THE 14 BEST DRUGSTORE PRIMERS TO ACHIEVE A FLAWLESS BASE

Any well-applied, perfectly blended makeup look begins with a firm foundation. Primer is sometimes overlooked or dismissed as unneeded, but if being and working with makeup artists has taught us anything, it’s that the devil is in the details when it comes to producing the best skin results.

Distinct primers offer distinct advantages. We discovered and listed 16 primers that we believe are beneficial for all skin types. Keep following us to the finish to find out what works best for you!

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

We could all see a change in how this primer decreased our pores, especially around the cheeks and nose, living up to its nickname “Photoshop in a bottle.” This Maybelline Baby Skin Primer is applied as a moisturizer to help produce a smooth canvas for foundation application, and it leaves the skin looking matte and pore less. You may ask how to apply primer; I would tell you. Apply a few drops on your bare face to increase softness and smoothness right away. If you want to simplify your regimen, mix it right into your foundation—either way, you’ll reap the complexion-enhancing effects and enjoy the all-day hydration it delivers.

Boots No7 Airbrush Away Primer 

Considered as the best makeup primer, this lightweight primer has been professionally developed to soften the appearance of fine wrinkles, smooth the skin, and provide a flawlessly smooth surface for seamless make-up application that looks just as good at the end of the day as it did when first applied. The skin perfecting No7 Airbrush Away Primer aids in the creation of a flawless base. It eliminates fine lines and wrinkles while leaving the face fresh. It contains hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and keeps your dry skin hydrated all day. This hypoallergenic primer aids in the blurring of visible pores.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Acne Fighting Putty Primer

This viral putty primer is popular among cosmetic enthusiasts because it feels moisturizing on the skin. Acne-fighting elements in e.l.f. Acne Fighting Putty Primer help to prevent future outbreaks while smoothing skin for a flawless and even complexion. Its balm formula melts into a creamy smooth texture on the skin. According to one client, this e.l.f poreless putty primer looked brightening underneath natural makeup looks. It is supposed to be effective at blurring pores and is safe for sensitive skin.

Covergirl Simply Ageless Anti-Aging Foundation Primer 

This wonderful primer extends the wear of your liquid foundation and is ideal for producing a more youthful complexion. This creamy primer penetrates the skin’s epidermis, nourishing and hydrating it. It can also be used as a moisturizer to provide a radiant, dewy, and youthful appearance. It comes with a pump dispenser for easy use. A few pumps of this pore-filling primer will keep your face fresh all day and give you a natural-looking finish.

Aveeno Positively Radiant MaxGlow Hydrating Serum + Primer

The moisturizing face serum and primer, made with Moisture Rich Soy and Kiwi Complex, is meant to attract and seal in skin’s moisture while also illuminating and priming it in a single step. This unique face primer serum from the dermatologist-recommended brand has a two-phase solution that is water-light and fast-absorbing, allowing for simple layering. Aveeno’s innovative hybrid product performs two functions in one: it brightens and primes skin in a single step. Shake it up and then apply it to your skin to seem “luminous.” It absorbs quickly into the skin, allowing the contained soy and kiwi complex to work its magic on your skin.

EveryHue Beauty PoreFect Primer

This primer may be the most lightweight primer among all the products listed here. So, it is listed as the best drugstore primer for oily skin. Once you apply it, you instantly forget you have primer on. This primer is lightweight and oil-free, and it dries to a smooth and sheer finish that blends effortlessly with your makeup (and skin). Many customers are surprised with its incredible texture on the skin, saying it is light and feel like nothing on their skin, but still moisturizes the skin, keeping it hydrated before next step.

Honest Beauty Everything Primer

Honest Beauty’s Everything Primer will give you a matte finish instead of a radiant one for up to eight hours. An illuminating primer packed with Hyaluronic Acid that preps, brightens (due to glow-giving mica), and moisturizes your skin for a smooth, dewy canvas. It is made with two types of hyaluronic acid, as well as watermelon, apple, and lentil extracts. The primer is suitable for all skin types. The lightweight solution, which is free of silicones, uses micronized bamboo powder to obscure pores and manage oil throughout the day.

