Buzz
1. An E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer that serves as a budget-friendly alternative to high-end products, effortlessly blurring pores for a flawless finish. Seriously... pores? What pores?
Promising review: "WOW!!!! I've been searching for a primer that fills pores for ages. I'm super picky and tend to prefer lighter formulas due to my sensitive skin, so I was hesitant because it looks thick in the product photos. But I'm now officially a BELIEVER. It's way less thick than it seems and applies smoothly and evenly. This. Is. IT! You can’t get better for the price." —Jody Ferguson
Get it on Amazon for $9.
2. An Nyx plumping primer enriched with honeydew extract and centella, delivering intense hydration to your skin while ensuring your makeup stays as fresh as a melon.
3. A Neutrogena Hydro Boost primer packed with hyaluronic acid, perfect for wearing under makeup or using as a skincare treatment — either way, your radiant skin will thank you after applying it.
4. A L'Oréal Magic Perfecting Base that reviewers call magic. It's a long-lasting makeup base that keeps your foundation looking freshly applied, even after the longest, toughest days.
5. A Revlon eyeshadow primer that locks in your stunning eyeshadow, ensuring that your intricate cat-eye stays intact no matter what happens throughout the day.
6. A glitter primer designed for bold makeup enthusiasts who want to sparkle like a disco ball, without worrying about glitter fallout all over the place.
Promising review: "This product is amazing! I’m obsessed with glitter, and I’ve tried several primers, but this one is the best. It holds my loose glitter in place, keeping my makeup sparkling all night long! Not only does it keep my glitter intact, but it also lasts even through dancing and sweating. Plus, when I’m ready to remove it, a simple facial oil makes it come off easily without damaging my skin." —Cat
Get it on Amazon for $5.99.
7. A K-beauty-inspired green primer that reduces redness and smooths out pores and fine lines. Seriously, what more could you ask for from a primer you can pick up at CVS?
Promising review: "THIS IS THE BEST PRIMER I HAVE EVER FOUND... for these reasons: my face is naturally very red. Before this primer, even full coverage foundation would make my face look pink. But with this primer, my foundation stays true to color. Full disclosure: you do need to apply foundation over this, as it is literally green and will make you look a bit zombie-like. My makeup lasts all day, and I’m EXTREMELY oily. Pores? No more! It smooths everything, including fine lines, making my makeup look flawless. Plus, I’ve had no breakouts, even though I sometimes fall asleep in my makeup." —Ashley
Get it on Amazon for $15.50.
8. A Wet n Wild eyeshadow primer formulated to cling to your eye makeup, ensuring it stays in place, while also brightening up your eyelids for an effortless makeup application experience.
Promising review: "I’m hesitant to share this beauty secret in case it sells out, but I also don’t want this gem to be discontinued because it’s not getting the love it deserves. This is hands down the best eyeshadow primer out there. It’s far better than any high-end product, and it lasts for days when needed." —WalmartCustomer
Get it from Walmart for $4.48.
9. A Maybelline Baby Skin primer that transforms your skin into a flawless, filter-like smooth canvas, making you wonder if you even need makeup at all.
10. A top-selling 2-in-1 primer and setting spray that lets you simply spritz away your troubles. Reviewers rave that this spray controls oil like nothing else!
Promising review: "I am in love with this! I have oily-combination skin and live in the Southwest and summertime has been wreaking havoc on my makeup. Between the sweat and the midday oil issues, my makeup either drips down my face or congeals with the oil. I've tried all kinds of different primers and setting sprays and paid a lot of money only to be disappointed. Saw this and decided to order it as a last-ditch effort and holy hell I found the holy grail! This works way better than All Nighter from Urban Decay and makes your makeup last all day (and all night if you want)! One application is enough but I usually spray on two because my skin is hella oily. Mattifies without taking away your highlights (see picture) and smells refreshing. Can't believe how inexpensive it is too!" —Mariah Deraet
Get it on Amazon for $4.53.
11. An under-eye primer if your eye bags need a little more help than just your average concealer that will fade after a couple of hours.
For more products reviewers call their holy grail, we've got a full list.
Promising review: "This Ulta Under Eye primer is one of my holy grail products. I have tried so many primers to smooth my dry, textured undereye area before I use my color corrector and/or concealer, and I've found this to be the one I reach for most often. Although this product doesn't state it has any color-correcting capabilities, maybe because of the smoothing, hydrating (without being greasy) effect that makes my concealer apply so much better that my eyes appear brightened as well, and the dark circles seem less dark. It definitely prolongs the wear time of my concealer too and doesn't settle into fine lines. I hope Ulta never stops making this beautiful under-eye primer, it's a total winner in my book, and the price is amazing for such a great product. Oh, and the tube lasts forever since you only need a tiny bit." —Gloria
Get it from Ulta for $12.
12. A dewy face primer that will give you a luxurious, luminous glow you won't believe was achieved by a product that costs less than $3.
13. A pore-filling primer that's perfect for those nights when you need your skin to look absolutely perfect. Why bother Facetuning your photos when this primer works its magic to give you flawless skin in real life?
Highly recommended review: "WOW!!! I took the time to write this review because I always rely on reviews when I make purchases. To begin with, I was diagnosed with cystic acne at 35, and though the acne has cleared, the scars left behind are deep! On a whim, I decided to try this product after seeing so many others rave about it. My pores are large all over my face, and I probably have about 12 prominent, deep scars. This product is a miracle. It has a tint, and you don't need much to make a difference. Use this smooth cream to 'fill in' large pores and pitted scars, and watch your skin become more even. It's truly a game-changer. Absolutely phenomenal. Afterward, just apply your foundation, check for any spots you missed, then gently dab into the holes or missed pores. Finish with a mineral-based powder, and VOILA! SMOOTH, EVEN SKIN. I ended up buying another one, even though my first one isn't finished. I hope they never stop selling it!" —Cartier999
Available on Amazon for $6.11.
14. An Elizabeth Mott eyeshadow primer that could be just what you need if you have greasy eyelids that make your makeup slide off effortlessly.
15. A high-adherence primer from The Ordinary formulated with adaptive silicones, which means it helps your makeup grip to your face more effectively. It’s also moisturizing, ideal for those with dry skin looking for a nourishing base!
Highly recommended review: "I've tried so many primers (I'm talking about all the expensive and well-known ones)… NONE hold a candle to this one. I have oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, and this works like a charm! It pairs perfectly with any foundation I use, my makeup goes on flawlessly, and lasts for over eight hours. The best part is that it’s incredibly affordable! This will definitely be the only primer I buy from now on." —Brenna
Find it at Ulta for $4.90.
