Built for real skin and real weather, these primers do the job without making a fuss
Photographed by Pierre Debusschere
Primer doesn’t get the spotlight. It won’t add colour, shimmer or coverage. But skip it, and your makeup tells on you. Foundation slips, concealer creases, and by noon, your T-zone starts staging a rebellion. That barely-there layer is pulling more weight than it lets on.
“In general, a primer is used to prep the skin for makeup application,” says makeup artist Tyron Machhausen to Vogue. “It can serve a variety of purposes like controlling shine, evening out skin texture, minimising the appearance of pores, boosting glow or colour correction.”
Today’s primers do more than just create a smooth starting point for makeup. Some hydrate. Others blur. A few even double as skincare—calming redness, controlling oil or cushioning skin against humidity. And when monsoon weather turns your base patchy and unpredictable, a solid primer holds the line.
So, is primer a must?
If you care about how your makeup wears—not just how it looks—a primer is worth considering. It isn’t essential, but it can change how everything layers, lasts and behaves. It smooths uneven texture, grips product in place, and anchors your base without adding bulk. “It doesn’t completely cover everything, but it creates a refined base that helps me see exactly where I actually need to apply foundation, rather than applying it all over out of habit,” adds Machhausen.
Drop files to upload
Like skincare, primers are chosen by concern. You might want one to blur pores, control shine, hydrate dry patches or even out tone. Some calm redness. Others just keep your base from slipping off by lunchtime.
The key is to match it to your skin, not your foundation. If midday shine is the issue, look for gel or mattifying formulas. If your skin feels dry or textured, opt for something hydrating. And if you’re breakout-prone or sensitive, scan for ingredients like cica, niacinamide or probiotics.
Below, a lineup of primers that go beyond prep. Each one makes your base work a little smarter.
Drop files to upload
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre
Loved for its versatility, this French pharmacy classic works as a moisturiser, primer and even makeup remover. The rich, milky formula infused with shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soy proteins, melts into skin to leave it soft, smooth and perfectly prepped. A staple that slips into any routine and outperforms half your shelf.
SHISEIDO Glow Enhancing Primer SPF15
A radiance-boosting primer with built-in skincare benefits, this featherlight formula evens tone and texture while offering sheer, breathable coverage. The finish is soft and refined, never greasy or too dewy. With SPF 15 for light daily protection, it’s perfect for low-maintenance days when you still want just enough glow.
DIOR Forever Velvet Veil Clean Blurring Matte Primer
Think of it as a filter in a bottle. This matte primer blurs pores, evens texture, and tones down excess shine with the help of iris extract. The clean, skincare-infused formula delivers long-lasting comfort and softens the look of visible texture without washing out your natural glow.
Guerlain Parure Gold 24k Primer Base
Silky, sensorial, and infused with real 24k gold flakes, this luxurious gel primer adds a lit-from-within luminosity without throwing off your base. The formula glides on with a cooling feel, refines the skin’s surface, and extends the wear of foundation, all while imparting a subtle, non-greasy glow.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
.jpg)
Part moisturiser, part primer, this multitasking classic primer preps skin with a rich blend of shea butter and vitamins B, C and E. Ideal for normal to dry skin types, it cushions the skin while creating a plush base for makeup. It wears like skincare, grips like primer and sets the tone for everything that follows.
Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer Long Wear Foundation
Designed for serious longevity, this primer has a slightly tacky texture that grips foundation and locks it in for up to 8+ hours. It smooths over fine lines, supports even application and helps maintain a freshly applied finish, making it a go-to for long days or nights out.
Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer
An oil-free formula that delivers serious blurring power without the heaviness of traditional silicone primers. It mattifies gently, controls shine, and leaves behind a soft-focus finish that layers well under both lightweight and full-coverage foundations. Best suited for oily, combination and texture-prone skin.
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer with Vitamin A & E
A tried-and-true classic, this clear gel primer creates a seamless, photo-ready canvas. The formula contains vitamins A and E to nourish the skin while smoothing out fine lines and uneven texture. Longwear, non-comedogenic and still as reliable as ever.
Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel Multi-Use Illuminating Base
This multipurpose primer brightens, softens, and subtly refines skin with its lightweight, pearlescent formula. Witch hazel helps tone texture, while soft-focus pigments deliver a subtle, even finish. Whether layered or worn bare, it keeps the glow in check.
LAURA MERCIER Pure Canvas Primer Blurring
A water-based, silicone-free primer that visibly softens pores and texture with a breathable, second-skin feel. Infused with rose extract and red clover, it gives a soft matte finish without drying out the skin. Ideal for those who want both comfort and control in their base.
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Primer
This cult-favourite primer blurs visible pores, controls shine, and creates a smooth, matte base that helps makeup stay in place. Lightweight and easy to blend, it contains a vitamin E derivative and works well for both full-face wear and quick touch-ups.
MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Primer
The MILK Hydro Grip primer uses blue agave and aloe to create a slightly tacky base that grips makeup while delivering a hit of hydration. The finish is fresh and dewy without tipping into shine, making it ideal for combination or dry skin types.
More blogs for you