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

When it comes to keeping skin matte and taming sheen all day, the perfect primer may work wonders. This ultralight product reduces the appearance of pores and controls shine for up to 8 hours, resulting in a delicate, completely matte face. The primer is not heavy or oily when worn. We tested this particular shine-controlling option and can confirm that it works and lasts for hours. The fact that it never felt overly dry or resulted in a cakey appearance was the nicest part for us.

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer 

The lightweight e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as grapeseed oil, to hydrate dry face and smooth uneven skin texture. This illuminating primer for older skin blurs pores, fills in small wrinkles, and conceals blemishes to create a smooth base. The moisturizing formula’s antioxidant-rich grape seed oil and tocopheryl acetate assist your skin in combating free radical damage. This primer is the favorite among many influencers, saying it effectively nourishes the skin and making their base look glow.

Maybelline New York Master Prime Primer

Maybelline’s skin-perfecting face primers are made with a water-soluble base and active ingredients that smooth the look and feel of skin for long-lasting makeup. Several reviews compare this Maybelline primer to more expensive alternatives, claiming that it leaves the skin feeling “soft and silky” without being tacky or heavy. The composition has a lotion-like feel to it, and we enjoy how well it blurs blemishes like pores, small lines, and redness. “This one covers my large pores and smooths them over,” a buyer commented. “The effect and finish are stunning!” I’ll be purchasing this again and again.”

TATCHA The Silk Canvas

Look no further if you have oily skin and are tired of using primer. This firming moisturizer forms a whisper light, moisture-binding veil on the skin by using a full liquid silk protein that mimics the amino acid structure of human skin. It gives a lovely, smooth, even base by temporarily closing up the large pores so that the foundation looks faultless when applied. Many people recommend rubbing a tiny bit between your fingertips, softly tapping it into your t-zone, and then smoothing it outward into the rest of your face. It works effectively by keeping the makeup stay longer as well as moisturize the skin before applying foundation.

Milani Prime Perfection Hydrating + Pore-Minimizing Face Primer

Many primers are designed to mattify your face and keep your oily T-zone at bay, which is the polar opposite of what your dry skin requires. This primer is like a big glass of water for your thirsty skin since it contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid (both of which help lock in moisture). This hydrating primer is a multi-tasking moisturizer. Apply it below your foundation to give your skin a healthy glow. The lightweight, vegan product applies evenly and invisibly to the skin, priming it for any cream, liquid, or powder foundation.

NYX Bare With Me Cannabis SPF 30 Primer

The primer from NYX is an easy way to incorporate more sun protection into your regimen. The product has an SPF of 30. It contains Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, which provides 24 hours of soothing hydration. This moisturizing primer is fantastic for soothing skin and may be worn with makeup or alone. So, apply this every day to soothe your sunburn and protect your skin! This primer is PETA certified and cruelty-free. If you’re concerned about primer drying out your skin, this one contains cannabis sativa seed oil, which soothes and hydrates.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Primer + Serum

This tiny dropper looks a lot like your regular serum, and that’s because it is. This hybrid serum-and-primer in one bottle provides hydration via refined hyaluronic acid while also leaving your face extra glow and prepped for makeup application – if you choose to apply it at all. Wear this nutritious facial primer serum before makeup application to help prepare skin and create a smooth, luminous surface for makeup application. It can also be used on its alone for the moisturizing serum effects, leaving skin with a gorgeous, dewy appearance that looks and feels healthier.

CONCLUSION

Drugstore primers proliferated, providing beauty fans with affordable yet high-quality options. Technological advancements resulted in diverse formulations that addressed varied demands such as erasing flaws, mattifying oily skin, and increasing moisture. These primers were indispensable for flawless makeup application, pleasing customers, and cementing their role in the beauty business.

The 18 best heat protectant sprays and creams to protect hair

Have you ever wondered how to shield your hair from the relentless heat of styling tools without compromising its health and vibrancy? In a world where sleek and stylish hair is often achieved with the help of heated tools, the importance of safeguarding your locks cannot be overstated. That’s where the magic of  heat protectant sprays and creams comes into play. 

