Looking for a primer that softens your skin and prepares it for a full face of makeup? The Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer is one of the best primers in the market, and it does just that. Professional makeup artists and beauty gurus rave about this product, so it makes sense why the rest of the world wants to try it out too.
The one thing that steers people away from purchasing this primer is the price. The reality is that no one can drop a ton of money on just one makeup product. So the question is: Is the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer really the best one out there? Or can alternative primers do the exact same job for a lower price?
If you can’t justify dropping a relatively large sum of money on just a makeup primer, you’ve come to the right place. We have rounded up the best dupes for the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer along with a complete review of the product itself. Specifically, our closest dupe is the NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer. It is practically identical to the Hourglass primer for a fraction of the cost.
Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer Review
The Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer is raved about by so many influencers in the beauty community. So it’s no secret why so many people wonder if it is actually worth it.
This primer is equipped with microscopic powders in a cream formula to soften the appearance of pores and fine lines. It minimizes any wrinkles that may be present and it evens out your complexion. The purpose of this is to create a blank canvas for other products, like foundation, to seamlessly apply on top of it.
If you like makeup products that serve more than one function, this primer might be right up your alley. Like most primers, this product smoothes out your skin and prepares it for the rest of your makeup routine. But, it also includes SPF 15 in its formula which protects your skin from sun damage.
Another great thing about this product is that it is both cruelty-free and vegan. So, it is an ethical product to invest in. It is also free from any sulfates and parabens.
This product does have an oily feel to it, so it may not be great for people with naturally oily skin. Another obvious downfall for this product is the price.
Pros:
- Includes SPF 15
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Conceals redness and evens out the skin’s complexion
- Softens the appearance of pores and fine lines
Cons:
- Not suitable for oily skin
- Expensive
Where to buy it: Amazon
Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer Dupes
The bottom line is: If you are willing to spend a ton of money on a primer, the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer is a great primer to invest in. But, not a lot of people can justify spending that amount of money on makeup. The good thing is that there are so many other primers out there that won’t put a huge dent in your wallet.
NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer
Our Pick
This silky, satin primer features a light and fresh formula that creates a comfortable cushion to enhance your skin.
The Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer and the NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer are pretty much identical. The most obvious difference is their prices. I mean, they even have oddly similar names. The NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer is a great option for those with normal to dry skin, as it is very hydrating and moisturizing. You only need a dime-sized amount to cover your entire face. It blends well into the skin and truly prepares it for a full face of makeup. The packaging of this product is simple and easy to use. All of NYX’s products are 100% cruelty-free, and this primer, specifically, is vegan.
One thing to note about this primer is that, if you apply too much, it can feel quite thick and heavy on the skin. Also, it can feel too oily for those who have an already oily skin type.
Pros:
- Only need a small amount
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Inexpensive
- Easy-to-use packaging
- Blends well
Cons:
- If you apply too much, it can feel heavy on the skin
- Not suitable for those with oily skin types
Where to buy it:
Banila Co Primer
This primer provides seamless coverage by creating an invisible barrier layer to outside elements.
The Banila Co Primer isn’t one of the most widely known primers, but it is a pretty good dupe for the Hourglass Primer. It successfully prepares the skin for a full face of makeup, but it also does much more than that. It also soothes and moisturizes the skin with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera extract. It does a great job of minimizing the appearance of pores and wrinkles. In order to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, it also includes SPF in its formula. Additionally, it is formulated without any sulfates or parabens.
Unfortunately, Banila Co is not cruelty-free. They sell their products in China where it is required by law to test imported cosmetics products on animals. Also, the packaging is a bit small for the price.
Pros:
- Moisturizes and hydrates the skin
- Minimizes the appearance of pores and wrinkles
- Includes SPF protection
- No sulfates or parabens
Cons:
- Not cruelty-free
- Small packaging for the price
Where to buy it: Amazon
ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Primer
A lightweight, hydrating primer that refreshes your skin to create a perfect makeup canvas.
ColourPop is known for having high-end quality makeup products for a relatively low cost. Their Pretty Fresh Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Primer is a lightweight, hydrating primer. It feels very refreshing and moisturizing on the skin. As the product name says, it is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid which helps to moisturize the skin and keep it in good health. It is great for dry skin, as it helps to hydrate and add extra moisture. Also, all of ColourPop’s products are 100% cruelty-free.
If you have oily skin, this may not be the primer for you. It is formulated with coconut oil which could potentially add too much extra shine to your complexion.
Pros:
- Lightweight on the skin
- Includes hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Great for dry skin
- Cruelty-free
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not suitable for oily skin
Where to buy it: Ulta
E.L.f. Poreless Putty Primer
The velvety texture of Poreless Putter Primer glides effortlessly over your skin, smoothing over imperfections.
E.L.F. is known for being one of the most popular makeup brands at the drugstore, and for good reason! Their products give off a high-end feel for much less of a cost. This holds true for the Poreless Putty Primer. This primer is a drugstore favorite because it universally works for all skin types. Hence the name, it minimizes the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines. Also, all of E.L.F.’s products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan. Not to mention, it is highly affordable.
Reviewers say that this product smells strongly of tea tree oil, so that may be bothersome to you. Also, if you use too much, it can feel very heavy on the skin.
Pros:
- Great for all skin types
- Minimizes pores, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Affordable
Cons:
- Strong scent
- Can feel heavy if you apply too much
Where to buy it:
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
A silicone-free, oil-free, green-tinted primer that blends in clear to work with all skin tones.
Milk Makeup is relatively new to the beauty community, so many beauty influencers have dived right into testing out all of their products. One of their favorites from Milk Makeup is the Hydro Grip Primer. Its packaging comes with a pump which makes it super easy to apply. The great thing about this product is how hydrating it is. It is formulated with ingredients like hemp-derived cannabis seed extract and blue agave extract. These help to bring more moisture into the skin. Although this product is very hydrating, it also works for oily skin types. All of Milk Makeup’s products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan.
One of the downsides of this product is that it can be difficult to blend. We recommend using a damp beauty blender or sponge to help blend it out. Also, it isn’t as expensive as the Hourglass primer, but it is one of the higher-priced dupes on our list.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Formulated with super hydrating ingredients
- Great for all skin types
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- Slightly higher priced
- Can be difficult to blend
Where to buy it: Amazon
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
This primer uses adaptive silicones to act as a matte, hydrating, blurring primer.
The Ordinary is typically known for selling amazing skincare products, but their High-Adherence Silicone Primer is also quite admirable. It does an excellent job of creating a smooth canvas that keeps your makeup in place all day. It is great for all skin types ranging from super dry to super oily. It efficiently minimizes the appearance of any pores or fine lines. Also, The Ordinary’s products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan.
Since this primer is formulated with silicone, it does have a silicone feel to it. This can cause the primer to feel heavy or unnatural on the skin. Also, if you do not blend it enough, it can make your makeup look splotchy or patchy.
Pros:
- Smooths out the skin’s complexion
- Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines
- Great for all skin types
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons:
- Has a silicone feel to it
- Can make your makeup look patchy if you don’t blend enough
Where to buy it: Amazon
Final Thoughts
The Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer is a great primer for those willing to spend a large sum of money. But, there are so many other primers out there that do the same job without being so expensive. Our favorite is the NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer. But, all of the primers on this list are great in their own ways. Regardless of which one you choose to buy, you’ll be getting the most for your money.