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  • 10 Best Lip Primers in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Lip Primers in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Lip Primers in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Lip Primers in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Lip Primers in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Lip Primers in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

Are lip primers necessary for everyone? The answer is it depends on your lip condition, your desired lipstick finish, and the staying power you want. Just like face primers, lip primers are put underneath your lipstick to create a smooth base to help you apply lipstick easier and give a perfect finish.


If you want to know more, don't miss our buying guide, which was reviewed by a professional makeup artist! We've provided you with information about the benefits of lip primers as well as how to choose a good lip primer in our buying guide. MAC Prep + Prime Lip is our top pick because it's moisturizing, has a nice texture, and provides a long-lasting lipstick. Check out the rest of the products in our top 10 list for more great options! 

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Lip Primers

1

MAC

Prep + Prime Lip
Prep + Prime Lip

A Colorless, Thin Base Coat for Long-Lasting Color

2

Too Faced

Lip Insurance
Lip Insurance

Keep Your Lipsticks from Feathering With This Quick-Drying Primer

3

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Lip Primer
Lip Primer

A Sheer and Lightweight Primer That Suits All Lipstick Formulas

4

Urban Decay

Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil
Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil

A Nutrient-Rich Lip Primer Stick

5

TATCHA

The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

A Multi-Purpose Velvet Balm Packed With Japanese Superfoods

Natalya Lowe
Expert
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Lip Primers

Choosing the wrong lip primer can ruin your whole look! It's important to choose the right texture and prepare your lip well before applying lipstick to make a perfect finish.

1

It Should Have Smooth and Creamy Texture

It Should Have Smooth and Creamy Texture

The texture is very important when it comes to choosing a good lip primer. Since one of the main purposes of lip primers is to create a smooth base for your lipstick, it should have the ability to nourish your lips. Thus, a good lip primer should not have a dry texture. 


But more moisturizing ingredients doesn't always mean the product is all good. Too much moisture can cause greasy lips and may sit on top of the lips. As a result, it may cause a different lipstick finish than you desired.


If you don't know when it's too much, we recommend you to read a lot of product reviews before making a decision because it can help you narrow down the choices and be left with the good ones. 


Some people have peeling lips while others have cracked lips. But some don't have any problem. Thus, you need to make sure that you have to same lip conditions as the reviewers to choose the right product that fits you. 


If you have very dry lips and need extra care, buying a lip primer that adds extra moisture can be a good choice because it helps to heal and soothe chapped lips. 


We also suggest you look for a lip primer that comes with sun protection. The strong sun may lead to dryness, which is one main cause of cracked lips. Dermatologists suggested looking for a product that contains at least SPF15, which can protect the lip from UVB rays up to 93%. 

2

Choose A Primer That Matches Your Lip Product

Choose A Primer That Matches Your Lip Product

Matte lipsticks tend to be drying, so you should look for moisturizing ingredients in your primers like beeswax, carnauba wax, and castor oil. These ingredients can help to moisturize, heal, and soften your lips. Once your lips are in good condition, a matte lipstick will go on smooth and even. 


Other lip products may not require as much moisture; if you want a juicy, glossy finish, a primer that creates a totally smooth base is what you want. 

3

Consider Multitasking Lip Primers

Consider Multitasking Lip Primers
Source:amazon.com

Some lip primers can be used only for lips, but some products can be used as primers for both eyes and lips. This is a great bonus option for someone who doesn’t want to buy separate primers to target different areas of the face.


If you're looking for a convenient option, you may want to consider products that come in the form of 2 in 1 like an e.l.f. primer that offers lip primer and plumper in one stick. Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer is another good product that offers 20 different colors across different skin tones. 


In case you want to add extra volume to your lip, plumping primers are a great choice. They can make lips appear fuller, and primers help lock in moisture so you don’t need a lip balm. They can be worn alone, under lipsticks, and even put over lipstick, too!

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

A lip primer that has multiple uses is great to keep in your kit. There are many lip primer options, but having a lip primer with multiple effects will extend the life of your lipstick. There are lip primers that are exfoliants as well as moisturizers. There are lip primers that create a plump effect as well as a smooth base, filling in any fine lines. And there are lip primers that include SPF and hide any cracked or dry patches.


The most eye-catching lip primers in stores are the ones that do both priming and plumping; they hold the color of the lipstick as well as plump the lip shape to achieve a naturally fuller-looking lip. A two-sided lip primer can save room in your kit as well as save you money from buying multiple different products. Most multitasking lip primers will create the same base, but as you do research, you can find lip primers that have extra ingredients to add another task.

