The 9 Best Face Primers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

In the world of makeup, the right face primer can make all the difference in achieving a flawless finish. This guide explores the nine best face primers of 2024, meticulously tested and reviewed to help you find the perfect product that suits your skin type and enhances your makeup application.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer: The Ultimate Makeup Gripper

Our Ratings:

  • Hydration: ★★★★★

  • Grip: ★★★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★★

  • Shine Control: ★★★★

A Game-Changer for Makeup Longevity

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a true standout in the world of primers. Its unique gel-like formula delivers exceptional hydration, grip, and smoothness, creating the perfect canvas for long-lasting makeup.

Hydration and Smoothness

This primer infuses your skin with essential moisture, leaving it plump and supple. The gel texture glides effortlessly over the skin, creating a smooth, even base for foundation application.

Unmatched Grip and Wear Time

The Hydro Grip Primer lives up to its name, providing exceptional hold for your makeup. Foundation, concealer, and powder stay in place throughout the day without budging or fading.

A Note on Shine

While the Hydro Grip delivers impressive results, some users might experience a slight increase in shine throughout the day. Setting powder can help control excess oil and maintain a matte finish.

The Verdict

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a must-have for anyone seeking long-lasting, flawless makeup. Its hydrating formula, exceptional grip, and skin-smoothing benefits make it a top contender in the primer category.

Product Details:

  • Size: 1.52 ounces
  • Finish: Radiant
  • Skin Type: All
  • Base: Water

e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer: Affordable Pore Refinement

Our Ratings:

  • Pore Minimization: ★★★★

  • Hydration: ★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★

  • Value: ★★★★★

Budget-Friendly Pore Refinement

The e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer offers a budget-friendly solution for creating a smooth, pore-minimized canvas. Its restorative formula and matte finish make it a popular choice for many.

Pore-Minimizing and Matte Finish

This primer effectively fills in pores and fine lines, creating a smoother base for makeup application. The matte finish helps control oil and shine throughout the day.

Hydration and Skin Benefits

Infused with tea tree and vitamins A and E, the primer provides gentle hydration and skin-conditioning benefits. However, it might not be sufficiently hydrating for those with extremely dry skin.

Long-Wearing Base

The Poreless Face Primer helps extend the wear of your makeup, preventing foundation and concealer from settling into pores and fine lines.

Affordable and Effective

With its affordable price point and effective performance, the e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer offers excellent value for money. It’s a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly primer without compromising on results.

The Verdict

The e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer is a solid choice for those looking to minimize pores and create a smooth base for makeup. Its affordable price, matte finish, and skin-benefiting ingredients make it a popular option. However, those with very dry skin might prefer a more hydrating primer.

Product Details:

  • Size: 0.47 fl oz
  • Finish: Matte
  • Skin Type: All
  • Key Ingredients: Tea tree, vitamins A and E

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: Luxury Meets Performance

Our Ratings:

  • Hydration: ★★★

  • Grip: ★★★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★★

  • Value: ★★★★

A Luxurious Primer for Flawless Results

The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is a true luxury product that delivers exceptional performance. Its ability to create a smooth, flawless canvas and extend makeup wear makes it a coveted item among beauty enthusiasts.

Skin-Perfecting and Long-Wearing

This primer effectively minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, creating a smooth, even base for foundation. Its excellent grip ensures makeup stays in place throughout the day without fading or transferring.

SPF Protection and Matte Finish

The built-in SPF 15 provides essential sun protection, while the matte finish helps control shine and prevent makeup breakdown.

A Note on Hydration

While the Veil Mineral Primer excels in creating a flawless base, it might be slightly drying for those with extremely dry skin. Combining it with a hydrating serum can help balance the skin’s moisture levels.

The Verdict

The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is a luxurious investment that delivers exceptional results. Its skin-perfecting abilities, long-wear formula, and SPF protection make it a top choice for those seeking a premium primer.

