Key ingredients: dimethicone, glycerin, vitamin E | Who it’s for: people prone to oil or large pores | Longevity: up to 12 hours | Fragrance-free: yes
Filter in a Tube: Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer
Why it’s worth it: What’s in a name? Actually, no—what’s in a primer? Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonderglow Face Primer is designed to give you the ultimate glow, thanks to light-diffusing particles, peptides, wild pansy, and hyaluronic acid. This serum-like formula blurs fine lines and provides up to 24 hours of hydration, making it ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. It doubles as a highlighter in a pinch; tap the primer onto your brow bones and cheekbone for a sweet little glow.
Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, rosehip seed oil | Who it’s for: anyone seeking a dewy or glowing finish | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: no
A Tried-and-True Moisturizing-Primer Hybrid: Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturizer and Primer
Why it’s worth it: Vitamin-rich, dreamy, creamy, and so hydrating, Bobbi Brown’s Face Base Moisturizer and Primer check all our boxes. Its cushiony, skin-loving formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, squalane, and shea butter to nourish and keep your makeup in place all day. It smells terrific, too, with no synthetics necessary, thanks to natural grapefruit extract.
Key ingredients: shea butter, squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Who it’s for: everyone | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: yes
Glassy Skin Ahead: Laneige Primer Serum
Why it’s worth it: If you don’t love the stickiness factor of gel primers, Laneige’s Primer Serum is a lovely alternative. This lightweight formula keeps your makeup locked in all day, but also can be used as the last step of your skin-care routine as a straight-up serum. The diamond mineral powder and ceramides work together to add glassiness to crepey skin, balance oil, and, of course, prime your glam.
Key ingredients: diamond mineral powder, ceramides, olive oil | Who it’s for: people who want a very skin-care-forward formula | Longevity: not specified | Fragrance-free: yes
SPF-Boosted Favorite: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Why it’s worth it: Dobos explains that Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen benefits don’t stop at UV protection. “It’s my daily broad-spectrum SPF and primer because it contains the same type of elastomer in primers,” she says. Like a gel primer, the non-greasy formula—enriched with nourishing meadowfoam seed oil—is invisible under makeup. UV protection is essential at every age, so even if you already have some sun damage (we get it—sunscreen guidelines have changed a lot over the years!), it’s best to prevent any more harm.