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Standout products that create a beautiful canvas.

A collage of people applying makeup primers, featuring the Milk Makeup Hyrdo Grip Primer

Byrdie

In This Article

Byrdie

TL;DR

Our favorite makeup primer is theMilk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer.

Makeup primer bridges the gap between your makeup andskincare routine, helping makeup adhere more easily to your skin.

These are the makeup primers that earned the Byrdie seal of approval.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer

PHOTO: Sephora

We were impressed with its quality, especially given the price.

We loved its even consistency that left behind no residue.

Note: the primer has a subtle sweet scent.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

We found it was effective at extending makeup wear and ensured our foundation stayed fresher for longer.

One thing we wish we could change is the pot.

Additionally, anti-inflammatory hibiscus flower and rosemary leaf extract reduce redness and aid exfoliation.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

Instead, it feels cushiony and soft, and delivers a filter-like blurring effect.

The primer imparts a white tint that blends (cast-free) into all skin tones.

Be aware that some reviewers found this product made them break out.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

Upon contact with the skin, it felt like a light moisturizer.

Its a controversial ingredient that some people prefer to avoid altogether.

Remember, primer goes on after moisturizer but before any other makeup.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

Yes, according to Figueroa, you could use face primer under your eyes.

She has tested dozens of makeup primersincluding several on this list.

Esme joined Byrdie in 2023, covering the best tried and tested products in the beauty space.

NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

PHOTO: Ulta

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NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

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NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

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Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity.Polymers (Basel).

NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

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NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

NYX Professional Makeup Marshmellow Smoothing Primer

Too Faced Hangover Primer

PHOTO: Ulta

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Woman rubbing Too Faced Hangover Primer onto her cheek

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

Woman rubbing Too Faced Hangover Primer onto her cheek

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Protective Primer

PHOTO: Sephora

Person dabbing Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Protective Primer onto their face in a mirror

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Person holding and scraping Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Protective Primer

Person dabbing Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Protective Primer onto their face in a mirror

Person holding and scraping Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Protective Primer

Tarte Cosmetics Poreless Mattifying Primer

PHOTO: Amazon

Tarte Cosmetics Poreless Mattifying Primer

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Tarte Cosmetics Poreless Mattifying Primer

Tarte Cosmetics Poreless Mattifying Primer

Tarte Cosmetics Poreless Mattifying Primer

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer

PHOTO: Sephora

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer

MAC Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer

PHOTO: Amazon

MAC Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Hand with beauty blender next to MAC Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer

MAC Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer

Hand with beauty blender next to MAC Studio Radiance Illuminating Primer

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50

PHOTO: Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50