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15 of the best makeup primers – according to our Beauty Editors
From Tatcha to Maybelline, we have you covered no matter your skin type
Finding the best makeup primer for your face shouldn't be an impossible task, which is why we've put together this edit of our 10 favourite formulas that cater to each and every skin type.
Before we get into that, let's discuss if you need a primer in the first place. Back in the day, primers were very much focused on extending the wear of your makeup or filling your pores out, like those silicone-heavy formulas that instantly make you want to wash your face.
These days, however, primers are much more of a hybrid. Yes, there are still the ones that extend the wear of your makeup, but they are in far improved formulas. Take Milk's Hydro Grip for example which will keep your base on ALL day, without any crusting or skin irritation thanks to the hyaluronic acid and aloe water ingredients list.
Other formulas are all about giving you that glow. Boosting your radiance in a way more natural way than those 2016 frosted purple highlighters we all insisted on buying. If you're looking for one of those, look no further than Vieve's Skin Nova.
Maybelline's Instant Anti-Age Perfector 4-In-1 Glow, however, is a perfect example of what a modern primer looks like. It blurs, smooths, brightens and adds radiance. It's basically a sheer base that gives you great skin if you wear it alone or boosts your foundation if you apply it on top.
Oh, and if you're after a little extra hold for your makeup, we put the best makeup setting sprays through an all-day test, too.
Best face primers
This is one for the makeup girlies who love a full beat and don't want it going anywhere until at least 9pm minimum.
As the name suggests, Milk Makeup's formula helps 'grip' the makeup to your skin, but the hyaluronic acid, and aloe water formula stops it from getting dry and cakey.
Plus, it doesn't have that horrible greasy feeling like other long-wear primers that are packed with silicones.
Merit Beauty Great Skin Moisturizer
This is just the kind of primer we'd expect from minimalist makeup brand Merit Beauty. Great Skin works as a moisturiser to hydrate while also prepping the skin for smooth makeup application.
Even with a totally weightless feel, it boasts impressive staying power and does a stellar job at keeping foundation in place with a soft-focus finish.
A little dollop goes a long way too – so the bottle, while it is a little spenny, will last.
Everything about Huda Beauty's new Easy Blur Primer screams that it's silicone based, from the jelly-texture to its appearance. Well, those silicone-adverse ppl will be thrilled to know it's completely free from.
The gel is formulated with glycerin and milk thistle extract (an antioxidant) to keep the skin hydrated while delivering an airbrushed and smooth result. And despite it have a uber-thick consistency, it sinks into the skin for a refreshing and moisturising touch.
Yes, technically this is an SPF, but it's an SPF that Supergoop! has specifically designed to be worn under makeup.
Supergoop!'s founder, Holly Thaggard uses the term 'SPF wardrobe' and believes in switching up your sunscreen depending on your daily activities.
Glow Screen is for those less active, makeup-wearing days, as it's designed to grip onto your base to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, whilst leaving behind a beautiful luminous glow.
If you haven't tried Tatcha, where have you been? If it's your first time, may we suggest starting out with their cult Silk Canvas primer?
A great option if you have enlarged pores of areas of texture as The Silk Canvas blurs and leaves behind a soft focus finish. Under foundation, this gives the kind of flawless finish normally reserved for Greek marble statues.
MAC Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer
MAC's Studio Radiance Face & Body is one of my all-time favourite foundations, so I had high hopes for their new Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer.
If, like me, you aren't a fan of silicone-feeling primers, this is one for you. Not only does it provide the perfect canvas for your makeup, but it also keeps your skin hydrated for 8 hours thanks to the addition of humectant moisturisers: glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Vieve has become one of my favourite makeup brands and their Skin Nova makeup primer does not disappoint.
This almost gel-like formula leaves my skin looking dewy and luminous with a glass skin finish.
It's so good it's actually made me ditch foundation (I know, that's no easy feat). You can read my love letter to Skin Nova here.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer True Matte 30ml
Fenty Beauty can do no wrong in our books, but trust me, you're sleeping on their primers. This mattifying one in particular I go through more times than I can count.
The milky texture successfully manages to keep shine at bay in the areas you need it to (hello, t-zone) but doesn't leave dry areas feeling thirsty; cheeks will still look plump and dewy, without compromising on oil control.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser
I know, this offering from Victoria Beckham Beauty seems quite spenny for a primer, but it does contain a whole host of skincare benefits.
Packed with Augustinus Bader’s iconic cell-rejuvenating tech, this will not only leave skin looking healthy and glowy while keeping your foundation intact, but it will also improve the look of your skin as you wear it. When used on a daily basis, I've found my skin looks more glossy and feels significantly softer. A primer that transforms your skin? We're here for it.
Bobbi Brown's Face Base is a staple in the beauty YouTube community and there is a reason why.
This thick cream acts like a puffer jacket for your face. Plumping skin and helping your foundation glide over any textured areas. Plus, it leaves behind a dewy effect which instantly makes any foundation you apply over the top look natural.
A must-have if you're on the drier side or have mature skin.
GLOW RECIPE Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops
Glow Recipe's latest launch caters to us oily girls battling on the frontline of sebum control (it's a hard life).
With a blend of natural ingredients – the formula is silicone-free! –that includes the ever-so mattifying tapioca and rice (who knew?!), you'll achieve an all-day balanced complexion.
Wear the skincare-makeup hybrid on its own or under makeup for a natural, soft-focus satin finish.
Want skin to feel as soft as a Beanie Baby? Look no further. This velvety veil instantly smooths and mattifies to leave pores looking less prominent.
The flawless canvas makes any foundation application a breeze; from skin tints to full-coverage bases. It doesn't suck all the moisture out of your skin either and promises 24 hours of skin comfort.
Instant Anti-Age Perfector 4-In-1 Glow
When I say this is one of the BEST drugstore launches in recent years, I really do mean it.
Normally we leave 2-in-1 formulas to our Dad's shower gel, but Maybelline's 4-In-1 Glow, which is described as a primer, concealer, highlighter and BB cream in one, is the multi-use product you'll actually want to try.
Swipe the sponge tip applicator across your face and it deposits a soft glow that gently evens out the complexion, adds radiance and just makes it look like you have great skin.
Wear it alone with a touch of concealer where necessary and you're good to go.
Sculpted by Aimee Sculpted Beauty Base Protect SPF 50 Primer
Irish makeup artist Aimee Connolly launched her brand back in 2016 and we don't know how we ever lived without it tbh (check out our edit of the 5 products you need to buy here).
Her beauty base was the first product she wanted to create as it combined her love for glowing skin with SPF30. So if you don't like to apply too many layers, this is the primer for you.
Yes, this is a serum, but I'm telling you it doubles up as the best makeup base if you have drier skin like me.
It's jam-packed with squalane and glycerin which hydrate and also sea fennel extract which brightens even the dullest of skin tones.
If you like a glow and just want an extra moisture boost pre-foundation, I cannot recommend this highly enough.
Laura is a former writer for Cosmopolitan UK, covering everything beauty and fashion related and specialises in makeup, plus-size fashion and the world of YouTube. Her favourite pastime is reminding everyone of that one time she met Charlie Hunnam and Jason Momoa. Please don't ask to see the pictures...
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
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