5 Best Drugstore Primers - May 2026

BEST OF THE BEST

Maybelline

Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Customer Favorite

A primer that blurs imperfections so effectively, you won't even need foundation.

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PROS

Primer glides on smoothly like a moisturizer.
Effectively blurs pores and fine lines and has a beautiful matte finish.
Sits well under a range of foundations, or wears well on its own for a natural look.
Comes in a pack of 2 or 3.

CONS

Be careful not to apply too thick of a layer, as it may cause the product to flake.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

e.l.f

Hydrating Face Primer

Most Hydrating

A perfect way to create a well-hydrated, ultra-smooth base for your foundation.

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PROS

Hydrating primer gives skin a glowing, dewy finish.
Infused with several vitamins.
Provides a smooth, even surface for foundation.
Doesn’t cling to dry patches of skin.
A little primer goes a long way.
Sits at a low price point.

CONS

Pump lid becomes less effective toward the end of the bottle.

Covergirl

Simply Ageless Foundation Primer

Best for Wrinkles

Effectively blurs wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots for a healthier, smoother skin appearance.

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PROS

Minimizes the look of wrinkles, pores, and age spots.
Wears well under foundation and keeps it in place for hours.
Leaves skin moisturized and hydrated all day.
Smooth and creamy formula is easy to apply.
Feels light and dries quickly.
Primer is cruelty-free.

CONS

Primer has a slight white cast, especially noticeable in pictures with flash.

Rimmel London

Stay Matte Makeup Primer

Most Mattifying

Keep oil at bay and foundation locked in place for hours with this mattifying primer.

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PROS

Available in pack of 1 or 2.
Truly matte finish that lasts throughout the day.
Keeps oil from smearing or separating foundation.
Tube packaging makes it easy to get every last drop.
Minimizes the look of pores and fine lines.
Can be worn on its own.

CONS

Thick formula is not ideal for those with dry skin.

L'Oreal Paris

Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer

Most Illuminating

A primer that works best when mixed into foundation. Provides skin with a smooth, glowing appearance.

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PROS

Works well on all skin types.
Available in pack of 1 or 2.
Gives skin a bright, illuminating finish.
Smooths over textured skin.
Can be worn under foundation, or mixed into it for smoother application.

CONS

Feels heavier on skin than the other brands.

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First Reviewed

December 09, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Melinda Harris

Updated December 2021

Primer is a key step in makeup application. It creates a smooth base for foundation to stick to and prevents makeup from separating or melting off your skin. A quality primer will smooth fine lines and large pores without settling into and accentuating them. Those with oily skin will benefit more from a silicone-based primer, while those with dry skin should look for a cream or water-based option. Luckily, these effective primers don’t always come with a steep, high-end price tag. There are a variety of drugstore options available that provide quality budget-friendly alternatives.

Best Drugstore Primers

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons