It might not be easy to choose the right primer for acne prone skin , and if you found the right one, it wouldn’t be effective once not used properly as well.
How to Choose and Use the Best Face Primer for Acne Prone Skin?
So, here are some few tips and tricks once buying and using primers:
- You should clear out any build-up of the dead skin. This would prevent an uneven application or the sketchy looking surface as you apply foundation on dry skin.
- You have to moisturize well beneath the primer and wait for at least five minutes for it to absorb fully. The foundation will surely break up into patches easily if you apply a primer on your skin with traces of moisturizer. For acne-prone skin, you can use a non-comedogenic moisturizer instead.
- Primers will not just make the skin smoother but they also help in making the foundation stick to the skin for numbers of hours. Always combine products that have the same base. Combine makeup based on the same ingredients.
- Do not ever rub your primer. This would ball up the product rather than set it into the pores. You simply press and pat gently using fingers until you’ve filled all your pores. Better application is due to the heat of your fingers.
- Avoid over-applying the primer. It would cause the foundation or the concealer to slide easily. Simply use a small drop then apply a thin layer on the skin.
- And take note that not every product would work for every individual. You might need to try and observe whether which one works best for your skin.
Continue reading this article to learn more about the best primer for acne that you’ll add to your makeup routine.
Take a glance at this table of comparison:
In terms of a makeup routine, one that is considered non-negotiable is a primer. Using a primer will prepare the skin for the foundation and would also make sure that your makeup would last longer. Indeed, it controls shine and it covers imperfections. But not all could work the same, so you need to choose the best primer for acne.
Reviews of the Best Primer for Acne Prone Skin
Make sure to pick the best primer that would suit your need and I think the following reviews could help you. Let’s get started!
Thank Me Later Primer
You might want to maintain a flawless facial appearance throughout the day. If so, this primer earns the top spot. It is waterproof in nature and it would preserve your skin all day long. At the same time, it keeps the face absolutely shine-free with no drying of the skin.
Plus, this primer minimizes the appearance of the large pores or fine line, leading you to a fresher and younger look. It’s also paraben-free and cruelty-free so you could use the product without worries. In fact, it offers 100% satisfaction guarantee, if in case you are not satisfied, you can return it for a refund easily.

- Thing we liked
- Things we didn’t like
- Waterproof and long-lasting
- Cruelty-free and paraben-free
- Pore-minimizing
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Left a white cast even under makeup
- Hard to rub on
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer and Brightener
For a skin-nourishing primer which comes as a brightener too, this one is simply the best choice. It goes smoothly on the skin providing excellent coverage. In fact, it goes a long way even with just a little amount applied. And also, it doesn’t feel heavy even if you layered it with makeup or a foundation.
This primer readies the skin so the makeup could glide on easily and lasts longer too. It has a formula that encourages the skin to look youthful at the same time minimizing the visibility of the pores and lines. After all, it draws out your natural radiance too.
So, In my opinion, for a primer that could increase the luminosity of the skin prone to acne, consider this product.

- Thing we liked
- Things we didn’t like
- Smooth appearance
- Excellent coverage
- Easy application
- Might cause a reaction
- A bit expensive
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
This is considered as a premium class primer that contains SPF 15 in order to protect the skin from any damage that is caused by the rays of the sun, at the same time, preparing the skin for makeup application.
This product could smoothen your appearance of any enlarged pores and fine lines, along with protecting, hydrating and nourishing the skin. Plus, it could prolong how long the makeup lasts. It also diminishes shine that is caused by oiliness and is free from any fragrances, parabens or oils making it a healthy choice for the skin.

- Thing we liked
- Things we didn’t like
- Lightweight formula with SPF 15
- Protects the skin from sun damage
- Free from paraben and oil
- Doesn’t contain any fragrance
- A bit expensive
- Not for those with dry skin
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
For a smooth and even surface, this product is highly recommended. It has a soft-focus action formula that minimizes the feel and look of fine lines and pores. It could let your makeup stay all throughout the day.
Aside from being a great choice for acne-prone skin, it is also best for those with oily skin. The gel is water-based, soothing and lightweight. It provides the skin with a natural matte finish being equipped with complete invisible coverage. It is also non-comedogenic which doesn’t clog pores.

