17 Best Primer Brands in India for 2023
No cosmetic kit is complete without a primer. Essential to every makeup routine, primers help your makeup last longer and even out your skin texture, giving your makeup a smooth look. If you’re wondering how to choose a primer for yourself, refer to our list of best brands of primer. These brands manufacture primers for normal skin as well as for other skin types. Make sure that you don’t skip adding a primer to your makeup routine if you want to enjoy professional-looking, long-lasting makeup.
Our Top Picks :
How Do We Choose the Best Primers for You?
No matter how expensive your makeup products are, they won’t stay on without proper skin prep and a smooth base. Face primers have become the new must-have in your vanity kits and you’ll never return to the old ways after using them. In India, you can get great quality primers ranging from Rs 140 to Rs 7,500.
Buying a primer is quite easy once you know about your skin type. It can act as a protective barrier that shields your pores from getting clogged with makeup and smoothens out any uneven texture. If you have dry skin, hydrating formulas that are cream or oil-based may work well and add a natural illumination to your skin. On the other hand, people with oily skin can go for silicone-based, mattifying formulas. You should also look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid in your primer as it offers nourishing effects. Color-correcting primers are also a thing now as they conceal your uneven skin without having to use a color corrector separately. So you use less product and get a flawless finish. Here you can also check best brands of gel primers in India.
After a lot of research and understanding customer reviews on Amazon, we have rounded up a list of the best primers in India. All of these products are rated 4/5 by users and have great reviews across various e-commerce websites.
List of 17 Top Primer Brands in India
Lakme
Lakme is one of the biggest brands of beauty products and skincare cosmetics. It has been ruling the cosmetic industry in India for over 50 years now. Lakme makeup primers are specially formulated for Indian skin and are lightweight, waterproof and have a velvety smooth texture. They are available in both powder and liquid forms.
Prominent Features of the Lakme Absolute Gel Primer:
- Lightweight gel formula
- Enriched with Vitamin E for moisturising effects
- Comes in a hygienic tube packaging
- Weighs 30 grams
Pros:
- Gel formula settles quickly to smoothen skin
- Has a transparent color so it doesn’t affect your makeup
- Glides beautifully on the skin
Cons:
- May cause excessive sweating for some skin types
Colorbar
Colorbar was founded in 2004. The brand competes with international cosmetic market leaders like L’Oreal and Revlon and has secured its position as one of the top cosmetic brands in the country. It has a wide range of beauty products for all skin types and tones. Colorbar primers have the best quality, are paraben-free, hence safe for all skin types. They offer the skin a smooth texture, making it appear even and flawless.
Prominent Features of the Colorbar Perfect Match Primer:
- Quick-absorbing liquid formula
- Oil-free primer
- Enriched with Vitamin E
- Contains no parabens, allergens, or fragrance
- Weighs 30 ml
Pros:
- Lightweight primer that gives you a smooth finish
- Vitamin E keeps your skin moisturised
- Cruelty-free product
Cons:
- May not suit every skin type, patch test recommended
Maybelline New York
Maybelline started as a small private family business which gradually became an international brand name. Currently, it has more than a billion customers swearing by its products. Maybelline primers are water-based and non-oily so that the skin doesn’t feel weighed down and sticky. These primers effectively mask skin unevenness and smooth fine lines. If you’re looking for the best primers to even skin texture, you can count on Maybelline.
Prominent Features of the Maybelline Fit Me Primer + Matte Poreless Primer:
- Gel-based formula
- Mattifying finish suitable for oily skin
- Comes in a tube container
- Stays upto 16 hours
- Has SPF 20
Pros:
- Makes makeup long lasting
- Lightweight primer
- Adds a natural radiance on skin
Cons:
- You need extra amount to get the desired finish
Lotus Herbals
Lotus Herbals was founded in 1993 to introduce an indigenous cosmetic brand in the Indian market. It manufactures chemical-free personal care products made with the finest natural ingredients.
Prominent Features of the Lotus Makeup Ecostay Primer:
- Made with a unique oil-free formula that moisturizes the skin
- Fights signs of aging, and masks fine lines and uneven pores
- Gel-based formula that’s enriched in vitamin E
- 100% vegetarian primer
Pros:
- Suitable for oily skin
- Weightless formula which doesn’t leave any texture on the skin
- Comes in a hygienic tube
Cons:
- Doesn’t last for more than 4-6 hours
L’Oreal Paris
Loreal has been in the cosmetic industry for more than 100 years. It is a world leader in the market and sells products that are highly recommended by professionals due to their top-notch quality and effectiveness. Loreal Paris Primers are available in both liquid and powder form. These primers instantly smooth out skin pores and give your makeup a professionally flawless look. They also have moisturizing characteristics to hydrate and protect the skin while giving it a smooth and even skin appearance.
