The 10 Best Drugstore Makeup Primers for Every Skin Type (2024)

The number-one selling primer in America, La'Pearl says you "can't go wrong" with the smoothing, slightly sticky (in a good way) formula. "The foundation can stick on, apply smoothly, and last all day," she says.

• Finish: Dewy
• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide

Customer Review: "I'm really impressed with how long my makeup lasts when I use this primer. It's tacky and sticky and really allows any product to adhere well to the face, whether it be drugstore or high-end foundation. And for the price, I'm even happier." —Gigi

For another layer of skincare-infused hydration in your routine, try this formula from NYX. La'Pearl loves that it "keeps the skin dewy" as it locks in makeup.

• Finish: Dewy
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, magnesium, potassium

Customer review: "I have tried so many different primers. Expensive and inexpensive. This primer is the best. It only takes a small amount, my skin feels wonderful and hydrated all day. And my makeup still looks good after a full day." —Mary

The rosy tint, velvet-like texture, and skincare ingredients in this texture combine to make the perfect formula for maturing skin. It lends a soft-focus finish, helps blur lines and uneven skin tone, and creates a smooth base for the next steps in your routine—check, check, and check.

• Finish: Radiant
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, iron oxides, lentil seed extract

Customer Review: "Love it! I've been using this product for a while now. How did I ever manage without it? My skin feels and looks soft and smooth. Now I only apply color to just my cheeks and can go "sans" foundation. Thank you, L'oreal!" —Sue H.

If you love using a hyaluronic acid serum in the morning, skip an extra step thanks to this formula by Neutrogena. A hydrating serum and primer in one, it plumps and preps skin as it creates the perfect base for foundation. Bonus: It's not sticky at all.

• Finish: Dewy
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

Customer Review: "I've been searching for something to help give my dull, aging skin a boost and this is it!!! It really creates a nice glow that shines through even after applying foundation! So happy I found this." —Mom22

The light green tint in this primer may give Wicked energy but it disappears as you rub it in. Instead, it neutralizes pink or red tones in the skin while also helping blur the look of pores for a smooth canvas.

• Finish: Sheer
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin

Customer Review: "I use this product before I apply foundation and before applying sunscreen on no-makeup days. Evens out my redness and keeps it under control." —Miranda

This blurring primer practically acts like an eraser for pores, so the foundation glides on like a dream and has a soft-focus—not too shiny, not too matte—finish. We also love how it has niacinamide, which can help minimize the look of pores the more you use it, too.

• Finish: Velvet
• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E

Customer Review: "This primer is AMAZING!! I have never fallen in love with a makeup product faster than this one. I absolutely love how it feels on my skin and its effectiveness." —Anonymous

Some people need a little extra glow in the morning, and No7 has us covered with this multi-purpose product. It has shimmery light-reflecting particles that provide more oomph than any amount of espresso can, plus all the hydration and smoothing you're looking for in a good primer.

• Finish: Radiant
• Key Ingredients: Iris florentina root extract, niacinamide

Customer Review: "Love this no 7 primer helps makeup stay on longer and is hydrating. I’ve tried the expensive designer ones and this one works better for me. Worth a try! I recommend using it with no 7 BB cream or foundation." —Jennifer

The beloved French pharmacy brand's hero cream is excellent as a daily moisturizer and a makeup primer. If you're wary of two-in-ones, don't be: The plumping, nourishing cream helps lock on makeup without feeling sticky or heavy.

• Finish: Dewy
• Key Ingredients: Aloe, shea butter, soy proteins

Customer Review: "I never write reviews, but this stuff is amazing. Always have struggled finding a moisturizer and primer combo that doesn’t pill and actually leaves my makeup looking good at the end of the day. It feels so good going on your face, not greasy and make up stays natural all day. Also, I have super sensitive skin and no problems whatsoever." —Shillie

A great option for no-makeup makeup days and full-face days alike, this primer gives skin just the right amount of bronzy glow without looking glittery. And because it has loads of skin-loving ingredients, it's a great extra skincare step too.

• Finish: Radiant
• Key Ingredients: Watermelon extract, lentil extract, shea butter, hyaluronic acid

Customer Review: "I have searched around the globe for the perfect primer for me. Years of searching, no exaggeration, and this is it. My foundation, blush, eyebrows, eyeshadow, in place at 6:00 am well past 6:00 pm." —novembergal

Using a primer with sunscreen is a great way to ensure you always have some sun protection on. Because this formula features chemical actives, it's just as sheer and easy to smooth on as the other primers on this list.

• Finish: Natural
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E

Customer Review: "This primer is a powerhouse. It prepares the skin beautifully pre makeup, and also provides great sun protection. Be sure to keep it away from your eyes, as with all sunscreen. Will repurchase for sure." —seekinggoodvalue

• Erika La'Pearl is a celebrity makeup artist known for her work with Cardi B, Skai Jackson, and others.

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