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Primers may not be as exciting to shop for as, say, a new eyeshadow stick, a pretty nude lipstick, or a trendy liquid blush. But let me let you in on a little secret: the right primer can make all the difference when trying to get your base to last longer, look smoother, and sit nicer on the skin overall. The best primers can even help with other skin concerns like dry patches and greasiness that creep up on you throughout the day.
“A makeup primer is used as a base for makeup application, to help with any imperfections and help the makeup last longer. When starting your makeup process, primers help perfect the canvas before painting. Primers can hydrate, smooth skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and keep the makeup intact and last longer,” says Deanna Paley, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist who’s created looks on celebrities like Becky G, Saweetie, and Sza.
Paley also shares a slight caveat—not every primer is going to play nice with every other base complexion product. “An important factor when choosing a primer is making sure it is compatible and agrees with your foundation and skincare. If you are using a water-based primer with a silicone-based foundation, your makeup can begin to crack and break apart after application,” she explains.
Thankfully, you don’t necessarily have to shell out the big bucks to reap all the benefits primers offer. Look into the aisles of your favorite drugstore and find primers rivaling your more expensive ones. ELLE editors have personally tested a slew of formulas for all skin types and picked out the gems worth trying. Ahead, find the 13 best drugstore primers we can't shut up about.
Our favorite drugstore primers in 2024
Carol is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty. Before joining ELLE.com, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine. She’s always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
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