10 Highly effective face primers for long-lasting makeup looks

10 Impressive face primers to ensure your makeup stays put

Angela Goh

27 Mar 2017

1/10
Smashbox
Photo Finish Foundation Primer - Light, SGD68 (via Sephora)

How it works: For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, this lightweight water-based gel primer is a lifesaver. With a gentle formula free of parabens, phthalates, fragrance, talc, and sodium lauryl sulfate, it’s the one product you’ll want to keep in your makeup bag. Smashbox definitely prides itself on its award-winning primers, so expect professional results.
2/10
Algenist
Pore Corrector Anti-Aging Primer, SGD60 (via Sephora)

How it works: Chockful of powerful anti-aging ingredients, including Alguronic Acid, this primer works to diminish lines and imperfections, and will help improve your skin’s texture and tone over time. The formula turns your face into a smooth, satin-soft canvas, ensuring long-lasting makeup application.
3/10
NYX
Shine Killer, SGD24 (via Sephora)

How it works: Smooth this bad boy over your face before applying your favourite foundation in order to achieve a flawlessly matte look all day long. It also works perfectly without makeup to guarantee a natural, fresh-faced look, minus the shine!
4/10
Benefit Cosmetics
The POREfessional Face Primer, SGD21 (via Sephora)

How it works: This primer is a cult product that has amassed plenty of fans who all swear by its effectiveness. It works quickly to minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines, giving you a flawless canvas on which to work your makeup magic. Its oil-free formula is also one to rave about!
5/10
Becca
First Light Priming Filter, SGD58 (via Sephora)

How it works: Bad complexion in the morning? Fix it quick with this refreshing primer. With brightening Cool Light Technology that works to softly scatter translucent, cool, violet light, your skin will look evened out and less dull. Revive tired skin and keep your canvas looking hydrated!
6/10
Lancôme
La Base Pro, SGD68 (via Sephora)

How it works: This translucent makeup primer features Lancôme’s trademark Elasto-Smooth Technology to help diminish signs of imperfections and fatigue. Its oil-free formula also helps maintain flawless-looking makeup.
7/10
Make Up For Ever
Mist & Fix Setting Spray, SGD50 (via Sephora)

How it works: For a non-sticky setting formula that dries easily, you can’t go wrong with a spray-on primer. Alcohol-free and dermatologist-tested, this goes on after your makeup application to ensure makeup that won’t budge. Yes, it’s sweat-proof and rub-resistant!
8/10
Marc Jacobs Beauty
Undercover Perfecting Coconut Primer, SGD69 (via Sephora)

How it works: Enriched with skin-friendly coconut extracts, this gentle formula is made such that it mirrors the effect of synthetic priming ingredients, giving your skin a more natural, breathable barrier. It allows for longer-lasting makeup, without compromising on comfort.
9/10
Tarte
Clean Slate™ Poreless 12-Hour Perfecting Primer, SGD48 (via Sephora)

How it works: Keep your makeup looking fresh for 12 hours straight - that’s what this powerful primer aims to do. Chockful of natural fruit- and plant-based extracts, your skin will benefit from its restorative formula, all while looking its best with makeup on.
10/10
theBalm
TimeBalm Primer 30ml Translucent, SGD40 (via Sephora)

How it works: Containing beneficial Vitamin A, C and E, your skin will feel great all day with this makeup base, With its toning properties, the primer works to minimise the appearance of lines and pores, ensuring a smooth and even surface for your makeup to glide on.

Is your makeup non-existent by the end of the day? These primers will fix the problem.

“Why use a primer?” is probably what a time-pressed working woman would ask. Well, for those of you who are sick and tried of your painstakingly-perfected makeup sliding off your face by the end of the day, a primer can definitely give your skin exactly what it needs to keep that makeup looking fresh all day long.

No one likes seeing their hard work go to waste, so for budge-proof makeup that won’t slide off your face as you endure your 8-hour work day, we’ve got just the primers to help keep it all in place – from your foundation to your eye shadow.

Head up to the gallery to check out our top picks.

Angela Goh

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