Best Travel Foundation Primers of 2025

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

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Travel Foundation Primers are essential products for anyone who loves to travel. These primers are designed to help create a smooth, flawless base for makeup application, while also protecting the skin from the harsh effects of travel. They work by filling in fine lines and pores, and creating a barrier between the skin and the elements. Travel Foundation Primers come in a variety of formulas, including ones that provide hydration, illumination, or oil control. They are easy to apply and can be worn alone or under makeup for a long-lasting, polished look.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer Cover #TOP 1
Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer Cover #TOP 2
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
e.l.f. Putty Primer Trio Set Cover #TOP 3
e.l.f. Putty Primer Trio Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Travel Foundation Primers

#TOP 1

Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer

S4369100
Clear
Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer Cover
Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer (Travel Size), Smoothing & Hydrating Base for Foundation Face Makeup, Sheer & Lightweight, for All Skin Types, Vegan, Cruelty-free - 0.28 fl oz

The Urban Decay All Nighter Longwear Face Primer is a powerful, travel-size primer that grips foundation in place and boosts its staying power for up to 8 hours. Its vegan and cruelty-free formula smooths and hydrates skin, leaving it fresh and evenly applied. The weightless texture is sheer and silky-soft, hydrating and slightly lifting skin throughout the day. It is an essential step in a skin prep routine, and can be worn alone or as a makeup base with favorite concealer or foundation.

What We Like
Grips foundation in place for up to 8 hours
Smooths and hydrates skin, leaving it fresh and evenly applied
Weightless texture is sheer and silky-soft
#TOP 2

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

C6PA010000
Clear
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer Cover
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer | Hyaluronic Acid, Long Lasting, Dewy, Vegan + Cruelty Free, Travel Size, 0.34 Fl Oz

The Smashbox Primerizer offers lasting hydration for up to 72 hours, thanks to its unique blend of Triple Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. This means your skin stays moisturized and feels soft throughout the day. It helps create a fresh-faced appearance by replenishing your skin’s moisture, giving you a plump and glowing look. Additionally, this primer acts as a protective barrier against environmental stressors like pollution and blue light, helping to defend your skin. It's especially beneficial for those with dry skin, ensuring you maintain a healthy and vibrant complexion.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Fresh and plump skin
Environmental protection
Ideal for dry skin
#TOP 3

e.l.f. Putty Primer Trio Set

81395
Putty Primer Trio
e.l.f. Putty Primer Trio Set Cover
e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Primer Trio, Includes Poreless Putty, Matte Putty & Luminous Putty, Travel Size, 0.14 Oz (4g) Each, 0.14 ounces

The e.l.f. Putty Primer Trio Set is a triple-threat primer set that grips makeup for all-day wear. It features a smooth, velvety texture that glides over skin seamlessly, and is infused with skin-loving ingredients Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid. The set includes Poreless Putty, Matte Putty, and Luminous Putty, each designed to deliver a specific finish that will suit different preferences. This cruelty-free and vegan primer set is also 100% free from harmful chemicals like Phthalates, Parabens, Nonylphenol, Ethoxylates, Triclosan, Triclocarban.

What We Like
Includes three different putty primers for different finishes
Infused with skin-loving ingredients for a smooth and velvety texture
Cruelty-free, vegan and 100% free from harmful chemicals
#TOP 4

Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer

C6RA010000
Off White
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer Cover
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Makeup Primer with Salicylic Acid - An Oil- Controlling Primer for Matte Looking Skin - Travel Size, 0.34 fl oz

The Smashbox Control Primer is designed to help manage excess oil, keeping your skin looking matte without the dryness that often accompanies oil control products. It provides a protective barrier against environmental stressors like pollution and blue light, ensuring your skin remains healthy. Additionally, this primer is non-acnegenic, meaning it won't clog your pores or trigger breakouts. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a flawless finish while maintaining skin health and comfort.

What We Like
Instant oil control
Protects against environmental damage
Non-comedogenic
#TOP 5

PHOERA Hydrating Makeup Primer

Clear
PHOERA Hydrating Makeup Primer Cover
PHOERA Primer,Pro Makeup Primer,Long Lasting Hydrating Smoothing Isolated Moisturizing Oil Free Effect Make Up Base Matte Face Foundation Primer(Travel Size 6 ML)

The PHOERA Hydrating Primer is designed to give you a smooth and flawless base for your makeup. Its unique silicone gel formula, enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, helps keep your skin hydrated and youthful-looking throughout the day. This primer effectively minimizes the appearance of pores, ensuring your makeup goes on smoothly and lasts longer. Additionally, it forms a protective barrier on your skin, shielding it from UV damage and other environmental factors, which means your makeup will look fresh and intact all day. Just apply a small amount to clean skin before your foundation for the best results.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Pore minimizing effect
Protects against UV damage
Flawless makeup application
#TOP 6

