The best primers,according to makeup artists and beauty experts
The 7 primers that makeup artists and beauty experts rate highest, ranked by genuine consensus.
These are the 7 primers that the makeup artists and beauty experts we follow rate most highly, ranked purely by how warmly the gurus actually talk about them. No brand pays to appear, and the order updates as new reviews come in.
Every score is the Guru Index consensus across all the gurus who have weighed in, so a single rave can't crown the list: products need enough independent reviews to count. A Guru Certified mark means broad agreement across many experts; a Top Pick means a guru explicitly named it best in its category.
The podium
86%Guru ScoreHalo Glow Liquid Filter
“I always prep my skin with this product after moisturizing for the perfect base to start my face makeup. I love the tint and glow it gives my skin.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Sheer, natural glow without glitter; Works under or over foundation
The catch: Shade zero runs noticeably orange
Fragrance-free.
81%Guru ScoreFilter Blurring Primer
“I'm going to use the Tula, this is their primer but it has a slight tint to it and I absolutely love it.”Beyond50Skin
What the gurus liked: Smooths pores and texture; Creamy, moisturising texture
The catch: Can feel gritty in heat
Fragrance-free.
74%Guru ScoreHydro Grip Primer
“As an oily skin gal this primer was a GameChanger.”Allie Glines
What the gurus liked: Grippy texture that holds makeup; Adds moisture without heaviness
The catch: Not universally liked across skin types
The rest of the list
- 4
e.l.f.Power Grip PrimerBudget buy68%9 gurus“I get all day wear, the same amazing grippy wear that I get with the original primer, but a complete prevention of anything looking greasy on my skin. It's incredible.”Abbey Yung
What the gurus liked: Requires only a tiny amount per application; Hydrating despite the sticky finish
The catch: May clash with dimethicone-based moisturisers
Fragrance-free.
- 5
NYXFace Glue Gripping PrimerDry skinBudget buy66%5 gurusThis primer makes makeup sit flat and grip nicely on dry skin, and reviewers praise how smoothly it applies and feels on the face.
What the gurus liked: Makeup grips and stays put on flaky skin; Affordable price
The catch: Not as long-wearing as some competitors
Fragrance-free.
- 6
Charlotte TilburyHollywood Flawless FilterSplurge65%11 gurus“I'm still loving the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter for my all-time ultimate holy grail favorite highlighter.”HotandFlashy
What the gurus liked: Pleasant texture that feels nice on skin; Comes in multiple shades with warm undertones
The catch: Sits greasy on some skin types
Fragrance-free.
- 7
BenefitPOREfessional PrimerMid-range64%5 gurusThat whipped, silicone-smooth feel is the whole argument: fans love how it blurs pores and leaves a powdery, velvety finish, while others find it too slippery, especially on oily skin.
What the gurus liked: Whipped texture fills the appearance of pores; Temporarily minimizes pore visibility
The catch: Slippery on oily skin
Who's doing the judging
Ranked from the public takes of 23 independent gurus, including 5 dermatologists, 4 makeup artists and 2 beauty journalists.
Dr DrayDermatologist
Dr. Sam EllisDermatologist
The Budget DermatologistDermatologist
Lab Muffin Beauty ScienceCosmetic Chemist
Dr. MaminaDermatologist
Dr. Aleksandra BrownDermatologist
Caroline HironsEsthetician
Nipun KapurSkincare Consultant
Alexandra AneleMakeup Artist
Robert WelshMakeup Artist
Mixed MakeupBeauty Journalist
Allie GlinesMakeup Artist
Dimma UmehMakeup Artist
The Style and Beauty DoctorBeauty Journalist+9These are independent experts we follow, not an in-house panel. We collect opinions they have already shared publicly on YouTube; they are not connected to The Guru Index and have not endorsed this ranking. "Guru" is our own editorial title for the voices we trust.
You asked
What is the best primer?
On the latest data it is e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, with a Guru Score of 86% from 11 gurus. The ranking above lists all 7 that clear our bar, in order.
What primer do makeup artists recommend?
Of the 4 makeup artists whose reviews feed this ranking, more approve of e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter than any other pick: 3 of them. It holds a Guru Score of 86%, at number 1 on the list.
What do the top primers have in common?
Of the 6 we hold a full ingredient list for, 6 skip drying alcohol, 5 are fragrance-free and 3 contain hyaluronic acid. That is a pattern in what the experts rate, not a rule: the ranking itself is by their verdicts.
How is this ranking decided?
We rank by the Guru Index consensus score: the warmth of every independent expert take we have logged for each product, with a minimum number of reviewers required so a single enthusiastic review can't top the list. Nothing here is paid placement.
How we make money. Some shopping links may earn The Guru Index a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes which products rank or how they score.