Best Face Primers of 2026

Name: e.l.f. Power Grip Hydrating Face Primer
Brand: e.l.f.

Charlotte Powell

Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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Face primers are a must-have in any makeup routine. These products work as a base layer for foundation, helping it to stay put for longer periods of time. Primers can also help to smooth out skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and provide a more even canvas for makeup application. There are a variety of face primers available on the market, each with different benefits and formulations to suit different skin types and concerns. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there is a face primer out there to help you achieve a flawless, long-lasting makeup look.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1

e.l.f. Power Grip Hydrating Face Primer

9.9

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#TOP 2

Maybelline Grippy Serum Makeup Primer with Niacinamide

9.8

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#TOP 3

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Primer for Pores

9.6

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Top 10 Face Primers

#TOP 1 Best Hydrating Face Primer

e.l.f. Power Grip Hydrating Face Primer

e.l.f.
82846
Primer
24 ml (Pack of 1)

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz, Clear

The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a gel-based face primer that effectively grips your makeup while providing a smooth, natural finish. Suitable for all skin types and tones, this primer goes on clear and is non-comedogenic, ensuring it won't clog your pores. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, it hydrates your skin, helping to create a plump and healthy complexion. By applying this primer before your makeup, you will achieve a flawless base while enjoying the added moisture.

9.9

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What We Like

Smooths skin for a flawless finish
Hydrates and moisturises skin
Suitable for all skin types
Non-comedogenic formula

#TOP 2

Maybelline Grippy Serum Makeup Primer with Niacinamide

Maybelline
b3536200
30 ml (Pack of 1)

Maybelline New York Grippy Serum Makeup Primer, Glides On Like A Serum, Up To 24H Wear, Instantly Plumps & Hydrates Skin, +2% Niacinamide, Water-Based Formula, Suitable For All Skin Types (30ml)

The Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer offers a lightweight, water-based formula that ensures your makeup lasts up to 24 hours, meaning you can enjoy a fresh look all day without constant touch-ups. Its serum-to-grip technology helps your makeup cling better, allowing for a smooth application. The primer feels fresh on the skin, not greasy, and leaves no white cast, making it suitable for all skin types. Plus, with 2% niacinamide, it instantly plumps and hydrates your skin, giving you a healthy, radiant finish before you even apply your makeup.

9.8

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What We Like

Long-lasting makeup grip
Non-greasy, fresh feel
Suitable for all skin types
Hydrates and plumps skin
Easy to apply with dropper

#TOP 3 Best Matte Face Primer

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Primer for Pores

Rimmel
34666448004
neutral
30 ml (Pack of 1)

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pore Minimizing Primer, Clear Matte, 30 ml

The Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer is designed to enhance your make-up experience. It helps your foundation last up to eight hours, ensuring you look fresh all day. The formula works to minimise flaws by shrinking pores and evening out your skin tone, giving you a smoother appearance. With its day-proof properties, you can enjoy your glowing make-up regardless of the weather. Additionally, this primer offers a matte finish without over-drying your skin, keeping it hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.

9.6

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What We Like

Long-lasting foundation wear
Minimises pores and flaws
Weather-resistant formula
Matte finish without dryness
Ultra lightweight and comfortable

#TOP 4

NYX Professional Makeup The Face Glue Primer 24H Hold

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
0800897266004
translucent
35ml

NYX Professional Makeup Primer, The Face Glue Primer, Gripping Primer for Face, Up to 24 Hour Hydration and Makeup Wear, Polyglutamic Acid, Non-Comedogenic, 35ml

The NYX Face Glue Primer is a high-performance product designed to keep your makeup in place for up to 24 hours without any sticky residue. It helps your foundation, powder, and blush stay fresh and flawless all day, making it ideal for long-lasting wear. The primer also hydrates your skin, providing a comfortable and breathable feel, so you won’t experience dryness or discomfort. Its white gel formula blends seamlessly into any skin tone, allowing you to apply your makeup straight away without waiting, adding convenience to your routine.

9.4

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What We Like

Lasts up to 24 hours
Hydrates skin effectively
Non-sticky, comfortable feel
Blends with all skin tones

#TOP 5

Maybelline Baby Skin Matte Pore Eraser Primer

Maybelline
3600530941278
Transparent
22 ml (Pack of 1)

Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser Matte Primer, Transparent, 22 ml, Pack Of 1

The Maybelline Baby Skin Primer offers a matte finish that leaves your skin feeling fresh and soft. Its unique gel texture helps to instantly vanish the appearance of pores, giving you a smooth base for makeup application. You will appreciate how lightweight the formula feels on your skin, making it comfortable for all-day wear. Additionally, the product provides a protective layer, ensuring your skin remains safeguarded throughout the day.