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

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Cover
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray for Face (Travel Size), Long-lasting Award-winning Finishing Spray for Smudge-proof & Transfer-resistant Makeup, Natural Finish - 1 fl oz

Experience flawless, long-lasting makeup with the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. This award-winning setting spray is designed to lock in your look for up to 16 hours, ensuring your makeup stays fresh and vibrant all day long. Its oil-free, microfine mist goes on evenly and weightlessly, giving your skin a smoother and more natural appearance. The non-drying formula is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. With patented Temperature Control Technology, this setting spray lowers the temperature of your makeup, keeping it in place without smudging, fading, or settling into fine lines. Whether you have combination, oily, or dry skin, this vegan and cruelty-free setting spray is the perfect companion to make your makeup last.

What We Like
Long-lasting
Oil-free
Temperature Control Technology
#TOP 8

MISSHA Glow Skin Balm 4-in-1

MISSHA Glow Skin Balm 4-in-1 Cover
MISSHA Glow Skin Balm 0.68 fl oz/ 20ml, 4-in-1 Primer, Moisturizing Cream, Morning Pack, Luminizing Cream for a Flawless Natural Glow Glass Skin

The MISSHA Glow Skin Balm is a versatile skincare solution that combines four essential functions: primer, moisturizer, morning pack, and luminizing cream. This unique formula helps you achieve the coveted glass skin effect, giving your complexion a dewy and radiant finish. You’ll appreciate how quickly it absorbs, providing long-lasting hydration and a beautiful glow that lasts throughout the day. Application is a breeze—just a small amount can transform your skin into a smooth, luminous canvas, making it a great choice for both everyday use and special occasions.

What We Like
4-in-1 multifunctional
Long-lasting hydration
Quick and easy application
Travel-friendly size
Suitable for all skin types
#TOP 9

Smashbox Photo Finish Anti-Redness Primer

C6P5010000
Green
Smashbox Photo Finish Anti-Redness Primer Cover
Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Makeup Primer - Reduce the Look of Redness and Calm Stressed Skin - Travel Size, 0.34 fl oz

The Smashbox Anti-Redness Primer is designed to soothe and calm your skin. With ingredients like calming algae, it helps reduce irritation, making it perfect for stressed skin. Its green tint effectively neutralizes redness, giving you a smooth, satiny finish. Additionally, this primer strengthens your skin against environmental damage, such as pollution and blue light, ensuring your complexion stays healthy. Plus, it’s non-acnegenic, so you can use it without worrying about breakouts. This primer provides a great foundation for your makeup while keeping your skin looking fresh and protected.

What We Like
Soothes irritated skin
Neutralizes redness
Protects against environmental damage
Non-acnegenic formula
#TOP 10

Smashbox Photo Finish Illuminate Primer

C6PE010000
Clear
Smashbox Photo Finish Illuminate Primer Cover
Smashbox Photo Finish Illuminate Glow Makeup Primer | Luminous, Long Lasting, Hydrating, Vegan + Cruelty Free, Travel Size, 0.34 Fl Oz

The Smashbox Illuminate Primer is designed to enhance your makeup routine by providing hydration and a luminous glow. It instantly moisturizes your skin, giving it a plump appearance for up to 48 hours, making it ideal for long days. The primer contains delicate peachy-gold pearls that reflect light, giving your complexion a radiant boost. Additionally, it helps protect your skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and blue light, ensuring your skin stays healthy. Packed with Vitamin C, this primer not only preps your skin for makeup but also nourishes it throughout the day.

What We Like
Hydrating and plumping effect
Instant glow and illumination
Protects against environmental damage
Contains nourishing Vitamin C
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is travel primer?

A transparent primer gel in a travel-size tube that smoothes skin and blurs flaws. It was developed to help makeup look better and last longer on set.

2. Do you need primer for liquid foundation?

If you have no problem with your foundation staying on all day, then a primer isn't totally necessary. But if you feel like you want a more air brushed look to your skin and your foundation formula isn't bringing it, Debris suggests enlisting the help of a primer to do just that.

3. Should your primer match your foundation?

If you want to look your best, the formulation of your foundation should match the formulation of your primer. So that means if you're using a water-based foundation, you should use a water based primer and so on.

Editor's Notes

During our travel foundation primer research, we found 48 travel foundation primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 91,173 customer reviews through our big data system to write the travel foundation primers list. We found that most customers choose travel foundation primers with an average price of $11.58.

The travel foundation primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of travel foundation primers, including URBAN DECAY, Smashbox, e.l.f., nvyue, Saie. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,679 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

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.