Best primer UK

Which is the best primer in 2024?

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Best of 2024: Find the right primer in the UK

The best foundation primers leave your skin looking great and help the foundation last throughout the way. This makes it a worthwhile investment for many, yet not everyone needs to use a foundation primer. It’s useful for most people to use foundation primers whenever using a high coverage foundation, while anyone with normal skin and using a light-coverage foundation might not benefit from using a primer. Check out the buying guide below for how to choose the best foundation primer.


The 10 best primers in the UK (November 2024)

The bestseller list compares primers from multiple brands
Best choice TOP 1
Image of e.l.f. 83406 primer
e.l.f. 83406
  • Compatibility: Perfect for all skin types and cruelty-free, vegan formula.
  • Hydration: Infused with grape, Vitamins A, C, E for a hydrated complexion.
  • Durability: Transforms your face for all-day lasting makeup.
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TOP 2
Image of e.l.f. 82846 primer
e.l.f. 82846
  • Hydration: Infused with Hyaluronic Acid for added moisture and a plump complexion.
  • Versatility: Suitable for all skin types with a clear, translucent finish.
  • Longevity: Gel-based formula ensures makeup stays put throughout the day.
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Offer TOP 3
Image of Rimmel 34011396002 primer
Rimmel 34011396002
  • Longevity: Wear alone or under foundation for a long-lasting effect.
  • Flawless: Minimizes imperfections, enhances complexion, smooths pores for radiance.
  • Protection: Shields skin from environmental aggressors for a fresh, healthy appearance.
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TOP 4
Image of Maybelline 3600530941278 primer
Maybelline 3600530941278
  • Freshness: Leaves the skin fresh, soft, and protected.
  • Texture: Gel texture helps vanish pores instantly.
  • Finish: Provides a matte finish, avoiding shine on the skin.
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TOP 5
Image of Barry M FPO primer
Barry M FPO
  • Ethics: Free from Animal Testing.
  • Benefits: Smoothing and pore minimising primer.
  • Brand: Produced by popular cosmetics company Barry M.
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TOP 6
Image of e.l.f. 81517 primer
e.l.f. 81517
  • Versatility: Clear finish suits all skin tones.
  • Radiance: Niacinamide brightens and smooths skin.
  • Longevity: Ensures makeup stays put all day.
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TOP 7
Image of Rimmel 34666448004 primer
Rimmel 34666448004
  • Comfort: Ultra lightweight formula, endless comfort on skin
  • Coverage: Shrinks pores and evens skin tone
  • Longevity: Foundation wears by up to 8 hours
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TOP 8
Image of W7 W7-169488 primer
W7 W7-169488
  • Application: Apply after moisturiser; use a pea-sized amount before foundation.
  • Formula: Clear, light primer blends easily for a natural, shine-free complexion.
  • Pores: Minimizes pores, blemishes, and imperfections for an even finish.
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TOP 9
Image of Maybelline B3342600 primer
Maybelline B3342600
  • Texture: Smooth, silky cream lotion formula.
  • Compatibility: Ideal for normal to dry skin.
  • Hydration: Ensures moisturized and supple skin.
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TOP 10
Image of L'Oreal Paris 3600522877301 primer
L'Oreal Paris 3600522877301
  • Compatibility: Suitable for normal to combination skin
  • Texture: Gel base mattifies skin
  • Finish: Velvet-soft, even surface
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Table of contents
  1. Read the definitive primer buying guide
  2. View the primer picks and see how they rank in the top list

primer buying guide

Do you want to buy a good primer? This is all you need to know.

A short explanation: What are primers?

Image of primers

Foundation primer is a skincare product applied before foundation or eye shadow. Suitable for use on all skin types, the best foundation primers help to protect the skin from potential irritation from these products, while also helping to achieve a more uniform skin surface. They can also offer various skincare benefits.

What are the benefits of good primers?

The best primers for dry skin are packed with moisturising ingredients, helping to rehydrate skin and restore an improved complexion. Facial primers are most well-known for preparing the skin for makeup. They are used to create a good base for applying makeup, with the primer helping to even out skin tone and texture, making makeup look better and more natural. Good primers can also help to cool down the complexion, lessen redness, and reduce the size of pores.primer

How to choose the best primer in 2024?

Additional image of primer

With so many products, it’s quite difficult to know what are the best types of foundation primer for you. Here are some things to consider that can help you choose a great foundation primer:

  • Skin Type: As with any cosmetic product, you want a foundation primer than can suet your skin type. For example, people with dry skin will want a different type of primer from someone with oily skin. This is because a foundation offers different benefits to balance the different skin types. Primes for dry skin help retain moisture, while primers for oily skin help maintain a matte finish. For normal skin, you have the luxury of choosing either type.
  • Sensitivity: Your skin may be a little sensitive to some ingredients, making them not viable options for you. Be sure to know what your skin can handle when choosing a foundation primer, and try testing any potential options to rule out irritations.
  • Wear: How long do you intend on wearing the foundation? If it’s for a short duration, then you don’t need a great foundation primer, just something that gets the foundation on smoothly. However, those using a foundation primer can extend the wear time of the foundation, meaning you can enjoy it for a much longer period. Those planning on going out at the start of the day and returning late into the evening will benefit from a great primer that helps increase the duration of the foundation.

Which types of primers are available to buy in the UK?

Some of the best-selling foundation primers include:

  • Moisturising Primer: This primer has a moisturising effect that is great for people with dry skin, providing necessary hydration for a healthy skin appearance. It also prevents makeup from getting caught in dry patches of your face.
  • Mattifying Primer: It is a perfect choice for people with oily skin, its ingredients absorb excess oil for a matte finish.
  • Mineral Primer: This type of primer is designed for mineral makeup, with a creamy texture that applies effortlessly to the skin. It increases the longevity of mineral makeup and minimises the appearance of large pores.
…are you ready for the best picks of 2024?

VIEW THE TOP 10 LIST →