The Best Foundation Primers
We compared eight foundation primers on owner ratings, expert reviews, and price. The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is our top pick for its balance of performance and affordability.
Updated
The bottom line
The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is our top pick for its balance of performance and affordability. It has a smooth, natural finish and helps makeup last longer, as evidenced by its 4.6/5 Amazon rating from 43,473 owners. The Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray is a close runner-up, with a 24-hour hold and natural finish, but at a higher price of $24.56. For a budget option, the Milani Setting Spray + Primer at $8.99 offers good value with a natural finish and 24-hour wear.
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer $9.35
Best balance of performance and price
The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer has a smooth, natural finish and helps makeup last longer, according to 43,473 owners rating it 4.6/5 on Amazon. At $9.35, it offers good value. Skip if you need a matte finish.
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Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray $24.56
Best for long-lasting hold
Urban Decay All Nighter has a 24-hour hold and natural finish, with 1,322 owners rating it 4.7/5. At $24.56, it's pricier but highly effective. Consider if you need maximum longevity.
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Milani Setting Spray + Primer $8.99
Best budget option
The Milani Setting Spray + Primer has a natural finish and 24-hour wear at $8.99, with 36,281 owners rating it 4.5/5. It's a good choice for those on a budget.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Best for smooth finish and longevity 9.0/10 $9.35 Amazon
- Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray Best for 24-hour hold 8.5/10 $24.56 Amazon
- Milani Setting Spray + Primer Best budget option 8.0/10 $8.99 Amazon
- Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray Good for dewy finish 7.5/10 $9.87 Amazon
- Milani Sunscreen Setting Spray SPF 30 Good for sun protection 7.0/10 $14.97 Amazon
- Milani Make It Last Original Natural & Matte Finish Setting Spray 2-Pack Good for natural or matte finish 7.0/10 $20.84 Amazon
- Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray for Makeup Good for dewy finish 7.0/10 $18.76 Amazon
- Milani Make It Last Matte Setting Spray for Makeup Good for matte finish, but sprayer issues 6.5/10 $9.32 Amazon
Who should buy which
If you're looking for a primer that has a smooth, natural finish and helps your makeup last longer without breaking the bank, the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is your best bet. For those willing to spend a bit more for a 24-hour hold and natural finish, the Urban Decay All Nighter is worth considering. If you're on a budget, the Milani Setting Spray + Primer offers good value with a natural finish and 24-hour wear.
What owners complain about
The Milani Make It Last Matte Setting Spray has received some complaints about its sprayer delivering a substantial splash instead of a fine mist. Owners have suggested pouring it into a better spray bottle as a workaround.
The also-rans
The Milani Make It Last Dewy Setting Spray and the Milani Make It Last Original Natural & Matte Finish Setting Spray 2-Pack, while highly rated, did not make the top picks due to their slightly higher prices and similar performance to the top picks. The Milani Sunscreen Setting Spray SPF 30, while offering sun protection, was not as highly rated for its primer performance.