5 Primers That Make a Huge Difference in How Your Skin Looks

Time to skip the filters.

By Liz Ritter, Executive Editor · Oct 1, 2015

Move over photo filters, there are some new skin-perfecting products in town—and they make skin (and makeup, if you even still need to apply it) look flawless, while treating the complexion to some incredible added benefits.

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1 / 5

Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer ($46)

This mega-multitasker locks in hydration, reduces the look of pores and lines and provides just the perfect amount of barely there coverage to make any skin tone look better.

2 / 5

Per-fekt 10-in-1 Skin Perfection Gel Plus ($48)

Best suited for when you want more of a dewy finish, this gel-mousse has a little bit different of a primer formulation than you are probably used to, but it gives amazing, stay-all-day results just the same. Coconut oil imparts hydration, omegas help boost collagen and skin is left protected with SPF 30; the result is a truly airbrushed look, minus makeup.

3 / 5

PriyanaMD HylaSilk Hydrating Primer ($60)

Perfect post-derm treatment (like after a peel) when skin needs a little more moisture than usual but is also supersensitive, this intensely hydrating primer smooths and plumps skin while successfully reducing oily patches and shine.

4 / 5

Arbonne Makeup Primer ($40)

So many primers are accompanied by the phrase “sets a canvas,” but this one really delivers on its descriptor. It’s luxurious, feels like silk and gives skin a ton good-for-you ingredients, including antioxidants of green tea and grapeseed extract and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.

5 / 5

Jane Iredale Smooth Affair for Oily Skin Facial Primer and Brightener ($48)

With ingredients that help fight blemishes and even out skin tone, and a formulation that reduces the look of pores and oil, there’s not much this matte primer can’t do.