4

Natural Ingredients Can be a Great Alternative

Natural Ingredients Can be a Great Alternative

Some lip primers contain chemical ingredients that can harm your lips or cause allergies in people with sensitive skin. These ingredients are things like fragrance, parabens, silica, titanium dioxide, benzyl alcohol, and BHT. They are used as thickening agents and preservatives in lip products.


You may want to consider natural ingredients to nourish your lips like jojoba oil, argan oil, safflower oil, olive oil, and so on. But if you have very dry lips, we suggest you look for ingredients like shea butter, castor seed oil, and coconut oil that have heavier textures and provide deeper nourishment. 

5

The Packaging Should be Easy to Use

The Packaging Should be Easy to Use

Just like lipsticks, lip primers have many types of packaging and the most common ones are stick, pencil, twist-up tube, squeeze tube, and small jars. Each gives different benefits and drawbacks.


Tube packaging is easy to use with no mess on your fingers since you can apply it directly from the tube, but the packaging is usually made from plastic which sometimes isn’t durable and easily breaks.


On the other hand, jars usually have a luxury design and are made with more sturdy and durable materials. But, you'll need to use your finger or a brush to apply it on your lips, which some may find inconvenient. Whichever packaging you pick, make sure that it’s easy for you to use!

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

The most recommended and most popular packaging is a lip primer in a twist-up tube. Generally, a lip product comes in a small container that holds a wax product, making it easy to twist up when wanting to apply and twist down when done using. This packaging makes it easy to keep safe in a purse or small pocket. A lip primer is normally a solid product, which is easier to apply when it is packaged in a twist tube.


There tends to be more product in a jar, but it is not as convenient. A lip primer in a tube container can be slipped onto the lip by applying directly to the lip. A lip primer in a jar can be applied with a finger or grabbing a brush to pick up the product. A lip primer in a jar has a twist cap and a lip primer in a tube has a pull-off cap.

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10 Best Lip Primers Ranking

Here are the best Lip Primers, ranked according to Compare the 10 Best Lip Primers (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

MAC

Prep + Prime Lip

MAC Prep + Prime Lip 1

A Colorless, Thin Base Coat for Long-Lasting Color

2

Too Faced

Lip Insurance

Too Faced Lip Insurance 1

Keep Your Lipsticks from Feathering With This Quick-Drying Primer

3

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Lip Primer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer 1

A Sheer and Lightweight Primer That Suits All Lipstick Formulas

4

Urban Decay

Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil

Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil 1

A Nutrient-Rich Lip Primer Stick

5

TATCHA

The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

TATCHA The Silk Canvas Protective Primer 1

A Multi-Purpose Velvet Balm Packed With Japanese Superfoods

6

Guerlain

KissKiss Liplift

Guerlain KissKiss Liplift 1

A Silky Smooth Primer With a Vanilla-Violet Scent

7

Elizabeth Arden

Advanced Lip Fix Cream

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Lip Fix Cream 1

A Non-Greasy, Matte Finish With Deep Moisturizing

8

FARMACY

Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm

FARMACY Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm 1

A 2-in-1 Long Lasting Moisture Balm Made With All Natural Ingredients

9

Mary Kay

TimeWise Age Fighting Lip Primer

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Fighting Lip Primer 1

Say Goodbye to Fine Lines and Wrinkles With Anti-Aging Ingredients

10

Fresh

Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer

Fresh Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer 1

A Gel Formula With a Blend of Fruit and Flower Extracts

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

MAC
Prep + Prime Lip

Prep + Prime Lip 1
Source:amazon.com
Prep + Prime Lip 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$16.15
Low Mid
Reference price
$16.15
Low Mid

A Colorless, Thin Base Coat for Long-Lasting Color

There are many reasons why a lip primer from MAC has become the favorite product for most people. First, it's an oil-free, clear base that suits all lipstick colors and formulas. It also applies easily and smoothly on the lips.


It helps to keep your lipstick from feathering and provides long-lasting wear. Additionally, it adds moisture to your lips without leaving a greasy or sticky feel. 


Some reviewers claim that it's a little pricey compared with the amount they get and they can find other products with similar quality at a better price. But other reviewers support the claims that it's a really nice base, especially for a matte lipstick


It applies evenly and smoothly and most people agree that it feels very comfortable on the lips. It prevents feathering and keeps the lipstick in place all day with no need to reapply the color during the day. 

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No.2

Too Faced
Lip Insurance

Reference price
$34.89
High Mid

Keep Your Lipsticks from Feathering With This Quick-Drying Primer

Some lip primers take a longer time than others to dry and be ready to proceed onto the next step. But if you don't like to wait, you may want to consider this product because it has a quick-drying formula


This lip primer helps to lock in moisture and prevent lipsticks from fading, feathering, and bleeding. It's formulated with jojoba oil and vitamin E that helps to soften and heal your dry lip. It comes in a tube with a built-in lip brush that's very convenient to use. 


