Best Face Primer in India: Tested Picks for Oily, Dry & Combination Skin
Ever felt that whatever skills you use, however expensive and well known foundation you use, your makeup doesn't sit well on your face? Every one of us must have faced the problem of flaky makeup or runny makeup at least once. Our body produces oil and sweat and that ruins our makeup that took hours to do. Sweat makes your makeup run down and leaves a cast and oil gives it excessive shine that leaves us with an unnatural and sticky makeup look.
Well, it's not always because of your foundation or other makeup that you don't get a flawless look, but because you're missing an important step in your skincare and makeup routine. That step is applying primer. Primer is the preparation for makeup. Before applying foundation, you should use primer to create a base that controls sweat and oil. And that is what gives you that natural, flawless makeup look and also makes it last longer. In this article, we have reviewed and ranked the best face makeup primer options available in the Indian market from the best rated face primer for oily skin to a good face primer for dry and combination skin. So you can decide what suits you and your skin and rock that makeup without any hiccups because we are here to slay!
What is a Face Primer & What Does It Do?
Before we decide which one is the best-suited face primer for our respective skin type and tone, we need to understand what exactly a face primer is and how it gives us that perfect makeup glam.
A face primer is a cream or gel that we apply after our skincare and before our makeup or before applying foundation to prep our skin, cover blemishes, fill in pores and blurs fine lines and also absorb excess oil and sweat from our face. It grips the foundation, making sure the makeup doesn't crack, melt or slip or slide with sweat and humidity throughout the day. Although it doesn't stop sweat glands, it absorbs sweat and helps make your makeup look fresh which is exactly why the right face primer is the secret to long lasting makeup.
Primers are formulated keeping in mind different needs. For controlling excess oil and absorbing sweat, there are mattifying minerals for hydration, there is hyaluronic acid which is what makes a good hydrating primer. Silicone is used to help fill pores making silicone-based options the best face primer for pores.
Best Face Primer: Quick Overview of Top Rated Picks in India
Here's a quick comparison of the top 10 best face primer in India covering everything from oily skin to dry & sensitive skin. Use this table of top rated face primer picks to easily compare features, ratings and price per ml and find the best option for your needs at a glance. Read below:
| Sr. No. | Best Face Primer Brands in India | Key Features | Best Ratings | Why this Face Primer is the Best in India? | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakmé Face Primer (10ml) | Satin-smooth texture, minimises pores, subtle glow & good coverage. | 4.1 / 5 Stars (10,709 Ratings) | We reviewed Lakmé Face Primer & found its satin-like texture instantly smoothed the skin and blurred pores leaving a healthy glow making it a great pick for everyday makeup. In our wear test the coverage and finish held up well though the tube runs small for the quantity. Good value for a smooth, poreless base at a budget price. |
₹188 (₹18.80/ml) |
| 2 | Maliao Face Primer (50g) | Good quality, generous 50g size & budget-friendly. | 4.0 / 5 Stars (212 Ratings) | We tested Maliao Face Primer and found it a solid, good-quality budget option offering the largest quantity on our list which makes it great value per gram. It laid down a smooth base in everyday wear. On our deeper-toned tester however it didn't sit quite as evenly so it suits fair to medium skin best. |
₹521 (₹10.43/g) |
| 3 | Faces Canada Face Primer (30ml) | Rose-gold strobe glow, luminous finish & suits all skin tones incl. dusky. | 4.1 / 5 Stars (6,634 Ratings) | Our team reviewed Faces Canada Face Primer and found its rose-gold strobe finish gave an instant luminous glow that flattered every skin tone on our panel including dusky tones. It delivered a delicate shine and a lovely makeup finish. Testers with oily skin felt it leaned slightly shiny so it works best on normal to dry skin. |
₹442 (₹14.73/ml) |
