Makeup Primers That Actually Work: From Pore-Blurring to Dewy Glow
Last Updated on October 25, 2024 by Amy
I’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster relationship with face primers over the years. From piling to stickiness and even greasy and flaky skin, I’ve experienced my fair share of primer mishaps. But after plenty of trial and error, I’ve found a handful of products that truly enhance your makeup and deliver results. In this post, I’m sharing my tried-and-tested primers that, in my opinion, actually work.
Why You Need a Primer
Have you ever wondered if you really need a makeup primer? If you’re looking for smoother makeup application, longer wear, or a solution to specific skin concerns, the answer is a definite yes! They provide a flawless base, helping makeup glide on effortlessly and last longer.
Depending on your skin’s needs, the right primer can:
- Boost Hydration: Give dry skin extra moisture for a plump look.
- Smooth Skin: Fill in fine lines and blur pores for a perfect canvas.
- Control Shine: Keep oily skin in check with mattifying formulas.
- Neutralise Redness: Even out skin tone with colour-correcting options.
How to Apply Primer Like a Pro
Even the best primer won’t perform well if it’s not applied correctly. Follow these tips to make the most of your primer:
- Start with a Clean Face: Make sure your skin is cleansed and moisturised before applying primer.
- Use a Small Amount: A little goes a long way—start with a pea-sized amount and spread it evenly across your face.
- Focus on Problem Areas: Apply more primer where you need it most (e.g., T-zone, around the nose).
- Let It Dry: Allow the primer to set for a minute before applying foundation to avoid pilling.
- Dab, Don’t Rub: When applying foundation, use a dabbing motion to maintain the primer’s smooth base.
The Best Makeup Primers (Tried and Tested!)
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Best Silicone-Free Primer for Long-Lasting Makeup: Milk Hydro Grip Primer
The Milk Hydro Grip Primer is a cult favourite for its long-lasting hold and hydration. This gel-based primer “grips” makeup for all-day wear, even in humid conditions, and provides a dewy, hydrated finish.
Pros:
- Keeps makeup in place all day.
- Hydrating formula with a natural finish.
- Cooling and soothing, best primer for dry or sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Not ideal for a matte finish.
- Sticky texture until fully set.
- Doesn’t pair well with silicone-based foundations. I had a major mishap when I tried it with my Armani Luminous Silk—it separated and caused a lot of pilling!
What I Loved
It took me a while to get this one right but now that I’ve perfected it, it is my go-to for days I need my makeup to last. Initially, I used too much and found it sticky, but now one pump works perfectly for my combination skin. The cooling sensation and added hydration are a bonus, leaving my skin plump and dewy without a greasy feel. Once it sets, my water-based foundations and skin tints go on smoothly, and I notice a significant improvement in makeup longevity.
Where to Buy
It’s available here at Space NK for £35/$45.50 (45mls).
Best Pore Vanishing Primer: Benefit POREfessional Primer
Benefit’s POREfessional Primer is fantastic for minimising pores and fine lines, creating a smooth, matte base. It’s a perfect primer for oily or combination skin and keeps shine in check.
Pros:
- Excellent at blurring pores and fine lines.
- Mattifies the skin and controls oil.
- Lightweight texture, comfortable for all-day wear.
Cons:
- Not hydrating, so may not suit dry skin.
- Can emphasise dry patches.
- May cause piling when used with water-based foundations.
What I Loved
This primer delivers a velvety, matte finish that instantly smooths and blurs imperfections. It’s lightweight and layers well under makeup without causing pilling. I tend to use this primer more in the summer when I need more serious oil control if I want my makeup to survive the heat. It works brilliantly with silicone-based foundations and gives an airbrushed finish.
Where to Buy
It’s available here at Sephora for £32/$35 (22mls). It’s also available in a smaller 7.5ml size.
Best Brightening Primer: Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer
This primer blurs imperfections, evens out skin tone, and adds a radiant glow. Beauty Pie Wonderfilter feels lightweight and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Brightens and evens skin tone for a flawless base
- Blurs imperfections and adds a soft-focus effect
- Lightweight and hydrating, ideal for daily use
- Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Offers a subtle glow rather than a dramatic radiance
- May not keep oil at bay all day on very oily skin
- Lacks strong pore-filling properties
What I Loved
Wonderfilter instantly brightens and smooths, providing a subtle, natural glow. It hydrates without being greasy and works well alone or under makeup. This gentle formula is ideal for daily use and offers a fresh, radiant look that lasts. I love how it blurs fine lines and makes my complexion look more even. The texture is silky and lightweight, absorbing quickly without leaving any residue. I’m not sure if this primer actually makes my makeup last any longer but it definitely makes it look better!
Where to Buy
This primer is only available directly at Beauty Pie and costs £13.50 (30mls for members). It’s £23 for non-members but they do offer a free 60-day trial if you have never tried Beauty Pie before.
Best for a Radiant, Dewy finish: Vieve Skin Nova
The Vieve Skin Nova is a primer and radiance booster, offering skincare benefits with a luminous finish. Packed with brightening ingredients like niacinamide, it hydrates, smooths, and creates a radiant base.
Pros
- Hydrating with a skincare-infused formula
- Lightweight, comfortable for all-day wear
- Delivers a radiant finish, ideal for dewy makeup looks
- Versatile for wearing alone or under makeup
Cons
- Dewy finish may add shine to oily skin
- Not focused on pore-blurring or oil control
- Slightly higher price point
What I Loved
This primer feels like a luxurious serum, instantly hydrating and plumping the skin. The niacinamide helps even my skin tone, and the dewy finish adds a natural radiance that enhances makeup. It’s a fantastic option for dry to normal skin, perfect for those who love a fresh, luminous look. With my oily-combination skin type, I would probably avoid using this primer in the summer and around my t-zone area. However, when used on the drier parts of my face, it gives my makeup a gorgeous immediate glow.
It works beautifully with Vieve’s Skin Nova Complexion Balm which I have reviewed here!
Where to Buy
Vieve Skin Nova is available here at Space NK for £31/$40 (30mls). It also comes in 10ml and 100mls.
Bonus Pick: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (As a Primer!)
Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray does more than just set makeup for up to 16 hours – it also works brilliantly as a primer, creating a smooth, hydrated base. I reach for it constantly because it’s fast, easy, and effective, ticking all the boxes for my busy routine.
Pros
- Lightweight and hydrating base
- Controls shine for a fresh, radiant look
- Multi-use as both primer and setting spray
Cons
- May need extra hydration for very dry skin
- Doesn’t provide strong pore-blurring
What I Loved
After my skincare, I spray a light layer of this mist and let it set for a minute. It grips my makeup perfectly, leaving a soft, velvety finish. Once my makeup is complete, I spritz it again to lock everything in, giving me shine control with a natural, dewy glow. This multitasking spray is ideal for anyone looking for speed and performance in one bottle!
Where to Buy
It is available here at Space NK for £32/$42 (100mls).
Which primer have you tried, and what’s your favourite? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your experiences!
