Best Gel Foundation Primers of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Gel foundation primers are a popular makeup product that helps to create a smooth and flawless base for foundation application. The gel formula is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin, leaving a silky texture. These primers work to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, while also helping to control oil and extend the wear time of your makeup. They are available in various shades to suit different skin tones and can be used alone or under foundation for a flawless finish. Gel foundation primers are a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a flawless complexion.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Primer Cover #TOP 1
Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator Cover #TOP 2
Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator
ftb score rating icon 9.8
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Cover #TOP 3
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gel Foundation Primers

#TOP 1

Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Primer

Saie
Saie
03 - Roseglow
Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Primer Cover
Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel - Hydrating Makeup Primer and Illuminating Glow Serum Enriched with Vitamin C and Squalane Oil - All-Over Liquid Highlighter Makeup for Instant Glass Skin - Roseglow (0.5 oz)

The Saie Glowy Super Gel is a lightweight luminizer that gives your skin a radiant, glass-like glow. You can wear it alone for a fresh, no-makeup look or mix it with your foundation or tinted SPF to add a natural shine while keeping your skin hydrated. It works well under or over makeup, helping you achieve a dewy finish on your face or even on your chest and shoulders. Enriched with plant-derived glycerin, vitamin C, and rose hip seed oil, this gel not only brightens your skin but also locks in moisture, making your complexion look healthier and more luminous throughout the day.

What We Like
Lightweight luminizer
Hydrating primer
Brightens and moisturizes
Versatile application
Cruelty-free formula

Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator

Saie
SGSG080GBL
03 - Roseglow
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator Cover
Saie Glowy Super Gel - Hydrating Makeup Primer and Illuminating Glow Serum Enriched with Vitamin C and Squalane Oil - All-Over Liquid Highlighter Makeup for Instant Glass Skin - Roseglow (1 oz)

The Saie Glowy Super Gel is a lightweight illuminator that enhances your skin's natural glow. You can wear it alone for a fresh look or mix it with your foundation for a dewy finish. This versatile product also acts as a hydrating primer, making it perfect for layering under makeup or tinted SPF. Enriched with Vitamin C and antioxidants, it helps brighten and moisturize your skin, leaving it looking radiant. Plus, it's easy to apply with just one or two pumps, making it a convenient addition to your beauty routine.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to apply
Hydrating and moisturizing
Brightens skin appearance
Versatile for various uses

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

82846
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Cover
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz (24 ml.)

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a gel-based, hydrating face primer that grips makeup and smoothes skin for a seamless complexion. The formula is non-comedogenic and moisturizes skin with powerful ingredients, like Hyaluronic Acid, for a plump finish. It is suitable for all skin types and skin tones. To use, apply evenly to the face before makeup using fingertips. The product is 100% cruelty-free and vegan.

What We Like
Long-lasting makeup hold
Smooth, hydrating texture
Works with various foundations
Lightweight, non-heavy feel
Cost-effective, small amount needed
#TOP 4

ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Primer - Universal Shade

SG_B01D4DZBTO_US
1 Count (Pack of 1)
ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Primer - Universal Shade Cover
ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Primer, Universal Shade, Makeup Base,Blurring Effect,Minimizes Pores, Creates Long-Lasting Makeup, Moisturizes Dry Skin, Phthalate and Sulfate-Free, 0.98 oz.

The ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Primer is a universal skin shade primer that hydrates and evens the complexion, minimizes pores, and creates a flawless, long-lasting makeup look. This gel primer is inspired by J-beauty and brings a dewy, springy look to your makeup routine. The water-based formula moisturizes dry skin, refreshes the skin, and leaves the face looking healthy and youthful. The formula is phthalate-free and sulfate-free.

What We Like
Hydrates and evens complexion
Minimizes pores
Creates a flawless, long-lasting makeup look
#TOP 5

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Grip Primer

Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Grip Primer Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Grip Primer with Purified Hyaluronic Acid, Invisible Gel Face Primer Locks Makeup in Place, Extends Wear and Hydrates Dull Skin, Dewy Finish, 1.0 oz

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Primer is designed to keep your makeup in place while boosting skin hydration. Its gel formula creates a smooth, invisible base that helps your makeup last longer and look fresh throughout the day. Infused with purified hyaluronic acid, it provides instant moisture to dry or dull skin, making your complexion appear healthier and more radiant. Suitable for all skin types, this primer also helps blur imperfections and reduce dullness, giving you a smooth, dewy finish that feels light and nourished under your foundation.

What We Like
Long-lasting makeup hold
Hydrating gel formula
Contains purified hyaluronic acid
Blurs imperfections
Suitable for all skin types

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + Niacinamide

81517
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + Niacinamide Cover
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer, Evens Skin & Brightens, Grips Makeup, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.8 Fl Oz

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a hydrating and gel-based primer that evens skin tone, brightens complexion, and grips makeup for long-lasting wear. Infused with skin-loving niacinamide, it smoothes and brightens dullness while creating a dewy finish. To use, apply evenly to face before makeup using your fingertips to pat into the skin, and wait for 30 seconds to set before applying makeup. All e.l.f. products are made from skin-loving ingredients and are 100% cruelty-free and vegan.

