We Tested & Reviewed Drugstore Primers Under $25 and Landed on 13 Must-Haves

Best Overall

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

View on Ulta $7 at Amazon $7 at Target

Living up to its nickname "Photoshop in a bottle," we could all see a difference in how this primer minimized our pores, especially around the cheeks and nose. Apply a few drops onto your bare face to instantly improve softness and smoothness. If you're looking to streamline your routine, you can also mix it straight in with your foundation—either way, you'll reap the complexion-enhancing benefits and delight in the all-day moisture it provides.

Who It's For

The ultra-silky texture works on every skin type, leaving oily skin mattified and dry skin hydrated and smooth. We tested it on dry skin and found that our entire face felt instantly smooth, soft, and moisturized. The pores around our nose and cheeks were magically minimized, too.

Key Ingredients: Silicone, silica, bitter cherry extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Read Full Review: This $7 Primer Is Literally the Blur Tool IRL—Trust

Best Mattifying

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

$6 at Amazon $6 at Walmart $8 at riteaid.com

The right primer can work wonders when it comes to keeping skin matte and tamping down sheen all day. We tried this particular shine-controlling option and can confirm it does just that and lasts hours. The best part for us was how it never felt too dry or resulted in a cakey appearance.

Who It's For

This product is best for those with oily skin looking to reduce shine all day long.

Key Ingredients: Silicone, silica, talc | Skin Type: Oily, dry | Dosage: Pea-size amount | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Large Pores

COVERGIRL Trublend Base Business

$7 at Amazon $7 at Ulta $7 at Target

While there’s no product out there that can change the actual size of your pores, there are ways that you can make them appear smaller, like using a primer such as this one. The oil-free formula smooths away the look of prominent pores and has a subtle lilac tint that delivers an overall more luminous glow and gives skin a vibrant appearance. We also love that this primer has recently been reformulated to remove the fragrance, making it gentler and more sensitive-skin friendly.

Who’s It For

All skin types can enjoy this drugstore gem—especially if you want a matte finish that's still fresh and vibrant.

Key Ingredients: Silicone, silica, talc, retinol | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dull Skin

Neutrogena Glow Primer & Serum

$14 at Amazon $22 at Ulta $19 at Target

If your complexion looks dull, lackluster, and generally a bit drab, consider using this skincare-makeup hybrid. Part serum, part primer, it delivers a mammoth dose of hydration via hyaluronic acid (always a surefire way to boost radiance), leaving skin plumped, smooth, and refreshed. And per the primer part of things, we gave this product a try and found it definitely helped to keep our makeup locked in all day.

Who It's For

We know you’ve been on the go nonstop, which is why we love this glowy primer and serum for you. It’s the best remedy for tired, dry skin that needs a boost.

Key Ingredients: Purified hyaluronic acid concentrate | Skin Type: Dull, dry | Dosage: A few drops | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Oily Skin

BLK/OPL Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer

$12 at Amazon $12 at Walmart View on Blackopalbeauty.com

This featherweight gel option is an especially beneficial choice as it dries down to an undetectable matte finish and boasts a natural astringent to help stop oil in its tracks. Use it all over or just on areas prone to excess sheen, like your T-zone.

Who It's For

Those with oily skin are excellent candidates for using this primer. Think of it as the key component in getting your skin and makeup to work together or an extra security measure to help keep your complexion mattified.

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.42 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With SPF

NYX Professional Makeup Daily Moisturizing Primer SPF 30

$13 at Amazon $17 at Target $17 at Target

This multi-functional find acts as a primer to smooth skin and prolong makeup wear, but the benefits don’t stop there. Cannabis sativa seed oil works to impart long-lasting hydration while also soothing skin, and there’s also your daily dose of SPF 30 in the mix, too.

Who It's For

Anyone who’s constantly searching for ways to streamline their morning routine (insert hand-raising emoji here) will appreciate this multi-tasker.

