Best Lipstick Primers of 2026

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

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Lipstick primers are a must-have for anyone who wants to keep their lipstick looking flawless all day long. These products are designed to create a smooth base for your lipstick, helping it to stay put and prevent bleeding or feathering. Lipstick primers come in a variety of formulas, including balms, gels, and creams, and are typically applied before your lipstick. They can help to hydrate and nourish your lips, while also extending the wear time of your lipstick. Whether you're looking for a long-lasting matte finish or a glossy shine, a lipstick primer can help you achieve your desired look.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ColourPop Lippie Primer Cover #TOP 1
ColourPop Lippie Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer Cover #TOP 2
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
KIKO Milano Universal Blur Lip Primer Cover #TOP 3
KIKO Milano Universal Blur Lip Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lipstick Primers

#TOP 1

ColourPop Lippie Primer

FG004596
clear
ColourPop Lippie Primer Cover
ColourPop Lippie Primer - Nourishing Lip Primer Formulated with Vitamin E & Shea Butter for All Day Moisture - Preps Skin for Lip Makeup Application - Paraben and Sulfate Free (0.4 oz)

The ColourPop Lip Primer is designed to help your lip products stay put longer by preventing smudging and feathering. When you use it, your lipstick will apply more smoothly and last throughout the day. This primer is packed with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E, Mango, Avocado, and Shea Butter, which keep your lips moisturized and comfortable instead of drying them out. Applying it on bare lips, including the edges, creates a soft, hydrated base that doesn't dilute your lipstick’s color. This helps your lips feel smooth and ready for any lip makeup you want to wear.

What We Like
Prevents lipstick feathering
Extends lipstick wear
Lightweight and unnoticeable
Moisturizing for dry lips
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Mild scent
May not work with lip stains
#TOP 2

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer Cover
Anastasia Beverly Hills - Lip Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer is a colorless and lightweight primer that hydrates, smooths, and preps lips. It prevents color from fading and feathering, making it ideal for layering underneath lip gloss, liquid lipstick, or matte lipstick. This lip primer can also be used alone as a hydrating lip conditioner, and creates a hydrated canvas for matte lip color to adhere to while pigment still remains ultra-matte.

What We Like
Long-lasting lipstick hold
Moisturizes rough lips
Smooth, matte texture
Prevents feathering for some users
Works as a great gift
What We Don't Like
May not prevent feathering for all
Gloss may still smear
#TOP 3

KIKO Milano Universal Blur Lip Primer

Kiko Milano
KM000000243001B
KIKO Milano Universal Blur Lip Primer Cover
KIKO Milano Universal Blur Lip Primer | Universal Perfecting Lip Primer

The KIKO Milano Lip Primer is designed to give your lips a smooth, even base that helps your lipstick or gloss stay put longer. It creates a soft, invisible layer that makes your lips look polished and neat. This primer also helps stop your lip color from smudging, so you can enjoy a fresh look throughout the day. Plus, it evens out your natural lip tone, making the colors you apply appear more vibrant and true. The angled tip makes applying the product quick and precise, letting you get ready in no time.

What We Like
Long-lasting lipstick wear
Smooth lipstick application
No feathering or smudging
Moisturizing effect
What We Don't Like
May not extend wear dramatically
Light, glossy texture
#TOP 4

NYX Professional Makeup Lip Primer Deep Nude

LPR02
Deep Nude
NYX Professional Makeup Lip Primer Deep Nude Cover
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Primer, Lipstick Base - Deep Nude

The NYX Lip Primer Deep Nude is designed to give you a smooth, flawless base for your lipstick. It helps your lip color stay put, preventing smudging and feathering, so you can enjoy a neat and polished look all day. The creamy texture makes it easy to apply, giving your lips a soft and even surface. Plus, this product is cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using makeup that’s kind to animals. If you want your lipstick to last longer and look better, this lip primer is a great addition to your beauty routine.

