Finding the right primer for your specific skin type is of the utmost importance. If you have dry skin, you’ll most definitely need a good hydrating primer in your rotation, but if you have acne-prone skin, you’ll surely need a solid noncomedogenic option. And who better to ask for advice on the matter than celebrity makeup artists?
They spend more than enough time making up all different types of skin and have acquired many tricks of the trade. They also know which primers are absolutely worth investing in and which don’t live up to the hype. The celebrity MUAs who are dishing this time around are Shadi Malek, Hailey Hoff, and Judi Gabbay. If you’re in the market for one yourself, keep scrolling for a few of the best face primers they recommend for every skin type and a few of our own picks.
“This is every makeup artist’s go-to product for under makeup. It provides the perfect base for a perfect application. The main reason why I love it is how hydrating it is and how the product just sinks into the skin immediately.” — Malek
“This is my favorite primer for mature and/or problem skin. It lives true to its name—it blurs the skin and really gets it ready for foundation.” — Malek
Makeup artists are fully obsessed with Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation, but we can’t forget about its hydrating sister primer that, like the foundation, is completely noncomedogenic. This makes it a great option for acne-prone skin. “This is the perfect primer to achieve a glowing goddess skin finish. This is a very dewy primer perfect for if you’re going for a dewy look.” — Malek
“I love how well foundation sticks to this primer. I truly feel this primer is the longest-lasting one I’ve used. It’s a cult favorite for a reason!” — Malek. “I love that Hydro Grip has a slightly tacky feel to it—living up to its name by actually gripping the foundation onto the face.” — Gabbay
“I have super-oily skin, and this product really helps me stay matte in the T-zone area throughout the day.” — Hoff
Maybelline’s FaceStudio earns the spot for best drugstore option because it really is a master at blurring out imperfections, evening the skin tone, and keeping makeup in place for long periods of time. It was my go-to drugstore pick for years before I became a beauty editor.
“This is perfect if you’re applying a skin tint or CC cream over top. It has a really thin, hydrating formula that’s perfect for the gal on the go.” — Malek
This oil-free primer is another great option for oilier and acne-prone skin types. It instantly smoothes and blurs while providing extra skin nourishment with vitamins A and E. “I love Smashbox primers. They are a forever go-to for a lot of artists because they have a primer for everything—redness, oiliness, dry skin—so it’s an easy go-to for me!” — Hoff
“For my clients who usually want that dewy, silky skin, I love using the Charlotte Tilbury primer. It’s gorgeous under makeup.” — Hoff. “For a luminous glow under foundation (or even by itself!), try Wonderglow by Charlotte Tilbury. It blurs fine lines, hydrates, and leaves the skin with a candlelit-from-within feel.” — Gabbay
This primer evens out your skin tone, adds instant radiance to your complexion, and minimizes the look of pores, all for a pretty nice price tag compared to other options on this list.
I always find myself reaching for this primer to use with my Hourglass Vanish Foundation Stick. Name a better duo—I’ll wait. It absorbs so quickly and really smooths out my skin before applying foundation. It ups the airbrush factor in a big way, so trust me—you won’t be disappointed if you decide to invest.
When I’m not using my Hourglass primer, I almost always use this gem from Tatcha. It creates the perfect base for my foundation because it’s so hydrating but never greasy. It’s totally weightless and has a thin layer of silk powder that reduces the look of pores, fine lines, and other imperfections in record time.
“I will also use the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter as a primer because it really makes the makeup look like a filter!” — Hoff
E.l.f. products always get the job done, and this hydrating face primer is another fan favorite. The formula is infused with grape and vitamins A, C, and E to help boost your complexion and provide extra moisture to the skin.
“For dry, dull skin, try Hangover Replenishing Face Primer by Too Faced. It’s vegan, hydrating, and creates a radiant finish that will help a look last all day.” — Gabbay
