10 Best Makeup Primers 2026 in the United States

The Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer is a solid choice if you want your makeup to look smoother and last longer. It works well on combination, dry, and normal skin types, making it quite versatile. This primer's gel texture helps instantly blur pores and fine lines, giving your skin a smoother appearance without feeling heavy. It also acts as a barrier against environmental damage, which is a nice bonus for daily wear.

It nourishes the skin thanks to vitamins A and E, and the finish tends to be natural with a slight blurring effect, so it won’t add shine or overly mattify, suiting many skin preferences. It may not be the best fit for very oily or sensitive skin since those types aren’t highlighted in the specs. The product is vegan and cruelty-free, which is great if you prefer ethical products.

This primer is excellent for those seeking a smooth base that minimizes pores and fine lines while extending makeup wear, especially if you have normal to dry skin.

The Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Control Primer is designed for all skin types, especially those with oily or combination skin looking to reduce shine. It offers a matte finish that helps keep oil in check for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for keeping makeup fresh throughout the day without frequent touch-ups. The primer contains salicylic acid, witch hazel, and zinc, ingredients known to control oil and strengthen skin, so it not only prepares your face for makeup but also supports healthier skin over time.

This primer is lightweight and breathable, meaning it won’t feel heavy or sticky on your face. While it doesn’t specifically claim to minimize pores or color correct, the matte finish and oil control help create a smoother base for makeup application. Additionally, it includes antioxidants and vitamins that provide some hydration and skin benefits without making the skin greasy.

Some users may find its gel texture less hydrating compared to creamier primers if they have dry skin. With a user rating around 3.8 out of 5, it appears to work well for many but may not meet everyone's expectations, possibly due to skin type differences or personal preferences. For those seeking a primer that controls shine, extends makeup wear, and gently supports skin health with a matte finish, this is a solid option to consider.

The Smashbox Pore Vanishing Primer is a solid choice for anyone looking to reduce the appearance of pores and shine, thanks to its pore-blurring and mattifying effects. It's suitable for all skin types and comes in a lightweight gel form that won’t clog pores or leave a white cast, which is great for keeping your makeup looking fresh and natural.

This primer also locks makeup in place for up to 12 hours, helping your look last through a busy day. It doesn’t offer much in terms of color correcting or hydration, so if you need a primer to even out skin tone or add moisture, you might want to consider something else. However, it does contain Vitamin E, which nourishes the skin slightly.

If your main concerns are shine control, smoothing skin texture, and making pores less visible with a matte finish, this primer performs well. Keep in mind it’s more focused on oil control and wear time rather than hydration or color correction.