Prominent Features of the L’Oreal BaseMagique Primer:
- Helps in keeping skin hydrated
- Smoothens wrinkles and fine lines
- Mattifying formula
- Weighs 0.53 ml
Pros:
- Non-greasy formulation
- Absorbs excess oil from the skin
- Lightweight primer that fills your pores easily
Cons:
- May be a little drying for normal skin
Swiss Beauty
Swiss Beauty is the world’s fastest-growing beauty brand, well-known for its superior quality beauty products. It uses innovative technologies to make high-end skincare solutions. Swiss Beauty primers are one of the best in the market and effectively mask fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles, and smoothes out your skin’s texture.
Prominent Features of the Swiss Beauty Pearl Primer:
- Lightweight and silky formula
- Gel-based primer
- Gives skin a natural radiance
- Suitable for oily skin
- Comes in a bottle with a pump dispenser
Pros:
- Smooth and weightless formula
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Affordable and effective
Cons:
- Not as long lasting as other opponents in market
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is a trustworthy and reliable brand in the country established in 1974. It creates world-class beauty and personal care products for the quintessential confident Indian women. Blue Heaven primers are unbelievably easy to use and available in gel-based and oil-free variants. It has moisturizing properties and creates the perfect illusion of flawless skin, providing an even base for makeup application.
Prominent Features of the Blue Heaven Flawless Makeup Base Primer:
- Smooth silicone gel formula
- Has a transparent colour
- Weighs 30 grams
- Comes in a tube
- Suitable for all skin types
Pros:
- Has beneficial aloe extracts
- Long-lasting finish
- Travel-friendly packaging
Cons:
- May feel a little drying, ensure to moisturise beforehand
Insight
Insight is a popular makeup brand from VOV International founded in 1986. It is well-known for its high-end and professional quality makeup products for Indian skin tones. These primers create a perfect illusion of flawless skin, are long-lasting, waterproof, and oil-free. Besides this, they don’t weigh the skin down.
Prominent Features of the Insight 3 in 1 Primer:
- Lightweight gel primer
- Has nourishing properties
- Weighs 30 ml
- Works as a primer, moisturiser, and protects skin from dust
- Oil-free product
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic primer doesn’t clog your pores
- Vegan, Alcohol free, Paraben free, Dye free, Sulphate free, Odour free
- Ensures that makeup lasts long
Cons:
- May cause redness on sensitive skin
Miss Claire
Miss Claire is a popular brand specializing in top-notch professional-quality skin and makeup products. These primers are a perfect pick for women who fear excessive oil release and are suitable for all skin types. They effectively camouflage skin imperfections, neutralise redness and give your skin an unbelievably smooth complexion. Here you can find an impressive collection of beauty and makeup products for women of all ages and skin tones.
Prominent Features of the Miss Claire Studio Perfect Professional Primer:
- Smooth silicone based primer
- Suitable for all skin types
- Controls excessive sebum production
- Makes makeup last very long
- Contains active ingredients that prevent redness of skin
Pros:
- Delivers an airbrushed finish
- Leaves a matte finish
- Good for redness
Cons:
- Not long lasting
Benefit Cosmetics
Benefits Cosmetics is an American cosmetic manufacturing company that has been selling and distributing cosmetics since 2006. Most of its products are loved for their impressive action. It has four kinds of primers, including a hydrating primer, matte primer, and radiance primer. Each has its own USPs, and are loved by the modern generation for their refreshing feel, and concealing power.
Prominent Features of the Benefits Cosmetics Pore Minimizing Primer:
- Has a balm-like formula
- Tinted primer
- Fills your pores and fine lines perfectly
- Keeps skin moisturised
Pros:
- Best suitable for oily skin
- Ensures that makeup stays intact for hours
- Comes in a hygienic tube packaging
Cons:
- May feel a little more expensive than other primers in the market
Wet n Wild
Wet n Wild is a California-based brand that has a huge user base worldwide. It has a good collection of face primers that feel light when applied and correct the imperfections almost instantly. These primers last long even in adverse hot conditions and hydrate the skin. The brand sells more than 10 types of primers, including gel primers and water-based primers. They are available in the form of a stick, spray, serum, and cream.
Prominent Features of the Wet n Wild Photofocus Primer:
- Creamy formula that brightens your skin
- Comes in a tube packaging
- Helps in filling pores instantly
- Has a mattifying effect on the skin
- Prevents caking and makes the base last long
Pros:
- Cruelty-free and vegan product
- Lightweight formula that settles quickly
Cons:
- May not suit dry skin
Sugar Cosmetics
Sugar Cosmetics is a recent entrant into the skincare and cosmetics industry. However, it gained a significant following within the first few years after its launch. It is an India-based brand that is known for its unique collection of cosmetic products. The brand has four kinds of primers that are available in the form of creams, sticks, and moisturizers. These primers offer ample hydration and help the makeup last longer than usual.