Some reviewers claim that the product is a smaller size than they expected and it has a sticky formula unlike advertised, while others claim that it's lightweight and non-greasy


Most people feel their lips are softer and smoother after using this product. It stops lipsticks from feathering and bleeding while improving the flakes, fine lines, and wrinkles on lips

No.3

Anastasia Beverly Hills
Lip Primer

Reference price
$16.00
Low Mid

A Sheer and Lightweight Primer That Suits All Lipstick Formulas

This thin and lightweight lip primer is perfect for preparing your lip for colors. The wax keeps your lip feeling hydrated, so it won't dry out your lips throughout the day. It goes on smooth and holds the pigment in place for a long period of time. This product can be used alone or used as a primer for lipsticks.


A lot of reviewers say it has a great texture that fits all types of lipsticks and helps to prevent bleeding. It also feels nice on lips, is easy to apply, and perfect for everyday use. Additionally, it moisturizes well and soothes flaking and dry lips. Some people also use it as an overnight lip treatment, too!

No.4

Urban Decay
Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil

Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil 1
Source:sephora.com
Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil 2
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$18.00
Mid
Reference price
$18.00
Mid

A Nutrient-Rich Lip Primer Stick

This colorless and creamy lip pencil helps lipstick to stay put all day without fading, even during eating and drinking. It helps to fill in your fine lines, even out the surface of the lips, and reduce lipstick feathering and bleeding. 


It's packed with many types of natural oils, matricaria flower extract, and aloe leaf extract to help nourish lips, soothe itchy and irritated skin, and reduce inflammation


Some say the texture was too soft and that it broke easily. They felt it was sticky, dried out their lips, or changed the texture of lipsticks. It helped lipsticks stay on for only a couple of hours and then they had to reapply it. 


On the other hand, most people say it's a multitasking lip primer that can be used for lips and eyes. It feels like a waxy lip balm, but its formula doesn't rub off easily. It helps to apply the color evenly all over the lips and is perfect for matte lipsticks. 

No.5

TATCHA
The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

The Silk Canvas Protective Primer 1
Source:sephora.com
The Silk Canvas Protective Primer 2
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$52.00
High
Reference price
$52.00
High

A Multi-Purpose Velvet Balm Packed With Japanese Superfoods

This all-in-one primer can be used for lips, eyes, and face. It's a great option for someone who doesn't want to buy separate primers. This silky, velvety powder blends easily without adding shine to lips. 


Moreover, it contains anti-aging ingredients from Japanese superfoods include green tea, sake (fermented rice) and algae that help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to protect your lip and skin against environmental influences. 


Some reviewers claim that it felt soft and smooth when applied but ultimately caused more oil production during the day. However, other reviewers claim that it came in a good size with nice packaging. 


It has a nice and refreshing citrus scent. It's lightweight and helps to blur away all of your lip lines. Most people also like the fact that it's multi-tasking and great for people with dry and combination skin

No.6

Guerlain
KissKiss Liplift

KissKiss Liplift 1
Source:sephora.com
KissKiss Liplift 2
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$37.00
High Mid
Reference price
$37.00
High Mid

A Silky Smooth Primer With a Vanilla-Violet Scent

If you're looking for a rich and creamy lip primer with luxury packaging, you shouldn't miss this product from Guerlain. It has a velvet texture that makes any lipstick glide on easily and comes in gorgeous gold packaging.  


It provides good moisturizing, keeps lipsticks in place, prevents bleeding and feathering, and brings out the lipstick colors. Additionally, it contains a light floral fragrance of vanilla-violet with berries. 


Although it has really nice packaging, it doesn't perform well on the lips. Some people say it doesn't fill the lip lines or help lipsticks last longer. It also changes the color of lipsticks (it lightens the color too much). It's expensive and the amount was smaller than expected. 


However, other reviewers say it has a non-drying formula and is very easy to apply. It's a perfect lip base that helps lipstick stay longer and prevents lipstick from transferring. It's moisturizing and also plumps up lips, too!  

No.7

Elizabeth Arden
Advanced Lip Fix Cream

Reference price
$22.50
Mid

A Non-Greasy, Matte Finish With Deep Moisturizing

This fragrance-free lip primer suits someone with dry, peeling, chapped, or cracked lips. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, provides deep moisturizing to lips, and helps lipsticks last longer. Although it's a cream formula, it's not greasy, and can be used for a long time because you'll need only a small amount each time. 


Some reviewers claim that they didn't notice any difference after applying this product while others claim that it's a great lip conditioner that helped to heal cracked and chapped lips. It takes only a tiny amount but helps lipstick last all day. A lot of people have been using it for many years and will continue buying this product. 

