Best primers - TOP 5 ranking in 2025
Here is our updated list of the best face primers for 2025. A primer is an essential make-up product, allowing you to visually smooth your skin and mask imperfections. We have thoroughly evaluated a variety of foundations, focusing on their coverage abilities, longevity, formulation, value for money, as well as consumer reviews. We carefully checked whether manufacturers' assurances about the performance of their products are reflected in practice. On this basis, we have prepared an independent ranking, presenting what we believe are the best face foundations currently available on the market.
The ranking factors we took into account were:
- Level of coverage
- Skin hydration
- Application
- Performance
- Consistency
- Make-up durability
- Composition
What qualities to look for in a good face primer?
- Choose the coverage that suits your needs. Try out samples to make the best choice.
- Match the shade of foundation to your complexion for a result that looks natural. When choosing a foundation, pay attention to your skin type. For dry skin, a moisturising foundation with a lightweight formula is best, while for oily skin, a mattifying foundation that is tailored for oily skin. Those with combination skin should look for a product that balances shine in oily areas while moisturising dry areas.
- Check the composition of your foundation before you buy. Avoid products that contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates or sulphates. Look for cosmetics that do not clog pores (non-comedogenic) and are hypoallergenic, especially if you are prone to allergies.
- Pay attention to the durability of your foundation. The ideal product should be long-lasting but still allow your skin to breathe. It is worth betting on products with an additional skincare effect.
Take a look at our ranking of the best foundations:
Nutridome's opaque foundation is a high quality formula that provides a perfectly smooth complexion, even colour and a subtle mattifying effect. This colouring fluid combines lightweight application with a long-lasting effect. Its convenient applicator makes it easy to dispense precisely, and the texture works well with both hands, sponge and brush. The glycerine it contains is excellent for moisturising, vitamins nourish the skin and mica, a natural mineral, ensures an even colour. The foundation offers a carefully composed colour palette, perfectly suited to different beauty types, making it easy to choose the right shade. Nutridome's foundation blends beautifully into the complexion, smoothing and unifying the skin tone, making it ideal for all occasions, both everyday and special occasions. Testers appreciate its natural make-up effect, long-lasting finish and the fact that it does not create a mask effect, does not clog pores and does not tire the skin.
Semilac foundation is suitable for all skin types, especially for those with oily, acne-prone and combination skin. The cosmetic offers good coverage with a matte effect, so it effectively masks imperfections and reduces skin shine. Our tests confirmed its effectiveness, as well as its skincare action. It contains Enanthia Chlorantha tree bark extract, which normalises the sebaceous glands, and apple stem cells, which regenerate and nourish the complexion. The durability of the foundation was rated as average. Some users pointed out that the product can dry out the skin and is not always readily available. Available in five shades, the Semilac foundation is an option worth considering.
Golden Rose Total Cover combines foundation and concealer. It is particularly recommended for those with combination, oily and problematic skin. Our testers agreed that the product works better as a full face foundation than as a spot concealer, especially under the eyes where it can seem too heavy. It has the advantage of SPF 15 protection and anti-ageing vitamin E content. It's worth bearing in mind that Golden Rose foundation can darken after application and despite the availability of 7 shades, many of them have pink undertones. On the plus side, the cosmetic's longevity and its effectiveness in covering imperfections are a plus.
Full Coverage Foundation from Mary Kay is an option for skin with minor imperfections. Tests have confirmed that it is effective at concealing capillaries and blemishes, but struggles to cover larger blemishes like pimples. The tube packaging may seem a little awkward, the consistency of the fluid is sticky and its longevity is limited. The cosmetic melts nicely into the skin and looks great for the first few hours. It works well with powder to prolong make-up wear. It does not cause irritation or a mask effect. The product is not readily available and the price seems exorbitant in relation to the quality offered.
Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation divided opinion among our testers. Those with dry and problematic skin were satisfied, while for oily and combination skin it did not prove suitable. Initially the effect is ok but, the foundation starts to roll off over time. Its thick texture dries quickly, forcing a quick application without the possibility of subsequent corrections - it is better to completely remove and reapply the make-up when the result is unsatisfactory. The fluid darkens on the skin and can clog pores with regular use. The foundation is buildable but could be more long-lasting, which would make it ideal for more important occasions. As it stands, it is mainly suitable for short occasions.
