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Beauty review roundup

The best primers, in plain English

Primer helps makeup go on smoother and last longer. We read editor tests, including two side-by-side grip tests, and boiled them down: which ones hold makeup, which blur pores, and which are worth the price.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 3 primers
  • 4 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer $36–$40 Holds makeup and hydrates, for any skin type. See details Best under $15 e.l.f. Power Grip Primer $10–$12 Nearly tied the $38 pick in a side-by-side test. See details Best for pores e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer $9–$11 Blurs pores and grips makeup for about $10. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

Optional, but handy for long days.

What primer does

Primer goes on after moisturizer and before foundation. It helps makeup go on smoother and last longer. It's optional, but useful for long days, events and oily skin.

Grippy, blurring or hydrating

Grippy primers feel slightly sticky so makeup holds on. Blurring primers fill in pores so skin looks smoother. Hydrating primers help makeup look fresh on dry skin.

Let it settle

Use a pea-sized amount and wait a minute before foundation. Using too much or rushing can make primer pill (roll into little balls).

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

PrimerBest forTypical priceTypeBest for
1. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer Best overall $36–$40Grippy gelAll skin types
2. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Best under $15 $10–$12Grippy gelMost skin types
3. e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer Best for pores $9–$11Putty (balm-like)Visible pores

The 3 best primers, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

  • Grippy gel
  • All skin types
  • Has skin-care ingredients (hyaluronic acid, niacinamide)

$36–$40typical price

Holds makeup in place and hydrates. Marie Claire names it the best primer overall, Woman & Home picks it for all skin types, and it narrowly beat e.l.f. Power Grip in side-by-side tests by both TODAY and PureWow.

What testers liked

  • Keeps makeup in place with little melting or smudging.
  • Hydrating and lightweight, and it sinks in quickly.
  • Works for all skin types.

Common complaints

  • Feels tacky at first, and some say it pills.
  • Expensive, with a fussy pump. On oily skin, some shine still showed by the end of the day.

Skip it if: You're on a budget. e.l.f. Power Grip (#2) scored nearly the same in PureWow's test for about $10.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (4)

Summed up from Marie Claire, Woman & Home, TODAY, PureWow.

#2Best under $15

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

  • Grippy gel
  • Most skin types
  • Cooling feel

$10–$12typical price

Nearly tied a $38 primer for about $10. PureWow scored it 95 out of 100 against Milk Makeup's 96 and called it the better value, and TODAY's writer gave it top marks for texture and packaging.

What testers liked

  • A cooling, serum-like feel.
  • A good pump, and easy to travel with.
  • Excellent value.

Common complaints

  • Thick, and slow to sink in.
  • Held makeup for a little under 8 hours in PureWow's test.

Testers disagree on: How hydrating it is. PureWow found it very hydrating. TODAY's writer wished it were more hydrating.

Skip it if: They need makeup to last a very long day. Milk Hydro Grip (#1) held up a bit longer.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from PureWow, TODAY.

#3Best for pores

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

  • Putty (balm-like)
  • Visible pores
  • Comes in several finishes

$9–$11typical price

Blurs pores and grips makeup for about $10. Marie Claire names it the best drugstore primer, and Woman & Home picks it for long-lasting makeup.

What testers liked

  • Blurs pores so skin looks smoother.
  • Grips makeup well.
  • Affordable, with several finishes to choose from.

Common complaints

  • A slightly greasy texture, and it can pill if rushed.
  • Doesn't fully stop shine.

Skip it if: They have very oily skin. It doesn't fully stop shine, so they'll want setting powder too.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Marie Claire, Woman & Home.

How we pick

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