The 10 Best Drugstore Primers

I used to think primer was a totally skippable step. Just another layer of stuff on my face, right? But once I found the right one, my foundation suddenly looked smoother and lasted hours longer than I thought possible. A good makeup primer really does create the perfect canvas.

The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune. I’ve tested so many primers over the years, and some of the absolute best face primers are sitting right there on drugstore shelves. They blur pores, control oil, and grip my foundation all day long, often for less than $20.

So, if you’re looking for a cheap primer that actually works, I’ve got you covered. These are the ones I keep coming back to, time and time again.

 

 

My Top 10 Drugstore Primers

e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer

You can grab this cult-favorite for just $11. There’s a reason everyone talks about this one. It has a thick, balmy texture that you warm up with your fingers and press into your skin, and it does an amazing job at filling in pores and fine lines.

It creates this incredibly smooth, almost filtered look before you even put on foundation. The squalane in it keeps my skin from feeling tight or dry, so my makeup doesn’t get cakey by the end of the day. It’s pretty much the best overall drugstore primer I’ve found.

The Downside: You really need to wait a solid minute or two for it to set before applying foundation. If you go in too quickly, it can pill up, which is super annoying.

 

 

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

This classic is only $7.99, and it’s been a staple for oily skin forever. It feels more like a clear, lightweight gel-moisturizer than a typical silicone primer.

It glides on so easily and instantly mattifies my T-zone, blurring out the pores around my nose. If you have oily or combination skin and want that soft, poreless finish without feeling heavy, this is such a good pick.

The Downside: It’s definitely designed for oil control. If your skin is on the dry side, this will likely be too matte and might cling to dry patches.

 

 

Maybelline Grippy Serum Makeup Gripping Primer

At $12.99, this one feels way more expensive than it is. It has a thin, serum-like consistency that sinks into the skin and leaves behind a slightly tacky finish that foundation just clings to.

I was impressed by how smooth and hydrated my skin felt, thanks to the 2% niacinamide. My makeup didn’t budge all day, and I didn’t get any of that weird peeling or pilling that some gripping primers cause. It’s a great option if you need your makeup to last.

The Downside: While it starts out hydrating, I noticed it can sometimes accentuate dry spots on my cheeks after a few hours of wear.

 

 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer

Another winner from e.l.f., this one is also just $11. This was my go-to for a long time. It’s a sticky, gel-based primer that really grabs onto your foundation and holds it in place. It’s fantastic for combo skin because it gives you that grip without being overly drying.

The hyaluronic acid gives it a nice plumping effect that helps smooth over texture and minimize the look of pores. It gives a slightly glowy, healthy look to the skin that I really like under a matte foundation.

The Downside: It can feel a little heavy on the skin, and I’ve found it sometimes creases in my smile lines by the end of the day.

 

 

NYX Professional Makeup The Face Glue Gripping Primer

For just $8.97, this primer means business. The name “Face Glue” is not an exaggeration. It has a tacky feel that locks everything—foundation, blush, bronzer—down for hours on end.

It claims to hydrate for up to 24 hours, and while I haven’t tested that, my skin does feel comfortable and not at all stripped when I use it. If your main goal is extending the life of your makeup, this is an amazing value.

The Downside: The texture is definitely sticky. Some people I know just can’t get past that tacky feeling on their skin.

 

 

NYX Professional Makeup Marshmallow Smoothing Primer

This one is a bit pricier at $17, but it’s great for dry or textured skin. It has a whipped, fluffy texture that feels so nice to apply. It smells faintly sweet, just like marshmallows.

The marshmallow root extract is super hydrating and helps to smooth everything out, creating a soft, slightly glowy canvas for foundation. It never peels or balls up, and it makes my skin look and feel so soft.

The Downside: It provides more of a dewy, luminous finish. If you’re looking for something strictly matte, this isn’t the one for you.

 

 

Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer

For $9.99, this is a solid, no-fuss option for normal skin types. It’s oil-free and has a creamy, lotion-like consistency that blends into the skin really easily.

It does a decent job of hydrating and minimizing pores, making my foundation go on more evenly. It’s a great choice if you use a water-based foundation and want something simple and effective.

The Downside: It has a noticeable floral scent. If you have sensitive skin or just don’t like fragrance in your face products, you’ll want to skip this one.

 

 

essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer

You seriously can’t beat the price on this one—it’s only $5.99. I was skeptical, but this jelly primer performs so well. It has a thin, bouncy texture that smooths over skin and provides a subtle grip for makeup.

In some of my side-by-side tests, it actually made my makeup last longer than more expensive options. It’s also vegan and feels super lightweight, which is a huge plus.

The Downside: It has a light fruity fragrance. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s definitely there when you first apply it.

 

 

Revolution Superfix Super Grip Primer

This primer is $10 and packed with good ingredients. It uses niacinamide to help blur pores, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and watermelon extract for a bit of brightening. It’s a great do-it-all formula.

I found it created a really smooth base that helped my foundation glide on without settling into any lines. It gives a nice, healthy look to the skin without being too sticky or too slick.

The Downside: The fragrance is pretty strong on this one. If you’re sensitive to scents, this might be too much for you.

 

 

Neutrogena Prep + Correct Primer

At around $15, this is the primer I reach for on days when my skin is looking red and irritated. The green tint is subtle but does an excellent job of neutralizing redness around my nose and on my chin.

It also contains seaweed extract to help calm the skin. It smooths over pores and really locks foundation in place for all-day wear, so my corrected skin tone lasts.

The Downside: It has a very classic, silicone-heavy feel. It’s very smooth, but if you don’t like that slick texture, you won’t like this.

There’s definitely a drugstore primer out there for everyone. Whether you need something to blur massive pores, control shine, or just make your makeup stick like glue, you can find a solid option without emptying your wallet.

My advice is to think about your main skin concern and what you want your foundation to do. Then grab one of these and see what a difference a good base can make. You might be surprised.