| 4 | Colorbar Face Primer (30ml) | Long-lasting, oil-control, blurs large pores & flawless smooth base. | 4.3 / 5 Stars (4,532 Ratings) | We tested Colorbar Face Primer across a full day and found it stayed intact without caking or melting making it our top all-rounder for a flawless base. It kept oily skin looking fresh and hydrated while blurring large pores beautifully. Easy to blend and great value — just apply moisturiser then this primer and you're good to go. |
₹550 (₹18.33/ml) |
| 5 | L'Oréal Paris Face Primer (30ml) | Deeply hydrating, tinted shimmer, dewy glow & ideal for dry/sensitive skin. | 4.4 / 5 Stars (1,168 Ratings) | After testing L'Oréal Paris Face Primer on dry, sensitive skin we found it delivered the most hydration on our list and a gorgeous natural, dewy glow. It sat light on the skin and worked in both summer and winter without disappointing. The tinted shimmer made makeup look clean and dewy — our premium pick, reflected in the price per ml. |
₹2,688 (₹89.63/ml) |
| 6 | Insight Face Primer (30ml) | Lightweight, oil-free, sweat-proof, silky texture & all skin types. | 4.2 / 5 Stars (11,862 Ratings) | Our team found Insight Face Primer to be the best value for money on our list — silky, lightweight and genuinely sweat-proof. In our use it struck the perfect balance, neither drying the skin out nor leaving it oily and created a beautifully smooth base. The immediate effect held strong for about 3–4 hours making it a fantastic economical everyday buy. | ₹268 (₹8.93/ml) |
| 7 | E.L.F. Face Primer (24ml) | Strong long-lasting grip, butter-smooth application & great for oily skin. | 4.4 / 5 Stars (55,321 Ratings) | We reviewed E.L.F. Face Primer and found its grip stayed consistently fantastic right to the last squeeze while evening out on the face like butter making it a standout for oily skin. A tip from our team: let it set for 1–2 minutes before foundation so it doesn't feel heavy. It's on the pricey side but the quality justifies it. |
₹989 (₹41.21/ml) |
| 8 | RENEE Face Primer (15g) | Blurs pores, matte finish, moisturising & pleasant fragrance. | 4.2 / 5 Stars (7,602 Ratings) | Our team tried RENEE Face Primer and found it blurred pores well and smelled lovely, giving skin a quick, fresh and smooth finish with a slight glow right after application. The texture blended easily. It's best suited to short outings or casual wear as the light coverage didn't last very long in our test — still, good value for a quick everyday base. |
₹370 (₹24.67/g) |
| 9 | Maybelline Face Primer (5ml) | Creamy soft texture, long wear, strong makeup base & suits oily skin. | 4.2 / 5 Stars (4,194 Ratings) | We tested Maybelline Face Primer and found its creamy texture sat soft on the skin and held makeup for long hours making an excellent base. It performed best on oily skin in our use. Our sensitive-skin tester found it less suitable so we'd steer sensitive types elsewhere — but for the money it's a worthwhile, good-quality pick. |
₹340 (₹68.09/ml) |
| 10 | MARS Face Primer (25ml) | Minimises pores, soft smooth texture, gentle on skin & budget-friendly. | 4.1 / 5 Stars (833 Ratings) | During our test MARS Face Primer minimised pores and laid down a soft, smooth base at one of the lowest prices on our list. It felt gentle on the skin and worked particularly well for oily skin giving a good finish for makeup. We got a reliable 2–4 hours of wear making it a great everyday budget buy with nice packaging too. |
₹219 (₹8.76/ml) |
Do You Really Need a Primer?
Well, it depends on your skincare and foundation. If you think your skincare hydrates your skin and evens out your skin tone or if your foundation sits well, is long-lasting and doesn't feel cakey after some time, you can skip the primer. But it is recommended for better results and to ensure that your makeup is long-lasting. Some face primers can be worn alone without a moisturizer, so they also act as a good substitute.
How We Tested & Recommended the Best Face Primer?
Now that we know what a primer does and what it needs to be made of, it becomes easy for us to assess exactly what to look for while selecting the best of the best products available in the market. Our list of the top rated and most recommended face primer picks is based on some factors that are important to create a smooth canvas for the makeup. We picked the primer based on:
- Availability of essential components (silicone base, hyaluronic acid).
- Oil control capability.
- Blur effect on pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
- Suitability on various skin types and skin tones.
- Makeup finish (Smooth, matte, luminous).
- Ability to hydrate or moisturize skin.
- Whether they last long.
Let's dive into the article and take a look at the detailed reviews of some of the best face primers.
10 Best Face Primer in India - Here's How Each One Did!
1. Lakme - The Domestic Best
Named after the French opera Lakme that also means Goddess Lakshmi in French, it is an Indian cosmetics brand that started as a subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills in 1952. The brand is now under the ownership of Hindustan Unilever after Tata sold its stake in 1988. This brand was created in order to prevent foreign exchange from India from going to foreign countries through the purchase of beauty products and has now become one of the most trusted brands in India, making coloured cosmetics for women, running numerous beauty salons and sponsoring Lakme Fashion Week.
Best Pick: Lakme Unreal Blurfect Face Primer.
Key Features
- Silky blur formula.
- Smooth matte texture.
- Lightweight.
- Waterproof.
| Pros of Lakme Face Primer | Cons of Lakme Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Can be worn alone for smoothness and radiance. | Bit pricey for the quantity offered. |
| Long-lasting. | |
| Helps makeup stay longer. | |
| Blurs pores. | |
| Full coverage. | |
| Absorbs oil. |
What are these Lakme face primer best for? It is best suited for all Indian skin types as it is an Indian brand and comes in 3 different varieties: for dull skin, for dry skin and for oily skin. Paired with Lakme foundation and concealer, it gives a long staying flawless makeup look making it one of the best face primer for long lasting makeup on our list.
Price: ₹200-300 (10 ml).
2. Maliao - The All-in-One Wonder
An affordable makeup brand aimed at making and selling a wide range of products that match your personal choices and give you a space to feel YOU by being able to express yourself through the products that are cruelty-free, diverse and easy on your pocket.
Best Pick: Maliao 7-in-1 Natural Glow Face Primer.
Key Features
- 7 in 1 product uses.
- Hyaluronic acid.
- Also a skin brightening cream.
- Dewy finish.
- Suitable for long wear.
- Light texture.
| Pros of Maliao Face Primer | Cons of Maliao Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing. | May leave a white cast on relatively dark skin tone. |
| Protection against UV rays. | |
| Small quantity has extensive coverage. | |
| Absorbs well. | |
| Brightens skin. |
What are these Maliao face primer best for? This cream plus moisturizer is best if you are looking for all in one option including moisturizer, concealer, primer, cc cream and anti-aging properties. With hyaluronic acid and a natural glow finish, it doubles up as a good primer for glowing skin giving you affordable luxury with one product that suits all types of skin.
Price: ₹532 (50 ml).
3. Faces Canada – Best for Hydration
Originating from Canada, the brand's Indian operations were acquired by Purplle in 2021 and are now headquartered in Gurugram. The brand boasts a 40-year history of producing high-quality, professional products with competitive pricing. Faces Canada produces products that are often free from parabens and mineral oil and are also cruelty-free.
Best Pick: Faces Canada Strobe Cream - Rose Gold Face Primer.
Key Features
- Contains Hyaluronic acid.
- With the goodness of shea butter.
- Brightening pigments.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Alcohol free and paraben-free.
- Multiple shades- rose gold, silver, pink, gold and peach.
| Pros of Faces Canada Face Primer | Cons of Faces Canada Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Hydrating and moisturizing. | Skin might look oily. |
| Dewy glow and brightness. | Glow may not be much visible. |
| Acts as a highlighter. | |
| Different shades for different skin tones. | |
| No stickiness. |
What are these Face Canada face primer best for? This strobe cream is a best fit for those who look for clean beauty products and it caters to all skin tones, be it fair, dusty or medium. Its luminous strobing finish makes it the best illuminating primer on our list and a top pick for glowing skin as one product that gives you the benefit of a moisturizer, highlighter and a day cream.
Price: ₹478 (30 ml).
