12 Korean Face Primers For All Skin Types Tried In 2024

Author: Veruska Anconitano, Korean Beauty Lover And Korean Beauty JournalistAuthor information
Veruska
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Veruska Anconitano
Veruska Anconitano is a Korean beauty expert, combining her expertise as a seasoned journalist with a deeply personal passion for K-beauty.
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Korean primers have quickly become a staple among makeup lovers, reflecting the far-reaching influence of K-beauty. Renowned for combining innovative formulas with nourishing skincare elements, these primers not only enhance makeup longevity but also offer benefits that go beyond the surface. They meld skincare with makeup to deliver radiant, flawless finishes, making them an indispensable part of beauty routines worldwide.

A primer is a product devised to prepare and refine the skin, ensuring that makeup not only appears at its peak but also endures throughout the day. Acting as the unsung hero, primers bridge the gap between skincare and makeup. They smooth out imperfections, control oil, hydrate, and establish an ideal canvas, thus boosting the performance and finish of the makeup that follows.

To offer the most reliable and insightful information, the primers I’ve reviewed in this article haven’t been selected on a whim. Each has been subjected to thorough testing and scrutiny, ensuring that my recommendations are rooted in genuine experiences.

So, let’s deep dive into the list of the best Korean primers for all skin types before understanding the science behind these products and their benefits.

Bestseller Korean Face Primers Tried And Tested

Dive into my meticulously curated list of bestseller Korean face primers, each tried, tested, and vetted to ensure you’re introduced to the crème de la crème of the beauty world.

Missha’s M BB Boomer Primer

Missha’s M BB Boomer Primer
Of the myriad primers that have graced my makeup collection, Missha’s M BB Boomer stands out as my favorite Korean primer.

Not only does it lay down a perfect canvas for makeup, but it also works wonders on hyperpigmentation, making it a cherished gem in my routine. Designed to maximize the longevity and vibrancy of BB creams, this primer boasts a pinkish pearl hue that instantaneously brightens and revives the complexion, imparting a luminous, youthful glow.

Enriched with moisturizing ingredients and anti-aging properties, it not only preps the skin but also nourishes and protects it. Its texture, light and effortlessly blendable, ensures an even application, setting the stage for a makeup masterpiece.

  • Who is this for: Tailored for individuals who frequently use BB creams and desire an enhanced, radiant finish. It’s also an excellent choice for those looking to address early signs of aging and hyperpigmentation while achieving a luminous glow.
  • Why it’s good: The primer’s unique formulation amplifies the performance of BB creams, ensuring they appear more vibrant and last longer. Moreover, the inclusion of anti-aging properties and moisturizing elements means you’re treating your skin as you prime.
  • Main strengths:
    • Specially formulated to boost BB cream performance.
    • Pinkish pearl hue for immediate skin brightening.
    • Infused with anti-aging properties for skin protection.
    • Hydrating formula that keeps the skin supple.

TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer

A game-changer in the industry, the TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer effortlessly blurs imperfections, delivering a porcelain-smooth canvas for makeup application. This lightweight primer not only minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines but also ensures that your makeup stays put throughout the day. Infused with a blend of green tea extracts and soluble collagen, it rejuvenates and firms the skin, offering an additional layer of skincare benefits.

With its velvety texture and non-greasy formula, it glides on seamlessly, leaving your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and ready for any makeup challenge.

  • Who is this for: Ideal for individuals seeking a primer that offers both skin-refining properties and prolonged makeup wear. Suitable for all skin types, especially those wanting to diminish visible pores and fine lines.
  • Why it’s good: Apart from its exceptional pore-blurring capabilities, it’s enriched with green tea extracts and soluble collagen, ingredients renowned for their skin-revitalizing properties. This primer doesn’t just prepare the skin for makeup; it nurtures it.
  • Main strengths:
    • Powerful pore and fine line minimization.
    • Enhanced makeup longevity.
    • Infusion of skin-beneficial ingredients.
    • Lightweight and non-greasy formula.

Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Primer

Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Primer

Experience a transformative journey to picture-perfect skin with Innisfree’s No-Sebum Blur Primer. This primer is expertly crafted to diminish the appearance of pores and irregularities, providing a soft-focus finish that mirrors the effects of your favorite image lazy photo filter.

Drawing inspiration from the purity of Jeju, it incorporates natural mineral and mint extracts, effectively balancing oil levels and ensuring a fresh, matte complexion. Its creamy yet lightweight texture offers easy spreadability, making the skin primed and set for a flawless makeup session.

  • Who is this for: This primer is a match made in heaven for those yearning for a soft-focus finish with reduced visibility of pores and imperfections. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with combination to oily skin types who seek a lasting matte look.
  • Why it’s good: Besides its blurring prowess, the primer leans on the natural essence of Jeju minerals and mint extracts. This composition not only controls excess sebum but also ensures the skin feels revitalized, fresh, and never overly dry.
  • Main strengths:
    • Exceptional blurring effect for a photo-ready finish.
    • Efficient sebum control for a lasting matte complexion.
    • Harnesses the natural goodness of Jeju-derived ingredients.
    • Creamy, easily spreadable formula.

Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur

Step into the limelight with the Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur, a primer that’s akin to having a personal retoucher for your skin.

This multi-functional product illuminates, smoothens, and primes the skin, creating a radiant backdrop for makeup application. Enhanced with a subtle luminescence, it imparts a youthful glow that’s sure to turn heads. Beyond mere aesthetics, it also offers sun protection with its SPF properties, making it a great ally against daily sun exposure. Its lightweight formula ensures a comfortable wear, leaving the skin looking and feeling refreshed.

  • Who is this for: Ideal for those who want more than just a primer. It’s tailored for individuals seeking a radiant glow, smoother skin texture, and added sun protection. Suitable for all skin types, especially those wanting a luminous finish.
  • Why it’s good: Apart from its blurring and illuminating effects, the primer boasts SPF, offering a shield against harmful UV rays. This multi-tasking primer not only perfects the skin’s appearance but also provides practical everyday protection.
  • Main strengths:
    • Multi-dimensional luminous finish.
    • Smoothens skin texture for a refined look.
    • SPF properties for daily sun protection.
    • Lightweight, breathable formula.

Banila Prime Primer

Elevate your makeup base to unparalleled heights with Banila’s Prime Primer. This iconic product is revered for its transformative capabilities, setting a pristine, smooth canvas that’s ready to enhance any makeup look. It masterfully blurs pores, fine lines, and imperfections, ensuring that your foundation and makeup glide on flawlessly.

Its weightless formula feels almost imperceptible on the skin, yet it packs a punch in terms of performance, effectively controlling oil and ensuring makeup longevity. Enriched with botanical extracts, this primer also offers a hint of hydration, ensuring the skin remains supple and vibrant throughout the day.

  • Who is this for: Perfect for makeup enthusiasts who crave a flawless, airbrushed finish. It caters to a range of skin types, from oily to dry, ensuring every complexion gets a touch of perfection.
  • Why it’s good: Beyond its impeccable blurring abilities, the primer is formulated with botanical extracts that provide a burst of hydration. It’s a harmonious blend of makeup enhancement and skincare nourishment, ensuring your skin looks and feels its best.
  • Main strengths:
    • Superior blurring effect for a flawless canvas.
    • Effective oil control for a fresh look all day.
    • Nourishing botanical extracts for skin hydration.
    • Featherlight, non-greasy texture.

Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream

Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream is a multifunctional, all-in-one moisturizer that is more than just a cream—it’s an experience.

Infused with the potent power of egg extracts, including egg yolk and egg white, it provides intense hydration, firming, and a radiant boost. This rich cream effortlessly melts into the skin, addressing multiple concerns ranging from dryness to loss of elasticity. With its creamy consistency and fast-absorbing nature, it leaves the skin feeling velvety soft, nourished, and rejuvenated.

  • Who is this for: Those in search of a versatile moisturizer that caters to a range of skin needs, from hydration to firming. It’s especially beneficial for individuals with dry or aging skin, seeking both nourishment and a youthful bounce.
  • Why it’s good: The cream’s unique combination of egg yolk and egg white extracts offers a dual approach to skincare—delivering hydration while promoting firmness. This holistic approach ensures the skin is not just moisturized, but also revitalized and resilient.
  • Main strengths:
    • All-in-one solution addressing hydration, firming, and radiance.
    • Enriched with potent egg extracts for maximum benefits.
    • Luxurious, fast-absorbing texture.
    • Suitable for a broad spectrum of skin types.

VDL Lumilayer Primer Fresh

VDL primer

VDL Lumilayer Primer Fresh harnesses the power of luminescence to create a lit-from-within glow. Formulated with VDL’s signature Lumilayer Prismatic Pearls, it captures and reflects light, imbuing the skin with a multi-dimensional luminosity.

Apart from its illuminating properties, the primer offers a lightweight, hydrating formula that feels refreshingly cool upon application. It effortlessly preps the skin, ensuring an even canvas for makeup while bestowing a dewy, ethereal sheen.

  • Who is this for: Suitable for individuals seeking a primer that provides both radiant illumination and hydration. It’s a favorite among those who adore a dewy, glowing finish.
  • Why it’s good: Leveraging the brilliance of Lumilayer Prismatic Pearls, this primer doesn’t just prep the skin—it transforms it. Beyond illumination, its hydrating properties ensure that the skin feels quenched and refreshed, making makeup application a breezy affair.
  • Main strengths:
    • Advanced luminescence with Lumilayer Prismatic Pearls.
    • Delivers a hydrated, dewy finish.
    • Lightweight and cool upon application.
    • Creates an even canvas for makeup.

HOLIKA HOLIKA Naked Face Balancing Primer

HOLIKA HOLIKA’s Naked Face Balancing Primer stands true to its name, striving to strike the perfect balance for your skin. Formulated to even out skin tone, it effortlessly diminishes redness, sallowness, and any uneven patches, ensuring a harmonious, balanced complexion.

Infused with a blend of nourishing ingredients, this primer not only prepares the skin but also imparts a soft, velvety touch, enhancing both the look and feel of your complexion. Its lightweight texture ensures a breathable base, making makeup application seamless and long-lasting.

  • Who is this for: Tailored for those aiming to achieve an even and balanced skin tone. It’s especially suited for individuals grappling with redness or sallowness and seek a unified, flawless base for their makeup.
  • Why it’s good: The primer’s unique formulation targets skin imbalances, effectively neutralizing uneven skin tones. Additionally, the blend of nourishing ingredients ensures that while your skin looks impeccable, it’s also being pampered and cared for.
  • Main strengths:
    • Expert at neutralizing and balancing skin tone.
    • Enriched with nourishing ingredients for a soft, velvety touch.
    • Lightweight and breathable formula.
    • Enhances makeup longevity and appearance.

Peach C Peach Glow Makeup Base

Peach C Peach Glow Makeup Base is undoubtedly one of the most lightweight primers in the market, thanks to its unique gel formulation.

Especially perfect for those sweltering days or in humid climates, this makeup base offers a respite from heavy cosmetics. Infused with a hint of peachy glow, it delivers a luminous, radiant finish that instantly brightens and rejuvenates the complexion. Its gel-like consistency ensures easy application, quick absorption, and a non-sticky finish, setting the stage for makeup that stays fresh and vibrant throughout the day.

  • Who is this for: Ideal for those who desire a radiant glow without the weight of typical primers. It’s especially suited for individuals in warmer or humid environments, seeking a light and refreshing makeup base.
  • Why it’s good: The primer’s gel formulation guarantees a weightless feel while still delivering a radiant, peachy glow. This combination of comfort and aesthetics ensures your makeup not only looks impeccable but also feels breezy and light.
  • Main strengths:
    • Featherlight gel consistency for utmost comfort.
    • Imparts a luminous, peachy radiance.
    • Quick-absorbing with a non-sticky finish.
    • Perfect for warm and humid conditions.

Heimish Artless Glow Base

Heimish Artless Glow Base offers both makeup and skincare benefits in one seamless package. Its illuminating formula provides a subtle, natural glow, ensuring your skin exudes a dewy, fresh luminance.

Beyond its aesthetic prowess, the Glow Base is infused with a cocktail of nourishing ingredients and sun protection, making it a multifaceted shield against external aggressors while enhancing the skin’s overall appearance. The texture, silky and light, ensures a smooth application, setting an impeccable stage for the makeup that follows.

  • Who is this for: Tailored for those seeking a radiant, dewy finish along with added skincare benefits. It’s an excellent fit for individuals who value both protection and luminance in their makeup base.
  • Why it’s good: This primer doesn’t merely illuminate; it also serves as a protective barrier with its sun protection properties. Its formula, enriched with nourishing ingredients, ensures the skin gets a dose of care while prepping for makeup.
  • Main strengths:
    • Dual functionality of luminance and protection.
    • Offers sun protection against harmful UV rays.
    • Infused with skin-nurturing ingredients.
    • Silky texture for a flawless makeup application.

THE FACE SHOP Air Cotton Makeup Base SPF30 PA++

THE FACE SHOP - Air Cotton Makeup Base SPF30 PA++
When it comes to sun protection in a primer, THE FACE SHOP’s Air Cotton Makeup Base SPF30 PA++ undoubtedly takes the crown.

This makeup base seamlessly merges the benefits of a primer with the high defense of a sunscreen. Crafted with a unique air cotton formula, it feels incredibly lightweight on the skin, ensuring comfort without compromising on protection.

It not only preps the skin, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application, but also shields it from harmful UV rays, making it an indispensable ally in your daily beauty routine.

  • Who is this for: Perfect for those who are consistently exposed to the sun and need a makeup base that offers both priming and protective benefits. It’s especially suited for individuals who prioritize sun protection in their makeup routine.
  • Why it’s good: The primer’s standout feature is its robust SPF30 PA++ protection, ensuring the skin remains safeguarded from UV damage. This, combined with its lightweight air cotton formula, ensures your skin remains fresh, protected, and ready for makeup.
  • Main strengths:
    • Superior sun protection with SPF30 PA++.
    • Air cotton formula for a featherlight feel.
    • Creates a smooth canvas for makeup.
    • Dual functionality of priming and protection.

A’PIEU Start Up Pore Primer

A’PIEU’s Start Up Pore Primer offers an unparalleled solution to visible pores and uneven skin texture. Its innovative formula dives deep into the skin’s surface, blurring out pores and smoothing fine lines to create a flawless canvas. Beyond its priming prowess, the product also offers a touch of hydration, ensuring the skin remains plump and vibrant.

Its lightweight consistency ensures effortless blendability, paving the way for a seamless and long-lasting makeup application.

  • Who is this for: Those who are determined to achieve a poreless, smooth finish. It’s especially tailored for individuals who wish to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, ensuring their makeup looks impeccable from start to finish.
  • Why it’s good: The primer’s key strength lies in its potent pore-blurring properties. When coupled with its hydrating elements, it doesn’t just offer a refined look but also nurtures the skin, striking a balance between aesthetics and care.
  • Main strengths:
    • Exceptional at blurring pores and smoothing skin texture.
    • Provides a hint of hydration for plump, vibrant skin.
    • Lightweight formula ensures easy blendability.
    • Sets the stage for a flawless makeup look.

The Benefit of A Primer

The benefits of a primer extend far beyond just preparing the skin for makeup. At its core, a primer serves as a protective barrier and enhancer, ensuring makeup not only looks impeccable but remains that way throughout the day.

One of the most notable advantages is its prowess in reducing the appearance of pores, giving the skin a smoother, more refined finish. For those battling with an oily complexion, primers are a godsend; they effectively control oil, preventing the mid-day shine that often leads to makeup breakdown.

But perhaps the most celebrated benefit of a primer is its ability to enhance makeup wear. By providing an optimal base, it ensures that foundations, eyeshadows, and other cosmetic products adhere better and stay vibrant for extended periods.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Korean Primer for Your Skin

When choosing a Korean primer, make sure you consider the following features:

Skin Type

  • Oily: If your skin tends to produce excess oil, seek a primer that offers mattifying properties to control shine.
  • Dry: For dry skin, a hydrating primer can make all the difference, ensuring the skin remains moisturized.
  • Combination: A balanced primer that offers both hydration and oil control would be ideal for this skin type.
  • Sensitive: Gentle formulas without harsh ingredients are crucial for those with sensitive skin.

Desired Finish

  • Matte: If you prefer a shine-free, muted finish, a matte primer is your best bet.
  • Dewy: For a radiant, luminous look, opt for primers that impart a dewy glow.
  • Natural: For an understated, authentic skin appearance, natural-finish primers are the way to go.

Ingredients

  • For Hydration: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are great for delivering moisture to the skin.
  • For Oil Control: Look for primers containing ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, which help in managing oil production.
  • For Sensitive Skin: Ingredients like centella asiatica, chamomile, and aloe vera can soothe and calm irritable skin.
Korean skin care products

How to Apply A Korean Primer for Best Results

Achieving a flawless makeup look starts with a well-prepared base. Korean primers, renowned for their innovative formulas and efficacy, can make all the difference. To harness their full potential, follow these steps:

  1. Clean and Moisturize: Begin with a clean slate. Wash your face using a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat your skin dry and follow up with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type. This ensures your skin is well-hydrated, making it more receptive to the primer.
  2. Apply a Pea-sized Amount: Less is more when it comes to primers. Squeeze out a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips. This quantity is typically sufficient for the entire face, ensuring you don’t overload your skin.
  3. Focus on Problem Areas: While it’s essential to apply primer all over the face, pay special attention to problem areas. If you have enlarged pores, make sure to dab and gently press the primer into those regions. Similarly, if you have an oily T-zone, ensure it’s well-covered.
  4. Allow it to Set: After applying the primer, give it a moment to settle into the skin. Waiting for a minute or two ensures that the primer has fully absorbed and created the perfect canvas. This step is crucial as it prevents the foundation from mixing with the primer, ensuring maximum longevity and a smoother finish.

Following these steps diligently will elevate the performance of your Korean primer, ensuring your makeup looks impeccable and lasts longer.

Korean Primers: Beyond the Basics

Gone are the days when primers were solely used to refine the skin’s texture and prolong makeup wear. Today’s Korean primers come packed with an array of additional benefits, making them multi-functional powerhouses in any skincare and makeup routine.

Here are some standout categories:

  1. Primers with SPF: A smart way to incorporate sun protection into your daily routine is by opting for primers infused with SPF. These primers not only prepare your skin for makeup but also shield it from harmful UV rays, ensuring you’re protected against potential sun damage.
  2. Color Correcting Primers: Tackling skin discoloration becomes effortless with color-correcting primers. Whether you’re combating redness, sallowness, or dullness, there’s a primer designed to neutralize and balance out those concerns, ensuring a more even-toned complexion.
  3. Primers with Skincare Ingredients: Bridging the gap between skincare and makeup, several Korean primers now boast skincare-centric ingredients. For instance:
    • Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its moisture-retaining properties, primers with this ingredient ensure the skin remains plump and hydrated.
    • Niacinamide: This powerhouse ingredient not only helps in controlling oil but also brightens the complexion, making it a fantastic addition to primers.

Incorporating such primers into your regimen ensures that while you’re laying down a canvas for makeup, you’re also feeding your skin with essential ingredients and benefits.

Conclusion

The role of a primer is both foundational and transformative when it comes to make up. It sets the stage, ensuring every subsequent layer — be it foundation, concealer, or blush — shines in its full glory. Choosing the right Korean primer isn’t merely about enhancing makeup longevity; it’s about tailoring your choice to your skin’s unique needs, ensuring that every pore, every line, is catered to with precision. As the beauty landscape expands, so do the options available to us.

With such a diverse range of primers, each boasting its unique set of benefits, the journey to find ‘the one’ might seem daunting.

But remember, beauty is as much about experimentation as it is about expression. So, venture out, play with different formulas, textures, and ingredients. In this vast world of Korean primers, your perfect match awaits, ready to elevate your makeup game to unparalleled heights.

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