The best primers for every skin concern, according to Australian women

With skin becoming the primary focus of makeup trends in 2025, having a reliable primer in your makeup kit has become more important than ever. 

Less-is-more luminous skin is very much in this spring, and the often forgotten base product is fundamental for truly nailing the Mochi Skin and Butter Skin trends that have been persistently haunting our mandatory midnight scroll through TikTok. 

But, as with any foundation (or blush for that matter), personal preferences, skin types, and skin concerns play a big part in the decision-making process when it comes to purchasing complexion products. 

However, here at BEAUTYcrew we've decided to simplify the process, employing the help of our editors, REVIEWcrew members, and local Aussie makeup artists to share their experiences to determine the best primers for every skin concern. 

Best primer for oily skin: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

from $24 at Priceline

"e.l.f Power Grip Primer is another sensational dupe of Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer ($69 from Sephora) [that] creates a comfortable, yet tacky, base for makeup to easily adhere to. [It] works perfectly anywhere makeup can slip, slide or transfer. Think: [the] t-zone after oils naturally come through, or cheeks and jawline — if you’re a hugger or you rest [your face] on your hands a lot." — Anabelle Ussher, Makeup Artist

Key features:

Gel-based, hydrating formula
Grips makeup for a long-lasting, smooth finish
Natural, dewy, translucent finish
Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free
Infused with hyaluronic acid 

Available at:

$24 from Priceline
$24 from Kmart
$24 from e.l.f Cosmetics

Best primer for dull skin: Revlon SkinLights Face Glow Illuminator

from $15.49 at Chemist Warehouse

"I use primers to control a situation in the skin, such as: minimise texture, control shine, or brighten dull skin. One of my favourite OG products which isn’t 'officially' listed as a primer but is definitely an illuminating and brightening base maker, is the Revlon Skinlights — particularly in winter months on drier skin types. If your skin is feeling flat and dull, Skinlights is a radiance booster with hydration, light reflection and skincare benefits." — Mia Connor, Makeup Artist

Key features:

Silky, lightweight liquid formula
Contains refined pearl pigments
Smooth, light-reflective finish
Can be applied directly to skin or mixed with foundation
Infused with fermented fruit extracts and glycerin

Available at:

$15.49 from Chemist Warehouse
$15.49 from Amazon Australia

Best primer for a limitless budget: Guerlain Radiance Boosting 24K Gold Primer

from $129.99 at Amazon Australia

"I know it seems excessive to spend over $100 on a product to prepare your skin for makeup, but I promise you this primer makes a world of difference in how your foundation, bronzer and blush all look and last. It’s a cooling gel formula spiked with flecks of gold, and on the days I don’t wear it (I ration it due to its price tag), I’m always disappointed with my finished face. It adds an amount of glow and grip to the skin pre-application that allows me to lean more into budget products in the rest of my makeup routine without running the risk of my makeup fading or looking flat." — Delaney Loane, BEAUTYcrew’s Editor

Key features:

Lightweight gel texture
Infused with 24-karat gold
Promises hydration and radiance for up to 24 hours
Luminous, fresh finish

Available at: 

$129.99 from Amazon Australia
$131 from David Jones

Best primer for dry skin: Merit Beauty Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

from $61 at Merit Beauty

"I can't live without the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum. This serum is my secret weapon for achieving a natural, dewy glow. It's lightweight, hydrating, and provides the perfect base for makeup or even on its own for no-makeup days. It gives my skin a luminous finish and helps my makeup glide on smoothly." — Kiera Sylvester, BEAUTYcrew’s Social Editor

Key features:

Weightless, bi-phase serum formula
Infused with four types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cacao seed extract, and Japanese goldthread root
Plumps, hydrates and reinforces the skin's natural moisture barrier
Enhances radiance for a natural dewy glow

Available at:

$61 from Merit Beauty

Best primer for combination skin: Sunnies Face The Perfector

from $12 at Sunnies Face

"I initially bought this dual-ended complexion perfecter, because the concept intrigued me, but I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I do. I use the soft-focus matte primer through my T-zone, and any area of my face where my pores are more prominent to smooth and blur, and it has a very similar effect to another one of my favourite silicone primers, Tatcha's The Silk Canvas ($94 from MECCA). Then I use the highlighter balm on the high points of my face — either on bare skin for a fresh-faced looked, or over the top of my foundation as an illuminator with a natural finish — just like my favourite Chanel Baume Essentiel ($83 from MYER). So, as far as I'm concerned, for the price point, this Filipino export really can't be beat." — Briar Clark, BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor

Key features:

Double-ended complexion stick
Lightweight, pigment-free formulas
Blur: Soft-focus, silky-matte finish
Balm: Translucent, illuminating gel-balm
Matte primer smooths and blurs imperfections and pores
Non-sticky illuminating balm has a dewy finish

Available at:

$12 from Sunnies Face

Best primer for uneven skin tone: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer

from $92 at Adore Beauty

"This will add that lit from within glow and make you look extra hydrated. You can also sheer out your cream or liquid foundation with it for a more natural finish. It'll dial down the coverage and give skin a dewier no-makeup makeup look." — Christina Sikalias, Makeup Artist

Key features:

Transparent gel formula infused with gold shimmer
Luminous, smoothed, and even-toned finish
Enhances hydration and radiance, and softens skin
Infused with a blend of four nourishing oils
Non-greasy texture

Available at:

$92 from Adore Beauty
$92 from MYER
$92 from David Jones

Best primer for uneven skin texture: Revlon Illuminance Balm Primer

from $17.99 at Chemist Warehouse

"One of the best things about this primer is its ability to create a smooth, radiant canvas for makeup. It softens the look of pores and fine lines while giving the skin a healthy glow. Since it’s infused with moisturising ingredients, it feels super nourishing, almost like a lightweight moisturiser. This makes it perfect for people with dry or combination skin who need an extra boost of hydration before applying makeup. Even on no-makeup days, it gives the skin a nice, natural radiance without looking greasy or heavy." — Pearl B, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Two in one moisturiser and primer formula
Infused with squalane, shea butter, and vitamins
Lightweight and fast-absorbing rich texture
Softens, smooths and hydrates
Enhances radiance
Energising citrus fragrance

Available at:

$17.99 from Chemist Warehouse
$35.95 from MYER
$36 from Priceline

Main image credit: @ninapark

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