Best Long Lasting Foundation Primers of 2026

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

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Long lasting foundation primers are a must-have in any makeup routine. Designed to prep the skin for foundation, these products create a smooth and even base that allows makeup to stay put for hours on end. Many long lasting foundation primers also contain ingredients that help to control oil and minimize the appearance of pores, resulting in a flawless finish. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there is a long lasting foundation primer out there that can help you achieve the perfect makeup look that lasts all day.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer Cover #TOP 1
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer Cover #TOP 2
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer Cover #TOP 3
Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Long Lasting Foundation Primers

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

83406
Hydrating Blue
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer Cover
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer, Makeup Primer For Flawless, Smooth Skin & Long-Lasting Makeup, Fills In Pores & Fine Lines, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Small

The e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer is a lightweight, long-lasting, and creamy formula that hydrates, smooths, and fills in pores and fine lines, leaving a natural matte finish. Infused with Vitamin E and grape, Vitamins A, C, & E, it helps boost complexion and hydrate your skin, creating a flawless, smooth canvas ideal for long-lasting makeup application, perfect for acne-prone, combination, and oily skin. It's cruelty-free, vegan and made from skin-loving ingredients at a good-for-you price.

What We Like
Lightweight, non-greasy texture
Hydrates and plumps skin
Smooth, flawless makeup base
Long-lasting foundation wear
Affordable and great value

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

TMLFP
Pink
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer Cover
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer - Mattifying Makeup Base Primer for Shine and Oil Control - Pore Minimizer, Smooths Wrinkles and Fine Lines – Long-Lasting Makeup Gripping Formula, 30g

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is a pore minimizer and matte makeup base that preps your skin before applying makeup, leaving a smooth effect on your skin. It protects your makeup from oiliness and creasing, balances your complexion, and is weightless, non-greasy, and long-wearing. This paraben-free and cruelty-free primer is formulated for every skin type and is Leaping Bunny approved.

What We Like
Lightweight and silky texture
Reduces redness effectively
Cruelty-free product
Long-lasting makeup hold
Soothes sensitive skin
#TOP 3

Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer

SG_B00G40FJH4_US
Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer Cover
Lancôme La Base Pro Perfecting Oil-Free Makeup Primer | Smoothing Face Primer for All Skin Types | Creates a Flawless, Matte Canvas for Long-Lasting Makeup Application | 0.8 Fl Oz

Lancôme La Base Pro Makeup Primer is an oil-free primer that creates a smooth base for makeup application, absorbs quickly, and leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. The primer is based on Lancôme Elasto-Smooth Technology that refines skin's texture, diffuses light, visibly reduces imperfections, and creates a smooth base. Suitable for all skin types, it provides the desired "air brushed look" without the mess or the mechanics.

What We Like
Silky lightweight texture
Blurs pores and fine lines
Long-lasting makeup hold
Controls shine
Smooths foundation application
#TOP 4

essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer

Z-946624
essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer Cover
essence | Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer | Hydrates Skin & Grips Makeup for Long Lasting Performance | Vegan & Cruelty Free

The essence Hydrating Primer is your go-to for a flawless makeup base. This jelly formula not only hydrates your skin but also ensures your makeup stays put throughout the day. By applying just one to two pumps, you create a smooth canvas that enhances your natural glow while providing a long-lasting finish. With its vegan and cruelty-free credentials, you can feel good about your choice. Plus, it's free from harmful ingredients like gluten and parabens, making it a safe option for your skincare routine.

What We Like
Long-lasting makeup hold
Hydrates skin effectively
Vegan and cruelty-free
Free from harmful ingredients

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

Illuminating
White
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer Cover
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Radiant Face Primer - Illuminating & Hydrating Makeup Base with Niacinamide for Dewy Skin - Long-Lasting, Oil-Free Formula, Lightweight & Cruelty-Free, 30g

Elizabeth Mott Face Primer is a high-quality base primer that preps your face for makeup application. It helps your makeup stay on all day while bringing out your natural glow. This primer evens out your skin tone, adds instant radiance, and balances your complexion, making it perfect for layering under makeup. It also protects against creasing, ensuring a flawless look. Formulated for every skin type, this weightless and non-greasy primer is long-wearing, so you won't need constant touch-ups. With its paraben-free and cruelty-free formula, Elizabeth Mott Face Primer is a premium choice for a flawless makeup application.