Product Details:

  • Size: 1.1 ounces
  • Finish: Matte
  • Skin Type: All
  • Base: Silicone
  • SPF: 15

Too Faced Hangover Primer: A Thirsty Skin's Savior

Our Ratings:

  • Hydration: ★★★★★

  • Grip: ★★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★

  • Value: ★★★★

Quench Your Skin’s Thirst with This Primer

The Too Faced Hangover Primer is a hydration hero, specifically designed to replenish and revitalize dry or dehydrated skin. Its refreshing formula creates a plump, dewy canvas for makeup application.

Intense Hydration and Radiance

Infused with coconut water and probiotics, this primer delivers a much-needed moisture boost to thirsty skin. It leaves the complexion looking radiant and refreshed, creating a healthy glow.

Smooth Finish and Makeup Grip

The Hangover Primer smooths the skin’s texture, providing a flawless base for foundation. While it offers good makeup grip, it might not be as strong as some oil-controlling primers.

A Note on Fragrance

The primer’s coconut scent can be overpowering for some, potentially causing irritation for those with sensitive skin.

The Verdict

The Too Faced Hangover Primer is a fantastic choice for those with dry or dehydrated skin. Its intense hydration, radiant finish, and skin-loving ingredients make it a popular option. However, individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities should proceed with caution.

Product Details:

  • Size: 1.35 ounces
  • Finish: Dewy
  • Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination
  • Key Ingredients: Coconut water, probiotics

NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer: A Cloud in a Bottle

Our Ratings:

  • Hydration: ★★★★

  • Grip: ★★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★

  • Value: ★★★★★

A Budget-Friendly Skin Perfector

The NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer delivers on its promise of a smooth, blurred complexion. Its whipped texture and hydrating formula make it a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly primer.

Smoothing and Hydrating

This primer effectively blurs pores and fine lines, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. It also provides a decent level of hydration, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.

Long-Wearing Base

The Marshmellow Primer helps extend makeup wear, preventing foundation and concealer from settling into pores and fine lines. However, it might not be as long-wearing as some higher-end primers.

A Note on Drying Time

The primer’s slightly tacky feel while drying might be bothersome for some. Allowing it to fully dry before applying makeup is essential for optimal results.

The Verdict

The NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer is a fantastic option for those seeking an affordable primer that delivers on its promises. Its smoothing, hydrating properties and budget-friendly price make it a popular choice among beauty enthusiasts.

Product Details:

  • Size: 1.01 ounces
  • Finish: Radiant
  • Skin Type: All
  • Base: Water

Youthforia Pregame Primer: A Multitasking Glow Giver

Our Ratings:

  • Hydration: ★★★★★

  • Grip: ★★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★★

  • Value: ★★★★

A Radiant and Protective Primer

The Youthforia Pregame Primer is a true skincare and makeup hybrid. Its unique formula delivers hydration, radiance, and makeup-gripping power, making it a versatile and effective addition to your beauty routine.

Hydration and Radiance

This primer infuses your skin with a burst of hydration, leaving it plump and dewy. The pearlescent finish imparts a subtle glow, creating a healthy, radiant complexion.

Multifunctional and Protective

The Pregame Primer can be used as a standalone skincare product, a makeup base, or a skin tint. Its light-filtering and pollution-protecting properties offer added skincare benefits.

A Note on Scent

While the oatmeal scent is generally pleasant, it might be noticeable for those with sensitive noses.

The Verdict

The Youthforia Pregame Primer is a luxurious and versatile product that delivers on its promises. Its hydrating formula, radiant finish, and multifunctional benefits make it a standout choice for those seeking a glow-giving primer.

Product Details:

  • Size: 1 ounce
  • Finish: Radiant
  • Skin Type: All
  • Key Ingredients: Skin Chi Complex

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer: Sun Protection Meets Perfection

Our Ratings:

  • Hydration: ★★★★★

  • Grip: ★★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★★

  • Value: ★★★★

The Ultimate Skincare and Makeup Hybrid

The Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer is a luxurious and effective product that combines skincare benefits with makeup-enhancing properties. Its SPF 50 protection, hydrating formula, and skin-perfecting abilities make it a standout choice for those seeking a comprehensive primer.  

