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10 Best Primer For Powder Foundation 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Blurring Face Primer SPF 30 – Lightweight, Hydrating Makeup Primer - Smooths Fine Lines & Wrinkles for a Soft-Focus Finish – Mineral-Based, Cruelty-Free Formula – 30g

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,319
Skin Type Compatibility
Finish
Longevity

Most important from
43485 reviews

Skin Type Compatibility
The texture is lightweight and silky, making it a breeze to apply without feeling heavy or greasy.
Finish
It creates a beautifully even base that grips makeup perfectly, keeping it fresh for hours—no touch-ups required.
Longevity
It keeps eyelids set perfectly with no oil or creasing for a good 12-14 hours, even with minimal makeup.

The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Blurring Face Primer SPF30 is a versatile option that works well for all skin types, which is a notable strength. Its lightweight formula, infused with quality Korean ingredients like shea butter and plant extracts, provides a dewy, demi-matte finish. This can be particularly appealing for those looking to achieve a 'glass skin' look while also enjoying a smooth and velvety complexion.

The primer's ability to minimize pores and soften the appearance of fine lines makes it a good choice for those concerned about these issues. Additionally, its SPF30 offers protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for daily sun protection. The product is cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny approved, aligning with ethical beauty standards.

The primer's hydrating properties and makeup-gripping formula contribute to its long-lasting wear, making it a reliable choice for all-day use. This primer is well-rounded, particularly excelling in skincare benefits and sun protection, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,319
Skin Type Compatibility
Finish
Longevity

Most important from
43485 reviews

Skin Type Compatibility
The texture is lightweight and silky, making it a breeze to apply without feeling heavy or greasy.
Finish
It creates a beautifully even base that grips makeup perfectly, keeping it fresh for hours—no touch-ups required.
Longevity
It keeps eyelids set perfectly with no oil or creasing for a good 12-14 hours, even with minimal makeup.
#2

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Makeup Primer | Vitamin E + Oil Free, 1 Fl Oz

Rating
10.0
Skin Type Compatibility
Finish

Most important from
2902 reviews

Skin Type Compatibility
This primer is perfection! It makes my makeup perfect each day, even with menopausal skin, and is worth every penny.
Finish
This primer has become a staple in my skincare routine, instantly smoothing out fine lines and giving my face a beautiful matte yet hydrated look.

The Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Makeup Primer is designed to be a versatile primer suitable for all skin types. It stands out for its ability to instantly smooth and blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, creating a flawless base for makeup application. This primer helps your foundation last longer, which is a major advantage. Additionally, it includes Vitamin E and is free from oils, making it nourishing and suitable for those with oily skin types as well.

It's also vegan and cruelty-free, appealing to those who prioritize ethical beauty products. One of its notable benefits is its protective barrier against environmental pollutants, which adds an extra layer of skin care. However, it does lack SPF protection, which means you will need a separate product to protect your skin from sun damage.

While it claims light coverage and color correcting benefits, how well it performs in these areas can vary depending on individual skin tones and concerns. Its gel form can be an excellent match for powder foundations, giving a smooth finish without feeling heavy. This primer is a solid choice for those looking for a multitasking product that enhances the longevity of their makeup while minimizing the appearance of imperfections.

Rating
10.0
Skin Type Compatibility
Finish

Most important from
2902 reviews

Skin Type Compatibility
This primer is perfection! It makes my makeup perfect each day, even with menopausal skin, and is worth every penny.
Finish
This primer has become a staple in my skincare routine, instantly smoothing out fine lines and giving my face a beautiful matte yet hydrated look.
#3

LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Spackle Primer - Hydrate - Super-Size 2 Fl Oz - Hyaluronic Acid Makeup Primer for Mature Skin

Rating
9.7
Skin Type Compatibility
Finish
Color Correcting

Most important from
5192 reviews

Skin Type Compatibility
Provides excellent hydration, making the skin feel moisturized right before applying foundation.
Finish
Creates a flawless base that allows foundation and concealer to go on smoothly and evenly.
Color Correcting
Brightens the complexion, helping tired or dull skin look more vibrant.

The LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Spackle Primer - Hydrate is designed especially for dry to normal and mature skin types, making it a good choice if your skin tends to feel dry or flaky. It works as both a moisturizer and a makeup primer, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help keep skin hydrated and smooth.

This primer creates a lightweight, non-greasy base that helps powder foundation apply more evenly and last longer throughout the day. It also brightens the complexion, which can be helpful for dull or tired-looking skin. The formula is fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin, which is a plus if you're concerned about irritation.

While it’s great for improving skin texture and hydration, those seeking strong pore control or sun protection might want to use it in combination with other products. This primer is ideal for individuals with dry or mature skin looking for a smooth, hydrated base for powder foundation without added fragrance or heavy feel.

Rating
9.7
Skin Type Compatibility
Finish
Color Correcting

Most important from
5192 reviews

Skin Type Compatibility
Provides excellent hydration, making the skin feel moisturized right before applying foundation.
Finish
Creates a flawless base that allows foundation and concealer to go on smoothly and evenly.
Color Correcting
Brightens the complexion, helping tired or dull skin look more vibrant.

Buying Guide for the Best Primer For Powder Foundation

Choosing the right primer for your powder foundation is essential to achieving a flawless and long-lasting makeup look. A primer acts as a base for your foundation, helping it to adhere better to your skin, smooth out imperfections, and control oil and shine. When selecting a primer, it's important to consider your skin type, the finish you desire, and any specific skin concerns you may have. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a primer for powder foundation.
Skin Type CompatibilityPrimers are formulated to address different skin types, such as oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin. It's important to choose a primer that matches your skin type to ensure it works effectively. For oily skin, look for mattifying primers that control shine and reduce the appearance of pores. For dry skin, hydrating primers with moisturizing ingredients can help create a smooth base. Combination skin may benefit from a balancing primer that addresses both oily and dry areas. Sensitive skin types should opt for primers with gentle, non-irritating ingredients.
FinishThe finish of a primer can affect the overall look of your makeup. Primers can provide a matte, dewy, or natural finish. A matte finish is ideal for those with oily skin or those who prefer a shine-free look. Dewy finish primers are great for dry or dull skin, as they add a healthy glow. A natural finish primer offers a balanced look that works well for most skin types. Consider the finish you want to achieve with your powder foundation and choose a primer that complements it.
Pore MinimizingPore minimizing primers are designed to reduce the appearance of large pores, creating a smoother surface for your foundation. These primers often contain ingredients like silicone that fill in pores and fine lines. If you have visible pores and want a more even complexion, a pore minimizing primer can be a great choice. However, if pore size is not a concern for you, this feature may not be as important.
LongevityA good primer can extend the wear time of your powder foundation, keeping your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. Long-wearing primers are especially beneficial for those with oily skin or those who need their makeup to last for extended periods. Look for primers that are specifically labeled as long-lasting or have claims of extended wear. If you have a busy schedule or need your makeup to stay put for hours, prioritize primers with longevity benefits.
SPF ProtectionSome primers come with added SPF protection, which can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays. This is an important feature if you spend a lot of time outdoors or want to add an extra layer of sun protection to your routine. Primers with SPF can be particularly useful for those who prefer a minimalist approach to skincare and makeup. If sun protection is a priority for you, look for primers with a broad-spectrum SPF rating.
Color CorrectingColor correcting primers are designed to address specific skin concerns such as redness, dullness, or uneven skin tone. These primers come in different shades, each targeting a particular issue. For example, green primers can neutralize redness, while purple primers can brighten sallow skin. If you have specific color correction needs, choosing a primer with these properties can help create a more even base for your powder foundation. If your skin tone is already even, a standard primer may suffice.

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