The Best Drugstore Primers in Canada 

Maybelline is one of those drugstore beauty brands whose affordability and a vast selection you can always count on. Their Baby Skin collection is no exception. The Instant Pore Eraser provides a natural-looking, yet matte and poreless finish.   

One satisfied reviewer who has dermatillomania noted that Baby Skin Pore Eraser provided immediate improvement on her dry, red and very sensitive skin. It blurred pores, reduced the visibility of old acne scars and felt soft and light. The trick is to use a pea-sized amount and no more, or the skin can feel oily, she added. “I use it on its own with a little blush and mascara, or as a base for my foundation and will buy it again, a make-up must-have!” 

Others say that Baby Skin Pore Eraser does not only leave your face feeling and looking smooth, but also minimizes large pores with the same effectiveness as expensive primers.   

If you are looking for a primer that offers a lotion-like consistency rather than sticky and gluey, consider Essence Prime Hydrating primer. As per many reviewers, including makeup artists, Essence Prime is the best primer for dry skin because it feels like a moisturizer when applied, and leaves skin hydrated even with foundation and setting powder on top.   

One of those reviewers noted that Essence primer does exactly what it is supposed to do and, in her opinion, is better than a lot of more expensive primers.  

Another one with ultra oily skin noted that it works well to keep makeup on all day. Some days she just wears Essence primer with moisturizer, which hides all pores and evens skin tone.  

Suitable for any skin type, Revlon PhotoReady primer reduces the appearance of pores and keeps your makeup in place. The affordable price does not mean compromising in quality: Revlon PhotoReady comes as close as possible to high-end primers.   

As one reviewer noted that a pump top makes Revlon primer easy to use and mess-free. The primer itself feels great and lightweight on skin, she added. “After I rub it in, I really can’t feel it at all.” She has some big pores on her cheeks and around her nose and the primer helps in minimizing them.  

The PhotoReady primer features a lightweight and brightening formula that smooths and perfects skin, making makeup application much easier and longer-lasting. Based on several reviews and makeup artists’ suggestions, you can even wear Revlon PhotoReady on its own for a more natural look, and simply add a few drops of concealer to cover blemishes.   

Those who are battling acne or sensitive skin might find e.l.f. primer the most suitable product. The Blemish Control primer contains zinc that calms redness and irritation, kaolin clay and salicylic acid that clear out clogged pores.   

Besides, e.l.f. primer with a pleasant citrus scent contains hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide, ingredients that nourish and hydrate skin.  

One of the reviewers noted that e.l.f. primer has a smooth and creamy texture that glides on easily and blends well with her skin tone. It gives her face a subtle glow that looks natural and healthy, not greasy or glittery. It also helps to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines and makes foundation last longer, she added. She also suggests waiting for a few minutes before applying foundation or concealer. This primer works well with both liquid and powder products and does not cause any pilling or caking. It also does not make her skin feel heavy or oily throughout the day, she concluded. 

Just like sensitive skin, dry skin is a whole issue of its own. Makeup and skincare products for dry skin should be picked with consideration of both skin condition and season. For instance, this NYX Plumping primer is infused with electrolytes, hyaluronic acid, magnesium and vitamins that hydrate, energize and brighten the skin.   

The NYX primer provides a long-lasting lightweight makeup base while absorbing quickly and creating healthy-looking skin. Just as one reviewer noted she tried this primer and could not believe how refreshing it felt on her skin. It made her skin smooth, and foundation application like a dream.  

La Roche-Posay is a French drugstore skincare brand that is especially favoured by people with mature and sensitive skin.   

The Anthelios 50 Daily primer is packed with hydrating ingredients and SPF 50. However, unlike a typical sunscreen, this primer does not feel heavy and greasy.   

Anthelios Anti-Aging Face primer has a mousse-like texture that quickly absorbs into the skin blurring imperfections and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.   

One reviewer noted that La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 is great for a matte finish, especially under make-up. It goes on with creamy texture, absorbs quickly and has the power to keep makeup in place throughout the day. 

Adding a touch of green primer to cover redness is a pro makeup tip that artists use to neutralize and correct colour. That is why Rimmel Insta Flawless primer is one of the best products for redness. It does not only work on various skin conditions such as rash or acne but also quick-to-flush skin.   

A satisfied reviewer noted that she has tried quite a few different brands and never found them effective until she found Rimmel Insta Flawless. From the very first application, this felt ‘just right’. It goes on smoothly, like a very fine lotion that is not gloopy, sticky or oily. It does not irritate or clog pores, nor cause breakouts, she added. Her skin feels like it has been moisturized. “Rimmel Insta Flawless gives my prone-to-redness face a much more natural, neutral tone.” 

Besides green-coloured primer that evens skin tone, you could also try a primer with a purple tone. Unlike Rimmel Insta Flawless primer in green which mainly covers redness, Neutrogena Prep + Correct purple primer brightens and illuminates skin.   

As one reviewer noted if you have been searching for that holy grail product to achieve flawless makeup, your search might just end with this. This primer has completely changed the way she approaches her makeup routine, and she can not help but sing its praises. The concept of colour correction can be a bit intimidating, but this primer simplifies the process beautifully, she added.  

Neutrogena Prep+Correct Brightening primer is formulated with seaweed extract that helps to smooth the skin’s surface without settling into fine lines. The primer features a non-greasy texture that does not feel heavy on the skin.   

To keep your eyeshadows in place and make application smoother, give a try to Wet’n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer.   

It is a mattifying primer that absorbs oil allowing makeup to blend in seamlessly and prevents creases on eyelids.   

A satisfied reviewer noted that using Wet’n Wild helps her makeup last a lot longer throughout the day. And this brand and type of primer formula goes smoothly onto the eyelid and keeps the colour on the eyelids for quite a long time, she continued. “The only thing I would change about it is that I wish the formula would also brighten up the lid,” the reviewer added. 

Covergirl Lash Blast mascara primer instantly adds volume to lashes making them look thicker and longer. It is formulated to dry quicker and make mascara application easy, while preventing smudging throughout the day.   

As one reviewer of Covergirl Lash Blast noted, that it amplified her lash volume and length wonderfully. It also makes her lashes appear fuller. The reviewer would recommend it to anyone who is looking to enhance the look of their lashes.  

Containing several ingredients such as Jojoba Seed Oil, Covergirl Lash Blast also contributes to healthier and stronger eyelashes.