Primers can make or break a base, making it a major player in your makeup routine. Finding the best primer for you and your skincare concerns can be hard, but with our lineup of perfecting formulas you're sure to find the best face primer to hold onto your foundation, blur imperfections and ramp up the radiance.
These are the best makeup primers that will do all of the above and so much more...
How we choose the best primers
When narrowing down the best primers, first and foremost we look for the ones that give makeup serious longevity. You can trust that this lineup will create a seamlessly smooth canvas on your skin, helping to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and uneven texture. Extra brownie points for primers that come with skin-loving benefits - be it hydrating, oil-balancing or brightening. We called upon our in-house beauty experts for their all-time favourite primers and, as always, your glowing reviews plan an important part too - when a product racks up all those five-star reviews, we pay attention.
18 January 2022
Hollywood Flawless Filter Primer & Highlighter Hybrid
Best for: Multi-taskers
This highlighter-meets-primer is a great option if you’re a skinimalist, or just short on time. Simply sweep the doe-footed sponge onto clean skin, blend out with a brush, and voila - you’ve got a radiant complexion that’s also primed for makeup. Clever, right? Available in 12 shades, its blend of airbrushing polymers and brightening flower extracts means that you can get an Instagram filter IRL.
The hype: "The foundation looks airbrushed, flawless and incredibly naturally glowy without being false or glittery. I have oily skin and usually have a nightmare getting foundation to stay in place, but with this stuff it just makes your makeup look the same after 8 hours. This is one product that is a MUST." - Sharon, customer review
Touche Éclat Blur Primer
Best for: Uneven skin texture
Though you may be drawn to this one for the glitter alone, it’s the canvas-finish that will have you hooked. The lightweight gel can be worked into the skin with a brush or your hands to soften redness, brighten the complexion and keep your makeup in place with an oh-so smooth finish. The subtle shimmer is an added bonus.
The hype: "I was skeptical at first as I’ve never used a primer before, but this has changed my daily makeup routine. It has tiny specks of gold which gives my skin a luminous effect. It is the perfect base for applying my foundation as it goes on so much easier and my skin looks brighter and feels soft." - Customer review
Under Wear Future Resist Foundation Primer
Best for: Preventing creasing
If you’re here to tick all the boxes in one hit, then listen up. This primer helps to deliver seamless makeup application, a flawless finish and long-lasting looks. Enriched with peptides, wrinkles and fine lines are instantly plumped and the luxe serum texture lends softer, smoother more youthful-looking skin. You’ll instantly notice a difference in your skin tone and texture, and as you apply your makeup it will be crease-free and more flawless than ever.
The hype: "This feels so great on my skin, it’s silky, soft and just a drop will cover my whole face. I usually use powder foundations and this primer is the best for helping it sink into my skin and look like I’m wearing nothing at all." - Leanne, Feelunique writer
Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
Best for: Lit-from-within glow
Your makeup will not only look fresher for longer with this one, but it will actually be brighter and more glowy from the get go. The clue is in the name really - it grants your skin a luminous finish before you’ve applied your foundation, let alone any highlighter. Meanwhile, exclusive Micro-fill technology improves skin texture, blurs imperfections and creates a smooth canvas for your makeup.
The hype: "Gives such a flawless and smooth finish, and my makeup lasted all day. Bonus, a little goes a long way too. Also, I actually have sensitive skin and this formula was absolutely fine." - Kiran, customer review
Prep-Set-Glow Spray
Best for: Standout gloss
For serious radiance, it’s all about ICONIC London’s Prep-Set-Glow. Rich in skin-conditioning Green Tea and Vitamin E, this hydrating mist contains light-reflecting properties to ensure a luminous finish. With a choice of three shine-bestowing shades, use on bare skin to prep and hydrate before makeup, then spray over your finished look for a lit-from-within set. This glow-giver also works on shoulder bones, legs and arms for an all-over shimmer.
TIP: Much like a martini, this one needs a good shake. Hold it well away from the face (at least 30cm) to avoid blotting.
The hype: "This product is amazing, I swear by it! I use it before and after I apply my makeup - it makes your face feel so refreshed and gives a really nice glow." - Courtney, customer review