NYX Primer Line Guide: Which Primer Type Is Right For Your Skin Type?

When it comes to makeup releases, NYX Professional Makeup stands out as a brand that consistently excites beauty enthusiasts. With an extensive range of products and a strong presence on social media, NYX has established itself as a respected name in the beauty industry. One of the standout offerings from NYX is their primer line, which caters to various skin types. In this NYX Primer Line Guide, we’ll explore the diverse options available, ensuring that there’s a primer to suit everyone’s preferences.

My Quick Run-through of the NYX Primers (And Why I LOVE Them)

NYX Professional Makeup offers a wide array of primers, each designed to address specific skin concerns. Whether you’re seeking a blurring effect, long-lasting wear, hydration, or a matte finish, NYX has a primer tailored for your needs. Here’s a closer look at some of the notable options:

1. 1st Base Blurring Primer: This primer minimizes the appearance of pores, but it’s worth noting that its texture might not be the best match for oily skin.
2. Primer Spray: Affordable and versatile, the Primer Spray works well for all skin types. However, it may lack innovative packaging.
3. The Marshmallow Smoothing Primer: A viral sensation in the beauty world, this primer is a favorite for many. It’s recommended for most skin types except dry skin.
4. Bright Maker Primer: Ideal for oily skin, the Bright Maker Primer offers extended wear of up to 17 hours.
5. High Glass Face Primer: This primer might not be the best choice for oily skin and can be easily overlooked.
6. Bare with Me Hydrating Jelly Primer: While exciting due to its jelly formula, it can be a bit challenging to apply. It hydrates and reduces pores.
7. Bare with Me Hemp Radiant Perfecting Primer: Hides imperfections but has a shorter wear time. Great for short events or outings.
8. Bare with Me Hemp SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer Primer: Perfect for dry skin, it offers hydration and built-in sun protection.
9. Hydra Touch Primer: Affordable and suitable for various skin types, it smooths the skin but might not be ultra-long-lasting.
10. Hydra Touch Oil Primer: Designed for super dry skin, this primer provides a dewy finish but isn’t the best choice for normal to oily skin.
11. Honey Dew Me Up Primer: While visually appealing, it might not deliver as a primer.
12. Pore Filler: Hides pores effectively but can be challenging to apply due to its texture and packaging.
13. Studio Perfect Primer: Offers color-correcting benefits with bright shades, but execution falls short.
14. Angel Veil – Skin Perfecting Primer: Leaves a grey tint, making it less appealing.
15. Shine Killer: Suitable for combination skin, but it might exacerbate oiliness for those with oily skin.
16. Total Control Drop Primer: With a lightweight, matte finish, this primer is worth the investment for those seeking a flawless makeup look.
17. Pigment Primer: Designed to prep eyeshadows, it’s cost-effective and discreetly packaged.

NYX Professional Makeup: A Brand Overview

Founded in Los Angeles in 1999, NYX Professional Makeup quickly gained fame for its jumbo eye pencils and eyeliners, capturing the essence of 90s makeup trends. Notably, NYX is a cruelty-free brand, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize ethical beauty options. The brand’s affordability also appeals to aspiring makeup artists and enthusiasts alike.

As you navigate NYX’s impressive primer line, consider your unique skin type and preferences. With a primer to match every need, you’re sure to find the perfect choice that enhances your makeup routine and helps you achieve a flawless finish.

What Is a Makeup Primer? A Comprehensive Guide

Makeup primers are essential products in any makeup enthusiast’s arsenal. They come in various forms, including gels, creams, liquids, and oils. The purpose of a primer is to create a smooth canvas for your makeup application, enhancing the overall look and feel of your makeup. Primers are typically applied before adding any other makeup to the face. Depending on the specific primer, they can offer a range of benefits, such as extending makeup wear (sometimes up to 24 hours), blurring imperfections, and minimizing the appearance of pores. Primers play a crucial role in creating a polished finish for your makeup.