No.8

FARMACY
Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm

Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm 1
Source:sephora.com
Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm 2
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$10.00
Low
Reference price
$10.00
Low

A 2-in-1 Long Lasting Moisture Balm Made With All Natural Ingredients

This lip primer contains 100% natural ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and is free from toxic ingredients. This product suits all skin types and can be used as a lip balm as well as a lip primer. It helps to nourish lips, lock in moisture, smooth out fine lines, and maintain your lip color for hours.


Moreover, it comes in recyclable packaging! Some reviewers claim that the texture is too thin and it doesn't provide enough hydration. They also don't recommend this product for people with dry lips.


On the other hand, other reviewers say it's one of the most moisturizing lip primers they have ever used. It comes in a twist-up tube, which is very easy to use. They also like the fact that it doesn't contain any ingredient that can harm lips and skin. It has a mild scent and leaves their lips feeling smooth. 

No.9

Mary Kay
TimeWise Age Fighting Lip Primer

Reference price
$20.01
Mid

Say Goodbye to Fine Lines and Wrinkles With Anti-Aging Ingredients

This lip primer suits someone who has fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Besides being a good moisturizer, it helps to stop lipsticks from bleeding and feathering, too!


It's formulated with antioxidant ingredients like sunflower oil and vitamin E, which help to reduce the appearance of lines on your lips. According to a 12-week clinical study, a dermatologist reported 100% of women who tried this product saw improvement in fine lines on their lips. 


Most reviewers agree that it works great in reducing the fine lines on their lips and around the lip area and also helps to soften their lips. It goes on smooth and doesn't dry out throughout the day. It's a good alternative to a lip liner that helps to prevent color bleeding, fading, and transferring. 


This product is highly recommended for someone who has parched and chapped lips. Additionally, the packaging is small and light, which makes it easy to carry around.

No.10

Fresh
Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer

Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer 1
Source:sephora.com
Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer 2
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$26.00
Mid
Reference price
$26.00
Mid

A Gel Formula With a Blend of Fruit and Flower Extracts

This is a leave-on exfoliant infused with sugar cane, a fruit extract blend, and hibiscus flower extract. The serum-like texture applies smoothly on lips and doesn't take much time to absorb into your lip.


This lip primer makes your lips softer and smoother, and also keeps your lips hydrated. But it doesn't provide enough moisture to heal chapped lips. It comes in a dropper bottle that is easy for you to use and control the amount of product and ensure there is minimum wastage. 


Although it's not a good moisturizer, it's a great lip base. Some reviewers claim that it makes a huge difference when applying it underneath lipstick and that it makes the lipstick last longer. 


They also claim that it feels comfortable and helps to tighten their lips. It left them with smooth lips right after applying. Some people say it's oily while others say it's lightweight and easily spreads on lips. It also quickly absorbs and has a nice peppermint scent.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Natalya took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about lip primers.

What does lip primer do?

"A lip primer makes your lipstick bulletproof. It was created to hydrate and amp up your lipstick application. A lip primer creates a nice smooth canvas for your stick, making it long-lasting. It can enhance the color of your lipstick and keep it in place, making sure your lipstick will not run outside of the lip line created," Natalya explains.


"The best way to test out a lip primer is by grabbing a lipstick that you already know does not last super long. Apply the lip primer to moisturize and create a base for the lipstick choice. You want your lip to last you as long as it can throughout the day while eating and drinking. A lip primer will give you a base that your lipstick can grip onto and creates a long-lasting, smooth look. A lip primer should be clear and should not add any extra color."

Is lip primer necessary?

Natalya told us, "A lip primer is necessary for dry lips or for when you want to create a base that will hold the lipstick in place all day. A lip primer should smooth out the lip, creating a base that hides any fine lines or cracks. Not everyone needs to apply a lip primer, but it is a great step to make sure your lipstick has a beautiful application.


When applying lipstick without a primer, there can be more friction. When applying lipstick over a lip primer, it applies smoother and fills the whole lip without any missing spots. If the lip is dry and has noticeable fine lines, the lipstick application can create a bumpy look to it or you can notice missing spots the lipstick skipped over.


With a lip primer, the lipstick will glide smoothly over and fill in all the lines to the lips creating a blended application. For lips that do not feel or look dry, a lip primer should still be considered to create that long-lasting lip look that will not bleed throughout the day."

In Collaboration With Professional Makeup Artist Natalya Lowe

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Lip Primers

No. 1: MACPrep + Prime Lip

No. 2: Too FacedLip Insurance

No. 3: Anastasia Beverly HillsLip Primer

No. 4: Urban DecayUltimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil

No. 5: TATCHAThe Silk Canvas Protective Primer

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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