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Best Makeup Primer No. 2: Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base, $48
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.5*
Why it's great: "It's amazing how a simple product can add juice to your normal makeup routine," writes one reviewer. "It's simply perfect." Another fan says this product is better than "any other primer on the market." Reviewers say it enhances makeup and makes their complexions radiant. It may be a little on the pricey side, but as one reviewer confidently says, "It's well worth every penny."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base here.

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*At time of publication

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Best Makeup Primer No. 1: Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer, $42
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.7*
Why it's great: "Any foundation or powder will last 10 times longer and will look better with this makeup primer," one user boldly states. "It absorbs quickly and your skin becomes so smooth and silky." Readers say this makeup primer leaves you with a matte finish and also reduces shine. "This is a fantastic primer that really preps your skin for foundation," says one reader. "It goes on smooth and clean and your foundation doesn't budge all day. It's expensive, but it's so worth it."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review for Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer here.

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*At time of publication

Obvious foundation streaks, noticeable pores, redness around the nose — these are all makeup blunders on par with a glaringly large flake of spinach stuck between your teeth. Napoleon Perdis, celebrity makeup artist and beauty brand founder, says these makeup faux pas can be avoided by adding one simple step to your morning routine: applying makeup primer

"Not to prime is a crime," says Perdis. "It's been my career-long mantra. It helps finesse your foundation, helping your skin stay flawless longer." And it's not just Perdis. Celebrity makeup artists everywhere stress the importance of priming. Makuep primers are crucial at keeping oil at bay while filling in fine lines and providing a smooth canvas for your foundation to stick to, says celebrity makeup artist Charlie Green. Now that we've converted you into a primer believer, here are tips to help you choose the best one for you:

Skin tone: Primers come in different hues to address specific skin concerns. Green-colored primers will combat redness from rosacea or acne. Mauve/light purple counteracts sallow undertones, while pink helps brighten complexions.

Skin type: First, figure out whether you have oily, dry or combination skin. Then, choose a primer that is suited for those needs.

Once you've got the right formula, apply the primer after your moisturizer. "It's like waterproofing your skin," says Jim Hammer, a cosmetic chemist at Pharmasol Labs in Easton, Mass. If you apply it before your day cream or sunscreen, those water-based products can't penetrate through to reach your skin. "If you smooth [the primer] on after, your skin can absorb your moisturizer before the primer forms a slick film on top of it," says Hammer.

See what our readers think are the best makeup primers out there.

Image via Imaxtree
BY CLAIRE BALLOR, MARISSA DESANTIS, KELLY SEARLE, JESSICA AMARIS | SHARES
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