Tacky gel that grips foundation to stop slipping and separation in hot, humid weather — press it in gently, don’t rub, after sunscreen.
We may earn a small referral fee
I stepped out into sticky summer air with fresh makeup and by the time I reached my car, my T-zone looked shiny and my foundation was starting to bunch around my nose. Now I take an extra 30 seconds to press in a grippy drugstore primer after sunscreen instead of rubbing, and my base stays smoother even when I am sweating.
In-depth Reviews
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
- Noticeably improves wear and reduces sliding
- Works well under both skin tints and full coverage
- Gives a smooth, hydrated-looking finish without feeling greasy
- Can pill if you rub it over certain sunscreens
- Not the most oil-mattifying option
NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer Primer
- Cuts shine and helps base look freshly applied longer
- Smooth, velvety finish that layers well under foundation
- Great targeted primer for the T-zone
- Can emphasize dry patches if skin is dehydrated
- Less of a gripping feel than gel-style primers
Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime Blur + Smooth Primer
- Soft-focus blur that smooths texture under makeup
- Makes light base products look more even and refined
- Comfortable, non-tacky feel
- Not the strongest for sweat and slip on very humid days
Milani Prime Shield Sunscreen Primer SPF 30
- Adds primer benefits with built-in SPF
- Helps makeup apply more evenly over sunscreen-like texture
- Comfortable for normal to dry-leaning summer skin
- Can look shiny if overapplied
- Still needs proper sunscreen habits for long outdoor days
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer
- Matte hold that helps prevent slipping in humidity
- Helps foundation set and stay smoother through the day
- Great with long-wear matte foundations
- Can feel drying on dehydrated skin
- May cling if you have texture or flaking
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: The Summer Primer Routine That Prevents Sliding and Caking
Let layers set, then press, do not rub. In summer, most “my makeup is pilling” issues come down to friction. After moisturizer and sunscreen, give your skin a few minutes to settle, then apply primer with gentle pressing motions. Rubbing can lift the layer underneath and create little product balls that show up once you add foundation.
Use less product, and keep it where it counts. Start with a small amount of primer and apply it only where you need it most, like the T-zone, around pores, or where makeup breaks apart. If you want both blur and grip, you can layer strategically: blurring primer on pore areas, gripping primer on slide zones. Thin layers are the secret to staying smooth instead of building texture.
Set “strategically,” then melt it back together. Instead of powdering the whole face heavily (which can look dry in bright sunlight), press a small amount of loose powder into the areas that get shiny first. Then mist setting spray and lightly press with a damp sponge to take away the powdery look while keeping the hold. This little step is also great when you want makeup to look soft and natural up close, not just long-wearing from a distance.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is my top drugstore pick for summer because it adds real staying power without making skin feel heavy, and it plays nicely with both skin tints and fuller coverage. If shine is your biggest issue, move straight to NYX Shine Killer, and if you want the most soft-focus smoothing, Maybelline Master Prime Blur + Smooth is the easy win.
See also
If you are torn between looking smoother or feeling comfortable, start with pore-blurring vs hydrating primers and then compare finishes with our best matte primer picks.
- Milk Makeup Hydro Grip primer review (a popular grippy benchmark)
- lightweight foundations that pair well with summer primers
- SPF setting spray picks for easy reapplication on the go
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Do I need primer in summer if I already wear sunscreen?
You do not need primer, but it can make a big difference in how your makeup wears. Sunscreen can leave a slippery or tacky finish that causes foundation to move, especially around the nose and chin. A thin layer of primer can help create a more predictable surface so your base applies evenly and lasts longer. If you want the simplest routine, choose either sunscreen plus a gripping primer, or sunscreen plus a lightweight skin tint that does not require much “hold.”
Why does primer pill with sunscreen in the summer?
Pilling usually comes from layering too much product, rubbing instead of pressing, or mixing formulas that do not play nicely (for example, a silicone-heavy layer over a very emollient sunscreen). The fix is almost always technique: apply sunscreen in a smooth, even layer, let it set for 5 to 10 minutes, then use a pea-sized amount of primer and press it in rather than massaging. If you still pill, try switching either your sunscreen or your primer so the textures are closer (gel with gel, lotion with lotion). Powdering lightly after primer can also stop that “grab and roll” effect.
How much primer should I use for summer makeup?
Less than most people think. Start with about a pea-sized amount for the center of the face, then add a tiny bit more only where you truly need it (usually the T-zone, around pores, or where makeup breaks apart). Too much primer can make base makeup skate around, especially once you add heat and sweat. For very targeted results, you can “multi-prime” by using a blurring primer only on pore areas and a gripping primer only where makeup slides.
What is the best way to apply primer when it is hot and humid?
Use thin layers and give each layer a moment to settle. After skincare and sunscreen, blot any obvious excess shine with a tissue, then apply primer with your fingers using gentle pressing motions. Next, apply foundation or skin tint in light layers, and set strategically: a small amount of loose powder pressed into the T-zone usually holds better than a heavy all-over powdering. If you use setting spray, mist it after powder, then lightly press with a sponge to melt everything together without adding more product.
Do SPF primers replace sunscreen for real summer sun?
Usually, no. SPF primers can be a nice bonus, but most people do not apply enough primer to get the full labeled protection, especially if they are using it only on the center of the face. Think of SPF primer as an extra layer, not your main defense. For the most reliable protection, use a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen underneath and let it set before going in with primer and makeup. If you are outside for hours, plan on reapplying SPF with a touch-up method you will actually use, like a spray or powder SPF over makeup.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.