WHEN you’re out, you want your foundation to stay put all day and the best primers will provide an anchor to ensure that everything stays where it should.
They also even out skin tone and provide a smooth base for applying make-up.
Choosing a primer begins with knowing your skin type – dry, combination, sensitive and oily skin all have different needs so look for a product that works with your skin. Hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid are great for dry skin while sensitive types could benefit from skin soothers like aloe vera and rosewater.
Silicone-free primers are a good idea if you have dry skin, you’re prone to break-outs or have acne, as they don’t block pores, whereas if you have oily skin then the mattifying effects of a silicone primer may suit you better.
Colour-correcting primers are perfect if you’re prone to redness (go green) or look a little washed out (pick pink or purple), and help balance out your complexion.
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Generally speaking, primers smooth the skin and minimise the look of pores; on mature skin, they even out the texture so makeup doesn’t sit in facial lines, and all of them work to give a flawless finish.
They’ve grown in popularity in recent years and they’re now an essential part of our everyday beauty kit – not just the preserve of makeup artists.
We’ve tested a range of primers for different skin types so if you’re confused about where to start or just want to learn more about these makeup essentials, then read on for our guide to the best primers available in the UK right now.
Best primers at a glance:
- Best overall face primer: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer
- Best budget primer: e.l.f Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer
- Best primer for oily skin: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Mattifying Primer Base
- Best primer for dry skin: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer
- Best blurring primer: Trinny London Miracle Blur
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer
- Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer, £40 from Charlotte Tilbury - buy here
Pros: SPF 50, contains hyaluronic acid, make-up glides over it, smoothes out pores
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
This may not surprise beauty fans out there but the Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer from Charlotte Tilbury is very good.
A true mixture of skincare and makeup, the real selling point of this base is the SPF50. As most of us know by now, there's nothing more important than SPF when it comes to keeping our skin healthy and looking fresh, whatever the weather.
The primer sits comfortably on the skin and allows liquid and cream foundations to glide smoothly, without catching or dragging.
As with several Charlotte Tilbury products, this primer contains skincare favourite hyaluronic acid, so you can expect your skin to look and feel hydrated.
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Add its ability to smooth out pores and keep makeup put, and you've got a product that is perfect for skin in need of a moisture boost.
Size: 30ml, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
e.l.f Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer
- e.l.f Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer, £10 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Great price, easy to apply, moisturising, keeps make-up in place all-day
Cons: Better under liquid foundations than powders
Rating: 4/5
If you've ever been on TikTok and the algorithm has decided you've got even the vaguest interest in beauty, you'll likely have seen the e.l.f Poreless Putty Primer.
It has a soothing, balm-like texture that's easy to distribute over clean skin for a flawless finish. Apply after moisturising - and SPF during the day - and feel the moisture lock-in. Although it mattifies to smooth out pores it's infused with squalane to hydrate and make sure your make-up stays in place all day.
Best used with liquid foundations rather than powders because of its balmy texture, you'll be searching for your pores because of how perfecting it is.
At £10, it really lasts and is the perfect primer for matte, flawless make-up.
Size: 21g, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
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YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer
- YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer, £26.40
£33from Look Fantastic - buy here
Pros: Boosts luminosity, reduces the appearance of pores, feels like a serum, apply with brush or fingers, use it under foundation or alone
Cons: None
Rating: 4/5
Okay, we've all heard of Touche Eclat right?
The Illuminating Pen is possibly one of the most well known make-up products out there and this primer is from the same range, so expectations were understandably high.
It didn't disappoint.
It's a liquid consistency that feels a lot like a serum and delicately glides over the skin, reducing the appearance of pores while also giving skin a luminous boost.
Just like the original Touche Eclat Illuminating Pen, this primer is all about radiance and flawlessness whether you use it under foundation or on its own.
You don't need much, just one pump and you can apply with fingers or a brush, we'll leave that choice up to you.
Leave it to sink in for ten seconds if you're applying foundation for the best results or just let it work its magic on its own.
Size: 30ml, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Trinny London Miracle Blur
- Trinny London Miracle Blur, £26 from Trinny London - buy here
Pros: Blurs wrinkles, reduces shine
Cons: Small pot, not for the entire face
Rating: 3/5
You might remember Trinny Woodall from a number of popular TV shows, but the former presenter is now the owner of a hugely successful cosmetics brand in Trinny London.
With the focus leaning towards more mature skin, Miracle Blur works to reduce the appearance of lines by smoothing and blurring skin texture.
This isn't one to be slathered all over your face because it is about targeting areas that need extra help, for example, under the eyes or wrinkles around the lips.
Aside from blurring out lines, it also reduces shine so it's a good one for oilier skin or if you're planning to be in front of any camera flashes.
