The Best Drugstore Primers for Every Skin Type, According to Editors

You might think makeup primer is an unnecessary extra step, but once you start using it, you’ll forget there was any other way to do your makeup. A good primer can be the key to transforming any foundation formulas, allowing them to glide on easier and last longer throughout the day. That said, there’s no need to break the bank on a makeup primer. Whether you’re looking to add a little extra glow, mattify or make your pores look smaller, there’s a primer to help you. Keep reading for the best drugstore primers for every skin type. 

The Best Drugstore Primers for Large Pores

NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Targeted Stick

If blurring and minimizing the look of large pores is your main concern, reach for this solid primer stick. The formula reduces oil and is totally translucent under makeup.

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

Watch your pores magically disappear with the Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer. True to its name, it leaves your skin feeling baby smooth, giving you a flawless canvas for the rest of your makeup. 

Revolution PRO Blur Stick Universal Face Primer

Target and diffuse large pores with the Revolution PRO Blur Stick Universal Face Primer. Our favorite thing about this primer is the convenient, mess-free stick form. Just toss it in your bag for on-the-go mattifying and touch-ups. 

The Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte Poreless Mattifying Face Primer

Control shine for up to 16 hours with this mattifying formula. As a bonus, it contains broad-spectrum SPF 20.

L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter

Mattify and lock in your makeup all day with the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter. Excess shine is no match for this primer, which is formulated with salicylic acid to rebalance oily skin over time. 

BLK/OPL Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer

We love this primer because it neutralizes oil without drying your skin out. Prep with this primer and you won’t have to worry about your skin looking greasy throughout the day.

The Best Drugstore Primers for Dry Skin

NYX Professional Makeup Face Freezie Cooling Primer + Moisturizer

This cooling primer from NYX Professional Makeup doubles as a moisturizer and can be worn on its own, so it’s a perfect primer option for dry skin types. Snow mushroom and niacinamide in the formula deliver major hydration. 

Milani Skin Quench Hydrating Face Primer

Soften dry skin with this lotion-y primer. The hydrating formula contains coconut water and hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture, and is formulated without parabens or sulfates.

Honest Beauty Everything Primer Glow + 2HA 

Get your glow on with this hyaluronic-acid-infused illuminating primer. You can use it as a primer for your foundation, or wear it on its own on your no makeup days for an enviably dewy complexion.

The Best Drugstore Primers for Combination Skin

No7 Beauty Airbrush Away Primer

For a basic, everyday primer that’s great for all skin types, we recommend the No7 Beauty Airbrush Away Primer. Use it to provide a hydrated base for your makeup and minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores.  

Essence Hello Good Stuff! Skin Refining Primer

This primer from Essence is a good option for combination skin because it’s formulated with hydrating, antioxidant-rich sea kelp to help your skin retain moisture, yet it’s also oil-free and non-greasy. 

The Best Drugstore Primer for Acne-Prone Skin

e.l.f Cosmetics Acne Fighting Putty Primer

This creamy putty primer contains salicylic acid to help treat and prevent breakouts, zinc to reduce inflammation and kaolin clay to absorb excess oil. It’s a dream for oily, acne-prone complexions. The green tint also helps minimize redness.

The Best Drugstore Primers for Mature Skin

JOAH Beauty Pore De-Activator Pore Minimizing and Mattifying Primer

Not only does this JOAH Beauty primer blur pores, it also smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll fall in love with the way this formula glides across your skin. 

NYX Professional Makeup Plump Right Back Primer and Serum

This primer from NYX Professional Makeup doubles as a moisturizing, plumping serum, thanks to skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and provitamin B5 in the formula. It’s the key to plumper, smoother skin. 

The Best Drugstore Primer for Dull Skin

L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Dullness Reducer

If your skin is prone to dullness, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Dullness Reducer to brighten it up. Formulated with niacinamide, it gives you a glowy, radiant base for your makeup.