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I’ve never been a full-on primer girl. Don’t get me wrong—I’ve tried them, and I’ve even liked some of them, but if I’m being honest, I think great skincare is usually all you really need before makeup.
That said, I wanted to give primers a final shot before officially demoting them from my routine. So I pulled together a handful I’ve had in rotation and tested them side-by-side to see what (if anything) they were really doing for me.
If you’re primer-curious, here’s your guide to some of the most popular options—and my take on whether they’re worth the step.
💛 Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Best for: Dry or combo skin, fans of luxury skincare
This one toes the line between skincare and primer in the best possible way. It’s rich in feel but sinks in beautifully, with a subtle citrus scent that makes your morning routine feel a little more spa-like. It’s packed with shea butter, vitamin C, and vitamin E, so it genuinely preps and nourishes skin before makeup.
My take: If you’re going to use a primer, this is the kind I prefer—it feels like skincare first. If you’re dry or prepping for a long day, this one can be a game-changer.
🌬️ Caliray So Blown Clean Blurring Primer
Best for: Oily or combo skin, matte lovers
With niacinamide and collagen peptides, this one promises skin benefits beyond the blur. It has a whipped, almost mousse-like texture that smooths over skin easily. It does a solid job minimizing pores, and your foundation will absolutely grip to it—but it leans matte, so if you like a dewy finish, this might not be your favorite.
My take: It’s lightweight and cleanly formulated, but I wish it didn’t mattify so much. Great for summer or long event days, though.
✨ Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Illuminating Glow Face Primer
Best for: Normal to dry skin, glow-seekers
If you want radiance without sparkle, this primer delivers. It gives your skin that “lit from within” look and creates a soft, smooth surface for foundation. It’s also clean and super breathable on the skin.
My take: This feels more like a glow-boosting serum than a true primer, which I loved. If you like lightweight makeup or minimal foundation, this is a lovely skin-enhancer.
💗 e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
Best for: All skin types, budget-friendly perfection
There’s a reason this has cult status. It’s smooth, affordable, and holds onto makeup like Velcro. It fills in pores and evens out texture without feeling too heavy. Plus, it comes in versions for matte, luminous, or poreless finishes depending on your vibe.
My take: Honestly? This works. It’s not fancy, but it does the job—and for under $15, that’s impressive. The original version is a solid go-to if you want a classic pore-blurring primer.
🎥 Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
Best for: Smoothing everything out—instantly
This is a true OG. It’s silicone-based and feels like a silky balm that melts over fine lines, texture, and pores. Your makeup glides on over this, and it really does make a difference in how foundation sits and lasts.
My take: This is what I reach for when I want a filter effect on my skin. It’s not hydrating, but it does exactly what it promises. A must for photos, weddings, or special occasions.
So… Do You Really Need a Primer?
Maybe! If your skin is well-prepped—hydrated, smooth, and protected—then primer might not be necessary every day. Many modern foundations are formulated to go on beautifully with just skincare underneath.
But here’s when a primer might help:
You’re going to an event or need makeup to last 12+ hours
You have large pores or texture you want to minimize
You want to customize your finish (dewy, matte, glowy, etc.)
You like an extra skincare step before makeup
🌿 Primer Alternatives:
- Moisturizer with grip: Try one with hyaluronic acid or a gel-cream texture (like Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream or Milk Makeup’s Vegan Moisturizer).
- Serums with benefits: Niacinamide or vitamin C serums can help smooth texture and brighten skin naturally.
- SPF with a finish: Tinted sunscreens or ones with a luminous/matte finish (like Supergoop Glowscreen or EltaMD UV Clear) can double as primer.
Final Thoughts
After testing these, I still stand by my belief that skin prep is key—but I’m not mad at a primer now and then. Some of these really do elevate the look and longevity of your makeup. So if you’ve got one in your drawer, it might be worth giving it another shot.
And if not? Don’t stress. Great skin, a little SPF, and confidence are always the best base.
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