Summer days are synonymous with sunshine, outdoor adventures, and that radiant glow, and finding the right primers for summer makeup is essential to keep that glow flawless. High temperatures and humidity can often turn your perfectly applied foundation into a disappearing act or a greasy mess, but the secret to maintaining a complexion that withstands the heat lies in choosing the right base. Investing in effective primers for summer makeup can be a total game-changer, acting as an invisible shield that locks your foundation in place, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth canvas.
This season, don’t let your makeup melt away before noon. We’re breaking down five top-notch primers for summer makeup designed to combat humidity, control oil, and extend the wear of your foundation, ensuring your look stays fresh from sun-up to sundown.
Our Top 5 Primers for Summer Makeup
We want to be transparent with you about how we make money. This website uses affiliate links. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the retailer. This commission comes at no additional cost to you
This iconic primer is a powerhouse for minimizing the appearance of pores and controlling excess oil. Its silky, lightweight balm texture glides over the skin, leaving a velvety-smooth, matte finish.
Don't let the "hydro" fool you—this primer is a superstar for all skin types, especially those looking for intense grip without feeling heavy. Its clear, gel-like formula contains blue agave extract, which forms an invisible layer that truly locks makeup in place for up to 12 hours.
If you're looking for a dupe, e.l.f. Cosmetics' Power Grip Primer is a great option! They also offer a matte option.
A classic for a reason, this clear gel primer instantly blurs imperfections, fills in fine lines, and creates a flawless surface for foundation. It's fantastic for creating that "soft-focus" effect, making skin look incredibly smooth in photos and real life.
When you need your makeup to truly stay put, this primer delivers. It's innovative "makeup magnet" technology creates an incredibly gripping base that extends foundation wear for up to 18 hours.
For those looking to create an exceptionally smooth canvas, especially when dealing with texture or acne scars, this innovative primer is a game-changer. It's designed to visibly fill and blur the appearance of scars, creating an incredibly even surface for your foundation.
Application Tips for a Flawless Base
Before diving into our top primer picks, mastering the application technique is key to achieving that long-lasting, smooth finish.
- Start with Clean, Hydrated Skin: Always begin with a freshly cleansed and moisturized face. Even if your skin is oily, a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer is essential to prevent your skin from overproducing oil to compensate for dryness.
- Less Is More: You only need a pea-sized amount of primer for your entire face. Applying too much can lead to pilling or a heavy feeling.
- Focus on Key Areas: Concentrate the primer on areas where makeup tends to break down first or where you experience more shine, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
- Allow Absorption Time: Give your primer a minute or two to set and absorb into your skin before applying foundation. This allows it to create the optimal gripping surface.
- Tap, Don’t Rub: When applying, gently tap or press the primer into your skin rather than rubbing it vigorously. This helps fill in pores and fine lines more effectively.
Armed with the right primers for summer makeup and a few expert application tips, you can confidently face the heat and humidity knowing your foundation will remain flawless. Say goodbye to makeup meltdowns and hello to a long-lasting, radiant complexion that sees you through every sunny adventure!
Which of these primers for summer makeup are you adding to your cart? Let us know in the comments!
This is the best mattifying product I’ve tried, and I’ve used a ton of them. My forehead is super shiny, even when it’s clean. This actually goes on thick and matte. I use it before I put on makeup, and then sometimes after I apply makeup as well.
Sometimes it feels a little tight and drying on my skin, but that’s fine since it works better than anything else for me to cut down on oily shine. It doesn’t last super long and my skin isn’t completely matte, but I’m very happy with it and plan to purchase it again.
I’ve probably tried dozens of products to treat my shiny skin, and this is the only one I like enough to buy again.