Join with us on a journey to find innovative products designed to protect your hair from the heat, keeping it strong and lively. So, scroll down and check out 18 best heat protectant sprays and creams that keep your hair resilient and vibrant, maintaining that modern and elegant look.

How does heat protectant work? 

Heat protectants for hair establish a protective barrier around the hair cuticle, safeguarding it from potential damage caused by various harmful factors. Components like panthenol and propylene glycol, found in these products, amplify their efficacy when exposed to direct high heat. This ensures optimal moisture retention and averts frizz. Over time, these protectants shield the hair from the adverse effects of high-temperature styling tools, preserving a smooth and glossy appearance.

What should you look for in a heat protectant?

When choosing a heat protectant, there are several factors to consider to safeguard your hair from heat damage. Here are some key aspects to look for:

Heat protection level: The heat protection level of a heat protectant is determined by its ability to withstand high temperatures without breaking down. Jonathan Colombini, the creative director of style and color at L’Oréal Paris, suggests checking for explicit mentions of a product’s heat-protecting properties. Additionally, he recommends adhering to guidelines that guarantee protection at temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hair type: Different hair types require different formulations. Becca Nilsson, the director of artist training at Blo Blow Dry Bar, provides tailored insights based on individual hair types. For those with fine, thin hair, she advises opting for a lightweight heat protectant to prevent excessive product buildup. Conversely, individuals with thick hair may find an oil-based conditioner beneficial for effective heat protection.

Ingredients: The ingredients in a heat protectant can play a role in its effectiveness. Look for heat protectants that contain natural ingredients, such as keratin, argan oil, or coconut oil. These ingredients can help to protect your hair from damage and add shine.

To assist you in discovering top-notch heat protection products, we consulted stylists for their recommended picks, including their favorite tried-and-tested heat protection creams and sprays. We also thoroughly scoured leading retailers to compile a list of the highest-rated and best-reviewed options, which you can explore below.

Our top picks

Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant 

Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant is a must-have for hair care. It does more than just protect your hair from heat damage. With argan oil and vitamins, this lightweight spray shields your hair during heat styling and adds a luxurious shine. It’s not greasy, so your hair stays light and residue-free. Whether you’re using a flat iron, curling wand, or blow dryer, it acts as a reliable barrier, even guarding color-treated hair from the sun. The pleasant Moroccanoil scent enhances your styling experience, ensuring your locks stay healthy and vibrant. Although your hair may initially feel a bit stiff after applying, this sensation fades after brushing.

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Nourishing Hair Serum is a revolutionary product designed to transform and nourish your hair. This cutting-edge serum is part of the Olaplex professional hair care line, known for its innovative approach to repairing and maintaining hair health. No. 9 Bond is formulated with a proprietary blend of ingredients that work to strengthen, hydrate, and protect the hair’s bonds. Whether used as a standalone treatment or combined with other Olaplex products, this serum helps reduce breakage, enhance shine, and improve overall hair texture. It is particularly beneficial for those with damaged or color-treated hair, providing a luxurious and effective solution for achieving healthier, more resilient strands. However, for those with sensitive noses, this scent can be overwhelming.

Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray 

This innovative spray is specifically crafted to address the challenges of frizz, offering a lightweight and effective solution for smoother, more manageable locks. Formulated by Living Proof, a brand renowned for its scientific approach to hair care, this spray combines advanced hair care technology with nourishing ingredients. It works to detangle, condition, and protect hair, while also enhancing its natural shine. The Restore Perfecting Spray is particularly effective for individuals with frizzy hair, helping to combat humidity-induced frizz and leaving hair noticeably softer. The drawback of this product is its relatively high price.

Briogeo Farewell Frizz

Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème is a game-changer for individuals with thinning hair seeking the perfect blow-dry while ensuring optimal protection. This lightweight yet powerful cream is meticulously crafted by Briogeo, a brand known for its clean and naturally derived formula. Specifically designed for fine hair, the cream provides heat protection, preventing damage caused by styling tools while enhancing the overall hair-drying experience. The unique blend of ingredients helps to add volume, reduce frizz, and deliver a smooth, shiny look without weighing down delicate strands. With a commitment to hair quality and health, Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant becomes an essential product for those with thinning hair who want salon-worthy volume. It is important to note that excessive application may result in a sensation of heaviness in the hair.

