Top 10 Illuminating Primers

USERS SAID: "Love the illuminating look! Just the right amount of glow to look natural, keeps me matte, and creates a perfect canvas for foundation. Basically everything is the same as the original but it has a pearly shimmery base."

FROM THE EXPERTS: In a self-evaluation study of 100 women, after 1 week, 90% said complexion looked brighter, 91% said it minimized the look of pores, and 96% said it created soft-matte radiance.

LOVED FOR: A smooth, lightweight formula that easily blends to create a natural look

WHAT IT DOES: This primer hydrates the skin and controls oil with coconut alkanes and organic glycerin, all while blurring fine lines and wrinkles.

BEST FOR: Dry and normal skin

HELPFUL TIP: For extra radiance, use a small amount as a highlighter by dabbing on key areas.

WHY YOU NEED IT: This primer goes on like silk and is big on anti-aging properties.

USERS SAID: "When I finally noticed that I needed a primer to help with my foundation, I was very pleased with the results from Smooth Affairs. You only need a tiny amount to cover your face. And it's so light and smooth that it should be a staple for every makeup user, especially those of us with aging skin who need some extra help."

BEST FOR: Neutralizing discoloration and redness in your skin

LOVED FOR: A super hydrating formula (with honey!), a yummy smell, and luxurious gold flecks

USERS SAID: "Honestly obsessed with this holy grail product! It makes me so glowy and radiant, and I love the smooth texture of it. I feel like I need less foundation when I use this first! I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to live without it!"

HELPFUL TIP: You can use this product under your foundation, on its own, or on top of your foundation.

BEST FOR: At just $6, this primer is the budget buy of your dreams.

LOVED FOR: This lightweight primer makes your skin feel super soft and look totally refreshed.

USERS SAID: "Makes my foundation glide on like a DREAM and makes my face look so flawless and perfect. Also, saves the amount of foundation I use by half. Need I say more?"

WHAT IT DOES: Corn oil, apricot kernel oil, passiflora oil, and rice bran oil smooth and soften your skin without making it greasy.

LOVED FOR: This primer does all the things—plumps, moisturizes, illuminates, and so much more. 

FUN FACT: Laura Mercier created the industry's first primer in 1995, then "reinvented" it to create this product.

USERS SAID: "Love this for the dewiness and the glow. it really makes a big difference. I feel that I can use less foundation because this primer gives me a really nice and glowing complexion. It mixes nicely with my foundation too, and makes the foundation look even more smooth."

WHY YOU NEED IT: Putting on this primer is basically the equivalent of Photoshopping your skin.