The 30 best primer makeup brands in 2026
Smashbox, NYX and Too Faced lead our ranking of 30 primer makeup brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Primer Makeup brands, ranked
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1
Smashbox
Smashbox cosmetic products were designed to inspire and let you experiment with your distinctive style. Every product they make starts with an idea scribbled on a cocktail napkin in their Photo Studio or on set with a famous client. Professional makeup artists and photographers put their cosmetics to the test in a Los Angeles picture studio. It is now open to the broad masses. They provide professional cosmetics for men and women to wear on the move and for professional photographic assignments.
Website: m.smashbox.com |Brands like Smashbox
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
NYX
NYX is one of the budding professional make-up brands across the globe. The brand supports and vocalizes self-expression and boldness. Originating from Los Angeles, NYX has cruelty-free and 100% vegan products that last longer than usual make-up. Use their expert formulas and ace the basic cosmetic glow by getting all creative with your looks. They also support equality for all, thus, believing in the dynamic world revolutionizing to inclusivity. Have you explored their classics yet? Their Butter Gloss is worth a try.
Website: nyxcosmetics.com |Brands like NYX
Popularity 6.5/10
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3
Too Faced
A meaningful cosmetics line that redefines you is Too Faced. Too Faced creates and produces innovative products for a range of skin types and tones with the ultimate objective of making every woman feel attractive. Additionally, they are dedicated to researching safe ingredients for their customer's and their family's health and cruelty-free cosmetics and packaging. They design with an eye toward quality and enjoyment, from their honors chocolate-scented eye makeup palettes to their advanced blending brushes and lip treatments.
Website: toofaced.com |Brands like Too Faced
Popularity 6.5/10
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4
Laura Mercier
World-renowned cosmetic brand Laura Mercier was skillfully created to address the skin's demands. The company is well known for its top-notch goods and artistic skills, which have developed through time to satisfy the needs of today's affluent women. With a selection of foundations, powders, cream blushes, bronzers, and eye colors that is unmatched, each product is available in various finishes, from radiant to matte and everything in between. Laura Mercier provides complete skincare solutions that are made just for you, including brushes and beauty tools, primers and powders, perfumes, and body care.
Website: lauramercier.com |Brands like Laura Mercier
Popularity 6.0/10
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5
ELF
Elf is a renowned drugstore cosmetic brand known for its high-quality and affordable makeup and skincare products. They carry a range of makeup items for the eyes and face, and their tools are also good quality. The company's primers and lip products are well-loved and come in multiple finishes and colors. They are also a cruelty-free brand, and their products can be found worldwide in beauty stores and online.
Website: elfcosmetics.com |Brands like ELF
Popularity 5.8/10
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6
bareMinerals
Bare Minerals is a widely known and loved cosmetic brand that makes clean makeup products to enhance the beauty of people. Their makeup is made from quality ingredients and does not harm the skin. The company is also cruelty-free, and its products are formulated to suit different skin types. They aim to create products that are good for the skin and the environment. The brand also has a skincare range catering to various skin concerns.
Website: bareminerals.com |Brands like bareMinerals
Popularity 4.6/10
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7
Dr.Brandt Skin Care
Dr. Brandt is a skincare company that makes science-based products for all skin types. The brand helps people with various skin concerns like anti-aging and pigmentation. The company's team of dermatologists and other skin experts curate their range of products made of high-quality standards. They have everything from moisturizers to supplements to help your skin stay healthy. You can select their products according to your skin type and the results you are looking for.
Website: drbrandtskincare.com |Brands like Dr.Brandt Skin Care
Popularity 4.2/10
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8
Touch in Sol
Makeup can be a fun and exciting experience with Touch In Sol products. They have been formulating their products with the highest quality and most advanced technology to enhance the skin of their users and make their skin look and feel beautiful and radiant. In addition to a wide array of skin care products and gel nails that can keep you looking lovely, they also offer a wide range of other makeup products.
