Best Primers for Long-Lasting Makeup – Review of Top Primers for Different Skin Types
Whether you’re heading to a long day at work, a night out, or a special occasion—your makeup needs a solid foundation to stay put. That’s where makeup primers come in! Think of primers like double-sided tape for your makeup—they lock everything in place while also giving your skin a smooth, poreless canvas.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this detailed guide, we’re diving into the best primers for long-lasting makeup, especially tailored to different skin types—from oily to dry, sensitive to combination. If you’ve ever wondered, “What primer is best for my skin?”, you’re in the right place.
What Is a Makeup Primer and Why Do You Need One?
Makeup primers are lightweight products applied after your moisturizer and before your foundation. They’re designed to:
- Extend the wear of your makeup
- Smooth out fine lines and pores
- Control oil and shine
- Add hydration for dry skin
- Improve makeup application
Still skipping primer? Trust me, it’s like building a house without a foundation—risky!
How to Choose the Right Primer for Your Skin Type
✨ For Oily Skin
Look for:
- Mattifying primers
- Silicone-based formulas
- Oil control ingredients like niacinamide
Avoid:
- Heavy or greasy finishes
🌿 For Dry Skin
Look for:
- Hydrating primers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid
- Cream or lotion textures
Avoid:
- Mattifying or powder-finish primers
😌 For Sensitive Skin
Look for:
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic primers
- Calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile
Avoid:
- Alcohol-based or heavily fragranced products
🔄 For Combination Skin
Look for:
- Balanced primers that hydrate dry areas while controlling shine
Avoid:
- Using the same primer everywhere—multi-priming may work better!
Top 10 Best Primers for Long-Lasting Makeup (2025 Picks)
1. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
Best for: All skin types, especially dry
This cult-favorite uses blue agave extract and hyaluronic acid for a tacky, hydrating base that grips makeup all day.
⭐ Vegan + clean beauty
2. Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer
Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin
Oil-control and pore-blurring? Yes, please! It’s infused with witch hazel, salicylic acid, and zinc.
3. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
Best for: Combo and breakout-prone skin
A budget-friendly dupe to Milk’s primer—with added niacinamide for skin-brightening and oil control.
4. Tatcha The Silk Canvas
Best for: Sensitive and mature skin
A luxurious balm that blurs, smooths, and protects against pollutants. Bonus: it smells like a spa!
5. Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer
Best for: Large pores and oily skin
Silicone-based, this primer gives a flawless matte finish and visibly shrinks pores. Instant results.
6. NYX Marshmellow Primer
Best for: Normal to combo skin
Whipped texture, smoothing effect, and 10-in-1 multitasking benefits. Smells as dreamy as it sounds!
7. Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer
Best for: Dry or flaky skin
Packed with olive extract and marine hydra botanicals for that quenched, plump skin glow.
8. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer
Best for: Oily, shine-prone skin
Rihanna’s line nailed it—this one controls shine without drying you out.
9. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer
Best for: Oily and budget-conscious shoppers
Affordable yet effective, this primer keeps your foundation locked for up to 16 hours.
10. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Best for: Redness-prone and combo skin
Blurs imperfections, minimizes redness, and has SPF 15. A luxe multitasker.
Primers by Skin Type – Quick Chart
| Skin Type | Recommended Primer |
|---|---|
| Oily | Smashbox Photo Finish Mattifying Primer |
| Dry | Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer |
| Combo | e.l.f. Power Grip + Fenty Pro Filt’r |
| Sensitive | Tatcha Silk Canvas |
| Mature | Hourglass Veil or Tatcha Silk Canvas |
Tips to Make Your Primer Work Harder
- Let your moisturizer absorb fully before applying primer.
- Use a pea-sized amount—more is not better!
- Press primer into the skin instead of rubbing.
- Let the primer set for 60 seconds before applying foundation.
- For combo skin: try multi-priming—use mattifying on T-zone, hydrating on cheeks.
FAQs
1. Can I use primer daily?
Yes! If it’s non-comedogenic and suits your skin type, daily use is totally fine.
2. Is primer necessary for no-makeup makeup looks?
Absolutely. It can even out your skin tone and reduce shine—making you look fresh without foundation.
3. What’s better—silicone-based or water-based primers?
Silicone is great for blurring and oil control. Water-based works well for hydration and layering with dewy foundations.
4. Can primer replace moisturizer?
Nope. Primer preps the skin, but you still need moisturizer for hydration and skin barrier support.
5. How do I know if a primer isn’t working for me?
If your makeup slides off, cakes, or breaks up after a few hours—your primer and foundation might not be compatible.
Customer Reviews
Amanda K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I have combo skin and never knew about multi-priming. The Fenty and Milk combo changed my makeup game!”
Jasmin T. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Tatcha is expensive but so worth it. My sensitive skin looks smooth, and my makeup stays flawless for hours.”
Priya N. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“e.l.f.’s Power Grip with niacinamide is a gem! Affordable, long-lasting, and makes my skin glow under makeup.”
Conclusion – Ready to Prime and Shine?
There you have it—your ultimate guide to long-lasting makeup primers. Whether you’re a minimalist or full-glam lover, choosing the right primer will help you slay all day (and night). Remember, your foundation is only as strong as the base it rests on.
➡️ Try a primer from our list that fits your skin type and watch your makeup transformation begin!
