These Are the 7 Best Makeup Primers for Every Skin Type
The right makeup primer is everything. Without it, your makeup has a harder time gliding onto your complexion and ultimately, getting through a long, busy day (or night). But according to Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified NYC dermatologist, that’s not the only thing primers do. “Primers are good because they are a skin protectant and act as a water repellent by forming a protective barrier on the skin,” she explains. “They spread easily and leave a silky, smooth base for makeup application.”
That said, not all makeup primers have one-skin-type-fits-all formulas, which is why it’s important to use one made specifically with your skin type in mind. “Choose a primer wisely or it can cause issues, especially if you have problem skin such as acne-prone,” Dr. Jaliman warns. “If you don’t choose a primer for your skin type, your makeup will not go on as smooth and you will not get the best lasting results,” she adds. “Makeup stays on longer when the correct primer is used,” she explains.
How to Find the Right Primer for Your Skin Type
One easy trick to remember what primers go best with your skin type is to think of your skin care products. What types of ingredients do you use for your skin type? Are there any specific words that stick out, such as mattifying, hydrating and anti-aging? Many makeup primers include similar ingredients that work with each skin type to deliver desired results.
Typically, if you have dry skin, you use products that provide the complexion with nourishment and hydration. Dr. Jaliman says those with dry skin should “choose a hydrating primer” just like their products. On the opposite side of the spectrum, those who experience excess oil or are prone to breakouts might want to consider something oil-free or mattifying. “This will absorb some of the oil,” explains Dr. Jaliman. On top of that, those with mature skin types can also benefit from using a primer. Not only do some primers provide a nice, youthful-looking glow, according to Dr. Jaliman, they “can temporarily fill in fine lines and wrinkles on the face,” too.
Looking for the best makeup primer for your skin type? We’ve got that covered, ahead.
1. Oily Skin
Makeup primers don’t just make for better foundation application, they can help keep oily skin under control, too. “[A] mattifying primer [can] reduce your skin’s oil production,” explains Dr. Jaliman. “These primers also tend to work for large pores and acne,” she adds. In addition to mattifying, look for oil-free primers, as they aren’t as heavy on the complexion and don’t interfere with your skin’s sebum production.
Kiss shine goodbye with Tarte Cosmetics Poreless Mattifying Primer. Enriched with loads of beneficial skin ingredients such as antioxidants and botanical extracts, the oily skin makeup primer glides on to smooth and mattify the complexion for an ideal foundation base.
2. Redness-Prone Skin
Redness can be one of the hardest things to cover up, but with color-correcting makeup primers, it’s totally possible. “Many of the color-correcting primers are green, as [it] tends to balance out red, blotchy skin,” explains Dr. Jaliman. Using a color-correcting primer can help even out the look of skin’s tone and provide a more neutral base for foundation application.
Stila Cosmetics One Step Correct is more than a green-hued makeup primer—it has ALL the colors! Featuring a swirl of green, lavender and peach, the makeup primer works to correct concerns like redness, sallowness and dark circles on fair skin tones. On top of that, it’s ultra-nourishing with ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
3. Large Pores or Acne-Prone Skin
Similar to oily skin, Dr. Jaliman recommends trying a mattifying primer as they “tend to work for large pores and acne.” In addition, “Look for products that are labeled non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores. Also, primers with salicylic acid are great for people with acne because they actually help to reduce acne while wearing it,” she notes.
Salicylic acid isn’t the only skin care ingredient that can benefit acne-prone skin—tea tree oil can, too. Dr. Brandt’s Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer works double time to not only deliver oil- and acne-reducing ingredients like tea tree oil and flaxseed oil (which helps to regulate oil production), it also helps to mattify the complexion for a flawless foundation application every time.
4. Dull Skin
Dull skin and mature skin call for similar makeup primer formulas as they can both benefit from nourishment, antioxidants and hydration. When considering a makeup primer for dull skin, look for words like “brightening” as it tends to indicate a formula’s ability to promote radiance via ingredients like antioxidants and sometimes even faking it with a little shimmer.
5. Normal Skin
As far as normal skin types are concerned, Dr. Jaliman says to look for “primers with SPF in them.” Starting your base with a little SPF can help protect the skin from the sun; that coupled with a smoothing formula makes for a dream application.
Flaunt that coveted no-makeup makeup look with COOLA’s Daydream® Mineral SPF 30 Makeup Primer Sunscreen. Crafted with a weightless and SPF-enriched formula, this silky wonder delivers the same benefits as a primer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. On top of that, it can give the skin a burst of nourishment while fading the look of pores and uneven skin while leaving the complexion with a stunning Kira-Kira-worthy glow.
6. Mature Skin
Makeup primers for mature skin should be “full of nutrients, antioxidants [and] nourishing,” explains Dr. Jaliman. In addition, a moisturizing primer is key. As we age, our skin tends to prefer the drier side of the spectrum. If that’s the case for you, switching your primer to a more hydrating formula can help with the overall texture of your skin along with a smoother makeup application.
In addition to hydration, a primer that can temporarily fill in fine lines and wrinkles can also benefit mature skin types. Luckily, Dermatologica has just what you need with its AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30. Enriched with arginine, peptides and antioxidants to help promote more youthful-looking skin and sunscreen to protect against the sun’s damaging UV rays, this makeup primer is so good it can be worn as a standalone product or under your favorite foundation.
7. Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, ingredients are key. “Primers with [fewer] ingredients [are] a good thing,” says Dr. Jaliman. In addition, look for words like “fragrance-free, oil-free and paraben-free,” she advises. Sensitive skin can also benefit from hydrating and soothing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and spring water.
Soothe sensitive skin and prep it for a flawless makeup application with Becca Cosmetics First Light Priming Filter. Don’t let its sheer formula confuse you. The illuminating makeup primer glides on sheer but uses the brand’s Cool Light Technology to even skin tone and get it ready for a dewy #MOTD.
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