10 most reviewed… primers

Foundation needs a quality base to sit on if it’s going to behave and stay in place all day – but your bare skin just isn’t enough. Your complexion needs to be prepped with a skin-smoothing product that provides a clean canvas for your make-up to cling to – and when it comes to primers, we ladies know what to look for.

We’ve pulled together the 10 most-reviewed primers tested by our brilliant beautyheaven members, so that you can make a completely informed decision before parting with your primer pennies (or dollars…)

TOP 10 MOST-REVIEWED PRIMERS ON BEAUTYHEAVEN

#10: Benefit That Gal
If brightening is a characteristic on your primer hit list – then you can’t go past this illuminating gem. It even sits pretty on all skin tones.

Reviewers said…
“Great for blending into blush, it gives a soft, feminine, slightly pink highlight and a dewy complexion.” – SheriBomb”¨“I love this primer so much. I wear it underneath my make-up and it let's my make-up stay on ALL DAY!” – XxMkUpJnkYxX”¨
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#9: MAC Prep and Prime Skin
Ooh! Added silicones in MAC Prep and Prime Skin work to calm and soothe the skin, blot away excess oil, and even out skin redness in one fell swoop. JOY.

Reviewers said…
“I love this primer, it is light & makes my skin smooth - and make-up lasts longer.” – Bkz1”¨“It evened my skin out beautifully while feeling very light, and my make-up glided on and stayed on all day!” - Vivixenne
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#8: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Skin Transforming Primer
Treat crow’s feet, expression lines and pesky enlarged pores with this glow-inducing primer from Maybelline New York.

Reviewers said…
“I absolutely love this product! It works brilliantly for me! It reduces the appearances of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.” – beautygeeks”¨“This product stood up to the heat and direct sunlight and humidity during a wedding and reception. It is super silky and really kept the shine away.” - captaincheeky
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#7: Nude by Nature Undercover Airbrush Primer
The number one partner in crime for Nude by Nature mineral make-up, you can look forward to airbrushed-looking skin that is both soothed and conditioned!

Reviewers said…
“I love that it helps my make-up stay on. I can go out all night and come home looking like I just put my make up on. “ – Addicted2Products”¨“I absolutely love this Primer. It goes onto my skin feeling nice and cool and sinks in divinely. I find that if I don’t use it my make-up just doesn’t last as long.” - Amydeville
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#6: Rimmel London Fix and Perfect Primer
Japanese spherical powders are added to the formula to minimise pores for a smoother finish, while diffusing light to blur fine lines and wrinkles – making them less noticeable! The matte finish is the icing on the cake.

Reviewers said…
“If I use my foundation without this primer I don’t get the same glowy effect. Great all rounder and cheap too!” - Rachelmac”¨“I find with a great deal of cosmetics they don't do what they claim to do. But this primer is most certainly an exception.” – Michayla
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#5: L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Smoothing Resurfacing Primer
An invisible primer that preps your skin for make-up by making it soft and oh-so silky. Fine lines and large pores don’t stand a chance.

Reviewers said…
“I found that it did indeed help my make-up last all day and I noticed it helped a lot with any shine that previously had been causing my make-up to slide off my face by the afternoon.” – Cosmetics Girl”¨“I love wearing this underneath foundations as it gives a perfect base, but it also makes my skin look so great that I can wear it alone!” – Beautybabe111
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#4: Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer
Repair and nourish your damaged skin with the help of pampering rosehip oil. It’s found in this skin-smoothing primer that helps ensure your make-up stays put for longer!

Reviewers said…
“My foundation blends in easier and seems to last the whole day. My skin doesn't look shiny by the afternoon too.” – Dace”¨“This is by far the best primer I have tried so far. Such great value too as it lasts such a long time!” – Mandy_1987
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#3: Benefit The POREfessional
Make those pesky pores disappear with this skin-loving, oil-free primer from Benefit.

Reviewers said…
“It leaves my skin feeling really, really smooth, and fills in your pores.” – Cecilia_x”¨“I will never change primers. It is as good as everyone raves about.” – kristynmaree93
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#2: Australis Cosmetics Primer
If you’re after a more refined skin texture, foundation that doesn’t fade and visibly reduced fine lines – then you’ll want to get your hands on Australis Primer.

Reviewers said…
“It smoothed the appearance of my skin almost instantly, and held my make-up flawlessly. Love it!” – vonmunsterr”¨“I must say I would go out and buy it again! It lasted me months and all I can really say is great quality for little money.” – April121
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#1: L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer
Ensure your skin is hydrated and protected from the elements with this skin smoothing, wrinkle-masking primer that features sebum-absorbing soft powders to mattify - and ensure your make-up stays flawless.

Reviewers said…
“This primer is fantastic! It completely smoothes out your skin and minimises pores without being greasy, in fact it mattifies your skin whilst still being hydrating.” – Inga409”¨“Main selling feature about this primer is that this is almost a 'pore eraser' giving me a silky smooth face every time.” - xCherrybliss
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Which primer are you excited to try? Got a favourite that isn't listed above? Share it with us!