5 Primers That Do More Than Just Prep Your Skin

Real talk: Historically, primers take the cake as one of the most underestimated beauty items. Their primary role is to prep skin ahead of a makeup application to ensure longer-lasting wear, which for some is viewed as an unnecessary extra step in a routine. (It’s not…trust us.) But luckily, things are (finally!) turning around in a positive way for primers as more and more people discover their sheer greatness. What’s more, many of today’s most popular primers are also formulated to help camouflage common complexion woes—think: blotchy, uneven skin, large pores, wrinkles, and even fine lines—the same way a foundation and/or concealer would. Below, we’re sharing our five favorite multipurpose primers that do more than just prep skin. It’s safe to say that these formulas are no longer the underdog of our makeup bag! 

Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion

This lightweight, oil-free primer is formulated with Matrixyl 3000 and hyaluronic filling spheres to help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a great pick for complexions in need of moisture, as well as mature skin skin seeking a more youthful appearance.

Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion, $31

L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer

If a serious glow is what you’re after, this light-infusing primer will become your new go-to. The liquid formula blends seamlessly into skin to help boost its luminosity, and smooth its texture and tone for a natural-looking complexion with or without makeup.

L’Oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer, $12.95

NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Liquid Primer 

Available in five silky, color-correcting shades, each tone glides on evenly to address various skin concerns. Choose yellow to help illuminate fair-medium complexions, green to help neutralize redness, pink to help add luminosity to dull skin, peach to help restore a healthy glow to medium-dark complexions, and blue to help brighten sallowness in fair complexions. 

NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Liquid Primer, $14 

Giorgio Armani Maestro UV Makeup Primer

Primer with SPF benefits. How could we turn that down? Broad-spectrum SPF 50 in this formula paired with antioxidants helps to defend skin against sun damage and pollution for a softer, more youthful-looking complexion. Wear it alone or under makeup. 

Giorgio Armani Maestro UV Makeup Primer, $64

Lancôme La Base Pro Pore Eraser 

This oil-free formula helps reduce the appearance of rough skin texture, pores, imperfections, and lines, leaving behind only a uniform (and mattified!) canvas for flawless makeup application.

Lancôme La Base Pro Pore Eraser, $38