The 10 Best Face Primers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

5

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Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a must-have if you’re in the market for a primer that makes skin look like it's lit from within. The gel goes on completely invisible (despite the bottle having a greenish tint), and, according to our tester, smooths the look of skin right away — all you need is a pea-sized amount. What’s more, it grips any and all makeup you put on top of it for all day hold without sacrificing hydration. 

The ingredients are equally as impressive; the formula contains blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, cannabis seed extract, and niacinamide to provide long-lasting hydration and visibly smooth the appearance of your skin. Something to consider: It can feel tacky upon application, but it dries down pretty quickly. Dry skin folks might appreciate the dewy finish, but those looking for a matte finish might want to keep scrolling. 

Price at time of publish: $36 for 1.52 fl oz

Key Ingredients: Blue agave extract, Hyaluronic acid, Cannabis seed extract, Niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.33, 1.52 or 5.28 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Drugstore

NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

5

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You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a quality face primer. Case in point: This creamy primer smoothes skin, giving it a soft focus finish for a little over 15 dollars. Not only does it work well under makeup, but it’s formulated with anti-inflammatory marshmallow root extract which makes it ideal for those who need a little extra skin soothing. Our tester was impressed with its quality, especially given the price. She especially liked its “even consistency” that left behind “no residue.” Plus, it absorbs into the skin completely after a few minutes, leaving behind hydrated, soft skin. 

The primer has a subtle sweet scent. So if you’re sensitive to fragrance or just don’t love the concept of your primer having a smell, keep that in mind before buying. 

Price at time of publish: $14

Finish: Matte | Shades: 23 | Size: 0.11 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Budget

Honest Beauty Everything Primer Matte

5

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For a primer that comes out creamy, it’s surprising how fast it dries down and mattifies oily skin. What’s even more shocking is that it’s really affordable. The applicator is a tube with a pump, which our tester found to be a “delightful surprise.” This feature allows for the right amount of product to come out every time, ensuring you don’t waste any product. The tester especially liked this feature as it helps the product last a long time. Two pumps covered her face perfectly, prepping her skin for makeup by taking away any excess shine. Although the tester didn’t seem to mind, the product does have a subtle fragrance. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that since it’s mattifying, those with super dry skin might not like how it feels when it dries down. If this sounds like you, check out a more hydrating option instead. 

Price at time of publish: $13

Finish: Matte | Shades: 23 | Size: 0.11 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Hydrating

Too Faced Hangover Primer

5

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Primers aren’t just for the oily skin set; there are plenty of hydrating options out there that are ideal for adding extra moisture to dry skin. The Too Faced Hangover Primer, which is infused with nourishing and restorative ingredients like coconut water, glycerin, and probiotics is great for reviving dry skin. It has other benefits, too, like extending makeup wear and ensuring foundation stays fresher for longer. One thing we’re not crazy about is that it contains olive oil, which is known to clog pores for those prone to breakouts. 

Price at time of publish: $20

Key Ingredients: Coconut water, probiotics | Skin Type: Dry, Combination | Size: 1.35 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Mattifying

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

4.7

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Infused with both silk extracts and silk powder, this velvety balm makes your skin quite literally feel as smooth as silk. Ideal for all skin types, the multi-tasking formula (it can be used on eyes, lips, and face) is a top pick for Byrdie Editorial Director Hallie Gould. One scoop helps to minimize shine and offers a soft-focus finish that blurs the look of imperfections and fine lines. It also contains pollution-fighting natural actives meant to not only repair immediate damage, but also strengthen the skin barrier to protect against future damage. 

Plus, it contains the brand’s signature Hadasei-3, a complex of youth-boosting ingredients, to leave skin soft and radiant. Our tester even lauded the fact that her skin looked flawless and more even. One thing we wish we could change: The pot. Although it's an adorable addition to any vanity, it’s not the most hygienic — use a scoop or be sure to wash your hands before using to avoid contamination.  

Price at time of publish: $54

Key Ingredients: Silk, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Large Pores

Tarte Cosmetics Poreless Mattifying Primer

5

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If we’re being honest, there’s no way of changing the size of your pores. But, with a good primer, you can drastically minimize their appearance. The Poreless Mattifying Primer from Tarte is a great option if you’re looking to shrink the look of your pores and help makeup look its best, even when sweat or an unexpected rainstorm come into play. Thanks to matte-blur technology, the silky, invisible gel mattifies skin and erases the look of pores, uneven skin texture, scars, and dry patches for up to 12 hours. 

According to our tester, it has a Vaseline-like consistency that doesn’t come across as too oily. In fact, she said it has the “perfect amount” of hydration. Take note that if you already have dry skin, this one may not be for you. Reviewers online have shared that although the primer succeeds in shrinking the look of pores, the mattifying properties left their dry skin irritated.

Price at time of publish: $32

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, Echinacea root, Hibiscus flower, Rosemary leaf extract | Skin Type: Oily, Combination | Size: 1.00 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer

5

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Those with oily skin can benefit from using a primer even more so than most — just pick the right formula and you can greatly cut down on the likelihood of unwanted slick spots cropping up midday. This formula from Fenty Beauty is oil-free and instantly sops up shine without making skin look or feel chalky. Instead, it feels cushiony and soft, and delivers a filter-like blurring effect. Don’t be surprised if it’s slightly tinted when it comes out of the tube: The primer imparts a white tint that blends (cast-free) into all skin tones. Be warned that it is heavily scented, so if you’re easily irritated by fragrances in cosmetics, you may want to steer clear of this primer. 

Price at time of publish: $34 for 1 fl oz

Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, Glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5 or 1.00 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Dry Skin

Youthforia Pregame Primer

4.8

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Those with dry skin understand the struggle that is dry patches. Thankfully, with this primer from Youthforia, you won’t have to worry about those wreaking havoc on your makeup. Because the brand believes makeup is an extension of skincare, all of the products are formulated to be skin-loving enough to sleep in (yes, really). Created with a hydrating blend of glycerin and plant extracts — like olive leaf, apple, tea tree, willow, melon, fig, and more — dry skin is made to feel at ease. So much so that our tester went as far as saying the primer gave her skin much-needed radiance and hydration. 

Price at time of publish: $38

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Plant extracts  | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.00 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Dull Skin

MAC Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer

5

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To achieve glassy, glowy skin, prep your base with a radiance-boosting primer, like this illuminating formula. It’s creamy and skin-conditioning, thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, olive oil, jojoba and vitamin E. Our tester confirmed that it feels wonderful to the touch and keeps her foundation hydrated with a natural-looking glow. All you have to do is apply a pea-sized amount (or two) to your fingertips and blend it into your skin.

Price at time of publish: $34

Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.00 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No