What We Like
Preps face for makeup
Long-lasting and non-greasy
Evens out skin tone
#TOP 6

MrCuvaryas Hydrating Color Correcting Face Primer 02+03

YM-ssgl-lancheng
Primer 02+03
MrCuvaryas Hydrating Color Correcting Face Primer 02+03 Cover
Hydrating Face Primer for Makeup, One Step Color Corrector Isolation Cream, Makeup Primer for Face, Skin Tone Correcting Oil-Control, Long Lasting Foundation (Primer 02+03, 80g)

The MrCuvaryas Color Correcting Primer helps you create a smooth, flawless base for your makeup while protecting your skin from UV damage and dirt. It features three color-correcting shades: green to reduce redness, light purple to brighten yellowish tones, and pink to lighten dark circles, giving your skin a natural glow. This primer also minimizes the look of pores, acne marks, and fine lines, making your skin appear silky and even. Plus, its lightweight formula feels comfortable on your face and blends seamlessly with foundation, ensuring your makeup looks fresh and natural all day.

What We Like
Skin protection
Three color-correcting tones
Pore and blemish coverage
Lightweight texture
#TOP 7

TBTFW 3 in 1 Face Primer

TBUS-SSGL-1PCS
polychrome
TBTFW 3 in 1 Face Primer Cover
3 In 1 Primer for Face Before Makeup, Isolation Cream, Long Lasting Foundation Primer, Oil Control​​ Waterproof & Sweat-Proof​​, Suitable for All Skin Types

The TBTFW 3-in-1 Primer offers a handy all-in-one solution that combines concealer, moisturizer, and makeup base to simplify your morning routine. Its lightweight formula feels comfortable and breathable on your skin, helping to brighten your complexion naturally without feeling heavy. Applying it is quick and easy—you can smooth it on in one swipe to even out redness and blemishes, creating a flawless canvas for your makeup. Plus, it works for all skin tones, thanks to three color-correcting pigments that balance your skin tone while adding a subtle glow for a natural, polished look.

What We Like
All-in-one formula
Lightweight and breathable
Easy single-swipe application
Color-correcting pigments
#TOP 8

Palladio Foundation Primer: Lightweight and Smooth

PFP01
Clear
Palladio Foundation Primer: Lightweight and Smooth Cover
Palladio Foundation Primer, Lightweight and Velvety Primer with Aloe Vera and Chamomile, Wear Alone or As Foundation Base, Minimizes Fine Lines and Pores, Helps Makeup Last Longer, 0.674 oz Clear

Palladio Foundation Primer is a creamy and lightweight primer that can be worn alone or as a base for foundation. It helps reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines while keeping your skin looking fresh and smooth. The formula contains aloe vera, chamomile, and other nourishing botanicals and vitamins that moisturize your skin. Palladio's clean beauty products are 100% paraben and cruelty-free.

What We Like
Can be worn alone or as a base for foundation
Reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines
Contains aloe vera, chamomile, and other nourishing botanicals and vitamins

NYX Bare With Me Multitasking Primer & Setting Spray

K3438601
Pink
NYX Bare With Me Multitasking Primer & Setting Spray Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Bare With Me Multitasking Face Primer & Makeup Setting Spray, Hydrating Face Mist for up to 8HR Wear, Long-Lasting, Vegan Formula

The NYX Bare With Me Multitasking Primer & Setting Spray is a triple threat that primes, sets and refreshes your makeup while delivering a dewy burst of hydration. Infused with aloe and cucumber extracts, it is gentle on sensitive skin and can be used at any stage of your makeup routine, or alone to refresh your skin. The cruelty-free brand offers a full line of face products to complete your makeup look.

What We Like
Triple threat that primes, sets, and refreshes makeup
Gentle on sensitive skin with aloe and cucumber extracts
Cruelty-free brand with a full line of face products
#TOP 10

Milani Make It Dewy 3-In-1 Setting Spray

MIL0050049
1 Pack Dewy
Milani Make It Dewy 3-In-1 Setting Spray Cover
Milani Setting Spray + Primer, Make It Last Dewy - Dewy Finish Moisturizing Formula for Glow on the Go, Setting Spray for Makeup and Face Primer, Prime + Set + Hydrate, 2.03 Fl. Oz

Milani Dewy Spray is a cruelty-free makeup setting spray that primes, hydrates, illuminates, and sets your skin. With a cooling and refreshing feeling, it delivers the perfect dose of dewy to your complexion, giving you a bright, refreshing look that lasts up to 16 hours without creasing, smudging, or fading. You can wear it under or over makeup to set your look, or on its own for a healthy radiance all day long. The vegan formula is perfect for anyone who wants to prime their skin while also giving it a boost of hydration and brightness. Simply hold the bottle 8-10 inches away from your face and spray in a zigzag formation. Milani Dewy Spray is perfect for anyone who wants to achieve a healthy and refreshing look on the go.

