A lip primer is the key to full, picture-perfect lips throughout the day. Gone are the days of chapped lips, dryness, flaking, peeling, smudged lipsticks and faded lip colors. A primer is a base that will provide you with a smooth, flawless canvas to work with, and the right lip primer will protect your lips from environmental damage and make them soft and smooth.
It takes only a few seconds to apply, but can save you minutes of time throughout the day. It’ll also ensure that you look your lips look their best even after a meal or even after a whole day of work.
- How to Choose the Best Lip Primer
- Top 10 Best Lip Primers 2026
- 1. Best Overall Lip Primer: NYX Professional Makeup Lip Primer
- 2. Best Budget Lip Primer: E.L.F. Lip Primer and Plumper
- 3. Best Premium Lip Primer: Shany Eye and Lip Primer
- 4. Best Anti-Feathering Lip Primer: Irene Gari Anti-Feathering Lip Base
- 5. Best Conditioning Lip Primer: Golden Rose Nourishing Prime and Prep Lipstick Base
- 6. Best Lightweight Lip Primer: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer
- 7. Best Lipstick/Primer Combo: Clinique Pop Lip Color and Primer
- 8. Best Eye and Lip Primer: Jolie Neutralizing Eyes and Lip Primer
- 9. Best Anti-Aging Lip Primer: Mary Kay TimeWise Age Fighting Lip Primer
- 10. Longest-Lasting Lip Primer: Maybelline Prime It Up Multi-Benefit Lip Primer
- A Complete Guide to Lip Primers
- Get a Perfect Pout Every Time!
How to Choose the Best Lip Primer
With so many makeup products and brands out there, narrowing down your options to find the perfect lip primer could take some time. It can be difficult to differentiate between a product that’s been hyped up by reviewers and marketers and a product that’s the real deal. You should always do your own research. That includes looking at what each product has to offer.
While there are many factors that you need to take into consideration, we’ve highlighted some of the most important ones below. You’ll be able to find a quality product that works for you even if you only take these factors into consideration.
Formula and Texture
Most lip primers contain a lot of waxes that will seal in the moisture and patch up any flecks that are on your lips. It’s always a good idea to take a deeper look into the formula to see whether there are any interesting ingredients that are good for your skin. Extracts and oils can help further replenish dry, chapped lips.
You want to avoid products that contain harmful ingredients, like parabens, silica benzyl alcohol, and BHT, and opt for ones that are enriched with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil and olive oil. Lip primers that don’t contain many chemicals also tend to be gentler on the lips and are better choices for those with sensitive skin.
It’s also important to consider the texture of the lip primer. You want to look for a product that can become a smooth base. The primer should quickly absorb into your lips to hydrate them. With that said, you don’t want something that’s too dry or too greasy. The texture that’s right for you may depend on the condition of your lips and your own preferences. Those with super dry lips may prefer a creamier texture.
Overall Hold
The primary reason why you’d apply a lip primer is because you want to create a smooth canvas for applying your lipstick. The lip primer is supposed to hold your lipstick so that the color looks bolder and more vivid. It’s also supposed to prevent feathering and bleeding, and should make sure that your lipstick lasts longer. Due to this reason, one of the most important things that you should consider when purchasing a lip primer is the type of overall hold that it has.
Other Notable Features
Each lip primer possesses unique features that make it stand out from the crowd. Some lip primers may offer SPF protection while others may be waterproof and be infused with vitamins and minerals that are healthy for your lips. Knowing what each lip primer can do and what your lips need can help you narrow down your choices and make a more informed purchasing decision.
Top 10 Best Lip Primers 2026
1. Best Overall Lip Primer: NYX Professional Makeup Lip Primer
Editor’s Rating:
Colors: Nude, deep nude
Overview
Lock down your lipstick and create a smooth canvas for your lips with the NYX Professional Makeup Lip Primer. This lip primer will smooth out creases, wrinkles or uneven textures on your lips and prevent it from smudging.
This lip primer comes in two colors: nude and deep nude. The deeper nude may be more appropriate for darker complexions or for darker lip colors. NYX is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand.
