The Best NYX Primers: Complete Guide to Flawless Skin on a Budget
The Best NYX Primers: If there’s one thing every makeup lover agrees on, it’s this: a good primer can make or break your look. And when it comes to affordable, high-performance primers, NYX Professional Makeup has completely mastered the art.
From mattifying formulas for oily skin to illuminating serums for dull complexions, NYX primers offer something for everyone — without the luxury price tag. But with so many choices available, how do you know which NYX primer is best for your skin type and makeup goals?
In this ultimate guide, we break down the best NYX primers for different skin types, finishes, and functions — so you can create a flawless, long-lasting base every time.
Why Choose a NYX Primer?
NYX has built its reputation on delivering professional-quality makeup at drugstore prices, and their primer range is no exception. Here’s what sets NYX primers apart:
- ✔️ Diverse formulas: From jelly textures to serums, you’ll find multiple primer types
- ✔️ Cruelty-free: All NYX products are certified cruelty-free by PETA
- ✔️ Inclusive & innovative: Designed for all skin types, tones, and makeup looks
- ✔️ Budget-friendly: Most primers cost between \$10–\$20
- ✔️ Viral hits: Several NYX primers have gone TikTok-viral for outperforming high-end competitors
Quick Breakdown: Top NYX Primers by Category
| Primer Name | Best For | Finish | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Marshmellow Primer | All skin types | Soft matte | Hydrates + blurs |
| Plump Right Back Primer + Serum | Dry or dull skin | Radiant | Hydration + glow |
| Shine Killer Primer | Oily skin | Matte | Controls oil + shine |
| Pore Filler Primer | Large pores or texture | Natural-matte | Smooths & blurs |
| Bare With Me Cannabis Jelly Primer | Sensitive/dehydrated skin | Dewy | Cooling & calming hydration |
| Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer | Combination skin | Soft focus | Velvet finish + smoothing |
| Honey Dew Me Up Primer | Dull or dry skin | Radiant | Gold-infused glow boost |
1. NYX The Marshmellow Primer
Best For: All skin types, especially combination and dry skin
Finish: Soft matte with a skin-like glow
Price: \$17
Why It’s a Viral Sensation
This 10-in-1 multitasking primer went viral on TikTok for a reason — it hydrates, smooths, blurs, softens, and extends makeup wear. With a texture that feels like whipped marshmallow fluff, it smells sweet and layers beautifully under all kinds of foundations.
Key Benefits:
- Smooths skin texture
- Minimizes pores and fine lines
- Extends makeup wear up to 16 hours
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Pro Tip:
Pair with a dewy foundation for a balanced, soft-glow finish that isn’t greasy.
2. NYX Plump Right Back Primer + Serum
Best For: Dry, dehydrated, or dull skin
Finish: Glowy and plump
Price: \$17
Why It’s a Hydration Hero
Formulated with five electrolytes and vitamins (like magnesium and hyaluronic acid), this serum-primer hybrid deeply hydrates and energizes the skin. It’s a dream under lightweight or water-based foundations and gives skin a glass-like finish.
Key Benefits:
- Instantly plumps and hydrates
- Doubles as a skincare serum
- Absorbs quickly with no greasy feel
- Ideal for winter and mature skin
Pro Tip:
Use this primer alone on no-makeup days for a radiant, healthy-skin look.
3. NYX Shine Killer Primer
Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin
Finish: Matte
Price: \$14
Why It’s a Must-Have for Oily Skin
This cult classic oil-control primer absorbs excess sebum and keeps shine away for hours. If your makeup tends to slide off your face by noon, Shine Killer is your best friend.
Key Benefits:
- Keeps skin matte all day
- Prevents foundation breakdown due to oil
- Helps minimize the appearance of pores
- Clear gel texture that dries down quickly
Pro Tip:
Apply Shine Killer only on oily zones like the T-zone and use a hydrating primer on the cheeks for a balanced base.
