Makeup's Staying Review:


Over time, I've gathered a sizable collection of Primers. ELF to Laura Mercier are just a few of the brands. numerous kinds of finishes and consistencies. None have been able to provide me joy in any way. Yes, I'm picky about my face—feel, finish, wear time, etc. (I'm assuming you're reading this review, therefore you must be too.) My primer collection is a list of unfulfilled commitments. I'm so.... VERY GLAD I found this primer! I adore how it feels almost like lotion. easily spreads. Fast drying, leaves no strange residue, and sinks into my skin rather than remaining on top of it. leaves behind a beautiful, silky finish. It not only produces a gorgeous healthy glow that I really don't even notice until AFTER I've worn foundation (for your reference: L'Oreal True Match, C1, Alabaster — yes, I am incredibly fair-skinned), but it also really smooths over and hides pores (after foundation applied).Due to my light skin (also known as being DEATHLY PALE), age 55 , and the local chilly fall weather, my complexion hasn't been looking very good lately. There are a few minor lines and tone irregularities, sallowness, and those annoying pores on the chin and t-zone. Ugh. It's good to have some additional "right now" assistance in the shape of this primer even if I've started to handle all that with a brand-new skincare routine. It truly feels and applies well, is really light and not at all heavy, has no negative effects on the skin, and gives my foundation and face a beautiful, healthy glow. better than any other primer I've tested at hiding pores and preventing foundation from pooling in my fine lines. Also, the pricing is reasonable! The bottle should last several months because it's inexpensive and you don't need much (of course ymmv).All of my other primers are being placed at the bottom of my "things I might never need again" drawer. I'm sick of switching them while playing "eeney meeney miney mo" in the vain hope that one of them will appreciate my skin and support my foundation one wonderful day. This [Touch in Sol] No Pore Blem Primer has been a hit with my face for an unprecedented THREE (yes, three) days in a row. I'll be setting this up for automatic delivery once I understand how long a bottle typically lasts. For me, that is a first.Oh, I almost forgot: Does this primer increase the longevity of foundation? It appears to help me (with normal to dry skin) stay quite "fresh-faced" for approximately six hours. There is no makeup slipping, caking, separating, or anything like after that; it just fades naturally. Additionally, if you leave it on all day and for part of the night, it doesn't start to feel disgusting. I never imagined that, as a cosmetics minimalist, I would wax lyrical about a Primer. Lol. Yes, that is unquestionably a keeper.



NYX Professional Makeup Make Up Setting Spray Dewy Finish, 2.03 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Review:


I've been wearing makeup for years, but I haven't done anything about the occasionally frequent "melting makeup" appearance on my face as it gets to mid-afternoon until recently. I have combination skin, meaning my chin and cheeks do not get as greasy as my T-zone does. You can picture how makeup may sit on my nose with a double whammy of enormous pores oil since my skin is likewise resistant in that my nose pores are fairly large. (If you find it difficult to visualize, the oil would essentially melt the makeup off, but makeup that had proudly sunk into my pores would remain. I therefore had odd spots on my nose. YIKES.) I came to the conclusion that I needed to alter my regimen, which involves including additional items like this.I have to tell that I truly enjoy this product because I use it at the very end (procedure described below). I'm not sure if it's a result of a new regimen or being used in conjunction with some of the things listed here, but my GOD has it changed things. I only need to lightly sprinkle my face a couple times, and it dries very quickly. It significantly reduces the amount of oil on my face; without it plus a setting powder, my face would be incredibly shiny by 4 p.m., but with this, there is just a slight shine that can be concealed by blotting and/or a light dusting of powder.This and Urban Decay's All Nighter, which costs three times as much, are equivalent, according to a review I read somewhere (here or on MakeupAlley). Although I'm not convinced UD's is superior, I have no issues with this, so why change it?Here are some suggestions for anyone who has similarly experienced "melting face," "cakey layers," or "pore pockets"- Before applying actual makeup, give moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer more "setting" time. Similar to applying nail polish, you must wait for the previous layer to dry completely before adding the next one to avoid getting tacky or gunky results.- Apply your primer by patting it in, paying specific attention to the areas surrounding your pores. Instead of rubbing your moisturizer or primer in, slap or tap it on instead. Primer is the exception to this rule. Patting will help the primer penetrate your pores more effectively and create a surface that is more uniform. I'm currently testing out primers, and so far, I'm liking the e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer a lot for the price.- Stipple foundation onto skin rather than brush or stroke it on. Less likely that your fingertips, sponge, or brush will remove the meticulously applied foundation.- Use the setting powder after applying all of your makeup, including foundation, colored powder, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, etc. My current favorite finishing powder is NYX Cosmetics Studio Finishing Powder, Translucent Finish, 0.21 Ounce. (Left a review similar elsewhere.)- Spray the finishing touch.Although there are a lot of stages and you could definitely omit some of them in the middle, given my stubbornly oily face, this has worked the best for me thus far. Hope that was useful.



