Best Gel Foundation Primers of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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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

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Cover #TOP 1
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Primer - Universal Shade Cover #TOP 2
ANNA SUI Gel Foundation Primer - Universal Shade
ftb score rating icon 9.8
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + Niacinamide Cover #TOP 3
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + Niacinamide
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gel Foundation Primers

#TOP 1

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
Grips makeup for a seamless finish
Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types and skin tones
Moisturizes skin with powerful ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid
#TOP 2

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

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

Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator

Saie
SGSG080GBL
03 - Roseglow
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator Cover
Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Illuminator - Luminizer and Makeup Primer for Glowing Skin - Enriched with Vitamin C + Hydrating Squalane Oil - Travel Size Holiday Gifts - 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
#TOP 5

e.l.f. Stay Cool Primer Stick

85245
Blue
e.l.f. Stay Cool Primer Stick Cover
e.l.f. Stay Cool Primer Stick, Hydrating Gel Primer Preps Skin For Makeup, Imparts A Cooling Feel, Infused With Aloe Water, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

The e.l.f. Cool Primer Stick is your go-to solution for a flawless makeup application. This hydrating gel primer stick provides a refreshing boost of moisture, ensuring your skin feels smooth and prepped. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe water, it delivers a delightful cooling effect that keeps your skin feeling fresh. Its convenient stick form allows for quick, mess-free application, making it ideal for busy days. Suitable for all skin types, this primer stick helps you achieve a perfect makeup look without the hassle.

What We Like
Hydrating formula
Cooling sensation
Mess-free application
Suitable for all skin types
#TOP 6

MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

2169423
MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer Cover
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer - 1.52 fl oz - Hydrates & Grips Makeup for Up to 12 Hours - Prevents Caking - All Skin Types - Vegan, Cruelty Free

MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a 94% natural gel formula that can be worn under makeup for smooth coverage that lasts all day or on its own for a naturally dewy, fresh look. Blue Agave Extract helps form a sticky layer that locks make up down for less fading and transfer, while Hyaluronic Acid, Hemp Seed Extract, and vitamin b3 boost skin's hydration. It is vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for sensitive, normal, and dry skin types.

What We Like
Can be worn under makeup for smooth coverage that lasts all day, or on its own for a naturally dewy, fresh look
Blue Agave Extract helps form a sticky layer that locks make up down for less fading and transfer
Hyaluronic Acid, Hemp Seed Extract, and vitamin b3 boost skin's hydration
Vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for sensitive, normal, and dry skin types
Made with good, effective ingredients and easy-to-use

Pro Makeup Primer for Flawless Finish

2PCS
Pro Makeup Primer for Flawless Finish Cover
2Pcs Pro Makeup Primer, Long Lasting Hydrating Smoothing Isolated Moisturizing Oil Free Effect Make Up Base Matte Face Foundation Primer

2Pcs Pro Makeup Primer is a transparent silicone gel base with Vitamin A, C & E that minimizes pores, blurs fine lines, reduces wrinkles and controls shine to create a smooth finish for a flawless makeup look that lasts all day long. This non-oily formula evens out skin texture and prevents the loss of hydration throughout the day, leaving you with a glittering, translucent and bright natural skin shine. It is a cruelty-free and vegan brand that cares about the planet and your skin.

What We Like
Provides a smooth finish for a flawless makeup look that lasts all day long
Minimizes pores, blurs fine lines, and reduces wrinkles
Controls shine and evens out skin texture
Prevents loss of hydration throughout the day
Cruelty-free and vegan brand
#TOP 8

SACE LADY Invisible Pore Foundation Primer

CSF92
SACE LADY Invisible Pore Foundation Primer Cover
SACE LADY Invisible Pore Foundation Primer All Matte Face Primer, Oil- control and Smooth Face Primer Gel 12ml/0.4Fl Oz

SACE LADY Invisible Pore Foundation Primer is a lightweight, gel-textured primer that balances texture and tone for smoother, more even and longer-lasting makeup wear. It instantly fills in pores, minimizes wrinkles and fine lines, and evens out skin texture. This cruelty-free primer can be used alone or as a base for makeup, and is perfect for reducing pore sizes and promoting flawless makeup wear all day long.

What We Like
Minimizes pores and evens out skin texture
Lightweight, gel texture for easy application
Can be used alone or as a primer before makeup
Long-lasting makeup wear
Cruelty-free
#TOP 9

NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer

800897182557
Clear
NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer, Vegan Face Primer

The NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer is a hydrating gel primer that creates a moisturized, matte finished barrier for a smooth makeup application. Infused with cucumber and aloe extracts, this water based gripping primer leaves your skin feeling fresh, hydrated, and ready for other Bare With Me products. You can also wear it alone as a light hydrator. Complete your makeup look with NYX's full line of face products. All of their makeup products are cruelty-free and certified by PETA.

What We Like
Hydrating gel primer for smooth makeup application
Infused with cucumber and aloe extracts for fresh and hydrated skin
Can be worn alone as a light hydrator

FOUNDATION PRIMER - Gel Infused Matte Pore Eraser Serum

Pore Primer
Translucent
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
FOUNDATION PRIMER - Gel Infused Matte Pore Eraser Serum Cover
(3Oz)(SPF 30) Gel Primer for Face Before Makeup by Sweet Face Minerals, Foundation Primer, Hydrating Primer for Dry Skin, Dewy Primer, Moisturizing Primer, Primer Para Maquillaje

The FOUNDATION PRIMER is an affordable, professional makeup primer made in the US that gives a flawless finish by blurring fine lines and pores for a smooth look. It applies like silk over the skin, is waterproof and long-lasting, making your makeup stay put all day. Suitable for all skin tones, this primer works best with combination or dry skin types. Plus, it is cruelty-free. Follow the brand on social media for great tips and discounted deals.

What We Like
Affordable
Waterproof and long-lasting
Blurs fine lines and pores for a smooth finish
Works best with combination or dry skin types
Cruelty-free
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 192,822 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 $11.00.

The gel foundation primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gel foundation primers, including e.l.f., ANNA SUI, Saie, Milk Makeup, BestLand. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.