Chi Total Protect 

Elevate your hair care routine with this powerhouse product, designed to keep thick hair looking and feeling its best. Created by Chi, a brand synonymous with innovation in hair care, Total Protect offers a potent blend of ingredients to shield thick strands from the rigors of styling and environmental stressors. Whether it’s heat protection, moisture retention, or overall hair health, Chi Total Protect excels in providing a holistic solution. Due to its creamy consistency, achieving even coverage on dry hair can be a bit challenging.

Kérastase Blond Absolu Heat Protecting Serum 

Kérastase Blond Absolu Heat Protecting Serum is a serum for those with color-treated hair, especially blondes. This product is tailored to meet the specific needs of colored locks, offering unparalleled heat protection while preserving the vibrancy of blonde shades. Developed by Kérastase, a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation in hair care, this serum is a must-have for anyone seeking to safeguard their color investment. Its lightweight formula not only shields hair from heat damage during styling but also imparts a luminous shine and smooth texture. However at first, there’s a slight stickiness on the strands, but it vanishes once fully absorbed.

Bumble and bumble Bb.Illuminated Blonde Purple Leave In Spray

Bumble and bumble Bb.Illuminated Blonde Purple Leave In Spray is the optimal choice for colored hair. Specially crafted to meet the specific needs of bleached strands, this no-rinse spray is a game-changer in the world of hair care. Celebrated for its innovative products, it not only diminishes color dullness and enhances brightness for bleached hair but also helps maintain the cool undertones of blonde shades while providing nourishment and moisture. Some comments indicate that this product has the potential to cause irritation.

Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

This styling product is specifically for blow-drying, but tested on hot tools reveals its effectiveness, especially in safeguarding hair strands from high temperatures up to 450°F. Overall, this heat protectant is easy to apply, and the creamy formula blends well into strands for even coverage. It absorbs quickly, providing an undetectable amount of hydration. In addition to its hydrating and heat-protecting properties, the cream helps reduce frizz and imparts an overall shine. Its light scent, not too strong and dissipating quickly, adds to its appeal. This product is exclusively designed for use on damp hair, making it unsuitable for dry strands.

Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray

Crafted to offer heat protection up to 450°F, this fairy elixir features advanced heat-activated polymer technology for strand-smoothing effects. While one tester observed a reduction in flyaways post-styling, some users reported minimal distinction between applying the balm and not using it. Nevertheless, its efficient application means a little goes a long way, suggesting prolonged usage from a single bottle. The Oribe heat protectant may appear a bit expensive, priced at approximately $45 for 3.4 ounces. 

Tresemmé Heat Tamer Spray

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray provides effective protection against the heat from flat irons and curling irons. By creating a shield against heat and friction, it leaves hair shiny and irresistibly soft. This heat protectant spray not only safeguards your hair but also enhances its flexibility for easy restyling. Activated by heat, it helps defend against styling damage and maintains your desired hair shape. You can enjoy the benefits of a professional, affordable salon-quality heat protectant without the hefty salon price tag. A drawback of this product is its less durable nozzle, which tends to break easily!

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer

With a blend of coconut, argan, grapeseed, macadamia nut, sweet almond, and safflower oils, Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Thermal & UV Protective Primer delivers rich nourishment and provides volume and radiant shine. With a remarkable 50% reduction in frizz, this product comes in a generous 8.5-ounce bottle, offering significant value in the price around $32. In addition to hydrating dry strands and protecting against damage from hot tools, this hair primer also provides a conditioner-like feel, leaving hair noticeably softer and smoother. However, it should be noted that it contains many oil-based ingredients, so it is not ideal for oily or thin hair.

BondiBoost Prep & Protect Hair Primer

Designed for a variety of hair types, this product stands out thanks to its exclusively plant-based and vegan ingredients. It contains moisturizing elements such as aloe vera and meadowfoam seed oil to infuse moisture and amaranth seed extract to fortify hair against breakage. While it’s generally gentle and suitable for most people, some feedback suggests it may lack the moisture needed for curly hair. However, its adaptability and use of natural, plant-based ingredients make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and cruelty-free hair care solution.