Website: touchinsol-us.com |Brands like Touch in Sol
Popularity 4.0/10
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9
Cover FX
For your unique face, you need cosmetics that adhere to your needs. With Cover FX's personalized range of cosmetics, you are provided with highly formulated products that make you shine in your way. You can freely express yourself without any...
Website: coverfx.com |Brands like Cover FX
Popularity 3.9/10
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10
Hard Candy
Hardy Candy is a cosmetics manufacturer. They also have foundations, blushes, bronzers, eye shadow palettes, lipsticks, and other cosmetics. Every woman desires to seem attractive, assertive, and confident; to achieve this, you must use cosmetic items that bring out the...
Website: hardcandy.com |Brands like Hard Candy
Popularity 3.7/10
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11
No7
No7 Beauty is a beauty brand that started in 1935. The company aims to make women feel the best in their skin. The company's rich heritage and culture help make such a diverse range of products. Beauty can be costly,...
Website: us.no7beauty.com |Brands like No7
Popularity 3.6/10
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12
COVERGIRL
Every day, right now, COVERGIRL makes you feel gorgeous. Discover beauty styles tailored to you, simple to apply, and constantly on-trend. They also carry your favorite items, such as foundation and mascara, eye shadow palettes, and lipstick. And, as usual,...
Website: covergirl.com |Brands like COVERGIRL
Popularity 3.6/10
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13
Rimmel
Rimmel London, one of the most renowned cosmetics brands, continues its legacy of inspiring people to bold self-expression through its products. Get the trendy jazzy look you desire using Rimmel London’s long-lasting make-up! Can’t find the right shade of foundation?...
Website: rimmellondon.com |Brands like Rimmel
Popularity 3.4/10
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14
tarte
Tarte is a business dedicated to creating outstanding products filled with healthy ingredients. They think that the secret to beautiful skin and long-lasting beauty begins with clean, pure ingredients—which is what they give, whether their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and...
Website: tartecosmetics.com |Brands like tarte
Popularity 3.4/10
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15
Laura Geller
Laura Geller is a skincare line that enhances your natural glow. They are dedicated to assisting you in becoming your most beautiful self: the version of yourself who radiates joy, confidence, and natural beauty from the inside. Laura Geller is...
Website: laurageller.com |Brands like Laura Geller
Popularity 3.3/10
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16
wet n wild
Wet n Wild is all about providing cosmetics at a low cost. What began as a tiny firm in the late 1960s has grown into one of America's largest makers and dealers of mass cosmetics. They are a firm dedicated...
Website: wetnwildbeauty.com |Brands like wet n wild
Popularity 3.1/10
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17
Illamasqua
Illamasqua has been breaking boundaries with its revolutionary makeup products. They make products that bring out your inner beauty, and that too without harming any innocent animals. They keep the taste of different cultures in mind when designing their products....
Website: us.illamasqua.com |Brands like Illamasqua
Popularity 3.1/10
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18
Physicians Formula
Physician's Formula is dedicated to gathering all kinds of natural and organic ingredients to incorporate into their products. Physician's Formula is making cosmetics and skincare products for their customers. They make sure that the only products they use are safe...
Website: physiciansformula.com |Brands like Physicians Formula
Popularity 3.0/10
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19
VDL
A brand for the dreamers and go-getters, VDL aims to enpower people by helping them be themselves with its innovative products. Born from the.
Website: vdlus.com |Brands like VDL
Popularity 3.0/10
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20
Ciaté
Ciate London was founded in 2009 by Charlotte Knight. She worked as a professional nail technician, and after opening the company, she introduced a lot of game-changing nail products to the market. The company has expanded into the other branches...
Website: us.ciatelondon.com |Brands like Ciaté
Popularity 2.8/10
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21
TATCHA
Pairing timeless Japanese beauty secrets with advanced science, Tatcha has a range of beauty products for all skin types. The products aim to repair and rejuvenate the skin that looks healthy and flawless. You can take the skincare routine quiz...
Website: tatcha.com |Brands like TATCHA
Popularity 2.8/10
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22
Rodial
Rodial has an experience of 23 years with skin and complexion. The company was established in 1999. The company is a female-led and managed independent company. All the products are made with the best ingredients to develop better products. They...
