Keeping your makeup in place all day can be tricky, especially with the hot and humid climate in many parts of the Philippines. Without a proper base, your foundation and concealer may fade, separate, or slide off after just a few hours. A good makeup primer helps your makeup stay put, smooths the skin’s texture, and enhances overall wear.
Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, there are primers available for every skin type and need. You can find a wide selection of makeup primers on online platforms like Shopee and Lazada. In this article, we’ll guide you in choosing the best primer for your makeup routine.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
If you have oily or combination skin, your makeup may break down faster, especially in the Philippines’ hot and humid weather. A mattifying primer helps control excess oil, reduces shine, and keeps your foundation from slipping or separating throughout the day.
Choose primers with oil-absorbing ingredients like silica, clay, or salicylic acid. These leave a smooth, powder-like finish that helps extend makeup wear. Steer clear of overly creamy formulas, which can add unwanted shine. Mattifying primers are a great choice for office workers, daily commuters, or anyone who spends long hours outdoors.
Look for primers labeled “moisturizing” or “hydrating” and check for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, or panthenol. These formulas are ideal for those who prefer light coverage and want to prevent flaking, tightness, or discomfort throughout the day.
If enlarged pores or uneven skin textures are among your main concerns, a pore-blurring primer can help refine your base. These primers typically use silicones like dimethicone to fill in lines and pores, creating a soft-focus effect.
Opt for products described as “blurring” or “smoothing,” especially those targeted toward textured skin. These are ideal for events, filming, or when you want your skin to look airbrushed, as they help foundation apply more evenly and reduce the appearance of imperfections on high-texture areas.
To avoid patchiness or makeup peeling off during the day, your primer and foundation should be compatible. Here are a few tips you can consider to ensure a seamless application and better makeup wear.
Check the ingredients list for dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane, and choose formulas labeled “long-wear,” “blur-effect,” or “smoothing.” These primers work best with silicone-based foundations and are especially suited for oily or combination skin, as well as for those who need their makeup to withstand heat, humidity, or long hours of wear.
Look for products with “aqua” or “water” listed as the first ingredient, and labels that mention “hydrating” or “refreshing.” While they may not blur texture as effectively as silicone-based options, water-based primers offer a more lightweight, skin-like finish without feeling heavy or greasy.
Search for formulas labeled “humidity-resistant,” “sweatproof,” or “16-hour wear.” These primers help prevent fading and sliding without constant touch-ups. Make sure the product is designed for tropical or high-humidity use to get reliable results, especially if your base tends to break down quickly in heat.
These are ideal for daily routines, office settings, or wearing under a face mask. For oily or combination skin, avoid sticky or heavy textures, as they may clog pores or trap sweat. A comfortable, lightweight primer keeps your base looking and feeling good all day long.
Check for ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid to boost moisture and improve skin texture. These primers can complement your skincare routine by reinforcing hydration or protection underneath your base makeup, making them ideal for daily use.