NYX Studio Perfect Primer, Clear, 1.0 oz/30ml Review:


This is DABOMB material. I generally spend $40-70 on primer since I never believed the "cheap" stuff would hold up, but I ran out a few days before a trip and didn't have much money, so I decided to order this one because of the affordable pricing and positive reviews. I'm so happy I did! Compared to any pricey primer I've ever used, it works a hundred times better. Since I also ran out of my costly setting spray on that day, I also purchased the NYX setting spray. I'm not sure if it's this primer, the setting spray, or a mix of the two that makes it so incredible, but whatever it is IT WORKS. I used to NEVER wear makeup all day. My face now resembles how it did when I went for work when I arrive home from work. Sincerely, BabaSHOOK. Matte Finish/Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, 2.03 Ounce, NYX Cosmetics If you folks like to look at the setting spray as well, I've included a link here. I advise utilizing both.



Photo Finish Foundation Primer by Smashbox for Women - 1 oz Primer Review:


I've previously used primers from Nars and Laura Mercier and was generally satisfied. They undoubtedly made my concealer stay in place, and the Laura Mercier products gave me a healthy glow. Nevertheless, I kept hearing about Smashbox's primer, and because I've been attempting to switch over to more cruelty-free products (Smashbox/Estée Lauder is cruelty free as of 2017), I thought I'd give it a shot. OMG, I had no idea what a primer could accomplish before. As you can see, in the past, if I had forgotten to apply my primer, there wasn't much of a change in the application or texture—just longevity. Now, I can tell IMMEDIATELY how my concealer is wearing differently if I accidentally forget to use my Photo Finish primer (I use Tarte Shape Tape applied with a damp beauty blender). It will appear more makeup-like overall, dryer, and nestled into my fine lines. In fact, I'll wash it off and reapply my primer! My face feels smooth and baby soft to the touch thanks to Smashbox's Photo Finish primer, which also improves the complexion of my concealer so that it resembles my natural skin.



NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Makeup Setting Spray, Matte Finish, 2.03 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) Review:


I've been wearing makeup for years, but I haven't done anything about the occasionally frequent "melting makeup" appearance on my face as it gets to mid-afternoon until recently. I have combination skin, meaning my chin and cheeks do not get as greasy as my T-zone does. You can picture how makeup may sit on my nose with a double whammy of enormous pores oil since my skin is likewise resistant in that my nose pores are fairly large. (If you find it difficult to visualize, the oil would essentially melt the makeup off, but makeup that had proudly sunk into my pores would remain. I therefore had odd spots on my nose. YIKES.) I came to the conclusion that I needed to alter my regimen, which involves including additional items like this.I have to tell that I truly enjoy this product because I use it at the very end (procedure described below). I'm not sure if it's a result of a new regimen or being used in conjunction with some of the things listed here, but my GOD has it changed things. I only need to lightly sprinkle my face a couple times, and it dries very quickly. It significantly reduces the amount of oil on my face; without it plus a setting powder, my face would be incredibly shiny by 4 p.m., but with this, there is just a slight shine that can be concealed by blotting and/or a light dusting of powder.This and Urban Decay's All Nighter, which costs three times as much, are equivalent, according to a review I read somewhere (here or on MakeupAlley). Although I'm not convinced UD's is superior, I have no issues with this, so why change it?Here are some suggestions for anyone who has similarly experienced "melting face," "cakey layers," or "pore pockets"- Before applying actual makeup, give moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer more "setting" time. Similar to applying nail polish, you must wait for the previous layer to dry completely before adding the next one to avoid getting tacky or gunky results.- Apply your primer by patting it in, paying specific attention to the areas surrounding your pores. Instead of rubbing your moisturizer or primer in, slap or tap it on instead. Primer is the exception to this rule. Patting will help the primer penetrate your pores more effectively and create a surface that is more uniform. I'm currently testing out primers, and so far, I'm liking the e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer a lot for the price.- Stipple foundation onto skin rather than brush or stroke it on. Less likely that your fingertips, sponge, or brush will remove the meticulously applied foundation.- Use the setting powder after applying all of your makeup, including foundation, colored powder, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, etc. My current favorite finishing powder is NYX Cosmetics Studio Finishing Powder, Translucent Finish, 0.21 Ounce. (Left a review similar elsewhere.)- Spray the finishing touch.Although there are a lot of stages and you could definitely omit some of them in the middle, given my stubbornly oily face, this has worked the best for me thus far. Hope that was useful.



Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, 1 Ounce (1 Count), Makeup Primer, Refines Pores, Stops Shine, Smooths Skin, For Use Under Makeup or as a Standalone Skin Matteifying Product Review:


I'm an oil slick; I have sensitive, greasy skin. That's sad. Since the majority of my skincare products are Korean, I've tried other matte primers as well, but regrettably, they were ineffective for me. For my face, this is the greatest primer. I spend most of the day feeling matted. Blotting is helpful when oil starts to develop unexpectedly in the afternoon rather than in a few hours as it does during my typical fight. To reduce that annoying sebum production, I even apply it when I'm not wearing makeup (even when I'm just lounging at home for the day). This matte primer is amazing in my book because it lasts from morning until afternoon, but I have yet to find a matte primer that lasts from dawn until night. My greasy book.I've only worn it with matte foundations and finishing sprays; so, I can't say how it would perform if you were trying to balance looking dewy and greasy. Friends, tread lightly and let me know how that sounds. because I am not glowing right now.