9.2

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What We Like

Matte finish for oily skin
Lightweight gel texture
Instantly reduces pore appearance
Leaves skin feeling fresh

#TOP 6 Best Vegan Face Primer

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer with Niacinamide

e.l.f.
81517

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer, Evens Skin & Brightens, Grips Makeup, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz

The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is your go-to for a flawless complexion and long-lasting makeup. Infused with niacinamide, this gel-based primer helps even out your skin tone and brightens dullness, giving you a radiant look. Its sticky formula grips your makeup, ensuring it stays put throughout the day. Ideal for all skin tones, it dries clear and creates a dewy finish. Applying this primer is easy—simply pat it onto your face with your fingertips for an even application.

9.2

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What We Like

Infused with skin-loving niacinamide
Long-lasting makeup grip
Dewy, glowing finish
Suitable for all skin tones
Vegan and cruelty-free

#TOP 7 Best Clear Face Primer

W7 Prime Magic Face Primer for Flawless Skin

W7
W7-169488
Clear
30 g (Pack of 1)

W7 Prime Magic Face Primer - Clear Makeup Base Priming Formula For Flawless Skin - Vegan Makeup

The W7 Prime Magic Primer is a versatile makeup base designed to help you achieve a flawless look. Its pore-minimizing feature glides over your skin, reducing the appearance of blemishes and imperfections for a smooth surface. The clear, light formula makes for easy application, allowing your makeup to stay in place and look great for longer. By using this primer, you can enjoy a shine-free complexion while reducing fine lines, making it an essential part of your makeup routine.

9.1

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What We Like

Pore minimizing effect
Lightweight and blendable
Long-lasting makeup
Suitable for sensitive skin
Cruelty-free product

#TOP 8 Best Natural Face Primer

Rimmel 48hr Hydration Boost Primer for Smooth Skin

Rimmel
DCOBE-3616305705112-1737011076
Clear
100 ml (Pack of 1)

Rimmel Lasting Finish 48hr Hydration Boost Primer, Face Plumping, Smooths Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Dewy Finish, Flawless Makeup, Enriched with Biopeptides, Strengthens Skin, Boosts Natural Collagen

The Rimmel Hydration Boost Primer provides an instant boost of hydration, plumping your skin visibly while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. This primer enhances your complexion, creating a bouncy and smooth canvas that delivers a natural, dewy finish. With its exceptional formulation, you can enjoy flawless makeup application that lasts all day, ensuring you look your best without the need for constant touch-ups.

8.9

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What We Like

Instant hydration boost
Plumps and smooths skin
Dewy, natural finish
Long-lasting makeup effect

#TOP 9 Best Vitamin E Face Primer

Max Factor Miracle Prep Hydrating Primer with Niacinamide

Max Factor
99240002759
30 ml (Pack of 1)

Max Factor Miracle Prep Illuminating & Hydrating Primer, Nourishing Formula with Niacinamide and Vitamin E, 30 ml

The Max Factor Miracle Prep Primer is a nourishing and hydrating product designed to enhance your skin's radiance. Enriched with niacinamide and Vitamin E, this primer provides essential nutrients that help keep your skin healthy and glowing. As you use it, you will notice a gradual increase in your skin's luminosity, making it perfect for achieving a vibrant look. Additionally, it primes the skin for make-up application, creating a smooth base that not only helps set your foundation but also extends its wear throughout the day.

8.7

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What We Like

Nourishing and hydrating formula
Enhances skin radiance over time
Creates a smooth make-up base
Extends make-up wear

#TOP 10 Best Long Lasting Face Primer

e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer with Tea Tree

e.l.f.
83409
Large
1 fl oz (Pack of 1)

e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer, Skin-Perfecting, Lightweight & Long Lasting, Smooths & Preps to Create A Flawless Base, Infused with Tea Tree, 1 Oz

The e.l.f. Poreless Primer is designed to create a perfect canvas for your makeup. It transforms your face into a smooth surface, ensuring your makeup lasts longer throughout the day. Infused with Tea Tree and essential Vitamins A and E, this primer also offers restorative benefits, promoting healthier skin. When applied under foundation, it helps achieve a glowing, smooth complexion, enhancing your overall look. The matte finish ensures you stay shine-free, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a polished appearance.

8.6

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What We Like

Long-lasting makeup application
Restorative skin benefits
Creates a glowing base
Matte finish
Cruelty-free and Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does primer do for your face?

"Primer creates a smooth canvas for your makeup," says celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. "It also keeps your makeup in place, keeps it from moving, [and] can keep it matte or luminous," depending on the formula and your skin. Not only does it give you an even base, it also helps lock everything else in.

2. Are primers good for your skin?

A primer can smooth the surface of skin with larger pores and prevent the creation of points across the T-zone from foundation. The right primer can provide an additional bit of matting or hydration to skin which is oily or too dry (but rarely both at the same time). Primers can improve the appearance of the base.

Editor's Notes

During our face primer research, we found 306 face primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 890,575 customer reviews through our big data system to write the face primers list. We found that most customers choose face primers with an average price of £6.41.

The face primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face primers, including e.l.f., Maybelline, Rimmel, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, W7.

Written by

Charlotte Powell

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.