Choosing the best face primer is no longer just about extending makeup wear — it’s about boosting hydration, smoothing pores, mattifying shine, and delivering a flawless base. From the grip primers that lock everything in place to the hydrating primers that keep skin glowing all day, 2025’s top formulas have something for everyone.

Let’s dive into the 12 best face primers that are redefining makeup prep this year.

1. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

Why it’s worth it: The Milk Hydro Grip Primer continues to dominate the beauty space thanks to its sticky texture that locks foundation in place for hours. This award-winning gel primer contains hyaluronic acid and hemp-derived cannabis seed extract to hydrate and soothe the skin, while niacinamide helps with brightness and tone.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, cannabis seed extract, niacinamide

Who it’s good for: dehydrated or dull skin types looking for long-wearing hydration and grip

2. e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Poreless Putty Primer

Why it’s worth it: Coming in at just $10 is E.L.F.'s Liquid Poreless Putty. It won both the 2023 and 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Awards for Best Matte Primer and continues to be a budget-friendly favorite for its pore-minimizing abilities and major makeup grip. You'll also find familiar skincare ingredients in this formula, like moisturizing squalane and calming resveratrol. Let this formula sit on your skin for roughly 30 seconds before going in with your base makeup.

Key ingredients: dimethicone, squalane, resveratrol

Who it’s good for: anyone looking to mattify their skin and fill in pores

3. Staze HD Prep Hydrating Primer

Why it’s worth it: Staze HD Prep Primer is a hidden gem among professionals. Its lightweight, water-gel formula instantly hydrates without creating excess shine. It helps foundation blend seamlessly while blurring texture and dry patches. It’s also fragrance-free, making it a gentle option for sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin E

Who it’s good for: dry, textured, or sensitive skin looking for a hydrating makeup primer

4. SHEGLAM Birthday Skin Primer

Why it’s worth it: TikTok can’t get enough of this one — and for good reason. The SHEGLAM Primer for Oily Skin gives that poreless, filtered-skin effect while keeping oil production in check. The pink tint subtly color-corrects dullness, and its velvety texture grips makeup for hours without sliding.

Key ingredients: tea tree extract, salicylic acid, vitamin C

Who it’s good for: oily and combination skin needing shine control and brightening

5. The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer

Why it’s worth it: This silicone-based primer proves you don’t have to spend a lot to look flawless. At under $7, it smooths skin with a matte finish while helping makeup adhere better throughout the day. It’s non-greasy and acts as both a moisturizer and a makeup primer, perfect for minimal routines.

Key ingredients: advanced adaptive silicones

Who it’s good for: oily and acne-prone skin looking for a non-comedogenic silicone primer

6. I Heart Revolution Tasty Watermelon Serum Primer

Why it’s worth it: Not just cute packaging — this hydrating primer is bursting with watermelon extract and vitamin E to plump and refresh tired skin. It gives a cooling effect on application and layers beautifully under dewy foundation.

Key ingredients: watermelon extract, vitamin E, glycerin

Who it’s good for: dry and dull skin lovers craving a juicy, radiant finish

7. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+

Why it’s worth it: A backstage favorite, MAC’s Fix+ works as a liquid primer, makeup setting spray, and skin refresher. Use it before foundation to boost hydration, or spritz between makeup layers for a luminous, skin-like finish that lasts. It's especially great during summer or on dry days.

Key ingredients: cucumber extract, green tea, chamomile

Who it’s good for: all skin types wanting a multi-tasking spray that primes and hydrates

8. NARS Soft Matte Primer

Why it’s worth it: This one’s for the oily-skin crew. NARS Soft Matte Primer uses micro-spherical powders to soak up shine while visibly minimizing pores. Its breathable texture ensures your skin never looks cakey, even under full-coverage foundations.

Key ingredients: oil-absorbing powders, botanical extracts

Who it’s good for: oily and combo skin types needing matte longevity

9. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Aging Primer

Why it’s worth it: A dermatologist favorite, this makeup base primer offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while blurring fine lines and wrinkles. The texture dries down matte, so there’s no greasy film — just a smooth canvas with built-in anti-aging benefits.

Key ingredients: Cell-Ox Shield®, antioxidants

Who it’s good for: mature or sun-sensitive skin seeking SPF + primer in one

10. Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Blur + Smooth Primer

Why it’s worth it: Maybelline's Master Prime Blur + Smooth is your go-to for a smooth, soft-focus base on a budget. The formula glides on easily and minimizes texture without being too thick or slippery.

Key ingredients: blur polymers, dimethicone

Who it’s good for: normal to dry skin looking for a classic smoothing makeup base primer

11. NARS Radiance Primer

Why it’s worth it: Want radiance in a bottle? The NARS Radiance Primer not only delivers SPF 35 protection, but its illuminating particles bring instant glow to dull skin. It wears beautifully under sheer or medium foundations and feels more like skincare than makeup.

Key ingredients: radiance complex, broad-spectrum SPF

Who it’s good for: tired, lackluster skin looking to boost glow while staying protected