We reviewed the new Urban Decay face primer collection.

At Skincare.com, we all make cosmetics that double as skin care... that's why makeup primers are at the top of our list of must-have beauty products. So, when cult classic beauty brand Urban Decay sent us free samples of their amazing makeup primers to test and review on behalf of our readers, you can bet we were thrilled. See what we thought, and why you need a primer (and how to apply that primer) in your daily makeup - go ahead.

WHY YOU NEED TO USE A MAKEUP PRIMER

If makeup primers are a foreign concept to you, that is, you often wonder if you really need a makeup primer in your makeup bag, you should pay attention to what we are about to tell you. A cross between skin care and makeup, primers aren't just sheer (or sometimes nude) formulas you put on your skin for no reason. From skin-nourishing formulas to skin-blurring abilities to anti-aging properties that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, foundations are full of stellar beauty benefits. In addition to their skincare benefits, they can help create the perfect blank canvas for applying makeup and can even increase the longevity of your foundation, eyeshadow, bronzer, and other beauty products.

HOW TO APPLY MAKEUP PRIMER… RIGHT

Now that we've covered why you should use base in your beauty routine, let's discuss how to actually use it. The first step in priming is preparation. Before heading into town with your primer, make sure you remove dirt and impurities from your skin with a no-rinse facial cleanser or micellar water. Once your complexion is clear, follow your normal morning skincare routine—toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF—before applying primer.

Once your skin feels cleansed and hydrated, squeeze a pea-sized amount of primer onto the back of your hand—don't go too crazy, a little is enough—and use a clean cosmetic blending sponge to apply it to your skin. . As with foundation, you should start in the center and work your way up using gentle circular motions and blending outwards. Be sure to pay close attention to the nooks and crannies of the face and neck to ensure a smooth and even finish. And if you have a standalone eye primer, like Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, gently dab it on your lids. Finally, always wait for the primer to dry before applying #MOTD.

With that out of the way, let's move on to our Urban Decay Primer reviews.

URBAN DECAY SELF-ADJUSTING FACE PRIMER OVERVIEW

If you're looking for a color-correcting makeup primer with encapsulated pigments that adapt to your skin tone, check out Urban Decay's Self-Adjusting Complexion Primer. Designed to instantly smooth imperfections, create a soft focus effect and keep makeup wear all day long, this lightweight primer helps you create the perfect look for your face and make-up application. On top of that, the primer can even fill in fine lines and control excess shine for a more flawless complexion.

Why we love it: At Skincare.com, we're all into color correction, especially when we can correct our complexion in one step with a primer like Urban Decay's Self-Adjusting Complexion Primer. In addition to instantly smoothing blemishes and ensuring make-up hold, this color-correcting makeup primer has addressed many of our skin problems - read: excess shine, fine lines, imperfections - and made our skin velvety.

Urban Decay Self-Adjusting Face Primer MSRP $34.

URBAN DECAY DE-SLICK FACE PRIMER REVIEW

Those with oily or combination skin know how frustrating shiny skin can be, especially when it comes to applying makeup. But with Urban Decay's De-Slick Complexion Primer, you can control your shine for up to eight hours, minimize the appearance of pores, and plump skin for a more flawless complexion. What else? Mattifying makeup primer contains conditioning ingredients like aloe vera for lightweight hydration. 

Why we love it: Combination skin requires skincare and beauty products that can help control oil and shine, provide light hydration, and more. What we love about Urban Decay's De-Slick Complexion Primer is that not only does it control shine and smooth the complexion, it also mattifies the skin! Results? Skin looks balanced and ready for makeup.

Urban Decay De-Slick Face Primer, MSRP $34.

URBAN DECAY OPTICAL ILLUSION FACE PRIMER REVIEW

If you want to create the illusion of perfect skin, try Urban Decay's Optical Illusion Facial Primer. Designed to even out the appearance of skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, blur pores, and create a soft, porcelain texture, this gentle formula delivers more wear-resistant makeup. What else? The makeup primer contains two of our favorite conditioning ingredients—rosehip oil and argan oil—for a well-nourished complexion.

Why we love it: There's no denying our love for filters, especially on bad skin days, and Urban Decay's Optical Illusion Face Primer is like a filter in real life. Optical Illusion Primer glides on smoothly upon application, can hide imperfections and leaves skin incredibly soft. Our favorite part? It is formulated with rosehip oil, a skin care ingredient rich in vitamin C, which promotes a more youthful complexion. For more information on rosehip oil for skin, click here.

Urban Decay Optical Illusion Facial Primer Review, MSRP $34.

URBAN DECAY URBAN DEFENSE FACE PRIMER WIDE SPECTRUM SPF 30 OVERVIEW

This is where your search for a clear-colored SPF sunscreen that won't interfere with makeup application and smoothes the complexion for better application ends. Urban Decay Urban Defense Complexion Primer is more than just a base, it's a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 that can protect your delicate skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, unclog pores, and make makeup last longer. What else? Oily, skin-friendly primer contains conditioning ingredients such as sesame seed extract, tomato fruit extract, squalane and bisabolol.

Why we love it: Urban Decay's Urban Defense Complexion Primer is like one of those "pinch me" products you can't believe exist (a primer that's also a clear-color, broad-spectrum sunscreen? In our dreams!). Unlike conventional sunscreens, the primer goes super smooth and super sheer - no stickiness or white cast! To prepare the skin for flawless makeup application. Our favorite part (other than the sheer part with SPF… still can't get over it)? It is formulated with skin nourishing ingredients and can be used on all skin types, including oily skin!

Urban Decay Urban Defense Face Primer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, MSRP $34.

To learn more about makeup primers, check out our comprehensive primer guide.