ALL the Best Primers! The Best Drugstore Primers

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I previously wasn’t a huge fan of primer. I never liked the slippery silicone feel on my skin. But recently primers have got much better. They don’t feel as heavy or slippy anymore. I especially appreciate them a bit more now I’m getting older. A good primer can help makeup look smoother and last longer. I’m reviewing a selection of some of my recent favourite primers. Most are from the drugstore with the exception of one multi-tasking product. Another technically isn’t a primer but it does an amazing job at smoothing, prepping and protecting the skin from sun damage. Read on to find out more!

What is primer?

So let’s start with what a primer is, why you might need it in your makeup routine and how to use. Essentially a primer is a product (usually containing silicone but not always, thankfully) that helps prep the skin for smooth and flawless makeup application as well as helping makeup last longer.

If you have big pores, or deep wrinkles or any other texture you want to smooth a primer can help. Plus if you want makeup to last a bit longer, say for a special occasion or just daily life, you can use a primer to help keep makeup on the skin.

Some of the Best Drugstore Primers

We’ll start with a couple of the best drugstore primers that I’ve tried, both from ELF. It took me absolutely ages to get the insanely popular ELF Poreless Putty Primer. The Internet went a bit crazy for it after this ELF primer was given dupe status of the much more expensive Tatcha Silk Canvas. Unfortunately I haven’t tried the Tatcha primer but there are lots of reviews out there for comparison, like this one.

I do really like the ELF Putty Primer though! And thankfully it really doesn’t feel like putty at all. It is a lightweight creamy texture that glides over the skin blurring pores and leaving a smooth base for application. Putty primer also does a great job at making foundation last longer too.

I’ve been experimenting a bit with mineral powder foundation (post coming soon!) and this also provides a good base for powder foundations. I think this primer would suit all skin types but really oily might not like it so much.

Another primer from ELF that I love is Prep and Hydrate Balm. This primer is better suited to dry or normal skin. This is such a lovely primer for the face, I think older/mature skin types will especially love ELF Hydrate Balm. It feels cooling and fresh while also preparing the skin for foundation.

If you have dry skin I think this is one of the best primers from the drugstore you could try. Or if you have combination skin with an oily t-zone you could just apply this refreshing, smoothing primer to the other parts of your face. Another brilliant drugstore primer that I always have on rotation.

Next up is a new release from Revolution Pro, one of my favourite drugstore brands for high-performing makeup. Revolution Hydra Matte Primer* is an interesting primer/serum hybrid that both mattifies the skin and keeps it hydrated. Again I think this is better suited to normal or dry skin types or targeting areas of your face that isn’t overly oily.

The serum-like primer applies nicely to the skin and feels fresh throughout the day. I think this is going to be part of my winter makeup routine, the hydration that it gives will help combat the dryness of heating and harsh cold air. Another good drugstore primer to try if you have dry to normal skin, and it feels much higher end than it is.

High End Primers

If you’re looking for a natural, high end primer that is super multi-tasking ARK Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer* is the one for you! This award-winning primer feels luxurious and is definitely a more refined, sophisticated formula than the previous primers I’ve mentioned (which is reflected in its price tag). My skin feels smoother, brighter and hydrated after applying this primer SPF.

Makeup goes on easily over the top and lasts a bit longer than usual. What I like most about ARK Skin Protector though is how fresh my skin looks after application plus the SPF protection is a winner for me.

I also reviewed the high end luxury primer from YSL here. This does a brilliant job at refining the look of pores and giving a smooth base, plus it’s super pretty!

The Primer that isn’t a Primer

This technically isn’t a primer but it leaves the skin feeling so nice and smooth that I felt you need to know about it. Australian Gold Premium Coverage 45 is a broad spectrum high SPF sunscreen aimed at sensitive skin. I stumbled on this sunscreen by accident but what a little gem it is! If you have oily skin and have trouble finding a sunscreen that’s suitable this might be your best bet!

This creamy sunscreen will dry down in seconds (once rubbed in thoroughly, it’s a chemical formula so you do need to rub it in properly) leaving a matte, soft blurred base. I’m super impressed with this sunscreen and it’s really affordable too. I reviewed some of the best SPF sunscreens that I’ve tried here.

The Smashbox Dupe from Aldi

And another budget dupe for a high end primer! I’m not a huge fan of the original Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. It feels too silicone-y and just doesn’t really do much for my skin so I wasn’t expecting much from the Aldi dupe Lacura Snapshot Ready Foundation Primer. So I was quite surprised when I found myself reaching for it every morning. The Aldi primer feels gel-like with some slip but not overly silicone-y. It definitely blurs the pores and provides a nice smooth base. I don’t think it adds to the overall longevity of foundation but it’s really nice for a budget primer. I would happily repurchase this.

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