Create a seamless palette for you to put your makeup on with these top Korean primers!
Primers are hugely underestimated when it comes to makeup. The common misconception is that, when you use high-end makeup, you don’t need a primer. I beg to differ as even that expensive makeup can use a good base.
Primers help make your makeup last longer, and as with most Korean skincare and makeup products, Korean primers come chock full of other ingredients that help improve the texture and health of your skin.
Top Korean Primers — Quick Summary
| Top Korean Primers | Best For |
| INNISFREE NO-SEBUM Blur Primer | Oily Skin |
| TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer | All Skin Types |
| Too Cool for School All-in-One Egg Mellow Cream | Anti-wrinkle & Skin Tightening |
| MISSHA M BB Boomer | Using Under BB Creams |
| TONYMOLY Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm | Skin Tightening |
| BANILA CO Prime Primer Classic | Normal Skin |
| Miguhara B.p Cream | Minimising Pores |
| Etude House FIX & FIX Tone Up Primer | Sun Protection & Toning |
Best Picks For Top Korean Primers:
- MISSHA M BB Boomer – Reduces fine lines, sagging and wrinkles
- TONYMOLY Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm – Helps tightens your skin
- Etude House FIX & FIX Tone Up Primer – Provides sun protection
Read on for the reviews of the top Korean primers you can find:
My thoughts on Etude House fix & fix tone up primer
— Loveforkbeauty (@Loveforkbeauty) May 6, 2019
I really have difficulties using Korean green primers. These primers are simply primers to even your skin tone from redness (which I do have) and to make the final result more even. But what always see… https://t.co/BcjGBzOs7v pic.twitter.com/KQXx3JEW4u
Which is the best Korean primer?
I tried and tested several Korean primers on different parameters. While all Korean primers in this list were great, the Etude House FIX&FIX Tone Up Primer stood out to me the most.
Etude House FIX&FIX Tone Up Primer is rated the best Korean primer. It not only covers up blemishes but also gives you sun protection as it has SPF 33. It comes in 4 different variants – Pores, Rose, Mint, and Lavender.
The Pores variant minimizes pores and tightens the skin. The rose variant tones and brightens your skin tone. The Mint variant soothes skin and reduces inflammation. While the lavender variant calms the skin and corrects the skin tone.
Best Korean Primers 2023
How to choose the best Korean primers for your skin?
Choosing the best Korean primer for your skin involves considering several factors. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
- Identify Your Skin Type: Determine your skin type (e.g., oily, dry, combination, sensitive) as this will guide you in selecting the appropriate primer formulation.
- Consider Your Skin Concerns: Assess your specific skin concerns, such as large pores, redness, dullness, or uneven texture. Look for primers that address these concerns or offer specific benefits, such as oil control, hydration, or color correction.
- Texture and Finish: Decide on the desired texture and finish of the primer. Korean primers come in various forms, including gel, cream, balm, or mattifying powders. Consider whether you prefer a lightweight, dewy, matte, or pore-blurring finish.
- Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients in the primer. Look for ones that are suitable for your skin type and offer additional benefits. For example, if you have dry skin, seek hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, while oily skin may benefit from oil-absorbing or mattifying ingredients like silica or tea tree oil.
- SPF Protection: If sun protection is important to you, choose a primer with SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF rating of at least 30 or higher.
- Read Reviews and Recommendations: Research online reviews, recommendations, and beauty blogs to gather insights from others who have similar skin types or concerns. This can help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision.
- Sample or Patch Test: If possible, try to obtain samples or patch test the primer before purchasing the full-sized product. This allows you to assess its compatibility with your skin, texture, and how it performs throughout the day.
- Brand Reputation and Availability: Consider the reputation and reliability of the brand. Look for well-established Korean beauty brands known for their quality products. Additionally, check the availability of the primer in your area or through reputable online retailers.
Remember, what works for others may not necessarily work for you, so it’s important to listen to your skin’s needs and preferences. It may take some trial and error to find the best Korean primer that suits your specific skin type, concerns, and desired outcome.
Do you have large pores and oily skin? If so, there are makeup primers that are formulated to conceal large pores and control excess oil. Here are a few primers that can help you based on your #skin type: https://t.co/0uN9MFpRel#Makeup pic.twitter.com/F31RXUI44r
— Pretty Beautique (@PrettyBeautique) October 14, 2020
Korean primer vs Korean foundations for skin: what’s the difference?