- Thing we liked
- Things we didn’t like
- Smooth and even surface
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for oily skin
- Natural matte finish
- Non-comedogenic
- Takes some time to dry on skin
- Might dry the skin of others
e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer
This primer is known to be translucently intended for easier application and would never dry out the face whatever your skin type is. Plus, it also ensures a flawless finish.
You could use this product as a standalone primer or under makeup or foundation to minimize the appearance of large pores or some other imperfections like blemishes.
Indeed, this one is an ideal choice for acne-prone skin since I highly recommend its feature that constitutes all the important elements in terms of treating pimples and blemishes leaving the skin with a long-lasting satin silk finish.

- Thing we liked
- Things we didn’t like
- Heals acne
- Gives the skin a natural glow
- Available in different colors perfect for all skin tones
- Affordable
- Thick consistency
- Might cause rash is the skin is overly dried
Product Name | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Image | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Long-lasting | |||||
Easy to Apply |
A++ |
A |
A |
A+ |
A |
Excellent cover |
4.6 |
4.4 |
4.4 |
4.6 |
4.4 |
Price |
$$$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$$ |
More detail |
Product Name |
Long Lasting |
Safe |
Easy Application |
Excellent Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.4 |
4.5 | |
4.4 |
4.4 |
4.5 |
4.5 | |
4.4 |
4.3 |
4.5 |
4.4 | |
4.5 |
4.4 |
4.4 |
4.3 | |
4.4 |
4.3 |
4.4 |
4.3 |
Use a sponge and lightly tap on a sufficient amount of powder onto the area that gives out most oil on your face or at the area that you need coverage. Using a sponge is the easiest way to have powder absorbed into your skin naturally and effortlessly.
What are the Benefits of Using Makeup Primer for Acne-Prone Skin?
If you are ignoring a primer for your makeup routine, then you might be missing out on a chance to look and feel better, especially if you are prone to acne.
Even if you prefer simple makeup routine, or you consider a foundation, the best primer works either way. Primers create a smooth base so you could apply a foundation and makeup evenly and smoothly. It could also combat shiny and oily skin which is one of the usual causes of acne.
Whatever type of primer you use, it would prepare your face for makeup. It also helps in ensuring that the makeup would last longer preventing touch-ups.
Fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores are the targets why you should use primers. Also, they have the strength to conceal and correct acne. A primer could also be used in cold, hot or humid weather keeping your makeup in place. Indeed, primers could provide a polished and fresh look.
What to Avoid when choosing primer for acne skin?
It is important to be aware of whether the product has ingredients that aren’t safe for your skin. So far, there are two ingredients to avoid once buying or using a primer.
First, the latex. This could increase the chance of creating allergies on your skin. Sometimes the negative reaction is not always the fault of the silicone, but it could be due to the fact that it is contaminated with latex.
And second is the oxychloride or bismuth. Though not all primers have such ingredient, if in case you see this in the list of ingredients, avoid the product as it could give rise to breakouts. It has the ability to irritate the skin and could lead to cystic acne.
Final Thoughts
A primer comes in the form of fluid which is silicone-based. These primers are also available in the form of liquids and gels which just sit over the face to create a smooth and even surface.
Other products may work as primers but they are referred to as serums and moisturizers. Primers have an oil-free and an even non-comedogenic nature. So, it is very important that you know how to pick the best makeup primer for acne-prone skin.
All in all, the above-mentioned products could help you alleviate worries about acne formation and breakouts. So, if I were to choose, Thank Me Later Primer seems the best. Again, primers improve the staying power of the makeup without causing acne breakouts. That’s why you need to select the right one!
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