Scroll down to learn more about the best primers for oily skin!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Oil-Free | Mattifying | Silicone-Based | Non-Comedogenic | SPF | Color Correcting | Net Content | |||||
1 | Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer | ![]() | Mattifying, Pore-Blurring Primer with SPF 20 | Silica, Glycerin, Kaolin, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Isododecane | unknown | 20 | No | 30 mL | ||||
2 | Happy Skin Rescue Me Tinted Matte Sun Gel Primer | ![]() | Lightweight Tinted Gel Primer Sunscreen for Blurred, Matte Finish | Zinc Oxide, Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Photolyase, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides | Yes | 40 | Yes | 40 mL | ||||
3 | INNISFREE No Sebum Blur Primer | ![]() | Silicone-Based Blur Primer with Oil Control and Soft-Focus Finish | Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Silica, Mentha arvensis leaf extract, Jeju green persimmon extract | unknown | No | 25 mL | |||||
4 | BANILA CO Prime Primer Classic | ![]() | Silky Silicone Blur Primer for Smooth, Matte Makeup Base | Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymers, Silica, Nylon-12, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer | unknown | No | 30 mL | |||||
5 | Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Primer | ![]() | Velvety Pore-Blurring Primer That Smooths, Mattifies & Extends Makeup Wear | Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Vitamin E Acetate, Isododecane | Yes | No | 44 mL | |||||
6 | Careline Instant Filter Pore‑Refining Primer | ![]() | Oil‑Free Pore‑Blurring Primer with BHA & Tea Tree for Smooth, Matte Skin | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG‑8, Centella Asiatica, Licorice Root, Olive Fruit Oil | unknown | No | 26 mL | |||||
7 | GRWM Cosmetics Makeup Prep Squad Primer | ![]() | Vegan Blurmatte Primer with Pore-Blurring and Oil Control | Aqua, Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Isododecane, Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Niacinamide | unknown | No | 30 mL | |||||
8 | Dr.Leo Multi-Effect Isolation Cream | ![]() | 2‑in‑1 Isolation Cream Primer & Moisturizer for Brightened, Even Skin | Niacinamide, Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, 4D Sodium Hyaluronate | unknown | unknown | Yes | 50 g | ||||
9 | Revlon ColorStay GRIP Matte Primer | ![]() | Oil-Control Mattifying Primer with Blue-Light Defense & Superfood Extracts | Dimethicone, Silica, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Citrus Fruit Extract | unknown | No | 30 mL | |||||
10 | e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer 4% Niacinamide | ![]() | Sticky Gel Primer with Brightening Niacinamide for Long-Lasting Makeup Hold | Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosemary Leaf Water, Peppermint Leaf Water | Yes | No | 24 mL |
Features and benefits:
Users like how this primer keeps their makeup looking fresh even in hot or humid weather. It’s often praised for giving a blurred, smooth finish without feeling greasy. Some say it works especially well when paired with the Fit Me foundation, though a few note it doesn’t fully hide texture for very oily skin.
Notable Ingredients | Silica, Glycerin, Kaolin, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Isododecane |
---|---|
Oil-Free | |
Mattifying | |
Silicone-Based | |
Non-Comedogenic | unknown |
SPF | 20 |
Color Correcting | No |
Net Content | 30 mL |
Features and benefits:
Users praise its soft-focus finish and protective benefits, saying it primes well for makeup and blends effortlessly without white cast. Many appreciate its non-sticky feel and blue-light protection. A few mention packaging isn’t very sturdy, but most agree it’s a great product for oily or screen-exposed skin.
Notable Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Photolyase, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides |
---|---|
Oil-Free | |
Mattifying | |
Silicone-Based | |
Non-Comedogenic | Yes |
SPF | 40 |
Color Correcting | Yes |
Net Content | 40 mL |
Features and benefits:
Shoppers say this primer effectively smooths and blurs pores while keeping shine at bay for several hours. Many note it's light and comfortable even on its own for a minimalistic look. A few mention it may flake if over-applied or can clash with water-based foundations, but overall feedback highlights its budget-friendly, pore-blurring performance.
