15 Best Primers for the Perfect Makeup Base

Best for: Uneven skin texture

Though you may be drawn to this one for the glitter alone, it’s the canvas-finish that will have you hooked. The lightweight gel can be worked into the skin with a brush or your hands to soften redness, brighten the complexion and keep your makeup in place with an oh-so smooth finish. The subtle shimmer is an added bonus.

The hype: "I was skeptical at first as I’ve never used a primer before, but this has changed my daily makeup routine. It has tiny specks of gold which gives my skin a luminous effect. It is the perfect base for applying my foundation as it goes on so much easier and my skin looks brighter and feels soft." - Customer review

Best for: Oily skin

Packed with shine-reducing properties, this mattifying primer calms and nourishes skin, controls oil and helps to mattify the complexion while purifying pores. As if that isn’t enough, it neutralises the appearance of redness so you can put your best face forward at all times

The hype: "This is one of the best primers I have ever tried. I have a very oily T-zone so I need something that can keep the shine to a minimum but also keep my makeup in place...this does that. It's a lightweight formula, doesn't sink into pores and leaves a nice matte effect on your skin." - Customer review

Best for: Instant refresh

Not only does this face primer prep skin for flawless makeup application, but it actually helps your complexion to feel instantly lifted and hydrated - so much so that you might skip your foundation all together. Just a pea sized will smooth all over your skin, reducing the appearance of pores, ironing-out fine lines and disguising uneven skin tone. Disclaimer: If you do go for all-out makeup, this will keep it looking just-applied for up to eight hours. 

The hype: "Love love love Urban Decay, this is the best primer I have ever used. My makeup is as good in the evening as when leaving the house in the morning." - Zoe, customer 

Best for: Preventing creasing

If you’re here to tick all the boxes in one hit, then listen up. This primer helps to deliver seamless makeup application, a flawless finish and long-lasting looks. Enriched with peptides, wrinkles and fine lines are instantly plumped and the luxe serum texture lends softer, smoother more youthful-looking skin. You’ll instantly notice a difference in your skin tone and texture, and as you apply your makeup it will be crease-free and more flawless than ever. 

The hype: "This feels so great on my skin, it’s silky, soft and just a drop will cover my whole face. I usually use powder foundations and this primer is the best for helping it sink into my skin and look like I’m wearing nothing at all." - Leanne, Feelunique writer

Best for: Lit-from-within glow

Your makeup will not only look fresher for longer with this one, but it will actually be brighter and more glowy from the get go. The clue is in the name really - it grants your skin a luminous finish before you’ve applied your foundation, let alone any highlighter. Meanwhile, exclusive Micro-fill technology improves skin texture, blurs imperfections and creates a smooth canvas for your makeup.

The hype: "Gives such a flawless and smooth finish, and my makeup lasted all day. Bonus, a little goes a long way too. Also, I actually have sensitive skin and this formula was absolutely fine." - Kiran, customer review

Best for: Standout gloss

For serious radiance, it’s all about ICONIC London’s Prep-Set-Glow. Rich in skin-conditioning Green Tea and Vitamin E, this hydrating mist contains light-reflecting properties to ensure a luminous finish. With a choice of three shine-bestowing shades, use on bare skin to prep and hydrate before makeup, then spray over your finished look for a lit-from-within set. This glow-giver also works on shoulder bones, legs and arms for an all-over shimmer.

TIP: Much like a martini, this one needs a good shake. Hold it well away from the face (at least 30cm) to avoid blotting. 

The hype: "This product is amazing, I swear by it! I use it before and after I apply my makeup - it makes your face feel so refreshed and gives a really nice glow." - Courtney, customer review

Best for: Brightness

This triple-swirled helix serum is the one for a vibrant, ultra-bright canvas. Its three colour-correcting pigments work together to even out dull, uneven complexions and impart super healthy-looking skin. Here’s where it gets clever: The mint swirl step counteracts redness, the lavender neutralises any sallow tones, and the ‘Kitten’ pigment brightens and highlights for the ultimate glow. Completely transparent, this priming perfector is a hardworking all-in-one for an iconic finish, whatever your skin tone.

The hype: "Amazing product. This works really well to hide any patches of discoloured skin and feels really nice under foundation." - Storm, customer review