Website: rodial.co.uk |Brands like Rodial
Popularity 2.8/10
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23
Younique
Younique is a cosmetic business and a society of people who believe in sharing their love of beauty. They are a global brand that promotes an individual's self, originality, and soul. Younique aims to use premium-quality goods to elevate, empower,...
Website: youniqueproducts.com |Brands like Younique
Popularity 2.8/10
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24
Max Factor
Max Factor is a cosmetic company dedicated to making you look your best daily. You can be sure to get the proper hue for your skin tone and create the perfect appearance for every occasion with a wide choice of...
Website: maxfactor.com |Brands like Max Factor
Popularity 2.7/10
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25
YES TO
YES TO is a skincare line that focuses on the natural cell regeneration process of the skin. Clean chemicals, non-toxic formulas, and active botanicals help your skin naturally regenerate itself, such as eliminating age spots and wrinkles. In each product,...
Website: yesto.com |Brands like YES TO
Popularity 2.7/10
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26
Yves Saint Laurent
Japanese stationery and makeup are the two most loved elements worldwide. Various brands are dealing with Japanese stationery, but very few with makeup. One of the most famous Japanese makeup brands is Yves Saint Laurent. Its primary vision is to...
Website: yslb.jp |Brands like Yves Saint Laurent
Popularity 2.6/10
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27
L.A. Girl
L.A. Girl is focused on making items that provide incredible value while being fashionable and giving the best quality at an accessible price. Their gifted, creative makeup artists and beauty specialists work tirelessly to create new, innovative products inspired by...
Website: lagirlusa.com |Brands like L.A. Girl
Popularity 2.6/10
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28
Technic
The Technic brand provides a variety of items that are intended to enhance your natural attractiveness. Their idea is straightforward: perfect skin made simple. To make their award-winning products tailored to suit all skin types, they employ the best quality...
Website: techniccosmetics.com |Brands like Technic
Popularity 2.6/10
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29
ULTA
Ulta, a cosmetic business, allows everyone to get the greatest beauty and skincare items from their website. The platform enables other firms to engage and offer their items online, giving buyers a diverse selection of options to purchase. Lip plumpers...
Website: ulta.com |Brands like ULTA
Popularity 2.6/10
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30
Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs is a fashion clothing and bags brand that provides elegant designs and A-Grade products. They have a wide range of clothing, from tops to dresses, and eye-catching and stunning bags range from totes to mini bags. The brand...
Website: marcjacobs.com |Brands like Marc Jacobs
Popularity 2.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smashbox | m.smashbox.com | /smashbox-cosmetics | smashboxcosmetics | @smashbox | SmashboxCosmetics |
| NYX | nyxcosmetics.com | /nyxcosmetics | nyxcosmetics | @nyxcosmetics | – |
| Too Faced | toofaced.com | /toofaced | toofaced | @TooFaced | toofacedcosmetics |
| Laura Mercier | lauramercier.com | /lauramerciercosmetics | lauramercier | @LauraMercier | LauraMercierCosmetic |
| ELF | elfcosmetics.com | – | – | @elfcosmetics | – |
| bareMinerals | bareminerals.com | /bareminerals | bareminerals | @bareminerals | – |
| Dr.Brandt Skin Care | drbrandtskincare.com | /drbrandtskincare | drbrandt | @drfredricbrandt | drbrandtskincare |
| Touch in Sol | touchinsol-us.com | /touchinsolusa | touchinsolus | – | – |
| Cover FX | coverfx.com | /CoverFX | coverfx | @coverfx | coverfx |
| Hard Candy | hardcandy.com | /HardCandyLife | hardcandylife | – | HardCandyLife |
Primer Makeup Buying Guide
Primer makeup is an essential step in many beauty routines. It helps you to create a smooth, even base for your foundation, and it can also improve the longevity of your makeup throughout the day. However, with so many different primers on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this primer makeup buying guide, we'll explore the key features to look for when shopping for a primer, along with some of the best options available.