4. Colorbar Cosmetics - Best for Both Dry and Oily Skin
A PETA-certified brand offering premium makeup and skincare products. Part of the Indian conglomerate Modi Enterprises, the brand was founded in 2004 by Samir Krishan Modi in New Delhi. The brand makes sure that its products meet strict global standards by sourcing its formulations and manufacturing its products across countries like France, Italy, Germany and the US. The brand stands for gender neutrality, celebrating the right to expression for all.
Best Pick: Colorbar Flawless Finish Face Primer.
Key Features
- Gel-based.
- Lightweight.
- Alcohol-free and paraben-free.
- No water and mineral oil in formulations.
- No fragrance.
| Pros of Colorbar Face Primer | Cons of Colorbar Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Can be worn alone or under foundation. | A bit expensive. |
| Blurs pores, fine lines and wrinkles. | |
| Long-lasting. | |
| Suitable for sensitive skin. | |
| Hydrates and smoothens skin. | |
| Flawless finish. |
What are these Colorbar Cosmetics face primer best for? The best primer if you want your makeup to stay long and blend well. It suits all skin types, especially dry and oily skin since it is gel-based and infused with silicone and glycerine which is a strong all-rounder whether you want the best primer for dry skin or oil control for oily skin. Also, it does not flake or leave a white cast.
Price: ₹525 (30 ml).
5. L'Oreal Paris - The Luxury Glow
A French company, L'Oreal Paris, is the world's leading cosmetics brand with products in makeup, skincare and hair care categories. It owns 36 brands and 497 patents, proof of its innovation, creativity and footing in the beauty and skincare market.
Best Pick: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Glow-Lock Face Primer.
Key Features
- Professionally formulated.
- Luminous finish.
- For medium skin tone.
- Suitable for dry skin.
- Tinted shimmer.
| Pros of L'Oreal Paris Face Primer | Cons of L'Oreal Paris Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Can be used on sensitive skin. | Very expensive compared to other options. |
| Hydrates the skin. | May not be for all skin tones. |
| Radiant glow on skin. | |
| Flawless base for makeup. | |
| Long-lasting. |
What are these L'Oreal Paris face primer best for? This deeply hydrating primer is best if you want to prep and hydrate your skin for a flawless makeup application making it one of the best hydrating primer picks for dry skin. Paired with other infallible face makeup, it gives you coverage, definition and a radiant glow that lasts for hours.
Price: ₹2574 (30 ml).
6. Insight - Best for Vegan Products
The beauty and personal care brand was founded in 2001 in Mumbai and was later acquired by Reliance Retail in 2022. Known for its cruelty-free and vegan products, the brand has toxin-free formulations and prices that are budget-friendly. The products are FDA-approved, dermatologically tested and curated after quality research to provide consumers with the best.
Best Pick: Insight 3-in-1 Primer Face Primer.
Key Features
- Gel-based.
- Oil-free.
- 3 in 1 function- prime, protect and moisturize.
- Matte finish.
- Toxin-free.
- Smooth texture.
| Pros of Insight Face Primer | Cons of Insight Face Primer |
|---|---|
| For all skin types. | Lasts relatively less. |
| Long-lasting. | |
| Smooth base for makeup. | |
| Covers pores, fine lines and wrinkles. | |
| Lightweight. |
What are these Insight face primer best for? It is best suited to give the skin a hydrated look without making it oily. The smooth texture helps it blend easily and works great with every skin type. Apply it and you won't feel the weight, but you will definitely feel the difference it makes in your makeup and skin.
Price: ₹294-320 (30 ml).
7. e.l.f. - Best for Grip
The name e.l.f. stands for "Eyes, Lips and Face", highlighting the operations of the brand under its parent company, e.l.f. Beauty Inc. is headquartered in Oakland, California. The brand sources and manufacture their products internationally and sells these in India through authorized retailers like Amazon and Nykaa. The brand competes on low prices and relies on social media marketing, skipping the traditional and expensive celebrity marketing. With minimalistic packaging, the brand provides good quality and affordable alternatives to luxury brands.
Best Pick: e.l.f. Power Grip Face Primer.
Key Features
- Gel-based.
- For all skin types.
- Hyaluronic acid.
- Dewy finish.