Notable Ingredients | Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Silica, Mentha arvensis leaf extract, Jeju green persimmon extract |
---|---|
Oil-Free | |
Mattifying | |
Silicone-Based | |
Non-Comedogenic | unknown |
SPF | |
Color Correcting | No |
Net Content | 25 mL |
Scroll down to learn more about the best primers for dry skin!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer | ![]() | A Hydrating Lightweight Primer to Help Your Foundation Last Longer | |
2 | Revlon Photoready Rose Glow Primer | ![]() | An Illuminating Primer That Gives You a Healthy Glow | |
3 | Happy Skin Rescue Me Invisible Sun Gel Primer | ![]() | Two-In-One Sunscreen and Primer for Everyday Wear | |
4 | MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+ Face Mist | ![]() | A 2-in-1 Product That Will Make Your Makeup Last for 12 Hours | |
5 | Jill Stuart Illuminating Serum Primer|Sunrise Pink | ![]() | An Illuminating Primer That Brightens Your Skin | |
6 | Vice Cosmetics Endlezz G Aqua Grip Soothing Primer | ![]() | Refreshing Primer to Soothe Your Skin | |
7 | Ellana Mineral Cosmetics DD+CC Daily Defense Color Correcting Moisturizing Primer | ![]() | All-in-One Skincare That's Safe for Pregnant and Lactating Moms | |
8 | Touch in SOL No Poreblem Primer | ![]() | Infused With Soluble Collagen to Enhance Your Skin's Texture | |
9 | Dewha Flawless Glow Hydrating Primer | ![]() | Skin Brightening and Nourishing Primer for the Perfect Complexion | |
10 | L.A. Girl PRO.Prep Primer | ![]() | Covers Your Pores While Nourishing the Skin With Vitamin E |
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer is a nourishing yet lightweight product that moisturizes your skin while helping your foundation last all day. It does this using grape seed oil and sodium hyaluronate, which are skin-friendly ingredients known for their hydrating abilities. It leaves your skin soft and smooth and looking flawless!
This primer's formula is also fast-absorbing, so it's comfortable to use even in humid weather. It will soften your skin, banish dry patches, and blur your imperfections for the perfect base makeup. Customers love it, saying that even though it's a hydrating primer, it has a matte finish, which makes their makeup look better.
Formulated with encapsulated oil beads, pearlescent quartz, and skin conditioning extracts, this primer will not just hydrate your skin. It will also illuminate it for a healthy glow! Plus, it can make your skin feel moisturized for 24 hours. It's also light and fast-absorbing, so your foundation can go on quickly and smoothly on your face.
This primer is packed with a dropper applicator, making it easy and hassle-free to apply. You can even use it on your makeup-free days to hydrate your face and make your skin look naturally smooth. Customers can attest to this, saying that it makes them look fresh all day. If you're looking for the best glowy primer for dry skin, this is highly recommended.
You can say that this is a hybrid product, as it's a two-in-one sunscreen and primer. It has a gel formulation that feels good and refreshing on the skin, melting into your face to blur pores and blemishes. It also has SPF 40 that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays from the sun and blue light from your gadgets.
It's infused with hyaluronic acid to ensure that your skin gets the proper hydration that it needs. And with the addition of ceramides, this product helps strengthen your skin barrier to keep moisture locked in. Since it's tint-free, it's suitable for all skin tones and won't alter your makeup even if you need to reapply it throughout the day.
Scroll down to learn more about the best primers for local Filipino brands!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Formula Base | Formulation | Suitable Skin Type | Targeted Skin Concerns | SPF | Net Content | |||||
1 | Happy Skin Rescue Me Tinted Matte Sun Gel Primer | ![]() | Lightweight Tinted Gel Primer Sunscreen for Blurred, Matte Finish | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | 40 | 40 mL | |
2 | Sunnies Face The Perfector | ![]() | Lightweight Primer and Balm for Smooth, Natural Skin | Silicone-Based | Balanced | Combination Skin | Pore Minimization、Glow Enhancement | 12g | ||
3 | Sola Foundation Primer SPF50 PA+++ | ![]() | Oil-Control Primer With SPF Protection that Prolongs Makeup | Silicone-Based | Balanced | Combination Skin、Oily Skin | Sun Protection、Redness Reduction、Hydration、Oil Control、Pore Minimization | 50 PA+++ | 30mL | |
4 | Ever Bilena Pro First Step Mattifying Primer | ![]() | The Perfect First Step for a Smooth, Non-Greasy Base | Silicone-Based | Matte | Oily Skin | Oil Control、Pore Minimization | 25mL | ||
