I Swear by This $8 Primer From a Jennifer Coolidge-Used Brand That Locks in Makeup
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Plus, six other InStyle-tested primers you can shop for less.
e.l.f.
My slick, greasy skin can break up carefully crafted makeup so quickly it’s hard to believe I didn’t buff it on and immediately walk into a 175-degree sauna. Naturally, I’ve tried a lot of primers in an attempt to save my hard-earned contoured looks and diligently placed blushes from slipping down my skin, and the E.l.f. Power Grip Primer has earned a high ranking out of the dozens I’ve tested.
Amazon
$10
$8
Between Jennifer Coolidge’s Super Bowl commercial and over 145 million views on TikTok, the E.l.f. Power Grip Primer captured my attention and kept it there, similar to how its formula does with my makeup. Since it has a tackier texture than other primers, I like to apply it before my heavy makeup looks, like if I’m wearing my favorite full-coverage foundation, because its grip gives me the confidence that my diligently sculpted bronzer won’t end up halfway down my face mere hours into the day.
Right now, it’s only $8 (no, that's not a typo!) ahead of Amazon’s October Prime Day, aka Prime Big Deal Days. Snag it for less while you can, plus more InStyle-tested primers that similarly moisturize, conceal redness, and even out my skin tone on sale, below:
NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer, $12 (Originally $15)
Tula Filter Primer, $32 (Originally $38)
Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer and Serum, $13 (Originally $20)
Revlon PhotoReady Prime Plus Makeup, $13 (Originally $17)
Urban Decay All-Nighter Long Wear Face Primer, $32 (Originally $38)
Laura Geller New York Spackle, $18 (Originally $36)
NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer
Amazon
$15
$12
This aptly named primer is a strong contender against oil that’s out to destroy makeup and is the first step to a beautiful beat — and it's all thanks to its inclusion of charcoal. The powder boasts the natural ability to soak up oil and create a matte finish in the process.
Of course, the use of charcoal in makeup and skincare is nothing new, but I’m impressed with how NYX packed the gritty ingredient into a clear gel texture that feels (and looks) invisible. What’s even better is how it glides effortlessly across the skin and doesn’t skip over dry patches or leave an unpleasant sticky residue in its wake. In less than 30 seconds, the primer dries down and I’m free to touch my pillow-soft skin and move on with the rest of my makeup routine.
Tula Filter Primer
Amazon
$38
$32
The Tula Filter Primer has earned a high ranking out of the dozen I’ve tested. Simply put, its formula is the foundation that prevents my entire look from collapsing under the weight of heavy, humid weather. The lightweight lotion from a Mandy Moore-used brand blurs my pores on contact before I have a chance to add on a drop of concealer, and it conditions dry patches with hydrating ingredients to leave my skin smooth as glass and prepped for foundation, blushes, and powders. And right now, it’s on sale for 16 percent off.
Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer and Serum
Amazon
$20
$13
As evidenced by this primer-serum duo and countless other products used by celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and Jennifer Garner, Neutrogena expertly toes the line between beauty and skincare. For example, this formula taps humectants such as glycerin and panthenol to retain moisture so that even makeup applied on super dry complexions won’t crumble and pill with this hydrating primer. The application is my favorite aspect of this serum because it feels like a real treat to dispense the perfect, pea-sized amounts out of its dropper. What’s more, it only takes around three full-sized drops to cover my entire face, stretching my dollars on an already affordable product.
Revlon PhotoReady Prime Plus Makeup
Amazon
$17
$13
The Revlon PhotoReady Prime Plus Makeup lives up to a tall order: It touts a silkier texture than a fine-fabric scarf but still has enough grip to spackle over large pores and smooth fine lines. For one, it contains dermatologist-recommended ingredient vitamin C to act as a wake-up call for my tired, sleep-deprived skin.
Additionally, it leans on the gentle acids from lemon extract to promote cell turnover so that with continued use over time, the formula promises baby-soft, healthier skin. For now, however, I can say it keeps my pores clear under its breathable coverage, and when I do wipe it off the lightweight lotion at the end of the day, I can revel in the ingredients’ radiant, lingering effects.
Urban Decay All-Nighter Long Wear Face Primer
Amazon
$38
$32
Urban Decay has been in my cosmetics case since high school and this trusty primer has only been reformulated over the ensuing years to become a stronger soldier in the fight against ephemeral makeup. It touts a lightweight consistency that expertly lies somewhere between a serum and a face lotion. Despite this, however, it is plenty hydrating enough on its own so that on days I want to pare down on the products on my face, like, say, during a 90-degree scorcher, I can skip my moisturizer altogether.
Laura Geller New York Spackle
Amazon
$36
$18
It seems like a no-brainer to use a matte foundation on an oily face, but sometimes these finishes can flatten skin and lead it to appear dull, deflated, and dry. To avoid this, I lean on the shimmery finishes provided by the Fran Drescher-recommended Laura Geller New York Spackle. Whether I seek a sun-kissed bronzy glow from Bronze or a lustrous gleam from Champagne, these shades provide the perfect pick-me-up my worn-out complexion craves.
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