Formula and Texture
This product is a bit waxy and can feel like you’re putting a thick coat of wax on your lips initially. Once you’ve given it time to dry and have applied your lipstick, you won’t feel like it’s waxy anymore. The wax will essentially seal your lips and plaster down any flakes. This lip primer contains a lot of waxes, like:
- Microcrystalline wax, which has water-repelling properties that will make your lip color more waterproof
- Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, which will prevent the lip primer from feeling sticky
- Jojoba esters, which will moisturize and nourish your lips and heal any damages
These waxes are nourishing and will protect your lips from getting dehydrated. The waxes can also protect your lips from cold weather and environmental elements.
Overall Hold
The waxy texture of this product allows it to fill in all of your fine lines and wrinkles. It’ll hold onto your lipstick color and make it look a lot bolder and more vivid. It also prevents feathering. While this lip primer will have a strong hold on your lipstick, it doesn’t offer much more longevity. You can expect to have brighter and more defined lips, but you’ll likely still have to reapply your lipstick throughout the day.
Other Notable Features
Having to sharpen a lip primer can be a lot of work. You run the risk of losing a lot of product, and you can also accidentally break the stick. With this product, dispensing the right amount of product every time is a piece of cake. It comes in a twist-up packaging, so you can control the amount of product that gets dispensed.
Pros
- Affordable
- Creates a flawless canvas for lip colors
- Waxy texture easily fills in creases and wrinkles
- Easy to use with twist-up packaging
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Does not offer an extremely long hold
2. Best Budget Lip Primer: E.L.F. Lip Primer and Plumper
Editor’s Rating:
Color: Clear/natural
Overview
E.L.F. has become a fairly big name in recent years. They produce outstanding products at lower price points, and the E.L.F. lip primer and plumper is no exception. This product is great. It has two ends. One is for priming and the other is for plumping up your lips. This product is extremely affordable. Apply the lip primer before using the lip plumper. Once both products have tried, apply the lipstick.
This product is 100% cruelty-free, which is another bonus for environmentally-conscious consumers. It, however, hasn’t been tested by dermatologists and may not be the best product for those with sensitive skin.
Formula and Texture
This formula offers a no-budge, no-smudge finish and has anti-aging properties. The formula is very soothing and will immediately absorb into your lips. It’s great for treating dry, chapped lips. This lip primer is 100% free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. It contains some of the standard waxes, like:
- Euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, which can nourish your lips
- Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, which gives the primer that beautiful, creamy texture
- Microcrystalline wax (cera microcristallina), which creates a water-repelling product
The texture of this product is awesome. It’s silky smooth and will practically glide onto your lips. It creates an immediate soothing sensation that’s not tacky or sticky. It feels great and creates a smooth canvas for your lipstick. This product has a mattifying effect.
Overall Hold
This formula offers a no-budge, no-smudge finish that lasts for hours. It not only holds your lip color in place, but it’ll also make your lip color look bolder and more vivid.
Other Notable Features
The most notable feature about this product is that it comes with a plumper. The lip primer is on one end and the plumper is on the other! Studies show that using a lip plumper can improve the overall condition and health of your lips. The lip plumper does a very subtle job at plumping up your lips, so it gives you full lips that look really natural. Your lips will tingle slightly as the lip plumper works its magic.
This product also comes in a pleasant cinnamon scent and in a lipstick-like packaging that makes it super easy to apply. You won’t have any difficulties with this product.
Pros
- Affordable
- Prevents aging and darkening
- Locks in lip color for the entire day
- Comes with a plumper to give you more hydrated and fuller lips
- 100% Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- Not designed for those with sensitive skin
Editor’s Rating:
Color: Clear
Overview
Although the Shany Eye and Lip Primer is on the pricier side, it’s a great product, as it doubles up as an eye primer as well. This lip primer is suitable for all skin types, from normal to oily to dry, and is 100% cruelty-free. This product is quite moisturizing, and is a great choice for those who want a product that will repair their dry, chapped lips.
The only downside about this lip primer is that it is on the pricier side. With that said, you don’t need to apply that much product to create a smooth canvas. In that sense, it’s a great bang for your buck!
