e.l.f. Discovery
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MAKEUP PRIMER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
The key to a flawless makeup look that lasts all day comes down to face makeup primer: the must-do prep step before your makeup application.
What does a makeup primer do, you ask? It’s designed to create a smooth canvas for applying foundation, highlighter, bronzer, and blush to your face, while offering an enhanced grip so your makeup stays put longer. Every skin type and texture can reap the benefits of wearing face makeup primer—but it’s super important to select the right formula with ideal ingredients to target your skin’s specific needs.
If you’re on the hunt for the best makeup primer for your skin, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you by pairing some of our high-performance formulas with six of the most common skin types. Get ready for makeup primer to do wonders for your skin and next makeup application!
If You Have Dry Skin
Struggling with dry, tight, or flaky skin? You need a hydrating primer that not only quenches thirsty skin, but works to give you a smooth, even application with your foundation while delivering primo staying power. A gel-based primer is a great option because it glides on silky smooth without that sticky feel.
Our Power Grip Primer is a great makeup prep step that gives dry skin a moisturizing boost while gripping your makeup and giving skin a soft-focus glow. It goes on like a clear serum, delivering a hit of Hyaluronic Acid to your skin for a plump, well-hydrated complexion. Plus, it works great for every skin tone!
If You Have Oily Skin
Oily skin has its own list of challenges when it comes to makeup application. You want a non-greasy formula that blurs out blemishes, helps with oil control, and still has a hold on that gorgeous makeup look you spent hours on.
Our Matte Primer is up for the “no more makeup meltdowns” challenge! This oil-free, mattifying primer is infused with kaolin and white charcoal to absorb excess oil for a shine-free finish. The lightweight putty formula is great for oily skin, working to even out skin texture and glide over imperfections while offering the ultimate grip on makeup.
If You Have Combination Skin
Combination skin can bring about its own set of difficulties when it comes to applying makeup. Some areas of your face (like your T-zone) may be extra oily, while other areas of your face (like your chin and jawline) may be dry and flaky. The condition of combination skin can also change with the seasons.
The appearance of larger pores can be the product of combo skin, because excess sebum on the oily sections of your face can clog pores and enlarge them. The solve? A dependable, easy-apply liquid face primer that glides over imperfections and enlarged pores to create a soft-focus canvas while gripping the rest of your makeup routine for smooth skin.
If You Have Acne-Prone Skin
If you struggle with acne and blemish-prone skin, it may be your first instinct to shy away from piling on more products before your makeup. But the secret to a smooth makeup application that won’t further irritate or inflame your skin? Choose a primer infused with acne-fighting ingredients so that the formula works with you instead of against you.
Our Acne-fighting Primer is designed specially for those with acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with acne-fighting 1.8% Salicylic Acid to help prevent future breakouts and help reduce redness of skin, Zinc to help reduce inflammation, and Kaolin to help control oil and draw out imperfections. This skin-perfecting makeup primer helps you transform your skin into a smooth canvas (with makeup or bare-faced!) while saying buh-bye to blemishes and fighting future breakouts for a flawless, even complexion. Plus, it goes on clear for a natural finish.
If You Have Mature Skin
Over 40? Don’t skip out on makeup primer—it’s the perfect product to add to your routine to smooth over fine lines, wrinkles, and imperfections to create the perfect canvas for a beautiful complexion.
Mature skin can really benefit and look its best with help from our Luminous Putty Primer. This face primer not only gives a little extra glow, but it also gives you a soft, radiant base for your makeup application. The lightweight formula allows your skin to breathe while still gripping your makeup for all-day wear. It’s formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and vegan collagen to help plump and hydrate the skin for a youthful-looking complexion.
Still unsure which face primer is right for you? Take the primer finder quiz—a short set of questions that will help you find the best primer for your skin’s unique needs.