The main difference between Korean primers and Korean foundations lies in their purpose and function:
- Purpose: Primers are used as a preparatory step before applying foundation or other makeup products. They create a smooth canvas for makeup application, extend the wear time of foundation, and help improve its overall appearance. On the other hand, foundations are used to even out skin tone, provide coverage, and create a base for the rest of your makeup.
- Function: Primers focus on enhancing the performance and longevity of foundation. They often have specific benefits, such as blurring pores, controlling oil, adding hydration, or color correcting. Primers can also address specific skin concerns like redness, dullness, or uneven texture, helping to create a more flawless and polished look.
Foundations, on the other hand, are formulated to provide coverage and create an even skin tone. They come in various finishes, such as matte, dewy, or natural, and different levels of coverage, ranging from sheer to full. Foundations are designed to be the main base for your makeup, providing the desired level of coverage and enhancing the appearance of your skin.
While both primers and foundations are commonly used together, they serve different purposes. Primers are optional but can enhance the performance and longevity of your foundation. Foundations, on the other hand, are typically considered a staple in makeup routines as they provide coverage and create an even base.
It’s worth noting that some Korean products may combine the benefits of both primer and foundation, known as “primer foundations” or “tinted primers.” These products offer a blend of priming and coverage properties, providing a lightweight, multitasking option for those who prefer a simplified makeup routine.
Ultimately, the choice between a Korean primer and foundation depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some people may prefer using both, while others may opt for just one depending on their desired makeup look and the condition of their skin.
INNISFREE NO-SEBUM Blur Primer
Top Korean Primers For Oily Skin
Trust the K-beauty industry to take care of your skin in every single skincare product they make. If you have extremely oily skin, the Innisfree No-sebum blur primer is the right choice to give you a mattifying look.
Key Features:
- The active ingredient is the extract of the camellia sinensis leaf
- It effectively controls the sebum production in the skin
- Keeps skin free of oil all day long
- Also contains titanium dioxide which offers sun protection
- Contains Jeju green persimmon extracts
- Firms the skin
Pros:
- Gives oily skin a mattefying finish
- Blurs the skin and hides imperfections
- Alcohol-free formula
Cons:
- Too much of the product can clog the pores
Related: Must-have K-beauty products
TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer
Top Korean Primers for All Skin Types
The Touch in Sol No Pore Blem Primer is a versatile primer that can be used by all skin types, thanks to its hypoallergenic formula. It minimises the pores, tightens the skin and helps your makeup last all day long.
Key Features:
- Contains green tea extracts
- Refreshes the skin and hydrates
- Tightens the pores and gives a smooth texture
- Contains collagen that makes the skin more elastic and supple
- Hydrates the skin and keeps it moist all day long
- Gentle formula that is safe for the skin
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Takes time to get absorbed into the skin
- Related: Top Korean Makeup Products
- Related: Top Korean Foundations
- Related: Top Korean CC Creams
- Related: Best Korean Makeup Brands
Too Cool for School All-in-One Egg Mellow Cream
Top Korean Primers For Anti-wrinkle & Skin Tightening
Infused with the benefits of egg whites, the Too Cool for School All-in-One Egg Mellow Cream instantly tightens the skin and keeps wrinkles and fine lines away. It nourishes the skin and brightens it, while helping your makeup last longer.
Key Features:
- Active ingredients are albumin and collagen from egg whites
- Has the properties of tightening the skin and minimising the pores
- Makes skin firmer almost instantly
- Increases the elasticity of the skin
- Makes skin more supple and plump
- Contains niacinamide as another active ingredient
- Brightens the skin and fades pigmentation
Pros:
- Instant firming of the skin
Cons:
- Contains added colourants
Related: Best Korean cleansing foams
MISSHA M BB Boomer
Top Korean Primers for Using Under BB Creams
The Missha M BB Boomer is specifically formulated to be used under BB creams. It does work well under your favorite foundations too, but we find that with a BB cream, your skin looks almost flawless. Not just that, this primer is also effective in keeping the skin hydrated and nourishes it with its active ingredients.
Key Features:
- Meant to be used with BB creams
- Contains adenosine and arbutin
- Moisturises skin and tightens it
- Contains extracts of moringa and squalene
- Locks in hydration and keeps skin plump
- Reduces fine lines, sagging and wrinkles
Pros:
- Works beautifully under BB creams
Cons:
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Related: Best Korean cleansing oils
TONYMOLY Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm
Top Korean Primers For Skin Tightening
TonyMoly’s Egg Pore Silky Smooth Balm is a blend of all the good herbs you can lay your hands on, to keep your skin fresh and smooth all day long. From the packaging, I’m sure you have already guessed that one of the main ingredients is egg, which helps tighten your skin.