Formula and Texture
The formula of this primer isn’t too impressive. It doesn’t have a long ingredient list, and it is infused with some vitamins and minerals, like:
- Tocopheryl acetate, also known as vitamin E, which is a common ingredient found in many lip products because it will make your lips become softer
- Hydrogenated polyisobutene, which is very hydrating and will condition dry, chapped lips
The product is also paraben-free and talc-free. It’s a great product for those who have sensitive skin. While it is infused with some vitamins and minerals, it could include more oils, like the Mary Kay TimeWise Age Fighting Lip Primer.
As far as texture goes, this is where the product truly stands out. It’s creamy and not too waxy. It’s also lightweight and glides on smoothly. This is a very hydrating product that will lock in your lip color while hydrating and nourishing your lips. Your eyes and lips will look absolutely flawless!
Overall Hold
This is another area where this product absolutely shines! This eye and lip primer lasts all days, and you won’t have to worry about it melting or fading. Thanks to its waterproof formula, you can expect this product to adhere to your lips and eyes regardless of what you do. It’s easy to work with, which is why this primer is a hit among students, performers and makeup artists! The product blends in perfectly with every skin tone and type.
On top of making sure that your eye and lip color lasts throughout the whole day, this primer will also enhance the color of your favorite lipstick, lip gloss and eyeshadow. It prevents creasing, so you get a flawless base.
Other Notable Features
This product is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It’s hypoallergenic and can be applied to both the eyes and the lips. This primer can save a lot of space in your makeup bag, as it has dual uses. It will lock in both your lipstick and your eyeshadow!
This lip primer is also waterproof, so if you want to apply some makeup before going for a swim, this is the perfect lip primer for you. It’ll keep your waterproof lipstick in place, so it doesn’t wash off in the water!
Pros
- Formulated with nourishing ingredients and vitamins
- Long lasting solution that prevents smudging, bleeding and feathering
- Works on both eyes and lips
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Waterproof
Cons
- A bit expensive
4. Best Anti-Feathering Lip Primer: Irene Gari Anti-Feathering Lip Base
Editor’s Rating:
Color: Clear
Overview
The Irene Gari Anti-Feathering Lip Base is known for its ability to prevent feathering and bleeding. It is so effective that this product is probably one of the best options out there if you plan on eating and drinking the whole day. The swivel-tube is also super easy to work with, which is why this is the perfect product for beginners, performers and makeup artists.
Formula and Texture
The texture of this product has been known to be a bit waxy for some people’s tastes. It’s not as creamy as many other products on our list, like the Clinique Pop Lip Color and Primer.
The formula isn’t really that special. However, if you’re looking for a product with a short ingredient list, this is it! This product contains less than 10 ingredients in total. The main ingredient is palm oil, or octyl palmitate, which has nourishing properties and will hydrate your lips.
Overall Hold
Although this primer may not have the best texture, it works! It does everything that it needs to and more. You’ll find that your lip products will last throughout the day and they won’t bleed or feather at all even if you drink hot beverages or eat. This product is super effective!
Other Notable Features
This product is nourishing and hydrating. It has a great smell and comes in a small package, so you can even keep it in your pocket.
Pros
- Highly effective at preventing colors from bleeding and feathering
- Great at hydrating and nourishing dry lips
- Can also be used as a lip conditioner
- Holds lip color in place for the entire day
- Swivel-style tube for easy applications
Cons
- Feels a bit waxy
- Not infused with vitamins or essential oils
5. Best Conditioning Lip Primer: Golden Rose Nourishing Prime and Prep Lipstick Base
Editor’s Rating:
Color: Sheer
Overview
If you have really dry, chapped lips, the Golden Rose Nourishing Prime and Prep Lipstick Base is the answer to your prayers! This product is great for those with extremely dry lips. It can be used as a lip balm or as a lip conditioner.
The product is also fairly easy to apply because it comes in a swivel-tube. Applying the right amount of product isn’t difficult, but you need to make sure that you only apply one layer if you’ll be applying lipstick or some type of lip product overtop.