4. NYX Pore Filler Primer
Best For: Large pores, uneven skin texture
Finish: Smooth, velvety matte
Price: \$14
Why It’s a Texture-Smoothing Miracle
This silicone-based primer blurs pores and lines with ease, creating a smooth canvas for foundation. It’s a dupe for many luxury smoothing primers, but at a fraction of the cost.
Key Benefits:
- Smooths uneven texture instantly
- Reduces pore visibility
- Great for combo and oily skin
- Non-greasy finish
Pro Tip:
Press the primer into problem areas (like cheeks and nose) instead of rubbing for better blurring results.
5. NYX Bare With Me Cannabis Jelly Primer
Best For: Sensitive, red, or dry skin
Finish: Dewy and hydrated
Price: \$17
Why It’s Soothing & Refreshing
Infused with cannabis sativa seed oil, this jelly-textured primer soothes redness and locks in moisture. It gives a cooling, calming effect, perfect for inflamed or irritated skin.
Key Benefits:
- Hydrating + calming
- Non-comedogenic and silicone-free
- Works well with skin tints and light makeup
- Jelly texture = fun and refreshing to apply
Pro Tip:
Refrigerate for 5–10 minutes before applying for an extra-soothing effect on sensitive or sunburned skin.
6. NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer
Best For: Combination and normal skin
Finish: Soft-focus, satin
Price: \$16
Why It’s a Classic Favorite
Angel Veil is one of NYX’s earliest hits — and it’s still a go-to primer for makeup artists. It provides a smooth, semi-matte base that works well with nearly all skin types and foundation formulas.
Key Benefits:
- Smooths and blurs imperfections
- Controls light shine
- Ideal for full-glam looks
- Lightweight and breathable
Pro Tip:
Let the primer sit on your skin for 1–2 minutes before applying foundation for best results.
7. NYX Honey Dew Me Up Primer
Best For: Dull, dry, or uneven skin tone
Finish: Radiant and dewy
Price: \$17
Why It’s a Glow Booster
This unique primer is infused with honey, gold flakes, and collagen, giving it a luxe feel and glowy finish. It brightens tired skin and adds an instant golden-hour glow without shimmer overload.
Key Benefits:
- Illuminates and moisturizes
- Improves skin tone and texture over time
- Natural radiance without sparkle
- Good for dry and normal skin
Pro Tip:
Use a damp sponge to press foundation over this primer — it helps keep the glow intact without lifting product.
How to Choose the Best NYX Primer for Your Skin
Here’s a quick-reference guide to help you choose:
| Skin Type | Recommended NYX Primer |
|---|---|
| Oily | Shine Killer, Pore Filler |
| Dry | Plump Right Back, Honey Dew Me Up |
| Sensitive | Bare With Me Cannabis Jelly |
| Combination | Marshmellow, Angel Veil |
| Mature | Plump Right Back, Honey Dew Me Up |
| Dull/Uneven Tone | Honey Dew Me Up, Marshmellow |
| Textured Skin | Pore Filler, Angel Veil |
NYX Primer FAQs
Q: Are NYX primers suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes! Especially the Bare With Me Cannabis Jelly Primer and Marshmellow Primer — both are gentle, hydrating, and fragrance-free.
Q: Can I wear NYX primer without makeup?
Absolutely. Primers like Plump Right Back and Honey Dew Me Up double as skincare, giving your face a healthy, radiant look even without foundation.
Q: Do NYX primers work with all foundations?
Yes, NYX primers are designed to be compatible with both drugstore and high-end foundations, including liquid, powder, stick, and cream.
Final Thoughts: Which NYX Primer Is Best?
Here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a best NYX primer for your skin goals.
- For a universal pick, go with The Marshmellow Primer.
- For hydration + glow, choose Plump Right Back or Honey Dew Me Up.
- For oily skin control, Shine Killer and Pore Filler are clear winners.
- For calming hydration, try Bare With Me Jelly.
Each NYX primer offers standout performance at a price point that makes experimenting totally worth it. Try layering them or mixing and matching based on different areas of your face (aka primer cocktailing) for custom results.
