13 Best Drugstore Primers ELLE Editors Use to the Last Drop (2024)

Primers may not be as exciting to shop for as, say, a new eyeshadow stick, a pretty nude lipstick, or a trendy liquid blush. But let me let you in on a little secret: the right primer can make all the difference when trying to get your base to last longer, look smoother, and sit nicer on the skin overall. The best primers can even help with other skin concerns like dry patches and greasiness that creep up on you throughout the day.

“A makeup primer is used as a base for makeup application, to help with any imperfections and help the makeup last longer. When starting your makeup process, primers help perfect the canvas before painting. Primers can hydrate, smooth skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and keep the makeup intact and last longer,” says Deanna Paley, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist who’s created looks on celebrities like Becky G, Saweetie, and Sza.

Paley also shares a slight caveat—not every primer is going to play nice with every other base complexion product. “An important factor when choosing a primer is making sure it is compatible and agrees with your foundation and skincare. If you are using a water-based primer with a silicone-based foundation, your makeup can begin to crack and break apart after application,” she explains.

Thankfully, you don’t necessarily have to shell out the big bucks to reap all the benefits primers offer. Look into the aisles of your favorite drugstore and find primers rivaling your more expensive ones. ELLE editors have personally tested a slew of formulas for all skin types and picked out the gems worth trying. Ahead, find the 13 best drugstore primers we can't shut up about.

“Green color correctors have been my best friend since I discovered them. I deal with redness on my nose, on the areas adjacent to my nose, and a little on my forehead and chin. When I don't have makeup on, it gives me a natural blush, which I appreciate, but sometimes I want that blank canvas feel, especially when I have blush on like I do here. I applied a few thin layers before my foundation, and it was like I waved a magic wand—a lot of the redness virtually disappeared. Of course, it's not going to camouflage it all, but it does a great enough job that I end up applying way less foundation than I usually do. A win is a win.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate e-commerce writer

“I love sunscreen—a lot. So much so that I don't mind having most of my everyday products contain SPF. As someone who loves a full makeup beat, primers are typically the star of the show. La Roche-Posay's SPF primer has a blurring effect that made this oily gal less dewy (I still had slight shine at the end of the day, but that's a me problem), and helped my makeup stay on longer. Eight hours is a lot to ask of a primer, but this one takes the challenge with ease.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

“One of the other beauty editors here raves about this primer, so of course, I had to try it for myself. Plus, everyone on TikTok can't stop talking about it, so what was a girl to do? In the selfies I took, the lighting was different (and my lipstick disappeared), but everything still seemed pretty intact by the end of the day. And that's a tall order—usually, my makeup is about half-evaporated by the time I shut my laptop. Color me impressed.” —Carol Lee

“I’m always looking for products that give me that dewy girl look without crossing over into grease ball territory. I instantly saw how radiant this made my skin look, and it wasn’t covered up with makeup—the glow still peeked through. It was lightweight and seeped quickly into the skin. Plus, I loved the subtle, sweet citrus scent! I was ecstatic to see that the glow didn’t come at the cost of makeup longevity. Even on a super humid and drizzly day, I noticed my makeup never got too greasy.” —Selena Schorken, ELLE.com social video coordinator

“I know people have been raving about this primer-setting spray combo on TikTok, but shoutout to all my beauty YouTube-obsessed girlies out there who remember this spray's first rise to fame. I apply this before and after the rest of my routine—before, so it'll grip whatever I put on top, and after, so it'll seal it all in. As someone whose makeup routine has significantly simplified over the years, I will forever appreciate true multitaskers like this guy.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate e-commerce writer

“The first thing that struck me about this primer is how great it smells. And though I’m not normally into dewy products since I struggle with an oily T-zone, I like that this primer gives a subtle glow that I can easily control. I added an extra swipe onto my cheekbones to catch the light and finished with a setting powder on areas where I prefer a slightly more matte look. Even as the day wore on, I never felt too greasy or shiny. Interestingly, this formula also contains a touch of exfoliating lactic acid and retinyl palmitate (one of the gentlest forms of retinol) to brighten, smooth, and protect my skin against environmental aggressors.” —Sam Peters, Hearst fashion and luxury senior commerce editor

“As the token old person on the ELLE.com team, I was the sacrificial lamb to test CoverGirl’s Simply Ageless Primer, which contains anti-aging ingredients. I applied it during a Glamsquad sesh with my makeup artist, Yevgene Wright-Mason, who told me that the lightweight formula ‘gives me a little bit of hydration, absorbs easily, and smoothes the skin,’ but noted that I’d have to use the product consistently to really see the benefits.” —Claire Stern, digital director

“I’m a massive perfectionist, meaning the larger, congestion-prone pores in my T-zone drive me absolutely crazy. So, I was eager to try this affordable pore-blurring primer on my journey to adopting a no-prod approach and giving my complexion a little more grace. I instantly noticed a blurring effect after applying the clear gel to my problem areas. I did find my makeup separated just slightly by the evening, however I was overall impressed that this product actually lived up to its promise and is non-comedogenic. Plus, I think finishing with a setting spray next time could make all the difference.” —Sam Peters, Hearst fashion and luxury senior commerce editor

“It’s like an instant beauty filter! I think this definitely lives up to its ‘smoothing’ claims. However, I should note that it had a slight chemical scent that I didn’t love. I was a little shiny towards the end of the day, but that’s pretty normal for me!” —Selena Schorken, ELLE.com social video coordinator