Formula and Texture
This lip primer’s formula is pretty interesting. It doesn’t use a lot of ingredients and has some vitamins infused in it. Most of the ingredients are hydrating and will replenish dry lips. Some of the ingredients in this product include:
- Vitamin E, which will give you smoother, softer lips
- Synthetic beeswax, which will lock in the moisture
Although this product can be used as a lip balm, you’ll need to use this product for some time before you see a permanent difference in the smoothness and condition of your lips. The formula is also dermatologically tested, paraben-free and cruelty-free.
The only issue with this product is that it’s thick in texture. To get the best results, you should only apply a thin layer, which means that this product cannot be layered. If you apply too much of it, you’ll find that it doesn’t have as good of a hold on your lip color. You’ll also notice that the primer itself may slide or smudge.
Overall Hold
This lip primer dries clear, so it won’t interfere or change the color of your lip product. It also has an incredible hold on your lip color. Put this lip primer on, and you’ll be able to get away with not reapplying any lip products for the majority of the day.
Other Notable Features
This product can also be used as a lip balm or an overnight lip treatment. It’s that nourishing and hydrating! If you have severely dry and chapped lips, you’ll want to pick this primer up because it’ll make a noticeable difference in how full and moisturized your lips look!
Pros
- Holds makeup in place
- Acts and looks like lip balm if worn alone
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Easy to apply using twist-up tube
- Dermatologically tested, paraben-free and cruelty-free
Cons
- Cannot be layered
- Thickness can make it hard to apply
6. Best Lightweight Lip Primer: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer
Editor’s Rating:
Color: Clear
Overview
This sheer, lightweight lip primer smooths and primes your lips, so they’ll look perfect for every occasion. Packaged in a tube, this product is easy to dispense and work with. It’s also easy to store in a makeup bag or in a purse, so you can bring this lip primer with you everywhere. You can use it as a lip primer or even as a lip conditioner or lip balm.
The packaging is super easy to work with. It comes in a tube like a lipstick, and you can easily keep it in your purse or a makeup bag.
Anastasia Beverly Hills is considered a luxury makeup brand, and you’ll see this reflected in the price. This product is a bit pricier than other alternatives on the market.
Formula and Texture
This product is made primarily from synthetic waxes, is cruelty-free and is also free of parabens and sulfates. The formula is super hydrating and contains ingredients like vitamin E, which will protect your lips from free radicals in the environment. The ingredient list is fairly short, so you’re also not exposing your lips to many potentially harmful chemicals. With that said, the other ingredients aren’t really worth writing home about.
The texture of this product feels great! It’s super lightweight and creamy. You don’t need to wait for the product to dry, and it doesn’t feel greasy at all. The ingredients will quickly get absorbed into your lips. You’ll feel them get smoother immediately.
Overall Hold
This product has an incredible hold on all lip products. It prevents fading and feathering, and is highly effective when paired with matte lip colors. You’ll notice that matte lipsticks will last throughout the entire day without smudging a bit!
Other Notable Features
A notable feature of this product is that it can also be used as a lip conditioner. If your lips are feeling really dry, you can apply this primer on at night as a conditioner, and you’ll wake up with wonderfully smooth lips! This primer can be used as a lip treatment during the winter months to keep your lips looking full and plump.
Pros
- Sheer, lightweight formula feels great on lips
- Highly effective when paired with matte lip colors
- Prevents color from fading and feathering
- Can also be used as a lip conditioner
- Easy to use packaging
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Does not contain many vitamins and essential oils
7. Best Lipstick/Primer Combo: Clinique Pop Lip Color and Primer
Editor’s Rating:
Colors: Bare, bubblegum, cherry, cola, melon, poppy, sweet, punch, wow, love, berry, nude, passion, plum, rose, sweet
Overview
Clinique has always been a big name in the makeup industry. They’re always coming up with new, innovative products, so it’s no surprise that they’d come up with the Clinique Pop Lip Color and Primer. This product is a lipstick and a lip primer all in one. It makes applying makeup very easy. This product comes in a packaging similar to lipstick, so it’s also very easy to apply.
Formula and Texture
It’s worth taking a look at the formula. Like with almost all Clinique products, this product is allergy tested and 1