Nightlife + Dining
Ani Gutierrez
Prime Time: 8 Primers That Keep Your Face on from First Dance to Last Call
- By: Meera Rathod
Primer that parties harder than you do…
Whether you’re headed to a rooftop party or a red-eye flight, a great primer is your beauty insurance—it smooths, grips, hydrates, protects, and prolongs. We trialed everything from silicone blurs to hydrating grips and SPF multitaskers, all to keep your foundation fresh until dawn. Here’s the ultimate rundown for primers that elevate your look and last long after the bass drops.
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer
This silky balm practically vanishes into skin, diffusing pores and softening texture with a satin-matte finish. It layers like a dream under powder or cream—your foundation will glide, not cling.
The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer
$58
e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
A lightweight gel that will grip your makeup like Velcro. Infused with niacinamide, it not only locks foundation in place but also balances tone and soothes through the evening.
Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
$11
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
A cult classic for a reason. This oil-free blurring primer smooths out fine lines and dullness instantly and keeps shine at bay without feeling tightening.
The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
$34
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Hydra-gel meets makeup clinch: this primer plumps with hyaluronic acid and grips with sea pea extract. It leaves skin dewy but locked, perfect for those who need hydration and hold.
Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
$29
NYX Professional Makeup The Face Glue Gripping Primer
True to its name, this face glue turns your skin into adhesive magic. Great for long nights, it tacks down base and helps shadow and liner stick through sweat and DJ sets.
The Face Glue Gripping Primer
$9
MAC Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Primer
Glow is on. This radiant primer imbues skin with subtle gold pearl and hyaluronic acid for both luminosity and hydration—and your highlighter will still shine by closing time.
Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Primer
$25.20
bareMinerals PRIME TIME Original Blurring Foundation Primer
A classic mineral-based primer with micro-smoothing technology that softens redness, pores, and fine lines. It builds a breathable veil that foundation glides over effortlessly.
PRIME TIME Original Blurring Foundation Primer
$31
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
A rare hybrid: primer meets sunscreen. It blurs, sets, and shields with SPF 50 UV protection—so you’re not only red-carpet ready but also photo-proof and screen-safe, even under club UV light.
Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
$55
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Lock in your look till the last track…
Primer isn’t just step one in a routine—it’s the secret that keeps your look alive well past midnight. Think of it as the foundation’s silent bodyguard. Choose your formula based on your skin’s needs—blur, glow, grip, or protect—and watch your makeup stay runway-ready, even when you’ve long left the spotlight.
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