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Best Primer for Sensitive Skin

Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Ren Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Skin Finishing Serum
Ren Clean Skincare
Perfect Canvas Skin Finishing Serum
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Silicone-free
Bottom Line

This gel primer with natural ingredients including agave soothes and hydrates, prepping skin for flawless makeup.

Pros

Holy grail of primers that works for oily as well as dry skin, without causing breakouts. The gel dries slightly tacky, which holds and sets makeup all day long, while leaving skin feeling smooth.

Cons

Some felt it could do better at minimizing pores. It's also pricey.

Best Bang for the Buck
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
The Ordinary
High-Adherence Silicone Primer
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High Definition
Bottom Line

Uses advanced adaptive silicones, which blur lines and pores to create a matte finish.

Pros

Lightweight, hydrating formula goes on smoothly and keeps skin soft. Makeup looks fresh all day. Can beat many of the expensive brands at a fraction of the cost.

Cons

Some detractors on the scent. A few found that foundation "sat" on top of the primer.

Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier
Bobbi Brown
Primer Plus Mattifier
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Light and Breathable
Bottom Line

Uses a powder technology to reduce oil, plus sodium hyaluronate to balance the skin's moisture.

Pros

Blurs pores and imperfections, creating a matte finish for long-lasting makeup. Non sticky and contains no mineral oil. Keeps makeup looking fresh even in humid weather.

Cons

A few users found it flaked or pilled up after application.

Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops Makeup Priming and Highlighting Oil
Josie Maran
Argan Moonstone Drops Makeup Priming and Highlighting Oil
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Unique Glow
Bottom Line

A unique priming oil that moisturizes and gives skin an ethereal glow.

Pros

This vegan and cruelty-free argan oil-based primer smooths and moisturizes skin without feeling heavy. Absorbs quickly. Multicolored pearls give the skin a holographic glow. Can be used alone as a moisturizer and highlighter.

Cons

The multicolored particles settle at the bottom of the bottle, so you need to shake it up before using.

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
Tatcha
The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
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Velvety Smooth
Bottom Line

Silk layers are designed to keep the skin smooth, while natural botanicals and Japanese superfoods help the skin against pollution.

Pros

This balm goes on super smoothly and evens out fine lines and imperfections. The pink and gold pearl tones gives a healthy glow. Makeup glides on easily and sets well.

Cons

Some felt that their foundation did not blend well while using this. It's also quite pricey, but a little goes a long way.

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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. About BestReviews  
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. About BestReviews  
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.About BestReviews 
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.

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30
Models
Considered
212
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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A primer helps make your skin a good canvas for makeup application, hydrating and smoothing as well as blurring fine line and wrinkles and glossing over imperfections and visible pores. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll need to search out products recommended for reactive-prone skin and look at the ingredients on the label to see if any of your known triggers are in there. Common ingredients known to set off skin reactions are lanolin, preservatives, and sodium laurel sulphate, which can be quite difficult to avoid, as well as fragrances. But even natural ingredients can set off allergies too, including mineral oils and even essential oils. To help combat sensitivity, experts advise incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients like oatmeal and aloe into your regime to build up skin health.

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