Redken Quick Blowout Heat Protectant Spray

Since incorporating this product into their hair care routine, many people have noticed a marked improvement in their dry and frizzy hair. The product not only brings exceptional value compared to the price but also makes a difference thanks to its outstanding quality, providing a gentle and comfortable feeling to the hair. Notably, users observed a significant reduction in hair breakage, making it an important addition to their hair care regimen. There are a lot of positive reviews for this product. The cost seems a bit high, but the long-term benefits and positive impact on hair health make it a worthwhile investment for many.

Pureology Strength Cure Miracle Filler Heat Protectant Spray

Strength Cure Miracle Filler is designed for those with compromised, color-treated hair, providing a heat protectant that strengthens, repairs, and shields against heat damage. Infused with xylose, coriander oil, and chamomile, this formula offers comprehensive protection and nourishment. Xylose guards against heat styling, coriander oil imparts strength, and chamomile moisturizes. This daily leave-in blow dry lotion fortifies and hydrates while acting as a barrier against styling and future harm. Although praised for its benefits, there are some reports of it causing stickiness and lacking smoothness in the hair.

Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

This versatile moisturizing spray is appropriate for all hair types that need heat protection or extra shine. It’s praised for being an effective heat protectant with a residue-free formula. Many customers expressed surprise at its effectiveness on both thick and fine hair, accompanied by a clean and pleasant fragrance. They also reported that their hair felt softer after styling, praising it as a great solution without the heaviness of similar products. The general consensus is that this hairspray is truly amazing and worth repurchasing. Only a few people who bought it did not like the scent and said it was sticky.

Unite Hair 7Seconds Glossing Spray

The Unite Hair 7Seconds Glossing Spray provides a multitude of benefits for your hair care routine. Firstly, it offers instant shine, imparting a glossy and radiant finish to your locks in a matter of seconds. This quick and effective glossing action enhances the overall appearance of your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant. Additionally, the spray acts as a detangler, making it easier to manage and style your hair by reducing knots and snarls. The formulation is lightweight, ensuring that your hair maintains a natural feel without weighing it down. Furthermore, the 7Seconds Glossing Spray contains protective elements that help shield your hair from environmental factors and heat styling damage.Some people say the product can make hair sticky, but it’s important to use the right amount, not too much.

Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

One study published in the International Journal of Trichology, found that Mizani Heat Screen Protective Spray was effective at protecting curly hair from heat damage up to 450°F. The study also concluded that Mizani Heat Screen Protective Spray helped to maintain curl definition and reduce breakage. It contains rose water that helps control frizz and make hair softer. People really like this spray because it provides a lot of benefits to the hair but doesn’t make it feel too oily or heavy. It makes curls smooth and soft with a light feeling. We really enjoy the smell, and it can be like a perfume for your hair, but it might be overwhelming for some people who don’t appreciate strong scents.

Gisou Heat Protecting Spray

Choosing the right hair product for thin hair can be tricky because you want it to make your hair look good without making it heavy. That’s where Gisou Heat Protecting Spray comes in—it’s a great choice for people with thin hair. This spray keeps your hair safe from high heat, up to 446°F, and it has been propolis to make your hair strong and prevent it from breaking. When we tried it out, the best part was the spray cap. It spreads the product evenly on your hair, making it easy to use. Besides being easy to use, the spray is also really light, making our hair feel smooth and weightless, like there’s nothing on it.. One thing to note is that it has a honey-like smell, which some people might not prefer.

Conclusion

The exploration of the 18 best heat protectant sprays and creams has provided valuable insights into an essential aspect of hair care. Recognizing the importance of shielding hair from high temperatures, these products offer a diverse range of formulations and benefits, from lightweight solutions suitable for fine hair to those enriched with nourishing ingredients for added care. The reviews highlight the effectiveness, user-friendliness, and unique features of each product, assisting consumers in making informed choices based on their specific hair needs and preferences. Ultimately, incorporating a high-quality heat protectant into one’s hair care routine is a proactive step toward maintaining healthy, vibrant hair while enjoying the freedom to style without compromising its integrity.