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Best Drugstore Primers
Updated December 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
Maybelline
Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

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

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
e.l.f Hydrating Face Primer
e.l.f
Hydrating Face Primer
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Most Hydrating
Bottom Line

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

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
Covergirl
Simply Ageless Foundation Primer
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Best for Wrinkles
Bottom Line

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

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
Rimmel London
Stay Matte Makeup Primer
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Most Mattifying
Bottom Line

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

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
L'Oreal Paris
Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
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Most Illuminating
Bottom Line

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

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.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
35
Models
Considered
122
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
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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.

Our Top Picks
Maybelline
Best of the Best
Maybelline
Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
Bottom Line
A primer that blurs imperfections so effectively, you won't even need foundation.
Shop Now
e.l.f
Best Bang for the Buck
e.l.f
Hydrating Face Primer
Bottom Line
A perfect way to create a well-hydrated, ultra-smooth base for your foundation.
Shop Now
Covergirl
Top Pick
Covergirl
Simply Ageless Foundation Primer
Bottom Line
Effectively blurs wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots for a healthier, smoother skin appearance.
Shop Now
Rimmel London
Top Pick
Rimmel London
Stay Matte Makeup Primer
Bottom Line
Keep oil at bay and foundation locked in place for hours with this mattifying primer.
Shop Now
L'Oreal Paris
Top Pick
L'Oreal Paris
Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer
Bottom Line
A primer that works best when mixed into foundation. Provides skin with a smooth, glowing appearance.
Shop Now