Brandon Maxwell Spring/Summer 2025, Photo: @merit / Instagram
Makeup
The Best Glowy Primers for Effortless Radiance
Discover the best primers for a lit-from-within glow—no grease, just radiance.
Text Başak Ulubilgen
Primers have come a long way from being just a prep step. Today, they’re multitasking marvels that blend skincare benefits with makeup magic. These products go beyond smoothing and hydrating. They transform your look by blurring imperfections and creating a luminous base that enhances your natural beauty.
Glowy primers, in particular, have become my go-to. They deliver that lit-from-within radiance everyone loves—not glittery or shimmery, just soft, natural light that highlights your best features. Whether you’re all about no-makeup makeup or a full-glam look, a glow-boosting primer is the perfect start. Below are our top picks to help you glow through the holiday season and beyond.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow Primer, $53
This winter essential hydrates, protects, and gives you a radiant glow. Infused with hyaluronic acid and jasmine oil, it soothes your skin and adds sheer luminosity with shades inspired by sunlight on frost.
Pastel Hydro Glow Primer, 485,90 TL
A vegan multitasker that bridges skincare and makeup. Its ultra-thin, pearlescent formula leaves your skin smooth and radiant, while green tea extract adds antioxidant protection. Perfect for a refreshed, healthy finish.
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer, $55, available at Sephora
This primer wakes up dull skin with a dewy glow. Packed with light-reflecting microspheres and collagen-boosting peptides, it smooths imperfections and adds hydration. Wear it alone for a natural look or under makeup for lasting radiance.
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip + Glow Primer, $30
This primer locks in makeup for up to 12 hours while delivering a golden-hour glow. Its clean formula blends hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide with light-reflecting pearls for a soft, radiant finish.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops, $35, available at Sephora
This glow-enhancing serum doubles as a primer. Niacinamide hydrates and brightens, while sheer tint options let you choose between a sun-kissed or rosy glow. Expect a streak-free, radiant finish that’s comfortable all day.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, $77
Part primer, part moisturizer, this cult favorite preps skin with vitamins and hyaluronic acid. The rich yet lightweight formula creates a flawless foundation base, while its grapefruit and geranium scent is an instant mood boost.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, $46
Hydration and radiance meet in this luxurious primer, designed to complement the iconic Luminous Silk Foundation. Its blend of shea butter and glycerin ensures a smooth, luminous base.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, $29
Beloved by makeup artists, this multitasking classic hydrates and nourishes while creating a silky-smooth base for makeup. Bonus: It’s a bridal favorite for good reason.
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops, $68, available at Sephora
This hybrid of skincare and makeup enhances your natural glow with light-to-medium coverage and a radiant finish. Ingredients like Tsubaki oil and pomegranate extract hydrate and even out skin tone.
Merit Beauty Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, $38, available at Sephora
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this serum is a savior for dry skin. Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates, while niacinamide and caffeine-rich cacao seed extract brighten and soothe.
Saie Glowy Super Gel, $28, available at Sephora
This gel-based illuminator is perfect for effortless radiance. Ultra-fine micropearls and plant-derived squalane deliver a dewy glow without glitter. Wear it alone, mix with foundation, or layer under makeup for a naturally luminous look.
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