5 | Teviant The Ultimate Skin Master Primer | ![]() | A Skincare-Infused Primer With Northern Truffle Extract | Water-Based | Hydrating | Dry Skin | Glow Enhancement、Hydration | unknown | ||
6 | Strokes Beauty Lab UV Veil Priming Sunscreen in Milk | ![]() | Protect and Hydrate Skin With This Oil-Free Priming Sunscreen | Silicone-Based | Balanced | Combination Skin | Sun Protection、Pore Minimization、Hydration、Redness Reduction | 35 | 20mL | |
7 | blk Cosmetics Daydream Soft Blur Primer | ![]() | Prep Your Skin Using This Sheer, Tone-Adapting Primer | Silicone-Based | Matte | Oily Skin | Sun Protection、Pore Minimization、Redness Reduction、Oil Control | 35 PA++ | 30mL | |
8 | Squad Cosmetics Melon Swirl 3-in-1 Base Primer | ![]() | Moisturize, Color Correct, and Prime With This 3-in-1 Beauty Essential | Water-Based | Hydrating | Dry Skin | Hydration、Color Correction | 30mL | ||
9 | Features & Shades Primer | ![]() | Get a Flawless Base With This Lightweight Primer | Silicone-Based | Matte | Oily Skin | Pore Minimization | 20g | ||
10 | Spotlight Prism Glow Illuminating Primer | ![]() | Stay Radiant on Your Busiest Days With This Illuminating Primer | Water-Based | Hydrating | Dry Skin | Hydration、Glow Enhancement、Sun Protection | unknown | 26g |
Features and benefits:
Users praise its soft-focus finish and protective benefits, saying it primes well for makeup and blends effortlessly without white cast. Many appreciate its non-sticky feel and blue-light protection. A few mention packaging isn’t very sturdy, but most agree it’s a great product for oily or screen-exposed skin.
Formula Base | unknown |
---|---|
Formulation | unknown |
Suitable Skin Type | unknown |
Targeted Skin Concerns | unknown |
SPF | 40 |
Net Content | 40 mL |
Particularly for people with near-perfect skin or texture issues, users value the primer's mattifying and smoothing properties. They also mention that it works well as a base for touch-ups or makeup application. The balm side, however, is less efficient at giving a glow, according to some users, and it can feel tacky or sticky, which might interfere with layering other makeup. All things considered, it is preferred for texture refinement but less so for redness or acne mark coverage.
Formula Base | Silicone-Based |
---|---|
Formulation | Balanced |
Suitable Skin Type | Combination Skin |
Targeted Skin Concerns | Pore Minimization、Glow Enhancement |
SPF | |
Net Content | 12g |
Users find that this primer extends makeup wear while providing reliable sun protection. Its lightweight consistency absorbs fast and creates a smooth base that controls oil. Many praise its pore-blurring effect and matte finish that lasts throughout the day.
Formula Base | Silicone-Based |
---|---|
Formulation | Balanced |
Suitable Skin Type | Combination Skin、Oily Skin |
Targeted Skin Concerns | Sun Protection、Redness Reduction、Hydration、Oil Control、Pore Minimization |
SPF | 50 PA+++ |
Net Content | 30mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Always apply sunscreen before primer. Sunscreen protects your skin, while primer preps it for makeup. Let the sunscreen fully absorb before layering on your primer to avoid clumping or sliding. This keeps your base looking smooth and ensures your skin stays protected.
Apply primer after skincare and before foundation. Once your moisturizer or sunscreen has settled, apply a thin layer of primer to areas that need oil control, hydration, or smoothing. Give it a minute to set before moving on to your base makeup. This helps the foundation glide on better and stay in place longer.
Yes, you can use primer on its own. Some primers help blur pores or reduce redness, making your skin look smoother even without foundation. Hydrating or mattifying primers can also help you feel fresh throughout the day, especially if you’re running errands or working from home.
It’s better to use an eye primer, but in a pinch, a small amount of face primer can work. Face primers aren't designed to prevent creasing on your eyelids, so you might not get long-lasting results. For best performance, especially with eyeshadow, go with a product specifically made for the eye area.
A good primer is just the beginning. Whether you’re going for a natural glow or full coverage, pairing your primer with the right foundation, sunscreen, or setting spray makes all the difference. Check out these other articles to help you build a base routine that works for your skin and lifestyle.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others