Celebrity Makeup Artists Agree—These Are the Only Face Primers Worth Your Money

"This is every makeup artist's go-to product for under makeup. It provides the perfect base for a perfect application. The main reason why I love it is how hydrating it is and how the product just sinks into the skin immediately." — Malek

"This is my favorite primer for mature and/or problem skin. It lives true to its name—it blurs the skin and really gets it ready for foundation." — Malek

Makeup artists are fully obsessed with Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation, but we can't forget about its hydrating sister primer that, like the foundation, is completely noncomedogenic. This makes it a great option for acne-prone skin.

"This is the perfect primer to achieve a glowing goddess skin finish. This is a very dewy primer perfect for if you're going for a dewy look." — Malek

"I love how well foundation sticks to this primer. I truly feel this primer is the longest-lasting one I've used. It's a cult favorite for a reason!" — Malek

"I love that Hydro Grip has a slightly tacky feel to it—living up to its name by actually gripping the foundation onto the face." — Gabbay

"I have super-oily skin, and this product really helps me stay matte in the T-zone area throughout the day." — Hoff

Maybelline's FaceStudio earns the spot for best drugstore option because it really is a master at blurring out imperfections, evening the skin tone, and keeping makeup in place for long periods of time. It was my go-to drugstore pick for years before I became a beauty editor.

"This is perfect if you're applying a skin tint or CC cream over top. It has a really thin, hydrating formula that's perfect for the gal on the go." — Malek

This oil-free primer is another great option for oilier and acne-prone skin types. It instantly smoothes and blurs while providing extra skin nourishment with vitamins A and E. 

"I love Smashbox primers. They are a forever go-to for a lot of artists because they have a primer for everything—redness, oiliness, dry skin—so it’s an easy go-to for me!" — Hoff

"For my clients who usually want that dewy, silky skin, I love using the Charlotte Tilbury primer. It's gorgeous under makeup." — Hoff

"For a luminous glow under foundation (or even by itself!), try Wonderglow by Charlotte Tilbury. It blurs fine lines, hydrates, and leaves the skin with a candlelit-from-within feel." — Gabbay

This primer evens out your skin tone, adds instant radiance to your complexion, and minimizes the look of pores, all for a pretty nice price tag compared to other options on this list.

I always find myself reaching for this primer to use with my Hourglass Vanish Foundation Stick. Name a better duo—I'll wait. It absorbs so quickly and really smooths out my skin before applying foundation. It ups the airbrush factor in a big way, so trust me—you won't be disappointed if you decide to invest.

When I'm not using my Hourglass primer, I almost always use this gem from Tatcha. It creates the perfect base for my foundation because it's so hydrating but never greasy. It's totally weightless and has a thin layer of silk powder that reduces the look of pores, fine lines, and other imperfections in record time.

"I will also use the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter as a primer because it really makes the makeup look like a filter!" — Hoff

E.l.f. products always get the job done, and this hydrating face primer is another fan favorite. The formula is infused with grape and vitamins A, C, and E to help boost your complexion and provide extra moisture to the skin.

"For dry, dull skin, try Hangover Replenishing Face Primer by Too Faced. It's vegan, hydrating, and creates a radiant finish that will help a look last all day." — Gabbay