What We Like
Infused with skin-loving niacinamide
Hydrating and gel-based primer
Creates a dewy finish
Grips makeup for long-lasting wear
Cruelty-free and vegan
#TOP 7

ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Makeup Base

Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Makeup Base Cover
ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Makeup Base, Hydrating Gel Primer with 90% Beauty Essence, Rose & Lavender Infused, Pore-Blurring, Firming, and Radiance-Boosting Makeup Base, 1.0 oz

The ANNA SUI Hydrating Gel Primer offers an impressive 90% beauty essence blend that deeply moisturizes your skin, helping it stay soft and ready for flawless makeup application. Infused with rose and lavender waters, it refreshes and soothes your skin while balancing oil and moisture for a natural, healthy glow. The primer also helps reduce the look of pores and uneven skin texture by scattering light, giving your face a bright, smooth finish. Additionally, it firms and lifts your skin with special polymers that create a comfortable, tight feel without sacrificing hydration. This makes your makeup look fresh and radiant all day long.

What We Like
Deep hydration with 90% essence
Soothing rose and lavender infusion
Pore-blurring and tone-perfecting
Lifting and firming effect

Maybelline Poreless Jelly Hydrating Primer

0041554095302
Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Poreless Jelly Hydrating Primer Cover
Maybelline Poreless Jelly Primer, Hydrating, Blurring Makeup Primer with 2% Niacinamide For Up To 24HR Make Up Wear, Clear, 1 Count

The Maybelline Poreless Jelly Primer offers a refreshing way to prepare your skin for makeup with its lightweight, hydrating formula that keeps your look fresh for up to 24 hours. Its unique water jelly texture feels weightless on your skin while instantly softening and blurring pores for a smooth finish. The primer contains 2% Niacinamide, which helps improve your skin’s appearance and keeps it feeling comfortable. Plus, it layers well under makeup without leaving any greasy residue or white cast, making it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. With this primer, you’ll enjoy a flawless base that helps your makeup stay put all day.

What We Like
Hydrating formula
Pore-blurring effect
Lightweight, fresh feel
Suitable for sensitive skin
No white cast or grease
#TOP 9

MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer - Hydrating Gel Formula

MILK MAKEUP
Clear
MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer - Hydrating Gel Formula Cover
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide – Hydrating Face Primer Grips Makeup for Up to 12 Hours – Silicone-Free, Lightweight Gel with Dewy Finish – 0.33 oz

MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is an invisible primer that can be used alone for a dewy look, or under makeup for a smooth coverage that lasts all day. It contains Blue Agave Extract that locks makeup down for less fading and transfer, and Hyaluronic Acid, Hemp Seed Extract, and vitamin b3 that boost skin's hydration. The vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, and gluten-free formula is suitable for sensitive, normal, and dry skin types.

What We Like
Locks makeup down for less fading and transfer
Boosts skin's hydration
Vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, and gluten-free formula
#TOP 10

bareMinerals Hydrate & Glow Gel Primer

41702855101
Hydrate + Glow
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
bareMinerals Hydrate & Glow Gel Primer Cover
bareMinerals Hydrate & Glow Gel Face Primer, Vegan, Cruelty-Free & Dermatologist-Tested

The bareMinerals Glow Gel Primer is designed to prepare your skin perfectly before applying makeup, helping your foundation go on smoothly and last longer. It enhances your natural skin appearance, so you can feel confident even without makeup. One of its key benefits is extending the wear of your makeup for up to 24 hours, which means you won’t have to worry about touch-ups during the day. Additionally, it works to hydrate and plump your skin, giving you a fresh, revitalized look that helps your makeup stay flawless.

What We Like
Makeup longevity up to 24 hours
Hydrating and plumping effect
Enhances natural skin appearance
Preps skin for smooth makeup application
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What foundation goes with gel primer?

For best results, it is recommended to use a foundation that complements the gel primer. If you have a silicone-based primer, it is best to use a silicone-based foundation on top. Using a foundation with a different base may cause the foundation to pill on top of the primer.

2. Is gel primer good for makeup?

Gel primers can be good for makeup application. They come in a silky, soft format that can be easily applied with fingers or a makeup sponge. Gel primers leave a cool, matte finish on the skin. However, they may be slightly less effective at making makeup last compared to other types of primers.

3. Are gel primers good?

Gel-based face primers are generally good and suitable for all skin types. They are easy to apply and provide a smooth base for makeup. Gel primers work especially well for those with sensitive skin.

4. What are the different types of gel primers?

There are two types of gel primers: acid-free and acid primers. Acid-free primers are commonly used and have a gentle formula that helps with adhesion. Acid primers are more suitable for problematic nail plates or those with hormonal problems.

5. Can I use a gel-based primer with a water-based foundation?

While it is not recommended, you can use a gel-based primer with a water-based foundation. However, it may be more effective and provide longer-lasting results if you use products with matching bases. It is also advisable to test different products to determine which work best for your skin type.

6. Why use gel primer?

Gel primer is used at the start of a gel nail manicure to prime the nail. It removes oils and grease from the nail plate, ensuring better adherence of the base coat. Additionally, gel primer helps prevent the creation of air bubbles for improved adherence of the subsequent layers of the manicure.

Editor's Notes

During our gel foundation primer research, we found 48 gel foundation primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 252,051 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gel foundation primers list. We found that most customers choose gel foundation primers with an average price of $14.12.

The gel foundation primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gel foundation primers, including Saie, e.l.f., ANNA SUI, Neutrogena, MAYBELLINE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 4,172 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.