What We Like
Smooth lipstick application
Extends lipstick wear time
Non-drying formula
Prevents feathering and bleeding
Easy twist-up packaging
What We Don't Like
Slight dryness for some users
Price higher than expected
#TOP 5

YouthVibe Volufiline Lip Plumper

YouthVibe
Lip Plumper
YouthVibe Volufiline Lip Plumper Cover
YouthVibe 5% Volufiline Lip Plumper, Nourishing & Anti Aging Over Time with Squalane, Shea Butter, Collagen, Peptide & PDRN - No Burning, No Tingling for Gentle Daily Plumping

The YouthVibe Lip Plumper is designed to give you naturally fuller, smoother lips without any burning or tingling, making it perfect for daily use. It contains Volufiline, which gently enhances lip volume while keeping your lips soft and hydrated. The combination of collagen and peptides helps reduce fine lines, giving your lips a firmer and more youthful look over time. Plus, ingredients like squalane, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E deeply moisturize and nourish dry or flaky lips, supporting a healthy lip barrier. This lip care product also works overnight to soothe and renew your lips, so you wake up with softer, smoother lips every morning.

What We Like
Deep hydration
Lip plumping effect
Smooth, lightweight texture
Nourishing ingredients
Natural glossy finish
What We Don't Like
Plumping effect may vary
#TOP 6

Gabriel Cosmetics Lip Primer

5501
Lip Primer
Gabriel Cosmetics Lip Primer Cover
Gabriel Cosmetics Lip Primer, 0.07 oz

Gabriel Cosmetics Lip Primer is a 0.07 oz lipstick primer that provides a smooth base, prepping and priming lips before applying lipsticks and glosses. With naturally-sourced ingredients, this product ensures that your long-wearing lip color won't fade, stray, or feather.

What We Like
Enhances lipstick color
Improves lipstick longevity
Smooths lip surface
Reduces feathering and bleeding
Works with sensitive skin
What We Don't Like
Can feel dry if overapplied
No clear instructions included
#TOP 7

Grospe 3 Pcs Colorless Lip Primer

Off White
Grospe 3 Pcs Colorless Lip Primer Cover
3 Pcs Lip Primer, Colorless & Odorless, Non-Sticky & Lightweight, Hydrating Lip Primer Perfect for Pre-Makeup Prep & Daily Lip Care, Travel-Friendly

The Grospe Lip Primer Trio offers a lightweight, non-sticky formula that smoothly applies and stays in place for hours, keeping your lips looking fresh whether it's a busy day or a night out. Its colorless and odorless design provides deep hydration without leaving any sticky feeling, perfect if you prefer a natural, barely-there touch. Enriched with natural olive oil and shea butter, this primer nourishes and protects your lips, helping to prevent dryness and chapping. Plus, its quick-absorbing texture ensures all-day comfort, making it ideal for sensitive lips and everyday use.

What We Like
Lightweight formula
Colorless and odorless
Natural moisturizing ingredients
Non-sticky, quick absorption
Long-lasting wear
What We Don't Like
Slightly waxy texture
May not extend wear for all
#TOP 8

Heart Percent All Cover Lip Base #09 Soft Gray

09. Soft Gray
Heart Percent All Cover Lip Base #09 Soft Gray Cover
Heart Percent Dote On Mood All Cover Lip Base, Comfortable & Flawless Lip Tone & Texture Correction w/Lightweight Texture, #09. Soft Gray

The Heart Percent Lip Base is designed to give you smooth, even lips by covering uneven color for a flawless look. It not only corrects lip tone but also matches well with your natural skin and lip colors, making your makeup look more natural. The soft gray shade works like a fresh canvas to hide dark spots or deep pigmentation on your lips. Plus, its lightweight, oil-free formula glides on easily, filling in fine lines and dry patches without feeling heavy or clumpy. This makes it comfortable to wear all day while preparing your lips perfectly for any lip color you choose.

What We Like
Soft, velvety texture
Neutralizes lip color
Non-drying formula
No Red202 or Red227
Good for sensitive lips
What We Don't Like
Coverage could be better
May not last long
#TOP 9

JOLIE Age Defying Lip Primer

JOL1676
neutral
JOLIE Age Defying Lip Primer Cover
Jolie Prime & Rewind Age Defying Lip Primer 13.4g

The JOLIE Lip Primer helps you achieve healthier-looking lips by smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. This primer not only enhances your lip appearance but also keeps your lip color from feathering and fading, ensuring a long-lasting look. Enriched with creamy Vitamin E, it pampers your lips while providing essential protection. With a net weight of 13.4 g, this product is made in the USA, making it a reliable choice for anyone seeking to enhance their lip care routine.