What We Like
Hydrates, illuminates, and sets
Cooling and refreshing feeling
Lasts up to 16 hours
Buying Guide Image

Learn More About Purchasing the Long Lasting Foundation Primers

Choosing the Right Foundation Primer for Long-Lasting Wear

Wearing foundation primer is an important step in any makeup routine. It helps to create a smooth and even base for your foundation, ensuring that it goes on smoothly and stays put throughout the day. But with so many different foundation primers on the market, how do you choose the right one for your skin type and needs?

Step 1: Consider Your Skin Type

The first step in choosing a foundation primer is to consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, you'll want to choose a primer that helps to control oil and shine. Look for primers that contain mattifying ingredients, such as silica or charcoal, to help absorb excess oil and keep your skin looking fresh and matte.

If you have dry skin, on the other hand, you'll want to choose a primer that provides hydration and moisture. Look for primers that contain hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin or aloe vera, to help keep your skin hydrated and plump.

Step 2: Think About Your Foundation

The next step in choosing a foundation primer is to think about the type of foundation you'll be using. Different foundations have different finishes and textures, so it's important to choose a primer that will work well with your specific foundation.

For example, if you're using a liquid foundation with a matte finish, you'll want to choose a primer that helps to smooth and blur your skin's texture, creating a smooth canvas for your foundation. Look for primers that contain silicone or other smoothing agents, as these can help to create a smooth, even base.

On the other hand, if you're using a foundation with a dewy or radiant finish, you'll want to choose a primer that helps to enhance your skin's natural glow. Look for primers that contain illuminating agents, such as pearl or mica, to help give your skin a radiant, glowing finish.

Step 3: Read the Ingredients List

Once you've narrowed down your options based on your skin type and the type of foundation you'll be using, the next step is to read the ingredients list on the product packaging. This will give you a good idea of what's actually in the primer, and whether it contains any potentially irritating or harmful ingredients.

Be on the lookout for ingredients like alcohol, which can be drying and irritating to the skin, as well as fragrances, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Instead, look for primers that are formulated with gentle, skin-loving ingredients, such as antioxidants and vitamins, which can help to nourish and protect your skin.

Step 4: Test it Out

The final step in choosing the right foundation primer is to test it out for yourself. This will give you a good idea of how it feels on your skin, how well it works with your foundation, and whether it lasts throughout the day.

To test a foundation primer, start by applying a small amount to your skin and blending it in well. Then, apply your foundation as usual, and see how it goes on and how it looks throughout the day. Pay attention to any changes in your skin's texture and appearance, as well as how long the primer lasts and how well it works with your foundation.

Overall, choosing the right foundation primer is all about finding one that works well with your skin type and the type of foundation you're using. By considering these factors and doing some research, you can find a primer that will help to create a smooth and even base for your foundation, ensuring that it stays put all day long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What primer keep makeup on all day?

MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Primer Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Primer has a sticky gel texture that keeps your makeup locked in place all day long.

2. Which foundation primer is the best?

The best primer for you. Best overall: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer.Best multitasker: MAC Prep and Prime Fix+ Primer and Setting Spray.Best value: Elf Hydrating Face Primer.Best for blurring pores: Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer.Best for oily skin: It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better Makeup Primer+

3. How do you apply makeup primer to long lasting?

Wondering how to use face primer? It's simple. If you're using a moisturizer, apply that first, then let your skin dry for a few minutes. Beginning at the center of your face, apply just a light layer of primer, dabbing it in with your fingers ​or a makeup sponge.

4. How long do silicone primers last?

"Primers (tube or pump) are good for about three years—because of air-tight packaging the product stays very clean."

Editor's Notes

During our long lasting foundation primer research, we found 48 long lasting foundation primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 594,245 customer reviews through our big data system to write the long lasting foundation primers list. We found that most customers choose long lasting foundation primers with an average price of $11.83.

The long lasting foundation primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of long lasting foundation primers, including e.l.f., Elizabeth Mott, essence, MrCuvaryas, TBTFW. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.