- Non- comedogenic.
| Pros of e.l.f. Face Primer | Cons of e.l.f. Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Moisturizes skin. | Slightly sticky and takes a moment to settle in skin. |
| Suitable for all skin tones. | Less quantity for a high price. |
| Helps makeup last and look smooth. | |
| Small amount sufficient for full coverage. |
What are these e.l.f face primer best for? The primer is gel-based and a little sticky and that is what helps it grip your makeup making it one of the best face primer for long lasting makeup. Let it rest and absorb and see the magic. It is cruelty-free and safe for all skin types, including acne-prone skin, as it does not clog your pores. Best suited if you are looking for a makeup look that remains fresh for hours with minimal product use.
Price: ₹1300 (24 ml).
8. RENEE - Best for Skin
Founded in 2019 by actress Aashka Goradia Goble and entrepreneurs Ashutosh Valani and Priyank Shah, Renee is an Indian beauty and makeup brand with a strong belief in empowering women. It makes cruelty-free and vegan products for women of all ages, including pre-teens. The products are of high quality and FDA-approved.
Best Pick: RENEE Bollywood Filter Face Primer.
Key Features
- Lightweight.
- Non-sticky formula.
- Cruelty-free.
- Sulphate-free.
- Oil control.
- Silicone-based.
| Pros of RENEE Face Primer | Cons of RENEE Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing and hydrating. | Light coverage. |
| Blurs pores, fine lines and wrinkles. | |
| Non greasy. | |
| Even out skin. | |
| Prolong makeup wear. |
What are these RENEE face primer best for? This primer is the perfect blend of premium product, beautiful packaging and affordable prices. Suitable for all skin tones, this product has Gleditschia Seed Extract that protects the skin and maintains its shine. Its silicone-based pore-blurring texture makes it a great face primer for pores helping even out your skin and facilitate the application of makeup.
Price: ₹389 (15 ml).
9. Maybelline - Best for Matte Finish
Now a subsidiary of the French company L'Oreal after being acquired in 1996, the brand is an American multinational company, originally founded in 1915 in Chicago. Its products include cosmetics, skin care, perfume and personal care. Its iconic slogan "Maybe it's Maybelline" is etched in our minds that we hear in its ad campaigns.
Best Pick: Maybelline New York Fit Me Face Primer.
Key Features
- Best suited for normal to oily skin.
- Matte finish.
- Cream-based.
- SPF 20.
| Pros of Maybelline Face Primer | Cons of Maybelline Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Can be worn without a moisturizer. | Might not be for sensitive skin. |
| Long-lasting and lightweight. | Maybe sticky on some skin types. |
| Full coverage. | |
| Smoothens and moisturizes skin. | |
| Diminishes pores. | |
| Absorb and control oil. |
What are these Maybelline face primer best for? This is a premium product with mattifying minerals that give your makeup a matte finish, holding your foundation for upto 16 hours which makes it a strong contender for the best face primer for oily skin and combination skin. It moisturizes your skin and controls its shine if it's too oily. Its creamy texture allows it to be worn with or without moisturizer.
Price: ₹340-600 (30 ml).
10. Mars - Best for Indian Skin
Mars is an India cosmetic brand under "Rome India", based in Delhi. Known for its affordable and professional-grade makeup, it sources its product formulations globally and designs products that are specifically suited for Indian skin tones. It markets its products as 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Best Pick: Mars Zero Face Primer.
Key Features
- Gel-based.
- Silicone-based.
- Absorbs in skin.
- Prevent oxidization of makeup.
| Pros of Mars Face Primer | Cons of Mars Face Primer |
|---|---|
| Blurs pores. | Some people might find no fragrance property undesirable. |
| Long-lasting. | |
| Controls oil production. | |
| Smoothens and hydrates skin. |
What are these Mars face primer best for? It is best suited for oily and combination skin types. The silicone gel technology is effective in blurring pores and controlling excess oil making it a reliable best primer for combination skin. Plus, it is very affordable.
Price: ₹204 (25 ml).
Face Primer That Didn't Make the Cut (And Why)
- Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer: All in all very good primer, but the only reason not included in the above list is that it is silicone-free, although it does blur the pores and has good coverage.
