10 Budge-Proof Primers That’ll Make Your Makeup Stay Put All-Day Long

Let’s face it, makeup primers are divisive — you either can’t live without them or you don’t see the point investing in one because ultimately, you’d be layering on more makeup right after — agree?

But the truth of it all is — incorporating a primer to your makeup routine should be second nature to you especially when it’s the key to your makeup’s longevity and to an even better finish. (Besides, dry patchy finishes are a definite no-no in our books). Think of it as an extension to your skincare routine: using the right amount will provide a luscious, hydrated, and dreamy canvas before layering on your foundation. Basically, it’s just as important as cleansing your face, putting shaving cream on your legs before shaving them or even wearing your bra before putting on your t-shirt — same logic (sort of).

 

With the plethora of makeup primers in the market to choose from, here are some of the hottest and latest cult favourites that you need to cop ASAP.

ILLUMINATING PRIMERS

Beautyblender Selfie Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 38 Dry Oil Face Primer, $52. Available at Sephora

It’s pretty simple — when it comes to primers, perfecting your base would be (and should be) the first thing you should look out for when you’re out shopping at Sephora. But like most of us, we’re always wanting more, and as much as we’d want to deny it, you know it’s true.

To take the layering out of your beauty routine, try Beautyblender’s Selfie Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 38 Dry Oil Face Primer. Aside from its SPF properties, this primer-cum-sunscreen also works to protect your skin from HEV light (the light that’s emitted from your electronic devices), and includes antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E to neutralise pollutants and brighten your complexion!

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer, $110. Available at Tom Ford counters and Sephora

We don’t always have the luxury and time for a separate makeup and skincare routine on a daily basis for a few reasons: A) we’re running late for work/school, or B) we’re simply too lazy. (You know it’s true) But with hybrids like this number by Tom Ford, we’re eternally grateful for having a product that blends the worlds of skincare and makeup together — an absolute godsend.

Formulated with skin retexturing ingredients, this primer is said to prep the skin while it increases cellular vitality and contours the features and tones, while visibly brightening the skin!

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Radiance, $70. Available at Laura Mercier counters and Sephora

There’s always a certain charm when it comes to illuminating primers, especially like the ones by Laura Mercier. For that coveted lit-from-within-glow base, look no further than this Radiance Foundation Primer. Add radiance to your dull-looking complexion with a dime-sized amount of this primer before layering on your foundation and you’ll be good as new in no time!

MATTIFYING PRIMERS 

 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer, $48. Available at Sephora

Prone to whip out your blotting powders to avoid that nasty oil slick come mid-day at 2 in the afternoon? When you have a primer like this from Fenty Beauty, touching up on your makeup after lunchtime would be the least of your worries. Formulated for combination to oily skin, this primer is said to deliver maximum all-day shine control and it also smoothens out your skin without feeling tight or dry. It’s also really lightweight, you barely feel like you’re wearing anything on your skin.

BLURRING PRIMERS 

Dior Diorskin Forever Primer Base, $74. Available at Sephora and Dior counters

When it comes to nailing the basics, the Diorskin Forever Primer Base has got everything on lock. No lie — this primer blends seamlessly into the skin with a non-oily texture (that we love) and improves adherence of your foundation to your skin while it’s Poreless Effect formula helps to refine the skin’s texture for a smooth and flawless base.

Shiseido Waso Poreless Matte Primer, $39. Available at all Shiseido counters and Sephora

The perfect base and a long-lasting finish are all we look for in a primer. If you’re a fan of mattifying primers, or if you’re looking to eliminate any T-Zone concerns, Shiseido’s Waso Poreless Matte Primer is definitely one that’s worth giving a shot. Remember: a little goes a long way with this matte primer that will keep oil at bay and lookin’ fab all day.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Under(cover) Blurring Coconut Face Primer, $56. Available at Sephora

One word: irresistible. If you’re just as obsessed with coconuts as we are then we’ve found your perfect match. Besides blurring your pores and prepping your canvas, this primer can also be worn alone for a soft-focus glow and it feels light on the skin — ideal for those with normal to oily skin.

COLOUR CORRECTING PRIMERS

 

Guerlain Météorites Glow Pearls Cushion Colour Correction Tone-up Base Face Primer, $80. Available at Sephora

Dabbing on a multi-coloured primer like this one by Guerlain, may seem counterintuitive but in actual fact, this single cushion helps to correct minor skin-tone flaws and illuminates your complexion with just a few light taps. Create the illusion of radiance wherever you go with this travel-friendly compact to maintain a fresh, silky smooth finish while you’re out and about.

HYDRATING PRIMERS

Urban Decay Quick Fix Hydra-Charged Complexion Prep Priming Spray, $50. Available at all Urban Decay counters, stores and Sephora.

Staying true to its name, the Urban Decay Quick Fix Hydra-Charged Complexion Prep Priming Spray (wow, what a mouthful), lives up to its name as one of the brand’s iconic bestsellers. Prep, prime and balance your skin by sprtizing on this primer as your first step to your makeup routine. Formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin B3, Sepitonic M3 and coconut water (yum!), this priming spray is said to reduce the appearance of pores, brighten and smoothe your skin, and replace lost moisture! Seriously, what more could you ask for?

Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer, $39. Available at Sephora

Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer has proven to be a cult favourite for many, so when we heard that they released their own Base Tape Primer, you could only imagine how high our expectations were set. Infused with a blend of coconut and botanicals, this primer is said to nourish and smoothen your skin’s appearance, while providing 12-hour hydration with jojoba and grapeseed extract that’s absorbed instantly into the skin for a comfortable and long-lasting makeup application.