7 Best Face Primers in 2023

We have an unpopular opinion here at foundation-finder.com:  we don’t believe expensive primers are of any better quality than the affordable best face primers on this list.  We tried the high end brands that people swear by like Smashbox, and while we thought it was a great primer, the following brands were just as good but for a cheaper price, and can all be found on Amazon!  The key is applying primer with a brush to blend it into the skin and then giving it time to dry and set before applying foundation. 

Side note, we saw a review for one of the primers left by a man who said he does not wear makeup but started wearing primer as a way to make his pores appear smaller.  How have we never thought of that before!?  Nice tip for the men in your life!

Here are our top picks of the best face primers for prepping foundation!

*we will include whether each primer is water-based or silicone-based for you to pair with a similar based foundation (we are currently working on an article with recommended pairings, coming soon!)

1.  NYX Studio Perfect Primer – $14.00

Our #1  Choice!

We were extremely impressed by this drugstore brand primer!  After applying it, foundation glides on and stays put all day.  It has it all:  covers fine lines, covers pores, doesn’t cause breakouts, and a smooth matte finish.  We tried the clear but there are two additional shades available, green and lavender, which color correct redness and yellow tones, respectively. Silicone-based.

Purchase Here:

Ulta NYX Amazon

2.  Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer, Blur + Smooth – $8.98-$10.99

This water-based formula is not only good for sensitive skin, but it will work with all skin types and blur blemishes without clogging your pores.  We especially love how it does not leave a greasy residue that some other primers do.  If you have dry skin and want more moisture, try the hydrate + smooth version.  And if you are on the oily side and require some shine control, the blur + pore minimize bottle is a great option. Water-based.

Purchase Here:

Ulta Amazon

3.  Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer – $20

This primer does the job!  It’s perfect for oily skin because it’s matte without drying.  It also works great with dry skin as long as you moisturize beforehand (if you’d rather have an illuminating finish, try this one!).  Silicone-based.

Purchase Here

4.  e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer – $10.00

Our Choice For:  Blurring Fine Lines

If you are seeking a poreless and flawless finish to your makeup, this stuff is for you.  It will even work as an eyelid primer, too!  Which is rare since most face primers are too thick to apply to your eyes. First ingredient is water but second is silicone-containing.

Purchase Here:

e.l.f. cosmetics Ulta Amazon

5.  Covergirl Simply Ageless Makeup Primer – $16.99

Our Choice For:  Liquid Foundation

There were more reviews from people saying they ditched high-end brands for this primer more than any others on our list.  It provides a solid amount of moisture without appearing greasy and is oil-free, great for dry skin.  If you have oily skin, we recommend setting your makeup with a powder rather than a spray to help with oil control. Covergirl states “It is Water in a Silicone Base”.

Purchase Here:

Ulta Walmart

6.  Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser – $7.99

Our Choice For:  Minimizing Pores

This is ranked #2 on Amazon’s list of best selling foundation primers!  And we can confirm that it has earned its high ranking spot.  If you have large pores that you want covered and/or minimized, you must give this primer a shot! Silicone-based.

Purchase Here:

Ulta Amazon

7.  bareMinerals PRIME TIME Original Pore-Minimizing Primer – $28.00

Our Choice For: Long Lasting

Although this primer is priciest on our list, you only need to apply a small amount of it to be effective.  If mineral powder foundation is your go-to, we cannot recommend this primer enough.  It provides such a silky finish.  Pro tip – shake well before use.  Silicone-based.

Purchase Here:

bareMinerals Ulta Sephora

We hope our list of the best face primers was able to help you find the perfect primer to apply under your foundation, while at an affordable price!