Hydration, Protection, and Perfection

This primer delivers a potent dose of hydration, leaving the skin plump and supple. The SPF 50 provides essential sun protection, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, the primer creates a smooth, flawless canvas for makeup application, extending wear and minimizing the appearance of pores.  

Luxurious Formula and Effective Results

The Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer offers a luxurious experience with its silky-smooth texture and instant skin-perfecting effects. While it might be a splurge, the product’s performance and benefits justify the investment.  

A Note on Price

The primer’s higher price point might be a deterrent for some. However, considering the product’s combination of skincare benefits, sun protection, and makeup-enhancing properties, it offers excellent value for those seeking a premium product.

The Verdict

The Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer is a luxurious and effective choice for those seeking a primer that combines skincare benefits with makeup-enhancing properties. Its SPF 50 protection, hydrating formula, and skin-perfecting abilities make it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing sun protection and flawless makeup.

Product Details:

Size: 1 ounce
Finish: Luminous
Skin Type: All
SPF: 50
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer: Affordable Perfection

Our Ratings:

  • Hydration: ★★★★

  • Grip: ★★★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★★

  • Value: ★★★★★

A Putty Primer Powerhouse

The e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer is a budget-friendly gem that delivers impressive results. Its velvety texture, pore-minimizing abilities, and long-wear formula make it a popular choice among beauty enthusiasts.

Poreless Perfection and Long-Lasting Wear

This primer effectively blurs pores and creates a smooth, even canvas for makeup application. Its long-wearing formula helps your makeup stay in place throughout the day without fading or transferring.

Hydration and Skin Benefits

Infused with tea tree and vitamins A and E, the Poreless Putty Primer provides gentle hydration and skin-conditioning benefits. While it’s not as intensely hydrating as some dedicated moisturizers, it offers sufficient hydration for most skin types.

Versatile and Affordable

The primer’s versatile formula works well with various foundation types and skin tones. Its affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

The Verdict

The e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer is a fantastic option for those seeking an affordable primer that delivers exceptional results. Its pore-minimizing, smoothing, and long-wearing properties make it a top contender in the drugstore primer category.

Product Details:

  • Size: 0.74 ounces
  • Finish: Matte
  • Skin Type: All
  • Key Ingredients: Tea tree, vitamins A and E

DHC Velvet Skin Coat: Mattifying Perfection

Our Ratings:

  • Hydration: ★★★

  • Grip: ★★★★

  • Smoothness: ★★★★★

  • Wear Time: ★★★★★

  • Value: ★★★★

A Mattifying Primer for a Flawless Canvas

The DHC Velvet Skin Coat is a mattifying primer that effectively minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and imperfections. Its unique powder-gel formula creates a smooth, velvety base for long-lasting makeup wear.  

Pore-Minimizing and Oil Control

This primer excels at blurring imperfections and controlling oil production. The silica-infused formula absorbs excess sebum, keeping your skin matte and shine-free throughout the day.  

Smooth Finish and Long-Wear  

The Velvet Skin Coat creates a smooth, even canvas for foundation application. It helps extend makeup wear, preventing fading and transfer.  

A Note on Hydration

While the primer effectively controls oil, it might be slightly drying for those with extremely dry skin. Combining it with a hydrating serum can help balance the skin’s moisture levels.

The Verdict

The DHC Velvet Skin Coat is an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin seeking a mattifying primer. Its pore-minimizing abilities and oil-control benefits make it a reliable option for achieving a flawless, long-lasting complexion.  

Product Details:

Size: 0.52 ounces  
Finish: Matte
Skin Type: All
Key Ingredients: Organic olive oil, silica

What Is WRSTREND Tested?

We created the WRSTREND Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the WRSTREND Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, WRSTREND Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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