What We Like
Long-lasting lipstick effect
Keeps lip liner in place
Lip-smoothing results
Moisturizing for some users
What We Don't Like
Some dryness after use
Applicator may feel dry
#TOP 10

N.Y.C. Lip Primer Universal

NYC
27888110855
Universal
N.Y.C. Lip Primer Universal Cover
N.Y.C. New York Color City Proof Twistable Perfecting Lip Primer Universal, Universal, 0.07 Ounce

The N.Y.C. Lip Primer is designed to enhance your lip color while providing a smooth base for lipstick. Its easy application means you can quickly prep your lips without hassle. You’ll appreciate the long-lasting shine it offers, keeping your lips looking vibrant throughout the day. Comfort is key, and this primer ensures your lips feel soft and hydrated, making it a pleasure to wear. Whether you're going for a casual look or a more polished style, this primer is a great addition to your makeup routine.

What We Like
Affordable price
Long lasting color
Soft shimmering pink shade
Moisturizing texture
Versatile as base or gloss
What We Don't Like
Limited primer effectiveness
Slightly wet texture
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does primer do for lipstick?

A lipstick primer creates a smooth base for lipstick by filling in large pores, smoothing the skin texture, and creating a barrier between the lipstick and natural oils on the lips. This helps the lipstick last longer and prevents it from smudging or fading.

2. Does lipstick need primer?

While not necessary, using a lipstick primer can be beneficial. It preps and primes the lips, creating a smooth base for lipstick application. It helps the lipstick stay put, prevents feathering and creasing, and enhances the longevity and appearance of the lipstick.

3. Is Vaseline a good lip primer?

Vaseline can be used as a lip primer to create a soft and moisturized base for lipstick. It can help achieve a matte finish by applying it before lipstick or provide extra softness and a glossy finish by applying it over the lipstick.

4. What can I use instead of lip primer?

If you don't have a lip primer, you can use a small amount of liquid foundation or lightweight concealer that matches your skin tone as an alternative. Applying this on your lips before lipstick can act as a primer, creating a smooth base for the lipstick to adhere to.

5. What do you put on your lips before lipstick?

Before applying lipstick, you can prepare your lips by using a small amount of lightweight concealer or foundation that matches your skin tone. Apply it all over your lips to create a smooth and even base, filling in any cracks or fine lines on your lips.

6. What can I put over my lipstick to make it stay?

To make lipstick stay in place, you can lightly dab a thin layer of finely milled translucent setting powder on your lips. Alternatively, you can use an eyeshadow that has a similar shade as your lipstick. This not only mattifies the lipstick but also adds some extra color and helps set it.

7. What can I put on my lips to make lipstick stay on?

To make lipstick last longer without touch-ups, you can apply a thin dusting of translucent powder over the lipstick. This helps set the lipstick in place and ensures it stays on for extended periods of time.

Editor's Notes

During our lipstick primer research, we found 47 lipstick primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 21,749 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lipstick primers list. We found that most customers choose lipstick primers with an average price of $17.44.

The lipstick primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lipstick primers, including ColourPop, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kiko Milano, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, YouthVibe. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 504 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.

Lipstick Primers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand ColourPop Anastasia Beverly Hills Kiko Milano NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP YouthVibe Gabriel Cosmetics Grospe Heart Percent JOLIE. IMPECCABLE ME NYC
Product Benefits Smoothening, Long-lasting Moisture Color Correction Transparent creamy texture creates a smooth, polished look. Prevents smudging and neutralizes natural lip color. Angled tip allows for easy, precise application. Smoothening Plumping, Anti-Aging, Hydrating, Soothing Long Lasting,Smoothening Hydrating, Moisturizing Long lasting, Moisturizing, Tone & Texture Correction Anti-Aging Color Enhancing, Long Wearing
Item Form Stick Stick Stick Pencil Gel Oil Cream Cream Cream Stick
Skin Type All All All All Dry All All - All -
Package Information Tube Tube - Pencil Tube Tube - - Tube Tube
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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