- Blue Heaven Flawless Makeup Base Primer: Good product, but lasts only 4-5 hours. Good for occasional wear but might not withstand excess sweat and humidity. Plus it's a bit expensive, over 100-200 for 16 ml.
- Swiss Beauty Real Makeup Base Highlighting Primer: It has a smooth texture and is long-lasting, but it is not the best for daily use. It is best suited for fair skin tones and the shimmer has visible particles that can feel chunky and glittery. Not the best choice when you have to face humidity and excess oil.
Will Your Primer Survive Indian Heat & Humidity?
Yes, your primer can survive the heat and humidity if it has a texture that grips your foundation and is long-lasting. That is possible if the primer is silicone-based and waterproof, as it creates a film on your skin which is exactly what makes a good face primer for long lasting makeup in Indian weather.
Primer Over Sunscreen: How to Stop the Pilling Problem
Primer should be applied over sunscreen, not under it and not mixed with it. Sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from UV rays and primer is there to grip the makeup, so if applied under the sunscreen, it doesn't work and if mixed with the sunscreen, both their respective purposes are lost. Piling is when the product gathers on your face like tiny balls. To avoid piling, wait for the sunscreen to completely dry and be absorbed into the skin so that it doesn't mix with the primer and cause an uneven finish. Don't rub the primer into the sunscreen aggressively, but pat and gently press it.
Best Face Primer for Dusky & Deep Indian Skin Tones
You can use Faces Canada Strobe Cream primer as it comes in various shades that cater to the different Indian skin tones, whether it be fair, dusky or dark. Mars also designs its products specifically for Indian skin tones.
Silicone vs Water-Based Primer: Which Suits Your Skin & Foundation?
Choose primer and foundation based on your skin type. And make sure that both are either water-based or silicone-based. Since silicone is water-resistant, if you mix silicone-based primer and water-based foundation or vice versa, the foundation will not set right; it will be cakey and pilling will occur. Now, for which kind of primer to use, silicone-based if you have oily skin, as it absorbs oil and gives a matte finish with full coverage, plus it is usually waterproof, making it long-lasting in heat and humidity. If you have dry and acne-prone skin, use a water-based hydrating primer for a breathable and light finish, but it gives medium coverage, allowing skin texture to peek through and is not as long-lasting as it will wash away or slide off with sweat. So, they need to be set with sprays and setting powders to make them last longer.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Primer for Your Skin Type?
Best Makeup Primer for Dry Skin - What to Look For
Look for a hydrating primer that moisturizes skin and gives you a dewy look and skin-like coverage. The best makeup primer for dry skin is water-based and infused with hyaluronic acid and glycerine for example, the Lakme Unreal Gel Primer, Faces Canada Strobe Cream or the deeply hydrating L'Oreal Paris Infallible primer. If your face primer for dry skin also has a subtle glow, even better as it keeps flaky patches from showing through your makeup.
Best Face Primer for Oily Skin - What to Look For
Choose silicone-based primer to block pores, fill in fine lines, control excess oil and shine for a matte finish, full coverage and long-lasting effect. The best face primer for oily skin in this bracket is the Lakme Unreal Blurfect Primer. Pair any of these with a silicone-based foundation and set with powder for shine-free wear all day. And since a good base starts with skincare, prep first with the best moisturizer for oily skin so your primer has a smooth, balanced canvas to grip.
Best Primer for Combination Skin - What to Look For
The best primer for combination skin balances shine in oily areas while moisturizing dry areas. You can either use an oil-free, lightweight and gel-based primer to balance shine in oily areas and moisturize dry areas, like the Maybelline New York Fit Me primer and Mars Zero Face Primer. Or you can use a combination of silicone-based and water-based face primer. Use silicone-based mattifying primer on your T-areas to control oil and shine and hydrating water-based primer infused with hyaluronic acid and glycerine for dry areas like cheeks.
