13 best face primers of 2025 to lock in your makeup all day
The best face primers are the secret to long-lasting, fresh-looking, and locked-in glam. Just as you would prep a canvas before painting a masterpiece, your makeup deserves the same thoughtful treatment.
A good primer – whether liquid, cream, balm, or even a lightweight gel – doesn’t just sit on the skin. It can blur the appearance of pores, smooth texture, curb redness, stave off greasiness, and give a subtle glow that shines through your foundation and concealer. Some formulas even hydrate, nourish – while specific primers for mature skin address signs of ageing – meaning your skin benefits while your makeup performs. There's nothing better than a beat that looks just as flawless at 8 a.m. as it does at 8 p.m.
With so many options boasting different finishes, textures, and skin-loving ingredients – from illuminating primers to mattifying heroes – it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why the Glamour team have rounded up the very best face primers: carefully tested, expert-approved, and ready to elevate your makeup routine to the next level.
Best Face Primer Black Friday Deals:
- Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, WAS £39, NOW £29.25
- Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 WAS £40, NOW £30
- Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum, WAS £25, NOW £18.75
The best face primers, at a glance:
How we tested the best face primers
Before we even think about patting on a primer, we interrogate every formula with the same rigour we bring to all our beauty reporting. That means looking closely at the ingredient list, checking whether the brand caters to a genuinely diverse range of skin tones and undertones, and ensuring each product is safe for sensitive skin and contact-lens wearers. We also weigh up price point (is it a budget hero or a spendy treat?) and take note of packaging - consciously designed, or just more plastic for the sake of it?
For this round-up, our testers cover a spectrum of skin tones, skin types, and concerns, ensuring our verdicts reflect how these formulas perform in real life, not just in perfect studio lighting. We considered texture, hydration, wear time, price point, and finish (from dewy to natural), as well as whether they caused any irritation or tightness throughout the day. We also paid close attention to fragrance levels and ingredient lists, noting which formulas felt comforting vs. potentially irritating for compromised skin. And of course, we consulted leading dermatologists and facialists to understand which ingredients to seek out - and which to avoid - to ensure these picks really work for dry skin. If you want the full deep dive into our process, you can read more on our complete how we test page.
Why you can trust us
At Glamour, our beauty recommendations are built on extensive hands-on testing, genuine expertise and total transparency. Our writers and editors have years of experience covering the beauty industry – interviewing dermatologists, working with makeup artists, reporting on trends, and trying hundreds (sometimes thousands) of products so you don’t have to. Every pick is chosen independently, without brand influence or paid placement. If something makes our list, it’s because it truly impressed us - on real faces, in real routines, across real skin.
Meet the experts
- Rafael Pita, a makeup artist based in Paris
- Courtney Hart, a makeup artist and men's groomer based in Los Angeles
- Dillon Peña, a makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles
- Allan Avendaño, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Vincent Oquendo, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Natalie Dresher, a makeup artist based in Miami
1. Best Overall: Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
Why Glamour loves it: Silky without sacrificing the soft stickiness key to an incredible makeup primer, Armani’s Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer checks all the boxes. The skin-care/makeup hybrid formula boosts radiance, moisturises swiftly, and amps up the wear time of your favourite products. Pair it with Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation for a seriously glowy moment.
Tester feedback: "True to its name, this primer really does make my skin look more luminous. In my mid-30s, I've been dealing with both large pores and fine lines, so I love that this multitasking formula can handle both with ease," says interim shopping director Deanna Pai. "It feels smooth (but not greasy) and leaves my skin looking airbrushed, especially when layered under foundation."
Key ingredients: shea butter, rice bran, glycerin | Who it's good for: everyone | Finish: glowy.
2. Best Moisturiser: Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturiser
Why Glamour loves it: Few things tickle our editors more than versatile formulas OR products, so when we got our innovation-loving hands on Merit's Great Skin Priming Moisturizer, we were pumped. This cream is super lightweight, packed with hyaluronic acid to soothe and lock in hydration, allowing makeup to go on smoothly sans pilling. It's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, meaning it's safe for people with sensitive skin.
After more from Merit? Read our full Merit Beauty review.
Tester feedback: “I've been a fan of Merit's take on skin care since they dropped their first serum in 2022, and the Great Skin Moisturizer is a worthy addition to the brand's truly great lineup of products," says Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann.
"I keep this priming moisturiser in my makeup bag and use it pretty much daily as a prep step. It adds a layer of silky hydration to my skin that plays great under makeup, but it also contains a biomimetic emulsifier that creates a blurred, suede-y finish that's perfect for makeup-free days."
Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Who it's good for: people with sensitive skin, dry skin | Finish: blurring.
3. Best With SPF: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Why it's worth it: What's better than a hydrating primer? A hydrating primer that contains SPF, of course. Charlotte Tilbury's Invisible UV Flawless Primer has a little something for every skin type: vitamins C and E for brightening, hyaluronic acid for moisture, and a combination of UVA and UVB filters to protect skin from sun damage and pollutants. Since this formula reduces flashback, it's a good pick for photo-forward events like weddings.
