Best Primers October 2026
Compare the top-rated primers to find the ideal base for your makeup routine. This independent guide highlights key features, formulas, and pros and cons across popular options to help you choose the right fit.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
Primers: Top 5
1
Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer 30ml
from £10.995 stores
from £10.99
5 stores
2
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer 24ml
from £6.963 stores
from £6.96
3 stores
3
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Jumbo Primer 75ml
from £19.193 stores
from £19.19
3 stores
4
stila One Step Correct 30ml
from £12.997 stores
from £12.99
7 stores
5
NYX Plump Right Back Plumping Primer + Serum 30ml
from £10.005 stores
from £10.00
5 stores
Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer combines skincare hydration with makeup gripping properties. Its cream formula is designed for both the face and eye area to create a smooth base. It helps keep your foundation locked in place while moisturizing the skin.
£10.99
£0.37/ml/g
In stock
Pros
Suitable for both face and eye areas
Hydrating cream formula
Serum texture for easy spreading
Cons
Not specified for oily skin types
Contains only one size option
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer is a gel-based formula that softens and moisturizes the skin while securing makeup. It is silicone-free and works well across dry, normal, oily, and combination skin types. The lightweight gel texture creates a tacky grip for long-lasting wear.
Pros
Silicon-free formula
Works for all skin types
Compact 24 ml size for travel
Cons
Smaller bottle than the jumbo version
Only for facial application
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Jumbo Primer offers the popular gripping gel formula in a large 75 ml bottle. It moisturizes and softens the skin to prep your complexion for smooth foundation application. The larger volume is well suited for daily makeup wearers.
Pros
Large 75 ml jumbo volume
Moisturising gel formula
Softens the skin surface
Cons
Less convenient for travel
Face use only
stila One Step Correct is a multi-action cream primer that evens out skin tone, reduces redness, and minimizes pores. It brightens and illuminates the complexion while working on both the face and eye area. It is formulated to suit all skin types seeking an all-in-one corrective base.
£19.00
£2.19/ml/g
In stock
Pros
Colour-correcting formula
Pore minimising benefits
Suitable for face and eye areas
Cons
Higher price tier
Heavier cream texture
NYX Plump Right Back Plumping Primer + Serum provides a hydrating boost while minimizing the appearance of pores. Its lightweight gel formula softens the skin and creates a smooth canvas for makeup. It works across all skin types to maintain a fresh, moisturized complexion.
Pros
Pore minimising action
Combines primer and serum
Hydrating gel texture
Cons
Face only, not rated for eyes
Single 30 ml bottle size
Compare specifications
| Application area | Face, Eyes | Face | Face | Face, Eyes | Face |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formula | Cream | Gel | Gel | Cream | Gel |
| Skin type | — | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All | — | All | All |
| Features | Moisturising | Softening, Moisturising, Silicon-free | Softening, Moisturising | Anti-redness, Illuminating/Highlighting, Colour correcting, Pore minimising | Softening, Moisturising, Pore minimising |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
