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drugstore primers
drugstore primers, drugstore primers
If makeup products attended high school, primer would probably win the “Most Likely To Be Ignored & Forgotten” yearbook award.
When I am in a hurry and need to get my makeup done fast, the last thing I want to do is waste time on a step that I once assumed was invisible. It didn’t add any pretty colors or interesting definition to my face, and my makeup ended up looking pretty much the same when I was finished anyway, so what was the point?
I had lot of reasons why I didn’t feel like primer was worth it. My skin was even, though it leaned on the oily side. I assumed that nothing could stand up to my oiliness anyway, so I might as well resign myself to abiding by a 6 hour makeup curfew. And caring for my actual skin was not at all a concern. Isn’t that what makeup is for? Just sweep all your problems under the makeup-rug. (I was a real genius, I know.)
Things are different now. For one thing, as I have aged my skin has developed a pesky intolerance for even the slightest bit of dryness. It now gets very angry; all the while itching, flaking and turning bright pink to notify me of its displeasure. Trend-wise, the “makeup mask” look is looking dated, while fresh and dewy skin is the new thing. I’m just bursting your bubble now- piling more highlighter on top of your “makeup mask” will not replace healthy and glowing skin.
Yes, we expect makeup primers to help our makeup last longer, but in my mind, that’s not a primer’s main purpose. I use primers to mitigate skin issues from the start before I resort to covering things up. I suggest you do the same. To help you, here are the best primers you can currently buy at the drugstore. They won’t break the bank, but they will break your beliefs that primers aren’t worth the effort!
*UPDATED: New primers have been released since this post was originally published. In order to keep this info current and super helpful, I have changed some of my top drugstore primer picks to keep up with the times. I plan on updating consistently as new products are released!
Table Of Contents
- NYX Bare With Me Perfecting Primer
- Revlon PhotoReady Prime Plus Perfecting & Smoothing Primer
- Milani Eyeshadow Primer
- e.l.f. Puff Puff Primer
- Pacifica Crystal Primer
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Primer + Serum
- Milani Make It Last Setting Spray + Prime + Correct + Set
- e.l.f. Glow Up Primer Serum
- CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
- Milani Rose Primer Lotion
drugstore primers, best drugstore primers, drugstore makeup primers
THE QUICK VERSION
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NYX Bare With Me Perfecting Primer
This newer release from NYX incorporates Cannabis Sativa Seed as a soothing ingredient meant to calm and hydrate the skin while blurring imperfections. It contains micro pearls that add a slight sheen to the face and includes a slight tint that illuminates the skin. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Revlon PhotoReady Prime Plus Perfecting & Smoothing Primer
This Revlon primer-plus-skincare mashup is one of many products following this new trend. The formula claims to fill and blur lines and pores, while improving your skin over time with Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5, and pumpkin seed extract. This formula works best on normal skin, but Revlon also offers mattifying and brightening formulas. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Milani Eyeshadow Primer
There aren’t a ton of eyeshadow primers at the drugstore, but out of the offerings, this one is my favorite. It is a creamy texture with a slight tint. It dries down to a silky texture, not tacky, so blending eyeshadow on top is always smooth and easy. My eyelids are pretty oily; oily enough that if I leave my eyelids naked, then my own eyelid oils will run into my eyes and set them on fire, (figuratively). Wearing this primer alone prevents that. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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e.l.f. Puff Puff Primer
A creamy, lotion-like primer that’s great for soothing and smoothing dry skin. It comes infused with Satvia seed oil, plus Vitamins C and A. Think of it like a conditioner for your skin before applying your makeup. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Pacifica Crystal Primer
According to reviews, this formula is a tad sticky, yet the users like that fact. If sticky primers are not your thing, then you won’t like this. However, if you appreciate the slight tackiness that helps your foundation adhere to your face and not budge, then this is the drugstore primer for you. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Primer + Serum
The primer serum is perfect for skincare fanatics who want to improve their skin, not just cover it up. Like many other primers these days, this one also includes hydrating Hyaluronic acid. If you are the kind of person who enjoys luxurious-feeling products (that’s me!) but hates routines with excessive steps (also me!) then this product checks both boxes. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Milani Make It Last Setting Spray + Prime + Correct + Set
This multi-use spray is another different option if you aren’t into layering an extra cream onto your face. The spray can be used prior to makeup application and patted in as a primer, and then sprayed again when you’re done as a finishing touch and setting spray. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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e.l.f. Glow Up Primer Serum
This droppable serum primer is perfect for light makeup days. It is infused with hydrating Hyaluronic acid and Goji, helping you achieve a luminous look with just a touch of shimmer. If you aren’t a fan of silicone primers and want something that feels more lightweight on the skin, this is a great option. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer
This is a rich hydrating primer that is another good option that helps balance naturally dry skin and protect against dry winter (or air-conditioned,) air. It focuses mostly on hydrating and creating a smooth base for your makeup, so if you are wanting something that blurs lines and pores, check out one of the other primers on this list! | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Milani Rose Primer Lotion
All the best features of a primer disguised in a lotion-like consistency. This primer is an excellent choice if you have dry skin that needs an extra layer of hydration. The formula smooths your skin and holds on to foundation at the same time. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
That’s all for today!
Like this post? Read this next >> Top 10 Best Foundations at the Drugstore | Best Drugstore Foundations
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Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
I must say your have some awesome articles here! Great tips as always :):)
Thank you so much! 🙂 xo
It’s nearly impossible to find people that know about a variety of drugstore palettes. So many blogs only focus on the expensive stuff, however you sound like you experiment with everything. Thanks a bunch!
Hi Kellie, I know what you mean about drugstore palettes! Too many people (in my humble opinion,) write them off prematurely and don’t even give them a look. But some of them are actually really great! Thanks for reading 🙂 xo