Primer is used in makeup as the first step in your makeup routine, this creates a smooth surface and creates a flawless makeup base for even makeup application. Primer also protects your skin from makeup, as it creates a layer between your skin and makeup. Just like you have a sea of foundations for various skin types and skin tones, primers are also available to cater to different skin concerns, like primer for oily skin, primer for dry skin or sensitive skin.
Modern formulas of primers are made with skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin E, glycerin to provide deep nourishment and even sometimes SPF for sun protection. We have created a breakdown of the best 5 primers that work well for Indian skin types.
1. Maybelline New York Fit Me Primer
The Maybelline New York Fit Me Primer range is a versatile, wallet-friendly choice for anyone looking to create a smooth, long-lasting makeup base. This primer is available in two main finishes, Matte and Dewy, works best for both oily/combination and dry/normal skin needs.
- The Matte variant controls excess shine, minimizes the appearance of pores and helps makeup stay put throughout the day. This is ideal for oily and combination skin types.
- The Dewy version is perfect for people with dry skin, as it provides a hydrated, fresh and luminous base with a soft, gel-like texture which is enriched with vitamin E.
Both the variants feel light, oil-free and non-comedogenic and the best part, it can be worn with or without foundation. The tube is compact and can easily fit into your makeup vanity.
2. Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Primer
Benefit’s POREfessional primer is a new favorite in town, which is super lightweight and creates a beautiful base by instantly minimizing the look of pores and fine lines. The texture feels breathable and comfortable, allowing the makeup products to glide on evenly and enhancing their staying power throughout the day. The formula is translucent and non-comedogenic and is suitable for all skin types.
The primer has the benefits of Vitamin E derivative for antioxidant support and gives a soft-focus effect that blurs imperfections without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. You can wear it alone over your moisturizer for a naturally refined finish or under makeup as a true priming step. This stands at the higher price range, 1540 for 7.5 ml of tube.
3. Colors Queen Grip Primer
Colors Queen Grip Primer is a budget-friendly, gel-based primer which creates a tacky or sticky base, which improves makeup longevity by making the foundation grip better and stay in place for longer hours. Despite feeling tacky, its lightweight, non-greasy texture smooths the skin, blurs pores and allows makeup to blend more evenly, making it suitable for everyday use across most skin types.
Apart from all the characteristics, this primer retails at 399/-, only, which is affordable. If you are just a beginner or a professional makeup artist, this should be in your vanity for all great reasons. This primer is available in 2 variants, where green variant is perfect for oily and combination skin types, which helps control excess shine and provide a matte finish. The pink variant is perfect for all skin types and this provides balanced hydration and a natural dewy finish. This is an excellent primer, which is available in an affordable range.
4. Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
Smashbox’s Original Photo Finish Primer is one of the most iconic and well-loved primers in the beauty world, known for its lightweight, velvety gel texture that instantly smooths skin and blurs the appearance of pores and fine lines to create a flawless base for makeup. The formula is transparent and oil-free which is enriched with antioxidants and vitamins A and E to nourish skin. You can wear this alone or under the foundation for a soft-focus finish.
This primer falls under a higher price bracket compared with other options. This enhances your makeup application and improves the longevity and texture of your face for easy makeup application. It’s suitable for all skin types and has earned a reputation for dependable, all-day wear, making it a worthy splurge if your priority is a smooth, makeup-ready canvas.
5. Beauty Berry Face Primer
The Beauty Berry Face Primer is a budget-friendly face primer which provides a smooth and even base for flawless makeup application. This helps minimize the appearance of pores, hide fine lines and create a smooth canvas so your makeup applies more evenly and stays put longer throughout the day. This primer is available in 4 different variants like Aloe Vera, Marshmallow, Vitamin C & E and Pore to suit different skin needs while still keeping formulas lightweight and easy to blend.
What makes this primer particularly appealing is the price range, which is only ₹249, this is the most affordable primer and best if you are just starting out on your makeup journey. This combination of smooth finish + wallet-friendly cost positions the Beauty Berry Face Primer as a strong choice for makeup beginners and everyday users who want a reliable base without spending much.