Tester feedback: “My biggest beauty flaw is that I constantly forget to apply face sunscreen (a total skin sin, I know), but I don't have to fret about that when I have Charlotte Tilbury's Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 in my makeup bag,” says commerce writer Jennifer Hussein. “Not only does it provide sun protection, but it also grips my complexion products in place all day long while feeling totally weightless on my skin.”
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, camellia oil | Who it's good for: people who want a one-and-done | Finish: radiant.
Shop the best Charlotte Tilbury Cyber Monday deals for more savings on the best Charlotte Tilbury products.
4. Best for Combination Skin: Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum
Why it's worth it: The Best of Beauty-winning Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum is a weightless, moisturising pick that won't bug naturally oily skin. Its ceramide hydration gel balances sebum production without sacrificing hydration or radiance (that's the diamond mineral powder at play). Miami-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher calls it one of her favourite makeup primers for its ultra-light texture and glowy finish. Pair it with your makeup or wear it solo for a dewy look.
Tester feedback: "When my skin needs an extra wake-up call, I love reaching for the Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum to prep my complexion before makeup," Sarah Han says. "As someone with combo skin, I can't deal with overly heavy or silicone-y primers, so this lightweight serum is so ideal — it leaves my skin looking extra hydrated and radiant, but not greasy."
Key ingredients: ceramides, diamond mineral powder | Who it's good for: people with oily and combination skin | Finish: radiant.
5. Best Rated: E.L.F. Jumbo Power Grip Primer
Why it's worth it: This sticky-yet-smooth gel formula grips onto your makeup with ease – think all-day wear with zero slippage. Infused with skin-loving hyaluronic acid, it also gives your complexion a fresh, dewy glow, helping to create a smooth and luminous base for seamless makeup application. And the best bit? It’s completely vegan, cruelty-free and still wildly affordable.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, rosemary leaf water | Who it's good for: everyone | Finish: Dewy finish.
6. Best for Large Pores: Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas
Why it's worth it: A perfect makeup look calls for a perfectly primed canvas, and Tatcha's The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer delivers just that. Naturally, it's packed with Tatcha's signature Hadasei-3, a magic trio of rice, green tea, and algae that adds up to a hydrating, silky formula ready to blur and lock in your product. The primer is inspired by bintsuke, a soft wax geishas use on their faces to prep for long-wearing makeup. If it isn't The Liquid Silk Canvas, you might be into, don't overlook the balm version, which celebrity makeup artist Courtney Hart calls her "go-to" for people with more prominent pores.
Tester feedback: "It glides on smoothly and keeps your makeup in place all day long. Put this on after your moisturiser and right before foundation so that you're setting in your base makeup," editor Audrey Noble explained.
Key ingredients: rice, green tea, algae, silk extract | Who it's good for: everyone | Finish: silky.
7. Best Primer for Dry Skin: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Hydra Booster Primer
Why it's worth it: A veteran Allure Best of Beauty winner, the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Prima Hydra Booster Primer is a staff favourite and the best primer for dry skin, stat. Because it has the texture of a serum, you can easily mix this product into your moisturiser or foundation for a seamless, natural finish. Glycerin doles out serious hydration with an assist from hardworking ginseng, which reduces redness, brightens up dull skin, and softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Tester feedback: "This product feels more like a hydrating serum than a typical primer and gives my stressed complexion a much-needed wake-up call every morning," Allure commerce editor Sarah Han says.
Key ingredients: ginseng, glycerin | Who it's good for: people who need extra moisture | Finish: radiant.
8. Best Grip: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
Why it's worth it: Milk’s Makeup's Hydro Grip Primer is the next best thing to supergluing our makeup to our faces — and thank goodness for that. This Allure Readers' Choice Award-winning primer uses blue agave extract to form an invisible film on the face that sticks to makeup for an all-day hold. The formula also features skin-loving ingredients like hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe.
Tester feedback: "If primer is a non-negotiable for you and dry, indoor heat also tries to ruin your life (or you just have dry skin), this is a lovely primer that will act as extra hydration while holding onto your makeup all day, kind of like if your hyaluronic acid serum had extra makeup-gripping powers," Allure contributor Sable Yong previously told Allure. "It's a refreshing change from the spackle-like reputation of most makeup primers."
Key ingredients: blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Who it's good for: everyone | Finish: satin.
9. Best Multitasking: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Why it's worth it: Is there anything the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré can't do? This rich, shea butter-infused cream is a beloved makeup artist staple that goes above and beyond a traditional primer by moisturising and blurring foundation. "You massage it in, and the skin takes on a beautiful tone without looking greasy," makeup artist Rafael Pita previously told Allure. That's not all, though; You can also use it as a non-stripping cleansing milk, nourishing face mask, and soothing post-sun care.
