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12 Best Makeup Primers

Is your makeup literally melting off your face? Prepare for the warmer months ahead with these reader-approved makeup primers

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No. 1: Arbonne Cosmetics Makeup Primer, $36

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.9*
Why: A reader confides, "I am 55-years-old and have been wearing makeup since my early teens and [this] primer is hands down the best I have ever found! Believe me I have tried almost all of them." Another says, "Not sure how I ever lived without this in my makeup bag. My foundation goes on smoother, I wear less, and it looks better. It's candy for your face." And another says, "This product really does fill in those nooks and crannies on the face even with lots of freckles and sun damage," and one devoted consumer says, "I've been using Arbonne for over two years now and have yet to find a better makeup primer. Its silky texture makes putting on my makeup a joy. LOVE IT."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

Rate this story|Avg member rating: 8

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Luminizing Face Primer

Average Member Rating: 7.0

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 With Dermaxyl Complex

Average Member Rating: 7.9

Buy it for $42.00

bareMinerals Prime Time Brightening Foundation Primer

Average Member Rating: 7.8

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer

Average Member Rating: 7.7

Buy it for $39.00 - $39.00

Tarte clean slate primer

Average Member Rating: 8.1

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Oil Free

Average Member Rating: 7.5

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Average Member Rating: 8.5

Buy it for $32.00

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50

Average Member Rating: 8.3

Buy it for $30.00

DHC Velvet Skin Coat

Average Member Rating: 8.9

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Average Member Rating: 8.3

Make Up For Ever Make Up Forever HD Microperfecting Primer

Average Member Rating: 8.4

Arbonne Makeup Primer

Average Member Rating: 9.7

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very helpful. Love the tarte Clean slate.

by Taylerbootz Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 12:41PM Report as inappropriate

I'm a big fan of the Victoria's Secret SPF20 primer, not listed in this slideshow.

by veryvanilla Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 09:23PM Report as inappropriate

great info!

by smiley412 Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 09:11AM Report as inappropriate

great

by Benahir Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 07:14PM Report as inappropriate

I heard good things about smashboox.

by sanda55 Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 02:34PM Report as inappropriate

This is a very helpful list. Smashbox is my favorite, but it would be great if they incorporated drugstore primers as well. Rimmel and L'Oreal make excellent primers. Avon too!

by darkangel81 Monday, May 7, 2012 at 09:41AM Report as inappropriate