L'Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer Review:


This product is a cosmetics BASE, as stated by another reviewer. Although there are some differences, I personally don't focus too much on the distinction between base and primer because a smoother base typically results in smoother product application, which contributes to longer wear. Primers/bases that are sold in small jars (as opposed to those that come in tubes or pump-based jars) are frequently thicker, and in my opinion, this makes them more suited for heavy-duty applications like creating the ideal pre-makeup canvas. It works wonders for skin smoothing and filling in fine lines. For me, I have a patch of skin underneath my left cheekbone that will NOT accept bronzer or contour (it ends up looking so patchy even when using the highest quality bronzers and brushes), but this base completely eradicates that issue and allows my contour powder to glide on, cutting a significant amount of time off of my blending process and helping my contour look snatched.One thing you should bear in mind, in my opinion, is that the consistency of the primer will affect how you apply the primer. Using as much of this primer as you would something more diluted, flexible, or liquidy, like a Smashbox or Mineral Veil, really wouldn't make sense.I use this base in this manner.- Use half of the face cream I regularly use to prepare my face. The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lotion is the face cream I use every day.I'll take a small amount of the Magic Perfecting Base and place it on the back of my hand, like a rice grain.- I remove the other half of the face cream I typically use and briskly combine the Perfecting Base with it to thin it out. If you're particular, you could use a tool, but I just use a clean finger. Use moderate amounts of cream here (half of dimesize is good).- Apply the mixture to your face, paying particular attention to the areas that most need smoothing.- Gently press the product into your skin using a slightly damp beauty blender or sponge (or your trusty clean finger, whichever!). You only need to assist the primer settle, establish a home on your skin, and tuck itself into the tiny crevices that make up your pores and fine wrinkles without exerting any force. This step will eliminate the "balling" that was referenced in unfavorable reviews, albeit I have a suspicion that the reviewers in question applied too much product initially. Actually, you ought to perform this step with ANY primer or base.- Give it a minute or two to set and dry. Continue applying your makeup as usual!



e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer Small .47 Ounce Review:


This face primer is truly fantastic! I've always had beautiful, clear skin, but after high school I started getting pimples and clogged pores whenever I used makeup.While soap and water weren't enough to prevent my pores from clogging when wearing makeup, acne scrubs are too harsh for my complexion.To lessen the impact that foundation has on my complexion, I started experimenting with different primers. I tried Younique, Mary Kay, Olay, and Nuetrogena, but very few of them were effective. They all assist in giving you excellent foundation coverage, but they lack the pore protection that this product possesses.It applies easily and doesn't have a strong smell like Mary Kay's, but it does have a delightful sensation when you apply it. You only need a tiny pump to cover your entire face. You can immediately tell how much smoother it is and the difference in coverage when you put your foundation on top of it. The best part is that your pores aren't blocked and you can truly sense that it built that barrier when you attempt to remove your makeup.I've been using it for about 4 weeks now, and during that time I haven't had a single zit. I also get immaculate coverage even when I use contour. I knew I had discovered my face primer for life when I saw it on Amazon at this cheap! I heartily urge everyone to do this! In order for everyone to see how much coverage the primer improves, I've attached a picture of how my makeup looks when the primer is applied below my foundation.


How do I stop my makeup going cakey?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your makeup from looking cakey. First, make sure you have a good primer that will help create a smooth canvas for your foundation. Second, use a damp beauty blender or sponge to apply your foundation evenly. Third, don't forget to set your makeup with a setting powder or spray. And fourth, if you start to see your makeup looking cakey, simply take a damp cotton pad and lightly go over the areas that are looking cakey. This should help to blend everything out and give you a more natural finish.

How do I stop my pores from sitting in my foundation?

If you want to keep your pores from sitting in your foundation, start by using a primer. A good primer will help to create a smooth surface for your foundation and will also help to fill in any pores. Once you have applied your primer, be sure to use a foundation that is non-comedogenic and oil-free. These types of foundations will not clog your pores and will help to keep your skin looking matte and smooth.

How long should you wait between primer and foundation?

Assuming you're talking about makeup: You should wait a few minutes between applying your primer and foundation. This allows the primer to set and creates a better surface for your foundation.

Is BB cream the same as primer?

Yes, BB cream and primer are both used to create a smooth base for makeup application, but they serve different purposes. BB cream is a multi-tasking product that provides hydration, SPF, and light coverage, while primer is a makeup prep step that helps to fill in pores and fine lines and extend the wear of your makeup.

Is primer actually necessary?

Primer is a product that is typically applied before foundation as a base. It is said to help foundation go on smoother, last longer, and in some cases, help your foundation look more natural. So, is primer actually necessary? In short, no. You can absolutely wear foundation without primer. However, if you have the extra step in your routine and are looking for help with any of the issues that primer is said to address, it might be worth a try.

Should mature skin use primer?

A primer can be beneficial for people with mature skin as it can help to create a smooth base for makeup, and can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, a primer can help to extend the wear of makeup and can give the skin a more youthful appearance.