It's quite a small pot but we reckon if you use it daily it should last about six weeks.
Size: Unknown, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: Yes
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Mattifying Primer Base
- L'Oreal Paris Infallible Mattifying Primer Base, £9.99 from Look Fantastic - buy here
Pros: Reduces the appearance of pores, gives a non-slip base for liquid or cream foundations, keeps make-up in place, reduces shine
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Rating: 4/5
L'Oreal Paris is a proper high street staple and they always offer high-quality products at super affordable prices.
The Infallible Mattifying Primer is the brand's first gel primer and is a great one for oily skin because - as the name suggests - it mattifies so you won't be battling shine.
Foundation can often be difficult to get right with oily skin because so many are liquid or cream-based, which can turn shiny or slide around throughout the day.
But pop on a layer of this base after moisturising and before the foundation to soak up any unwanted shine and keep your makeup in place.
It creates a thin layer over the surface of the skin to reduce the appearance of pores - it's worth noting the size of pores never change physically so we really do just mean the appearance - for a velvet finish.
For £9.99, you can't really go wrong.
Size: 35ml, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer
- Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer, £24 from LookFantastic - buy here
Pros: Don't need to use a lot of product each time, blends with fingers or a brush, salicylic acid reduces blemishes, shea butter moisturises, good under foundation
Cons: Gives a glow, which may not work with oilier skin
Rating: 4/5
If radiant skin is your jam then let us introduce you to the Flawless Beauty Primer from Pixi.
This one is all about creating even, glowing skin. When you squeeze it out of the tube, you can immediately see how reflective the rose gold liquid is, although it does settle down as you blend it in.
You don't need much: just a small blob on the five points of the face which you can blend in with fingers or a brush.
Aside from its radiant properties, it is sophisticated, boosting and protecting the skin by using skincare stalwarts.
Salicylic acid does what it does best, clearing pores and reducing blemishes while shea butter nourishes and soothes.
This sits nicely underneath the foundation but do expect your whole face to glow so have some powder handy to set the central parts of the face for more subtlety.
As we've come to expect from Pixi products, this primer works, although this one is best for combination and drier skin because the glow is likely to prove too much for oilier skin types.
Size: 30ml, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: Yes
Glossier Futuredew
- Glossier Futuredew, £28 from Glossier - buy here
Pros: Gives a lovely glow under foundation, hydrating and nourishing,
Cons: Cab be a bit too dewy
Rating: 3.5/5
Glossier gets a lot of hype. And with its millennial pink packaging and clean-looking products, we can see why.
This one isn't technically marketed as a primer but we love the glow it gives us when we use it under foundation.
Packed full of nourishing and hydrating ingredients, like sugarcane squalane and evening primrose, you'll immediately notice the skin is more hydrated and, well, glossier.
Although this is oil-based, it doesn't break down foundation and instead creates a 'glow from within' finish which is especially good in the summer.
And, if these are on your makeup checklist, the Futuredew is also vegan and cruelty-free. Tick and tick.
Put a little on after moisturiser and before your makeup for glowing skin.
Size: 30ml, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
- Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, from £18 at Cult Beauty - buy here
Pros: Keeps foundation in place for 24 hours or longer, hydrating, doesn't crease or slide
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
This primer does exactly what it says it will do; it grips on to your foundation for dear life. Trust us.
We've tested this so you don't have to - always wash your makeup off before you go to sleep folks - but just in case, we know that massaging this liquid/gel hybrid into your skin will keep your foundation in place for at least 24 hours.
It feels incredibly hydrating as it goes on but soon becomes tacky which means it's time to apply your foundation and let the hydro-grip work its magic.
Of all the primers on this list, this is the one to go for if you know you're going to need your foundation, CC cream or whichever base you use to stay put.
Expect no sliding or creasing from this Gen-Z-approved product as well as genuinely hydrated skin.
There are two sizes of this one available, a mini 10ml tube for £18 or the full size 45ml for £35.
Size: 10ml and 45ml, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
Estee Lauder Double Wear Flawless Hydrating Primer
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Flawless Hydrating Primer, £31 from Boots - buy here
Pros: Great for oily skin, moisturising, natural-looking finish, soothes dry skin, SPF 45
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Rating: 4.5/5
Double Wear is the creme-de-la-creme of Estee Lauder's make-up offerings and includes a sheer foundation that we included in our best foundations roundup because we loved it so much.
Double Wear is oil-free which is good news for those of you with oily or combination skin because it adds moisture without creating extra unwanted shine.
This one isn't for creating matte skin though, it still allows some dewiness for a natural-looking finish and if you err on the side of dryness this won't aggravate it, instead, this primer soothes and hydrates.
To top it all off, it has SPF 45 built-in so if you forget to apply your actual SPF you've got that extra layer of protection.