Prominent Features of the Sugar Cosmetics Base of Glory Primer:
- Creamy and smooth formulation
- Comes in a sleek tube packaging
- Weighs 30 grams
- Smudge-proof primer
- Has a no clog formula that keeps your skin in best shape
Pros:
- Free of parabens and mineral oils
- Cruelty-free
- 100% vegetarian
Cons:
- May need a little more than a pea-sized amount
Faces Canada
Faces Canada is a leading beauty brand that manufactures everything from skincare products to accessories. It manufactures four kinds of primers that offer different skin benefits. All the primers are available in the form of creams and feel lightweight when applied. Whether you’re looking for a hydrating primer or one that defies signs of ageing, you’ll find it all here.
Prominent Features of the Faces Canada Ultime Pro Primer:
- Soft and velvety formula
- Comes in a tube
- Lightweight and easily blendable texture
- Weighs 30 ml
- Controls oil products and gives a matte effect
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Dermotologically-tested
- Adds a layer of protection for your skin
Cons:
- Has a runny texture which may be a little incovenient for some people
Fenty Beauty
A fairly new yet popular brand, Fenty Beauty was launched by Rihanna in 2017. It has products that suit various skin tones. The brand brings you three kinds of primers that hydrate the skin, mattify it or provide the skin a quick retouch.
Prominent Features of the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Primer:
- Feels lightweight on application and blur open pores, fine lines, and imperfections
- Comes in a bottle and has a pump dispenser
- Enriched with blue agave extract to help calm the skin
- Weighs 30 ml
- Oil-free formula
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- Has a mattifying effect
Cons:
- Glass bottle may not be best for travelling
Oriflame
Oriflame is a big brand name in the cosmetic industry and has been delivering high-end personal care products for the past 40 years. These primers use a unique Halo Light technology to give your skin a healthy glow. Additionally, they mask all skin imperfections to provide a flawless makeup result.
Prominent Features of the Oriflame The One Pore Minimising Primer:
- Has a cream-based formula
- Absorbs excess oil and sebum
- Gives a velvet finish on your skin
- Weighs 20 ml
Pros:
- Has a pleasant fragrance
- Has a matte texture
- Lightweight formula
Cons:
- A little overpriced
Nykaa
Nykaa made it to the online cosmetic marketspace in the year 2012. At present, the brand caters to fashion and beauty needs for both men and women in India. It has only one variant of face primer that users love for its smooth texture and effect on the skin. The primer gives a buttery finish to the skin and minimizes pores very well. It is a silicone-based primer that is both non-greasy and non-sticky.
Prominent Features of the Nykaa Prep Me Up Primer:
- Gives a buttery finish to the skin and minimizes pores very well
- Silicone-based primer
- Non-greasy and non-sticky
- Enriched with Vitamin E
- Comes in a tube
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight formula
- Smooth and quick-settling primer
Cons:
- May cause breakouts
Huda Beauty
A multi-million brand of American origin, Huda Beauty brings you classy makeup products with high pigments and effective action. The brand has three variants of primers for dry, oily, and normal skin. Each primer has a unique quality like skin hydration, mattifying effect, and complexion perfection. They have a silky formula that melts into the skin, reduces the appearance of pores, and grips the makeup applied.
Prominent Features of the Huda Beauty Complexion Perfection Primer:
- Enriched with rosehip oil
- Has a tinted formula
- Also works as a lightweight moisturiser
- Non-greasy primer
Pros:
- Lightweight liquid primer
- Has nourishing properties of rosehip oil
- Comes in a compact tube
Cons:
- A little expensive as compared to other variants in the market
FAQs
1. How do I choose a face primer?
A face primer is usually used to even out skin texture before applying cosmetic products. It hydrates and soothes the skin by sealing the moisture inside. If you have dry skin, pick a hydrating face primer. On the other hand, people with oily skin can pick any mattifying face primer that prevents skin’s oil production.
2. What is the best primer for fine lines?
Primers by Maybelline New York and Lotus herbals are the best for masking fine lines. These primers have hydrating agents that make the skin supple and taut.
3. Is Primer good for skin?
Yes, a primer is good for skin if you’re applying makeup every day. Using it regularly can be worthwhile in concealing various skin issues like fine lines, blemishes, etc. However, you must ensure to remove it along with makeup before sleeping as excessive use of primers can clog your skin pores.
4. What is the benefit of using a primer before makeup?
Using a primer before makeup application helps your makeup stay on the skin for longer durations. It evens the skin texture and creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, preventing skin’s natural moisture and oil from ruining your flawless look.