Types of Primer Makeup
Before we dive into the different features to consider when buying a primer, it's useful to understand the different types that are available. Here are the most common types of primer makeup:
- Silicone-based primers: These primers often have a silky, smooth texture that can help to fill in fine lines and pores. They tend to have a blurring effect on the skin, creating a flawless base for your makeup.
- Water-based primers: These primers tend to have a thinner consistency than silicone-based primers. They can be hydrating for the skin, and they work well for those with oily skin as they won't clog pores.
- Oil-based primers: As the name suggests, oil-based primers contain oils that can help to hydrate and nourish the skin. These primers are best suited for those with dry skin.
- Multitasking primers: Some primers are designed to do more than just create a smooth base. For example, some primers contain SPF to protect the skin from the sun, while others contain skin-tightening ingredients to give a lifting effect.
Features to Look for When Buying a Primer
When shopping for a primer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Texture
The texture of your primer is an important consideration, as it will impact how it feels on your skin and how it interacts with your foundation. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a hydrating or soothing primer. If you have oily skin, a mattifying primer may be a better option to help control shine.
Finish
Just like with foundation, primers can have different finishes. Some primers have a matte finish, which can help to control oil and shine, while others have a dewy finish, which can give a more radiant look. The type of finish you choose will depend on your skin type and personal preference.
SPF
If you're looking for a multitasking primer, you may want to consider one that contains SPF. This can help to protect your skin from UV damage, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
Color Correcting
Some primers are designed to color correct specific skin concerns, such as redness or discoloration. Green primers can help to neutralize redness, while peach or orange primers can help to brighten dull skin. Color-correcting primers can be a great option for those who want to target specific skin concerns.
Longevity
A good primer should help your makeup to last longer throughout the day. Look for a primer that has a longwear formula, and consider how well it works with your specific foundation to ensure maximum staying power.
Ingredients
The ingredients in your primer can make a big difference to how it performs. Look for primers that contain nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate the skin, and avoid primers that contain potential irritants like alcohol or fragrances. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to opt for a fragrance-free primer.
Top Primer Makeup Picks
With so many primers on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some of the top primer makeup picks to consider:
1. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a cult favorite for a reason. This silicone-based primer has a silky, smooth texture that helps to blur fine lines and pores, creating a flawless base for your makeup. It comes in a range of finishes, including matte, radiant, and hydrating, so you can choose the perfect one for your skin type. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great choice if you're looking for a more ethical option.
2. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser is a great option for those on a budget. This silicone-based primer has a lightweight, velvety texture that helps to smooth and blur the skin, minimizing the appearance of pores. It's a great option for those with oily skin, as it helps to control shine and keep your makeup in place all day long.
3. Tarte Shape Tape Pore & Prime Balm
Tarte Shape Tape Pore & Prime Balm is a unique balm-like primer that helps to smooth and blur the skin, while also hydrating and nourishing. This primer contains a blend of nourishing ingredients like shea butter and mango seed oil, making it a great choice for those with dry or mature skin. It also contains a skin-toned pigment that helps to even out the complexion, making it a great option for those who want a more natural look.
4. Becca Backlight Priming Filter
Becca Backlight Priming Filter is a radiant, water-based primer that helps to give the skin a lit-from-within glow. This primer contains light-reflecting particles that help to blur imperfections and give the complexion a boost of radiance. It's a great option for those with dry or dull skin who want a more glowing, luminous finish.
5. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is a high-end option that's worth splurging on. This water-based primer contains a blend of nourishing minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which help to protect the skin from environmental damage. It has a silky texture that helps to blur fine lines, pores, and wrinkles, creating a smooth, even base for your makeup. Plus, it has a longwear formula that helps your makeup to last all day.
Conclusion
When shopping for a primer, it's important to consider your skin type, the finish you prefer, and any specific concerns you want to target. Whether you opt for a silicone-based primer for a blurring effect, a water-based primer for hydration, or a color-correcting primer to neutralize redness, there's a primer out there for everyone. With the right primer, you can create a smooth, flawless base for your makeup that lasts all day.