Size: 30ml, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Benefit The POREfessional Lite Primer
- Benefit The POREfessional Lite Primer, £32 from Boots - buy here
Pros: light texture, hydrating, gives a smooth finish, can be used alone
Cons: Easy to use too much
Rating: 4.5/5
Benefit is known for two things in particular - brows and primer.
This offering is their newest primer launch, bringing an even lighter dimension to Benefit's incredibly popular POREfessional primer.
It's still a mousse texture but now contains glycerin for an ultra-light, hydrating finish.
The best thing is how well it smoothes out skin and it is absolutely a product that can be worn on its own.
Don't use too much though which can be the trap with products that aren't a liquid, just squeeze a small amount onto the back of your hand and blend out with a brush.
You can use your fingers if you'd rather but we think a brush gives a cleaner finish with this one.
Size: 22ml, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer
- Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Primer, £47 from Selfridges - buy here
Pros: contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, easy application with brush or fingers, keeps foundation in place all day, smooth finish
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
If you're picking up a product from Pat McGrath, you can be fairly certain that it's going to fast become one of your favourites.
The Perfection Primer fits that mould, no problem. Formulated to smooth and refine, this beauty base is full of hydrating hyaluronic acid to ensure the skin doesn't dry out which, in turn, will leave your foundation look even smoother.
It's a creamy liquid texture that you can apply using your fingers or a brush and the silky primer locks your base in all day for a supple and delicate finish.
It's a little pricier at £47, but Pat McGrath products really are worth the money. We'd be very surprised if you wore this primer and didn't get comments on how great your skin looked because that's how good it is.
We love it.
Size: 30ml, Vegan: Yes, Cruelty-free: Yes
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer
- Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer, £45.60 from Cult Beauty - buy here
Pros: Hydrating, smoothes the appearance of pores, contains antioxidants and hyaluronic acid
Cons: Not cruelty-free
Rating: 4.5/5
Makeup lovers know all about Kevyn Aucoin because it never misses.
If you're yet to come across the brand that was created by the eponymous founder who was responsible for creating the sculpted look of the '90s then it is our pleasure to introduce you.
Kevyn Aucoin's mission was always to enhance natural beauty and he worked his magic on icons like Elizabeth Taylor and the original supermodels.
So it's not too much of a surprise that the Sensual Skin Primer feels lightweight and luxurious when it's on.
The creamy formula smoothes out pores and creates a hydrating layer for the foundation to sit on top of. Or wear it alone for a naturally flawless finish.
Hyaluronic acid plumps and moisturises while antioxidants do their job protecting the skin from external aggressors - think pollution and the like.
We're a big fan of this brand and this primer because if it's good enough for Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford then it's good enough for us.
Size: 30ml, Vegan: No, Cruelty-free: No
Where to buy make-up primers in the UK?
Primers are available both on the high street and online. Department stores with large beauty sections are always a good starting point, but larger branches of Boots and Superdrug usually stock a wide variety of makeup names so are a great place to browse and discover new ranges.
For smaller and more niche brands then online beauty giants, such as Look Fantastic, Cult Beauty and Sephora are excellent; you can also head directly to an individual company’s website, where you may well pick up a great deal on the product you’re after.
We found the primers features in our review round-up at:
- Boots
- Charlotte Tilbury
- Cult Beauty
- Glossier
- Look Fantastic
- M&S
- Selfridges
- Trinny London
How much do make-up primers cost?
Make-up primers vary in cost depending on the brand, ingredients and size of the product. Prices start from a few pounds – Primark and Aldi both offer primers that look like more expensive products – and rise considerably once you get into designer territory.
The primers we reviewed in our feature ranged from £9.99 to £47. With such a wide price range you’re sure to find something to fit your budget.
What is primer?
Primer is the foundation before the foundation. It's a mousse, liquid or cream product that sits on the skin and will either calm shine or boost radiance depending on the product you choose and your skin type.
What does makeup primer do?
If you notice your foundation sliding around or creasing, primer will fix that. As well as acting as a building block for the rest of your makeup it normally smoothes out skin, reduces the appearance of pores and can sometimes work as extra skincare with many options including staples like hyaluronic acid.
How to apply primer
Primer comes after your skincare but before your makeup. It's the in-between that links the two together and you'd normally apply it after moisturising.
You can apply with fingers or a brush depending on the consistency of the product, but generally using your fingers is a great way to massage into skin.
What is the best primer?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer for this one because it all depends on your skin type and what you're hoping to get from your primer.
Looking for something that's going to keep your makeup in place no matter what? Milk is the one to go for.
Struggle with very oily skin? Then check out L'Oreal Paris' Infallible primer.
All of the primers on this list are excellent, so it's up to you to decide which one fits what you're specifically looking for.