Key Features:
- Contains egg extracts as the main ingredient
- Tightens the pores and firms the skin
- Contains a blend of herbs that include lemon, pepper and burdock
- Smoothens the skin
- Nourishes the skin and keep infections away
- Brightens the skin
Pros:
- Comes in a cute packaging
Cons:
- Comes in a jar, makes it difficult to dispense and use the product
BANILA CO Prime Primer Classic
Top Korean Primers For Normal Skin
Get a smooth, matte look for your skin with the Prime Primer Classic by Banila Co. The primer is light, with sebum controlling properties, while still keeping your skin hydrated.
Key Features:
- Light in weight
- Spreads easily and gets absorbed quickly
- Reduces the production of sebum and keeps skin looking fresh
- Hydrates the skin
- Can be used over makeup as well
- Leaves skin feeling smooth
- Evens out the skin tone
Pros:
- Effective in reducing the sebum production
- Available in three variants, for dry skin, normal skin as well as oily skin
Miguhara B.p Cream
Top Korean Primers for Minimising Pores
The Miguhara B.p Cream comes in a tiny squeeze tube as a solution for your oily skin and blackheads. The primer has a blurring effect that blurs not only your blackheads, but also other skin imperfections, and leaves you with smooth, flawless skin.
If you have oily skin, fret not, cos this primer also absorbs the excess oil and gives your skin a mattifying finish.
Key Features:
- Tightens the skin
- Minimises the appearance of pores
- Has a blurring effect
- Diminishes the appearance of blackheads and other imperfections
- Leaves skin with a matte finish
- Reduces the shine on the face by absorbing oil
Pros:
- Effective in minimising pores and blurring blackheads
- Suitable for oily skin
Etude House FIX&FIX Tone Up Primer
Top Korean Primers For Sun Protection & Toning
The Fix&Fix Tone up Primer by Etude House not only tones your skin and makes it smoother, but also protects it from the harsh and damaging effects of the sun. Not just that, this toner comes in 4 varieties, so you choose the one you want depending on what results you wish to achieve.
Key Features:
- Comes in four varieties
- “Pores” is for minimising pores and tightening the skin
- The “rose” variant is for toning the skin and brightening it
- “Mint” primer is for soothing the skin and reducing inflammation and redness
- The “Lavender” variant is for calming the skin and correcting the tone
Pros:
- Protects your skin from sun damage with SPF 33
- Variety of four to suit every skin issue
Best Korean Primer: FAQs
What is a primer?
Apart from helping your makeup last longer, primers also smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, pores and wrinkles. They form a good base for your other makeup.
What to look for in a primer?
Like any makeup product, you have to choose a primer based on your skin type. If you have oily skin, go for a primer that has sebum controlling ingredients. Dry skin can benefit from a moisturizing primer. For hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, choose primers that can color correct and tighten the skin.
When and how to apply a primer?
Complete your skincare routine and apply a primer as your first layer of makeup. Even if you don’t wish to use makeup, you can apply a primer for that smooth and toned look. Take a small amount of the primer and dot it on your face. Spread it using your fingertips for good absorption.
What are the benefits of using a primer?
A primer is extremely important for those who apply makeup often. Toner does two things for the skin – firstly, it protects the skin and secondly, it helps cover up blemishes, pores, and wrinkles. Applying a toner enhances your overall makeup look as it gives the skin a certain glow underneath the makeup. Korean primers are usually hydrating in nature and formulated with skin nourishing ingredients that help improve the skin texture as well! And finally a primer holds the makeup together by forming a layer between your moisturizer and the makeup.
Choose a Korean Primer the way you would choose any skincare product- based on your skin type and the problems you want to address.
Many Korean primers today come with ingredients that nourish the skin and improve its health, like added SPF for sun protection, sebum controlling properties for oily skin and hydrating ingredients for dry skin.
If you have scars and blemishes, opt for a primer that has blurring properties for covering imperfections.
Always test a sample first and make sure it suits your skin type as well as matches your foundation before buying a larger quantity.
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All our editors including the author of this article, Jih Yun do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. BestKoreanproducts has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.
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