For the fifth post in my battle of the brands series, I’m ranking my entire primer collection to tell you which formula is my all-time fave.
My battle of the brands series is where I rank my entire makeup collection by a specific product type. From foundations and bronzers to lip liners and brow products, battle of the brands is my ultimate makeup collection rating, so you can see my holy grail products.
Starting from my least favourite product and working my way up to my number 1 product in any given category, this is the fastest way to see my thoughts on my entire makeup collection.
I’ve previously ranked my setting powders, lip glosses, concealers, and single eyeshadows. I had so much fun ranking my single eyeshadow collection that I couldn’t wait to rank my primers.
Keep reading to see which primer is the best at making your base smooth, even, and poreless while keeping your makeup in place all day. Plus, there are even some tasty discounts for any primers that you like the look of (spoiler alert, they’re all fantastic!).
** This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page **
7. By Terry Brightening CC Serum
£61 for 30ml
Get 20% off this serum with my code LFTFBLOGSARAH at LookFantastic. Shop now!
Although the By Terry Brightening CC Serum is in my number 7 spot, this is still a great primer. Although this is described as a serum on the bottle, it can actually be used as a primer, which is how I use it. It’s great for making my base look more radiant and feel hydrated and smooth. I find this plays really nicely with foundations while brightening my overall complexion. I don’t feel it gives my makeup much additional lasting power, though. This primer particularly works well with lighter base routines, as the brightening properties peek through beautifully.
6. Perricone MD No Makeup Instant Blur Primer Vitamin E
£47 for 10g
Get 20% off Perricone MD with the code PMDM20. Shop now!
The Perricone MD No Makeup Instant Blur Primer Vitamin E is my go-to when I want a minimal makeup look. This is the perfect example of a makeup-skincare hybrid. It’s very kind to the skin, as it’s gentle and hydrating, but it has the smoothing and blurring properties of a primer. It helps makeup stay in place for longer and feels undetectable on the skin once applied. I enjoy the unique balm texture of this primer too.
5. Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Discontinued in the UK and Ireland
The iconic Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Foundation Primer is no longer available in the UK and Ireland. But I can’t deny how much I like this primer. It’s a cult classic and is perfect for creating a smooth, poreless, and blurred base. The primer has a very slippery silicone texture, which I enjoy but is ultimately not my fave primer texture. Foundation smooths over this foundation like a dream, and I find the primer truly fills in my pores. I still have others I prefer, though.
4. Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer
£30 for 30ml for non-members of Beauty Pie
I don’t see enough people talking about the Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer. This is one of my fave radiant primers! It gives your skin a very natural healthy glow while brightening the skin. It’s very comfortable and hydrating, and you can’t feel it once it’s been applied. I love that the primer makes any base products look more luminous and smooth. This is a must for any glow addicts.
3. The Beauty Crop Coco Gold Perfecting Primer
£10 for 20ml or £14 for 30ml
The Beauty Crop Coco Gold Perfecting Primer truly is a fantastic primer. This offers everything that the Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer gives and more. It’s very hydrating and glowy, so any makeup that goes on top has added dewiness. My base products look smooth too. But The Beauty Crop one has more grip than the Beauty Pie primer, so makeup stays in place noticeably longer. It’s slightly tacky, but not in an uncomfortable way, which means that makeup truly grips your skin. I love this primer!
2. e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer
£9 for 21g
Get 15% off this primer with my code SARAHSSPH at Sephora UK. Shop now!
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer is still *that girl*. Although this primer doesn’t have the lasting power of some of the other primers in this post, what it does offer is excellent affordability and my absolute fave for oily skin. No other primer keeps excess oiliness at bay like this. I love how the primer mattifies my base without making it look flat, fills in my pores, and gives an overall smooth finish. Makeup plays very nicely with this primer, and it keeps my base oil-free for hours. I’ll never not love this primer.
1. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Primer
£40 for 30ml
No primer compares to the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Primer. This primer has everything I want. It’s super hydrating and smoothing, so that makeup glides over the top effortlessly. It offers the perfect balance between grip and slip; while it has a silky texture, makeup has no issue sticking to it, and it helps with oil control, so base products stay put all day with ease. The primer adds dewiness and plumpness to my skin, making it look very healthy. You can’t feel the primer on the skin once it’s applied – in a good way. And it has a unique soft-focus and blurring effect that makes my skin look amazing. This is a faultless primer that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a skin-loving, hydrating primer.
Read my full Pat McGrath Labs brand review.
Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 6 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.
I’m glad that the Pat McGrath won given the price tag! It does look amazing. The Elf one is my favourite too. I have drier skin and it doesn’t emphasise any texture at all and makes my base nice and smooth.