Best Primer for Glowing & Illuminating Skin - What to Look For
If your goal is radiance rather than a flat matte finish, the best primer for glowing skin is an illuminating primer with light-reflecting or strobing pigments. The best illuminating primer picks on our list are the Faces Canada Strobe Cream (Rose Gold) for an instant luminous glow and the Maliao 7-in-1 Natural Glow primer for a soft & dewy brightness. These work like a highlighter-primer hybrid giving your skin a lit-from-within glow under makeup.
How to Apply Primer the Right Way (So It Actually Works)
Face Primers give full coverage with just the right amount. So you do not need to take a large amount, preferably pea sized and blend it well with your finger, makeup sponge or brush, whatever works well. Blend it upwards and outwards from the centre for a fuller coverage. Wait for at least 60 seconds so that the primer gets properly absorbed or dries properly to prevent mixing it with your foundation, causing an uneven finish and pilling. One more thing to keep in mind is always the foundation of the same base as your primer. That is, water-based foundation with water-based primer and silicone-based foundation with silicone-based primer because silicone is water-resistant.
Affordable vs Expensive Face Primer: Is ₹3,000 Better Than ₹300?
It all depends on your budget and personal choice. Expensive primers are expensive because of their quality and brand value. Sometimes the expensive one might not suit your skin type or may not withstand the weather around you. But if you can get the same quality or maybe better for a lower price, then it is better to save some money and go for the affordable ones. And whichever you pick, you can bring the price down further as most of these primers are available on Nykaa, so grab a Nykaa coupon code before you check out.
Conclusion: Which Face Primer Should You Buy?
Although it depends on your skin type and budget as to which face primer you should buy, we have listed here primers that are specifically designed for Indian skin tones and that suit all skin types. Our top rated and most recommended face primer overall is the Lakme Unreal Blurfect Primer. The Maybelline New York Fit Me primer is the best primer for combination skin, the e.l.f. Power Grip Face Primer is the best face primer for oily skin and long lasting makeup, the L'Oreal Paris Infallible primer is the best hydrating primer for dry skin and the Faces Canada Strobe Cream is the best illuminating primer for glowing skin. Whatever your skin type, there's a good face primer on this list for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Face Primer
Can I use primer daily?
Yes, face primers like the Insight 3-in-1 and Colorbar Flawless Finish are good for daily use. Make sure the primer is toxin-free, suited for sensitive skin and hydrating and moisturizing without feeling sticky and uncomfortable.
What is the number one face primer?
Lakme Unreal Blurfect Primer is the number one top rated face primer, followed by Swiss Beauty and Insight 3 in 1 Primer.
Which is the best face primer for oily skin?
The best face primer for oily skin is a silicone-based mattifying one. Our top picks are the e.l.f. Power Grip, Maybelline New York Fit Me and MARS Zero Primer as they control oil and keep makeup matte and long-lasting.
Which is the best makeup primer for dry skin?
The best makeup primer for dry skin is a water-based hydrating primer with hyaluronic acid. We recommend the L'Oreal Paris Infallible, Lakme Unreal Gel Primer and Faces Canada Strobe Cream for a dewy & hydrated finish.
Can I wear primer without makeup?
Yes, many face primers can be worn alone just over a moisturizer and without makeup. They are infused with properties that give your skin a shiny look and a radiant glow without the need for heavy makeup on top of it - for example, Lakme Unreal Blurfect Primer or Colorbar Flawless Finish Face Primer.
Can I apply primer directly on my face?
Yes, face primers like the Maliao 7-in-1 Natural Glow base, Maybelline New York primer and FACES CANADA Strobe Cream can be worn alone without any moisturizer, as they have hyaluronic acid and glycerine for hydration. Some primers have SPF too, to protect from UV rays.
Which brand is best for primer?
Brands like Lakme and L'Oreal Paris are considered the best as they are the leading cosmetics brands in India and also globally. You can also go for the Insight 3-in-1 primer as it has overall good reviews and performance and is one of the best rated face primer options for the price.
Do we apply primer first or foundation?
Primer is always applied first, as it makes for the base of the foundation. Primer is applied for the main reason of gripping the foundation, among others, to make your makeup last longer, more radiant and smoother, like the e.l.f. Power Grip Face Primer.