Key Ingredients: Cannabis sativa seed oil, avobenzone, homosalate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Dime-size amount | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Redness

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Prep + Correct Primer

$15 at Amazon $13 at Target $16 at Walmart

Don’t be freaked by the pale green color of this primer—it’s the secret weapon for minimizing unwanted redness. (Green neutralizes red because the two colors fall opposite one another on the color wheel.) This is a great option for when the temperatures start to soar and the summer flushes set in or in the winter when the tops of our noses and cheeks turn rosy from the cold.

Who It's For

This color-correcting pick is ideal for anyone dealing with rosacea or blemishes or wanting to soothe and even out their complexion, even before you reach for foundation and concealer.

Key Ingredients: Seaweed extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Lids

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer

$24 at Amazon $30 at Walmart View on Wetnwildbeauty.com

This mattifying eyeshadow primer absorbs oil and acts as a buffer between skin and shadow—be it cream or powder—to keep it looking smooth and even. It dries clear but does also have a subtle illuminating effect, which is never a bad thing in our book.

Who It's For

If you’re constantly dealing with eyeshadow that slides and creases, consider prepping lids with this shadow primer beforehand.

Key Ingredients: Talc, silicone, polymers | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.34 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Lips

NYX Professional Makeup Lip Primer

$10 at Amazon $25 at Walmart View on Beautybay.com

Just like a good primer can ensure your foundation stays put, a lip primer can help lock lipstick in place. Simply line and fill in your pout with this creamy pencil; it creates the perfect canvas, helping lip color glide on smoothly and preventing it from ever bleeding or feathering.

Who It's For

If a bold lip color is a staple in your life, having this primer in your repertoire is the key to ensuring a long-lasting look that won’t smudge.

Key Ingredients: Wax, silica, jojoba esters | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Lashes

L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Primer

$9 at Amazon $11 at Ulta $9 at Target

Believe it, your lashes can also benefit from a primer. This particular pick makes lashes look extra long and thick, all while acting as a mascara magnet to ward off the potential for mid-day flakes or smudges. Don’t worry about the goopy-looking formula; it works best if you carefully comb it through as you apply, then let it set for about 30 seconds before topping it with mascara. FYI, this buy goes on white, but that cast disappears once you layer on mascara.

Who It's For

This product is great as a daytime alternative to wearing fake eyelashes for anyone who loves a bold lash look all day.

Key Ingredients: Wax, polymers, jojoba oil | Size: 0.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best High-End Dupe

NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer

$14 at Amazon $14 at Ulta $14 at Walmart

Many say NYX Studio Perfect Primer is a dupe of Smashbox's beloved Photo Finish Primer. The lightweight, silky-smooth formula offers color correction while blurring pores, softening fine lines, and creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. Just a heads up, the silicone-based formula might irritate sensitive skin.

Who It's For

This product is perfect for those who need a two-in-one color corrector and skin smoother.

Key Ingredients: Silicone | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

e.l.f Acne Fighting Putty Primer

$12 at Ulta $10 at Target $12 at Walmart

This putty-style primer from e.l.f. smooths bumps to create a more even surface for makeup application, but it doesn't stop there. The double-duty formula calls on zinc to soothe inflammation and salicylic acid to prevent future breakouts, while kaolin clay helps keep oil under control.

Who It's For

As our superlative mentions, this is the top pick for anyone who needs help covering up or preventing breakouts.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc, kaolin clay | Skin Type: Acne-prone, oily | Size: 0.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Travel

Milani Eyeshadow Primer

$8 at Amazon $10 at Ulta $8 at Target

Despite the smaller size tube, this primer never seems to end. A minuscule dot across the lids makes a world of difference to the overall finish of your eye makeup, especially if you are rocking a smokey eye. It prevents creasing on even the most hooded eyes and extends the wear of eyeshadow to keep your makeup always looking freshly applied. We were particularly impressed with how well our makeup held up even in the sweltering summer heat waves.

Who It's For

Anyone who wants long-lasting eye makeup can give this product a try—it’s the perfect base for a soft or bold look.

Skin Type: All  | Size: 0.3 Fl. Oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes