Primer is the secret weapon in any beauty kit, working to smooth your complexion and help your makeup last longer. But not all primers are right for every skin type and texture.
If you’re prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, you need a primer that won’t clog your pores and leave you
fighting a flareup for days.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best makeup primers for acne-prone, sensitive skin. We want you to look great, feel confident and get that smooth complexion you’re after without the hassle of a breakout.

Which Makeup Primer is Right for You?
First, let’s talk about sensitive skin types. Not all sensitive skin gets breakouts, and not all acne-prone skin is sensitive.
To choose the right primer, you have to
know your skin and how it
reacts to certain skincare. This is important because if you use the wrong product for your skin, you might actually make things worse.
The primers that work best on
sensitive, dry skin may not suit acne-prone skin as their ingredients may aggravate your oils. But if you use
acne-treatment primers, you may send your sensitive skin into a reaction overdrive.
When it comes to choosing the best primer for sensitive, acne-prone skin, select one that
suits your predominant skin type. Thankfully our tried-and-tested primer choices below give you options. If you’re
sensitive with the occasional acne, go for the first two. If your skin revels in those oh-so-inconvenient combination flareups of
sensitive, dry and acne, the second two are your best bets.

Is Primer Bad for Acne?
No, not if you choose the right one. The wrong primer can contribute to excess oil and
blocked pores. But, as we’ve seen above, when you
know your skin type, you can select a
makeup primer targeted to your needs.
Can Primers Help with Breakouts and Sensitivity?
Yes, but you’ve still got to do your bit too. No matter how perfectly suited your makeup primer is to your sensitive or acne-prone skin, you need to look after your skin to help
minimise breakouts and sensitivity flareups.
Making a habit of these
everyday beauty tips, as well as choosing the best makeup primer for your skin, will help.
Best Makeup Primer for Sensitive Skin
Skin that's sensitive to a variety of ingredients needs a soothing primer, such as
Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Calming Primer. Its soothing ingredients counteract irritation and help to nourish the skin’s barrier layer.
Best Makeup Primer for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
What if you need to counteract the dual complexion-dulling effects of acne and skin sensitivity?
MAKE UP FOR EVER Redness Correcting Primer is an ideal choice. This primer corrects the redness of acne with a lightweight yet hydrating formula suited to sensitive skin.
And if you have a touch of oily skin to throw into the mix, consider a primer formulated to control spots and shine, such as
elf Blemish Control Primer - ClearStill not sure which primer is right for you? Our customer service team at Adore Beauty offer unbiased product recommendations via chat and email.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.