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4 Best Lip Primers 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Lip Primer

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,360
Hydration

Most important from
1920 reviews

Hydration
Works great to moisturize lips under lipstick.

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance the look and feel of their lips. This colorless, lightweight primer excels at hydrating and smoothing the lips, making it an excellent base for any lip color product, be it gloss, liquid lipstick, or matte lipstick. Users will appreciate its ability to prevent color from fading and feathering, which helps to maintain a polished look throughout the day.

Furthermore, it can be worn alone as a hydrating lip conditioner, adding versatility to its usage. The primer also creates an ideal canvas that holds matte lip colors effectively without compromising their ultra-matte finish, ensuring your makeup stays vibrant and true to color. However, it should be noted that it doesn’t offer a plumping effect, which might be a drawback for those specifically seeking that benefit.

The texture is described as lightweight and sheer, providing a comfortable feel on the lips without being heavy or sticky. This primer is suitable for all skin types, making it a universally friendly option. While it excels in hydration, texture, and color enhancement, those looking for a product that also adds a plumping effect might need to consider additional options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,360
Hydration

Most important from
1920 reviews

Hydration
Works great to moisturize lips under lipstick.
#2

MAC Prep + Prime Lip, 0.05 Ounce

Rating
8.2
Longevity

Most important from
942 reviews

Longevity
This primer helps lipstick stay on longer, making it a great choice for extended wear.

The MAC Prep + Prime Lip is designed to prepare your lips for color application, and it performs admirably in several key areas. One of its standout features is hydration; it provides immediate moisture to the lips, which helps in keeping them smooth and prevents dryness. The texture of the primer is creamy, making it easy to apply and comfortable to wear under lip color.

This product is also effective in enhancing the longevity of your lipstick, as it reduces feathering and helps maintain a fresh look for an extended period. Users will find that it offers full coverage, meaning your lip color will be more vibrant and evenly distributed. Additionally, this primer is fragrance-free and oil-free, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. It has been dermatologist tested, adding an extra layer of reassurance for those concerned about skin reactions.

However, the MAC Prep + Prime Lip does not offer a plumping effect, which might be a drawback for those looking to add volume to their lips. Also, it’s mainly focused on color enhancement rather than providing a glossy or matte finish. The packaging is compact and travel-friendly, fitting easily into a makeup bag. This product is ideal for individuals who want hydrated, smooth lips and enhanced color longevity, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking added plumpness or a specific finish.

Rating
8.2
Longevity

Most important from
942 reviews

Longevity
This primer helps lipstick stay on longer, making it a great choice for extended wear.
#3

Jolie Neutralizing Eye & Lip Primer Base, Waterproof - Net Wt. 3g

Rating
7.3
Longevity
Color Enhancement

Most important from
468 reviews

Longevity
A little goes a long way with this product, ensuring longevity even with a small jar.
Color Enhancement
The pigmentation enhances shadow colors, keeping them vibrant and intense throughout the day.

The Jolie Neutralizing Eye & Lip Primer Base is a versatile product designed to prime both your eyes and lips, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. One of its standout features is its ability to enhance color vibrancy, ensuring that your makeup looks fresh and vibrant throughout the day. It also promises long-lasting wear, being waterproof and resistant to sweat and humidity, which is great for those looking for durability in their makeup routine.

Additionally, it's enriched with vitamins and essential ingredients to smooth fine lines and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes and lips, which contributes to a more youthful appearance. Its hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free formulation makes it suitable for a variety of skin types, including oily, combination, dry, and normal skin.

This primer is ideal for those seeking a multifunctional, long-lasting, and color-enhancing base for both eyes and lips, with the added benefit of being gentle on the skin.

Rating
7.3
Longevity
Color Enhancement

Most important from
468 reviews

Longevity
A little goes a long way with this product, ensuring longevity even with a small jar.
Color Enhancement
The pigmentation enhances shadow colors, keeping them vibrant and intense throughout the day.

Buying Guide for the Best Lip Primers

Choosing the right lip primer can make a significant difference in how your lipstick looks and lasts throughout the day. A lip primer is a base for your lipstick that helps to smooth out your lips, making the color more vibrant and long-lasting. When selecting a lip primer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a lip primer.
HydrationHydration is crucial because it keeps your lips moisturized and prevents them from drying out, which can cause your lipstick to crack and fade. Lip primers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or vitamin E are ideal for those with dry or chapped lips. If your lips are naturally well-moisturized, you might opt for a primer with a lighter hydration level to avoid feeling too greasy.
TextureThe texture of a lip primer can affect how comfortable it feels on your lips and how well it holds your lipstick. Primers can range from creamy to gel-like or even slightly tacky. Creamy textures are great for those who want a smooth application and added moisture, while gel-like textures can provide a lightweight feel. Tacky primers are excellent for ensuring your lipstick stays put for longer periods. Choose a texture that feels comfortable for you and complements the type of lipstick you use.
LongevityLongevity refers to how long the primer helps your lipstick stay in place without fading or smudging. If you need your lipstick to last through a long day or special event, look for a primer that specifically mentions long-lasting or all-day wear. For everyday use, a primer with moderate longevity might be sufficient. Consider your daily routine and how often you are willing to reapply your lipstick when deciding on the level of longevity you need.
Color EnhancementSome lip primers are designed to enhance the color of your lipstick, making it appear more vibrant and true to the shade in the tube. This is particularly important if you wear bold or dark lip colors. If you prefer a natural look or wear lighter shades, a primer with minimal color enhancement might be more suitable. Think about the types of lip colors you typically wear and whether you want a primer that boosts their intensity.
Plumping EffectA plumping effect can make your lips look fuller and more voluminous. Lip primers with plumping ingredients like peptides or menthol can provide this effect. If you desire a fuller lip appearance, look for a primer that offers plumping benefits. However, if you prefer a more natural look or have sensitive lips, you might want to avoid plumping primers as they can sometimes cause a tingling sensation.
FinishThe finish of a lip primer can be matte, satin, or glossy, and it can influence the final look of your lipstick. A matte finish primer is ideal if you want a long-lasting, non-shiny look, while a satin finish provides a bit of sheen without being too glossy. Glossy finish primers can add extra shine and are great for a more glamorous look. Consider the finish of your favorite lipsticks and choose a primer that complements them.

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