NYX Primer Collection: Exploring Your Options

NYX Professional Makeup boasts an impressive collection of primers, catering to various skin types and preferences. With 17 different primers to choose from, including gels, liquids, and oils, the selection might initially appear overwhelming. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each NYX primer, helping you make an informed decision based on your unique skin type and budget.

1. 1st Base Blurring Primer

Pros:

• Cute and vibrant packaging
• Long-lasting, up to 12 hours
• Minimizes pores

Cons:

• Texture can be slightly clumpy
• Not recommended for oily skin

Appearance: The 1st Base Blurring Primer comes in eye-catching packaging with bold lilac and lime green hues. The collaboration with the TV show “Sex Education” adds a playful touch, featuring cartoon hands and a heart on the bottle. The primer is housed in a plastic bottle with a convenient screw-top lid at the bottom for easy dispensing.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 10/10 – Adorable and aligned with the “Sex Education” theme
• Longevity: 8/10 – Impressive 12-hour wear
• Application: 5/10 – Easy-to-use bottle, but texture is slightly different
• Formula & Effect: 10/10 – Vegan formulation that reduces pores

2. 1st Base Primer Spray

Pros:

• Quick and effortless spray application
• Long-lasting, up to 12 hours
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

• Simple and plain packaging
• No discernible scent

Appearance: The 1st Base Primer Spray adopts a minimalist design with black, white, and hints of bright pink lines. While it may not stand out visually, it excels as a practical primer spray.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 2/10 – Basic appearance lacking creativity
• Longevity: 8/10 – Impressive 12-hour wear, great for maintaining makeup
• Application: 10/10 – Spray application is convenient, especially for quick routines
• Formula & Effect: Vegan formulation suitable for all skin types

3. The Marshmallow Smoothing Primer

Pros:

• Delightful marshmallow scent
• Impressive ’10-in-1′ makeup benefits
• Long-lasting, up to 16 hours

Cons:

• Not ideal for dry skin due to its moisturizing properties
• Higher price point compared to other NYX primers

Appearance: The Marshmallow Smoothing Primer comes in a baby pink pump bottle. While the packaging is cute, it could have incorporated more marshmallow-themed visuals. The bottle design features black text, lacking imagery related to marshmallows.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 6/10 – Utilizes a charming baby pink color but misses an opportunity to incorporate marshmallow imagery.
• Longevity: 10/10 – Impressive 16-hour wear for all-day use.
• Application: 10/10 – User-friendly pump bottle with a soft whipped texture for smooth application.
• Formula & Effect: 10/10 – A standout formula with marshmallow extract, providing ten benefits in one product.

4. Bright Maker Primer

Pros:

• Remarkable 17-hour longevity
• Skin-brightening effect
• Controls oily skin

Cons:

• Higher cost relative to product value
• Simple design

Appearance: Bright Maker Primer’s packaging is inspired by the papaya extract it contains, featuring a peach-colored bottle. The design follows the same bottle shape as other NYX primers, with a screw-top end for easy product dispensing. The peach color is the primary visual highlight of the packaging.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 2/10 – Disappointing design with the peach color being the main redeeming feature.
• Longevity: 10/10 – Remarkable 17-hour wear for extended makeup longevity.
• Application: 10/10 – Convenient screw-top bottle for straightforward application.
• Formula & Effect: 8/10 – Rich formula that leaves skin smooth and bright, particularly suitable for oily skin.

5. High Glass Face Primer

Pros:

• Three shade options for variety
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Not recommended for oily skin
• Moderate longevity

Appearance: Part of the “High Glass” range, this primer comes in three shades: Rose Quartz, Moonbeam, and Sandy Glow. The packaging incorporates NYX’s classic black and white branding, with the primer shade indicated by a thick colored line.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 6/10 – Utilizes familiar NYX branding, though not particularly striking.
• Longevity: 4/10 – Moderately lasting; makeup may crack after 5-6 hours.
• Application: 10/10 – Consistent screw-top bottle design for easy application.
• Formula & Effect: 4/10 – While offering inclusivity with three shades, the primer’s longevity is lacking, and it adds a shine to the face.

6. Bare with Me Hydrating Jelly Primer

Pros:

• Unique jelly texture
• Portability
• Reduces pore appearance
• Provides hydration

Cons:

• Initial stickiness
• Not suitable for dry skin
• Application challenges

Appearance: Bare with Me Hydrating Jelly Primer features a simple light pink container. While the packaging isn’t particularly eye-catching, its compact size makes it convenient for on-the-go use.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 4/10 – The light pink color is pleasant, but it doesn’t stand out. Portability is a key advantage.
• Longevity: 8/10 – Offers good longevity and hydration for most of the day.
• Application: 2/10 – Jelly primers are exciting, but this one’s application is hindered by the difficulty of getting the product out of the bottle.
• Formula & Effect: 8/10 – Offers effective hydration and pore reduction, although it may not be ideal for dry skin.

7. Bare with Me Hemp Radiant Perfecting Primer

Pros:

• Hydration (up to 24 hours)
• Smooths skin and blurs imperfections

Cons:

• Limited longevity
• Unremarkable design

Appearance: Similar to other products in the “Bare with Me” range, this primer comes in a light pink bottle. There’s a faint white outline of the word “hemp,” but the design lacks distinctiveness.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 2/10 – Misses an opportunity to incorporate hemp imagery. Light pink color is the main visual feature.
• Longevity: 2/10 – Limited longevity, lasting only up to 5 hours before showing cracks in makeup.
• Application: 10/10 – Easy-to-use screw-top bottle for straightforward application.
• Formula & Effect: 5/10 – While it provides temporary benefits in smoothing and blurring, the longevity is disappointing.

8. Bare with Me Hemp Spf 30 Daily Moisturiser Primer

Pros:

• SPF 30 protection
• Hydration
• Pump application
• Suitable for dry skin

Cons:

• Greasy texture
• Unremarkable design

Appearance: Similar to the previous “Bare with Me” primer, this one comes in a light pink bottle but with a pump applicator instead of a screw-top lid.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 3/10 – Plain design with a pump applicator. Notably, a pump applicator is a positive feature.
• Longevity: 8/10 – Lasts well with built-in SPF protection.
• Application: 10/10 – Convenient pump applicator that ensures easy and mess-free application.
• Formula & Effect: 8/10 – Offers hydration and SPF protection, though its texture may feel greasy for some. More suitable for dry skin.

9. Hydra Touch Primer

Pros:

• Smoothing effect
• Suitable for all skin types
• Affordable

Cons:

• Limited concealing of imperfections
• Unremarkable design

Appearance: Presented in a bright baby blue bottle, the Hydra Touch Primer follows the familiar design of other NYX primers.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 3/10 – Baby blue color is pleasant, but the design doesn’t stand out much.
• Longevity: 5/10 – Average longevity, similar to other affordable primers.
• Application: 10/10 – Smooth and lightweight cream, easy to apply.
• Formula & Effect: 7/10 – Suitable for various skin types, though not highly effective at concealing imperfections.

10. Hydra Touch Oil Primer

Pros:

• Suitable for very dry skin
• Smooths skin
• Professional packaging

Cons:

• Unsuitable for oily skin
• Application challenges

Appearance: The Hydra Touch Oil Primer’s see-through bottle showcases the oil and the applicator clearly. The black lid adds a touch of professionalism.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 8/10 – Stands out among NYX primers with a professional-looking see-through bottle and a pipette applicator.
• Longevity: 5/10 – Average longevity, nothing exceptional.
• Application: 4/10 – The pipette applicator is a positive feature, but application can be challenging.
• Formula & Effect: 4/10 – While it’s excellent for very dry skin, its effectiveness is limited for other skin types.

11. Honey Dew Me Up Primer

Pros:

• Glamorous gold packaging
• Reduces redness

Cons:

• Sticky formula
• Application challenges

Appearance: Honey Dew Me Up features a vibrant gold design and a white spatula applicator inside a small see-through bottle.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 10/10 – Glamorous gold design stands out and adds visual appeal.
• Longevity: 2/10 – Provides a bright glow but lacks lasting power.
• Application: 3/10 – While visually appealing, the applicator is challenging to use.
• Formula & Effect: 5/10 – Sticky formula with a serum-like texture, offering a bright glow but not much moisturization.

12. Pore Filler

Pros:

• Reduces pore appearance
• Oil-free formula

Cons:

• Dry texture
• Application challenges

Appearance: Pore Filler follows NYX’s black and white branding, but doesn’t stand out in terms of design.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 5/10 – Uses classic NYX branding but lacks standout design.
• Longevity: 5/10 – Average longevity, effectively hides pores.
• Application: 3/10 – Dry texture makes application challenging; needs careful use.
• Formula & Effect: 6/10 – Hides pores and smooths, but the dry texture and application issues can be improved.

13. Studio Perfect Primer

Pros:

• Three shades for various uses
• Smoothing effect

Cons:

• Limited redness reduction
• Oily texture

Appearance: Featuring a color-coded design with clear, green, and purple shades, Studio Perfect Primer stands out with its visual variation.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 6/10 – Innovative color-coded design, but some functionalities fall short.
• Longevity: 4/10 – Limited longevity, similar to other NYX primers.
• Application: 10/10 – Easy application with a small amount.
• Formula & Effect: 6/10 – Innovative approach but disappoints in terms of redness reduction and texture.

14. Angel Veil – Skin Perfecting Primer

Pros:

• Smooths skin
• Reduces shine

Cons:

• Can leave a grey tint
• Unsuitable for oily skin

Appearance: Presented in a bright white bottle with a pink fluorescent lid, Angel Veil’s design incorporates an angelic theme.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 7/10 – Angelic text and pink lid add charm.
• Longevity: 7/10 – Lasts over 10 hours, suitable for extended wear.
• Application: 10/10 – Classic screw-top bottle for easy application.
• Formula & Effect: 4/10 – Leaves a grey tint on the face and may not be suitable for all skin types.

15. Shine Killer

Pros:

• Suitable for combination skin
• Blends well into makeup

Cons:

• Increases oiliness in oily skin
• Weak longevity

Appearance: Featuring NYX’s classic black and white branding, Shine Killer’s packaging is straightforward.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 5/10 – Plain design with classic NYX branding.
• Longevity: 2/10 – Makeup tends to crack after a few hours.
• Application: 10/10 – Easy-to-use screw-top bottle.
• Formula & Effect: 4/10 – May exacerbate oiliness for oily skin, while longevity is subpar.

16. Total Control Drop Primer

Pros:

• Matte finish
• Liquid formula
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Higher cost

Appearance: NYX Total Control Drop Primer stands out with its pipette applicator, coming in a baby pink bottle.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 8/10 – Unique design with a pipette applicator.
• Longevity: 10/10 – Lasts throughout the day.
• Application: 9/10 – Easy-to-use pipette for a liquid formula.
• Formula & Effect: 10/10 – Splurge-worthy for a matte finish with a lightweight feel.

17. Pigment Primer

Pros:

• Portability
• Keeps eyeshadow in place

Cons:

• Limited to eye use
• Sticky formula

Appearance: Presented in a small white tube, the Pigment Primer is easily portable.

My Ratings:

• Packaging: 7/10 – Portable design, though it doesn’t stand out.
• Longevity: 9/10 – Ensures eyeshadow stays in place all day.
• Application: 10/10 – Easy application with the small tube.
• Formula & Effect: 6/10 – Effective for eyeshadow, but limited to eye use and has a sticky formula.

Alternative Primers to Consider

For those interested in exploring different primer options beyond NYX, here are some alternatives worth considering:

• Oily Skin: Benefit the POREfessional Primer with Vitamin E for a flawless finish.
• Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer.
• Combination Skin: Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Makeup for a water-based product suitable for combination skin.
• Budget Option: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer for a matte finish and cost savings.
• Splurge Option: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer for a high-quality option.

Remember, finding the right primer depends on your skin type, makeup preferences, and desired effects.