To use as a cleanser, apply a generous amount onto the skin like a makeup-removing solution. As a face mask, apply a thick layer onto the skin for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
Key ingredients: beeswax, aloe vera, and shea butter | Who it's good for: people who want a fast-absorbing option | Finish: radiant.
10. Best Depuffing: Refy Glow and Sculpt Face Primer
Why it’s worth it: Our ears perked up when we caught wind of the rollerball applicator on Refy’s Glow Primer, which de-puffs as it imparts the silky, skin-care-forward serum formula. The base is shimmer-free, perfect for people who want an especially natural look, all while maintaining the grippy power of your favourite primer. You’ll find niacinamide, vitamin E, and glycerin in the ingredients list to help brighten your complexion, minimise any redness, and replenish hydration.
Tester feedback: “Arguably my favourite ever make-up or skincare product to apply, the REFY Glow And Sculpt Primer is a true non-negotiable in my morning make-up routine. Designed with a clever facial roller applicator, the brightening serum-like formula lifts and sculpts my face better than any other priming product I've tried.” Shop more REFY Cyber Monday deals here.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, vitamin E, glycerin | Who it's good for: people who want a sculpted look, people who don’t want shimmer | Finish: natural.
11. Best Primer for Oily Skin: NARS Radiance Primer SPF35
Why it's worth it: The best primer for oily skin we've tried, this product is a bestseller for two reasons: it goes on like a dream and tackles a variety of skin issues. Specifically, the formula is lightweight, non-sticky and feels almost like an extension of your skincare. Meanwhile, the pearlescent finish, infused with Nars' Radiance Boosting Complex, is like a wakeup call for dull, tired skin. It's also oil-free, which means oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from its mega-watt glow without fear of clogged pores. Oh, and did we mention it is also laced with a broad-spectrum SPF?
Key ingredients: Evodia Rutecarpa, Avobenzone 2%, Homosalate 6%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 1.6% | Who it's good for: those with oily skin or dull skin | Finish: glowy.
12. Best Affordable Primer: Maybelline New York Grippy Serum Makeup Primer
Why it's worth it: This serum-primer hybrid delivers the best of both worlds: juicy hydration and serious grip. Packed with niacinamide, it leaves skin looking plump and healthy while locking your base in place all day. Think of it as the high-street answer to glass skin.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide (2 %), Glycerin, Panthenol | Who it's good for: People with normal to dry skin who want hydration and a plumped, fresh look under makeup | Finish: natural, slightly dewy finish
13. Best Primer For Blurring Imperfections: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer
Why it's worth it: A cult classic for good reason, this luxe primer feels like silk on dry skin. Infused with light-reflecting particles, it blurs imperfections while adding a soft-focus glow - all without clinging to dry patches. As someone with dry skin who has used this primer religiously for years, it feels like a little layer of luxury before foundation.
Key ingredients: Corn oil, apricot-kernel oil, passiflora (passionfruit) seed oil, rice-bran oil | Who it's good for: Anyone with dry or combination skin looks for smooth, pore-blurred finish | Finish: Matte, silky and illuminated.
What are the benefits of using a face primer?
"Face primers can help prep the skin, smooth uneven texture, even the skin tone, and may help makeup last longer," says Dillon Peña, makeup artist and founder of Leland Francis. When shopping for a primer, keep your skin concerns in mind to get more out of the primer than just grippiness. Oil-prone? Look for a lightweight mattifying or oil-controlling primer that employs ingredients like silica or salicylic acid, says Peña.
People with dry skin should seek creamy, hydrating, or plumping primers formulated with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. If you have redness, Peña suggests opting for a colour-correcting primer with a green tint to help neutralise. (Soothing ingredients like aloe or green tea can also help). Enlarged pores will fare well with a thicker, balm-like, or silicone-based primer that can help smooth the appearance.
How should I apply a face primer?
Makeup artist tip #1? Allow the primer to dry fully for around a minute before you put on your makeup. "The trick with any primer is to make sure it's applied in a small dime-to-nickel-size amount and fully blended in first [before going in with foundation]," makeup artist Allan Avendaño previously explained. "Applying lightly and sparingly is my go-to rule," he adds.
Makeup artist Vincent Oquendo also recommends starting small. He previously explained that someone with dehydrated skin who tends to absorb makeup more quickly can handle a quarter-size dollop of primer. In contrast, someone with oily skin should stick to the bare minimum because it sits on the surface longer.
Always apply primer with clean fingers so your makeup absorbs fully and isn't sullied by outside grime. To keep your makeup from pilling, align your primer and foundation bases — for example, your best bet is to use a water-based primer with a water-based foundation, or a silicone-based primer with a silicone-based foundation.
After something else? Shop the best lash primers and the best eyeshadow primers. This story originally appeared on Allure.
