10 Best Drugstore Primers In 2021

Are you always as excited about primers as we are? Primers are a Godsend for every makeup lover. The conception that a primer is only a stepping stone before the foundation is a thing of medieval times. Now we know that a primer not only helps set the makeup but enhances it in numerous ways too.

Let us include you in a little secret, you can get fabulous results with the best drugstore primers as with any other branded one that costs you an arm and leg. But you should be armed with the right information to be able to pick out the best drugstore primers.

Best Drugstore Primers List

1. Baby Skin Pore Eraser Primer

Baby Skin Pore Eraser is the primer that is found in almost every makeup user’s makeup pouch which ultimately makes it one of the best drugstore primers. This Maybelline primer does it all. Bloggers, makeup artists, and users alike rave that it gives the skin a porcelain look by minimizing the pores. It does wonders for both oily and dry skin by hydrating and mattifying the skin respectively. Depending on your skin, you can directly apply it to your skin as a base or add it to your foundation.

Pros Of Primer:

Even as a drugstore product, it is immensely budget-friendly.
Suits both skin types and is often called the primer for oily skin.
Minimizes pores.

Cons Of Primer:

The effect wears off quicker than other primers.

2. Revlon PhotoReady Drugstore Primer

Our exhaustive research has found the finest and best drugstore primers for you, Revlon PhotoReady Primer! With this primer on, you will not need to worry about visible pores or lines. Every time you use it, you will truly be photo-ready as this will help brighten your skin whilst doing away with any cracks, dents and all. This primer is for all skin types and does not leave any harsh effects on the skin. If you have skin that reacts badly to almost anything then Revlon Photoready Primer will be your best friend because it is free of oil, fragrance, and parabens.

Pros Of Primer:

The best primer for sensitive skin.
3 different formulas: brightening, pore-reducing, and perfecting.
Reduces unnecessary shine.

Cons Of Primer:

The pump of the bottle does not let out the last bits of the product.

3. NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer

One of our favorite best drugstore primers will be NYX primer, more specifically NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer. Nyx has once again outdone itself by creating the perfect formula for its product. The primer does its job well by providing a stable and silky finish for the base but there is more. It is advertised as a gel serum because the ingredients include honey, gold flecks, and collagen. The three benefit the skin by working on the redness of the skin and dark spots. The primer has anti-aging properties and it will work on your skin even after you clean it off your skin. Many makeup artists are recommending it because it gives the skin an even texture whilst improving the complexion at the same time.

Pros Of Primer:

Lasting benefits of spot and redness removal, and anti-aging.
Hydrates the skin.

Cons Of Primer:

The texture feels sticky on the skin.
For a drugstore primer, it is considered to be expensive.

4. Elf Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer

Out of all the primers that have been listed in our best drugstore primers` list, this one was called a “dupe” by many users but did e.l.f really copy Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer? The truth might never be found but this primer sells out of places almost as immediately as it comes in stock. The users are ecstatic about it so do not waste till the last minute to get your hands on it. You can call it the best primer easily because it contains squalene. Squalene is a hydrating agent in the primer that ensures that your skin remains plump and smooth throughout the day. This ingredient is also responsible for softening the putty and helping it absorb into the skin seamlessly. With this primer on, your skin will feel all velvety and soft. Users have reviewed that is long-wearing which means that each putty will last long.

Pros Of Primer:

No detectable scent is present which makes it an attractive choice for people with allergies.
Cruelty-free product.
Suits combination skin

Cons Of Primer:

The texture is a bit dry for some users.

5. MaxGlow Hydrating Face Serum + Primer

Have you seen those models who always seem to have a natural dewy makeup look? Do you wish you could have the same look? Don’t laze around and get that lovely look with MaxGlow Hydrating Face Serum + Primer! We do not hesitate to call it the best drugstore primers because it actually won a beauty award in 2019 for giving the face a “luminous glow”. The serum part of the formula makes sure that your skin remains well hydrated all the while you are wearing it. The ingredients that facilitate the hydration process are kiwifruit water, oils, and vitamins.

Pros Of Drugstore Primer:

It is multi-purpose and serves as a serum and primer.
Makes the skin look appropriately glowy.

Cons Of Drugstore Primer:

Shockingly expensive for a drugstore primer.

Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin

6. Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer

In the community of Amazon users, this is the one of the best drugstore primers for various compelling reasons. Did you know that this primer does not wear off even after 8 hours? It is the most celebrated primer for oily skin. The professional makeup artists love it because it does not produce the sliding-off effect that many other primers do. If you hate chemical preservatives in your makeup that disrupt your hormones then you will love this primer because it is paraben- and phthalate-free.

Pros Of Drugstore Primer:

It is lightweight on the skin.
Pocket friendly.
Contains no oil.

Cons Of Drugstore Primer:

Gives a white hue to the skin.

7. E.l.f. Tone Adjusting Face Primer

Don’t let the color of the drugstore primers scare you, because this is a primer that you ought to try out once in your life. The green color, when blended properly, tends to subdue the redness of the face nicely and brings out an even tone on the whole face. The texture of the primer is silky and melds well within the skin. The color is owed to the fact that it is a silicone-based primer. Since this primer gives a matte finish, do not choose this if you want a dewy finish. If you want a smooth glass-like finish as your base, purchase e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Face Primer.

Pros For Primer:

Smooth application.
One pump is enough for one time use.

Cons Of Primer:

Less quantity of the primer in the bottle.

Best Primer for Large Pores

8. L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer

As the best primer for large pores, it is magically lightweight. Despite it being a little heavier than others, experts have given it the okay to be worn even during the sweltering heat. If you have skin that tends to gather oil throughout the day then opt for this primer for oily skin. After you have allowed it to set in, you will notice that it will give you a matte finish whilst reducing the visible lines.

Pros Of Primer:

It is non-comedogenic and suitable for even under-eye usage.
The result is a beautiful matte finish.

Cons Of Primer:

Expensive for the size of the bottle.

9. CoverGirl TruBlend Base Business Skin Smoothing Face Primer

If you are the sort of person who hates touching up, go for CoverGirl TruBlend as it is the best drugstore primers with the least touching up needed. This oil-free primer will give your skin the smoothest look whilst also working on your pores to make them look smaller. If you like your face appearing pink in photos, your primer’s lilac tint will make your face the freshest out of all. The formula is such that it will not make your face shiny. The matte finish is impeccable and it will not let your makeup look powdery at all.

Pros Of Primer:

No cruel lab testing was done in the preparation of this primer.
It comes in different formulas.
It lasts almost an entire day.

Cons Of Primer:

While there are no substantial cons, some users have commented that it smells like silly string to them.

10. Maybelline NewYork Master Prime Primer

A Maybelline primer that we can get behind is the Master Prime Primer. Another best drugstore primers for large pores, it is the perfect example of affordable drugstore products. If you discuss this primer with your friends, you will find many of them comparing it to other high-end primers because it is really that magnificent. The jelly-like consistency might put you off but the truth is that it will allow your skin to breathe all the while concealing your pores and creases. Many users comment that the texture is lotion-like which enables smooth application. If you love Gigi Hadid then know that this is the primer she chose to wear in the 2018 Met Gala.

Pros: