14 Best Primers for All Skin Types, According to Makeup Experts

No7's powerful primer packs a big punch — in addition to prepping skin for makeup, the Good Housekeeping Seal holder "makes pores and fine lines less visible," according to testers. They also raved that it "makes skin look smoother" and "skin tone look more even." And while it (basically) goes without saying, the primer works seamlessly with foundation, meaning no pilling or smudging. 

This unique hybrid product (and Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner) from Aveeno does double duty: It brightens and primes skin in one step. Shake it up and then press onto skin to instantly look “luminous,” one tester said. It sinks right into skin, allowing the included soy and kiwi complex to work its magic on your complexion.

If you have oily skin and have been weary of using primer, look no further. "Tatcha The Silk Canvas is the only primer I have used so far that keeps my makeup locked in and matte all day," says Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek. "It creates a nice, smooth, even base by temporarily filling in my huge pores so when I put foundation on it looks flawless." Wnek shares that a little goes a long way and suggests rubbing a tiny bit between your fingertips, gently tapping it into your t-zone and then smoothing it outward onto the rest of your face.

The ultimate glow-getter, this primer from Charlotte Tilbury "gives the perfect amount of luminosity without being too shiny," Saltzman says. "It's lightweight and blurs lines and imperfections."  Plus, it contains skin-boosting ingredients including peptides and hyaluronic acid.

Boasting five types of hyaluronic acid, Touch In Sol's primer balm is dry skin's dream. It instantly melts into skin, nourishing and plumping it, while prepping it for makeup. The silky texture leaves skin soft and smooth. Bonus: it's great for travel and won't spill or leak.

As skin ages, it tends to get drier and lose some of its luminosity. Laura Mercier's primer comes to the rescue with an "illuminating formula that diffuses fine lines and creates a perfect canvas for makeup," Saltzman says. Floral extracts and a blend of micronized pearls soften and brighten skin, too.  

Saltzman loves that Milk Makeup's "super hydrating formula is a gel but primes the skin for makeup like a serum would." The nourishing primer really keeps foundation in place and prevents it from sinking into or enhancing wrinkles. The formula also includes a mix of botanical extracts including blue agave, prickly pear cactus and aloe water. 

Thanks to brightening mica particles, Honest Beauty's primer "can be worn alone for a sheer glow or under makeup to make your makeup really last," Saltzman explains. Plus, two different types of hyaluronic acid keep skin hydrated all day. 

Tula primer does some of your foundation's dirty work before you even get to that step. "The moisturizing formula has color correcting and light reflecting properties, allowing it to camouflage and blur spots and discoloration," Saltzman shares. The probiotics and brightening licorice extract n the formula are an added bonus. 

The name says it all in Benefit's primer. The oil-free formula blurs the appearance of pores, leaving skin smooth and never shiny. Pro tip: If your pores start showing later in the day, dab a drop over your makeup to instantly make them disappear. 

When you are prone to pimples, adding an extra step into your routine seems counterintuitive. But Cover FX's primer actually treats acne with salicylic acid, while minimizing pore size appearance and redness. Plus, "it’s a lightweight gel formula which will keep shine and oil away all day," Saltzman explains.

This classic formula from Smashbox has been around for years and is still a top seller for good reason: "It truly works on all skin types, even the most sensitive, and creates the perfect smooth canvas for foundation to follow," Saltzman says. The silky, velvety texture is what keeps users coming back for more. 

Perfect for those looking for a pick made with natural ingredients, Ilia's primer and serum combo is another powerful hybrid product that treats skin and helps makeup last. It uses agave and hibiscus extract to provide skincare benefits, all while prepping skin for makeup. 

The beautiful bottle drew us in, but Lilah B's primer oil truly performs. "I don’t usually wear primer, but I tried wearing this one alone on days I don’t want to wear full makeup or foundation and fell in love," says Good Housekeeping Beauty Director April Franzino. "The oil-based formula makes skin feel plump and look dewy, and the sheer gold tint gives your face a flattering sun-kissed warmth that doesn’t look 'makeup-y.'" Plus, a few drops cover the whole face.