The Best 5 Makeup Primer and Foundation Pairs

We sometimes throw primer to the wayside, and often forget that it’s a helpful step in our makeup applications to achieve a smooth, flawless foundation finish. In fact, a good primer can help to visibly blur imperfections on the skin’s surface and give you a more even canvas for your foundation. Ahead, we’ve rounded up five primers and foundations that pair well together and make your skin-care and makeup prep routine a whole lot easier.

Why Use Primer to Begin With?

A lot of people claim not to need — or even like— primer because it doesn’t give them the ultimate finish they are looking for after applying their foundation. The truth is, they are likely not using the right formula. The first thing you’ll want to do is take a look at your foundation formula — is its base oil, powder, silicone, water or something else? If your primer formula doesn’t have the same base, it’s likely the formulas just don’t mesh well together — you know what they say about oil and water after all.

Next up, consider your desired coverage. If you want a fuller coverage — read: you’re hoping to hide discoloration, redness or any other visible imperfections on your complexion — you’ll want to first apply primer and then follow up with your foundation. If you prefer a lighter coverage — think: a day at the beach, an easy day at the office or simply a Sunday running errands — mix your primer with your foundation and apply at the same time.

Finally, consider your skin type. If you have dry skin, find a primer-and-foundation duo that offers long-lasting hydration and steer clear of matte-finish products that can potentially cause your skin to appear dry and dull. On the other hand, oily skin types should embrace those matte-finish products and avoid oil-based primers and foundations, which can possibly lead to the appearance of greasy skin mid-day.

See some of our favorite combos, ahead:

Giorgio Armani Maestro UV Skin Defense Primer + Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Nourishing Fusion Makeup

If you’re looking for a foundation that can help hydrate the skin as well as give it a sheer glow finish, look no further. This bi-phase foundation is infused with skin-care oils and pure pigments, making it ideal for women with dry skin. For the best finish, you’ll first want to apply Maestro UV Makeup Primer. Not only will you get a smooth canvas for foundation application, but you’ll also get broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

Lancôme Prep & Matte Primer + Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

If you have oily or combination skin, try an oil-free formula like Teint Idole Ultra. Available in 40 shades to meet the needs of a wide-range of skin tones, this long-wear foundation is formulated with SPF 15 to help protect your skin from the sun. In addition to sun protection, the formula is also infused with perlite and silica to help deliver a shine-free wear. For a smooth, matte effect, you’ll want to prep your skin with the Prep & Matte primer, a water-based formula that provides all day hydration (sans excess shine).

Maybelline New York Master Prime Blur & Redness Control + Maybelline New York Superstay Foundation

To conceal like a pro, first prep your skin with a primer that can control the appearance of redness like Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime in Blur + Redness Control. This green-tinted primer operates on the same principles of color correcting, helping to balance out the appearance of redness on the skin. Next, apply a full-coverage formula to give your skin a concealing, flawless finish with the Superstay Foundation.

NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer + NYX Total Control Drops

If you’re searching for a luminous finish, try Honey Dew Me Up to give you that lit-from-within glow. Not only does this primer do a great job making your skin appear plump and dewy, it also works flawlessly with the Total Control Drops to provide coverage and glow.

YSL Touche Éclat Primer + YSL All Hours Foundation

The Touche Éclat primer formula is coveted for its blurring finish, and is a great first step to any makeup prep routine because of its thick (but not sticky) consistency. The gold flecks within its formula make skin appear more dewy, and you can pair it with a foundation like All Hours. This oil-free foundation contains SPF 20 and promises full coverage for up to 24 hours, making aprimed, smooth canvas prior to application a must.

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