Home / Makeup Primer / Oily Skin / 26 Best Makeup Primers for Oily Skin: Reviews & Buying Guide

26 Best Makeup Primers for Oily Skin: Reviews & Buying Guide

by  Doris Harris -  Last Updated On 30th December 2020
Best Makeup Primers for Oily Skin

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases.

Are you tired of your foundation melting and your eyeshadow creasing?

What about having to blot at lunchtime?

If so, you need the best makeup primer for oily skin.

Even if you’ve given up foundation, for the time being, primer enhances your natural complexion.

It tightens up pores and reduces shine so that you look fresh and clean throughout the day.

Makeup primer is the best thing to help with oily skin.

Quick Comparison

If you don’t have time to read the complete article, here are our top picks.

26 Best Makeup Primers for Oily Skin In 2021

If you’ve never tried makeup primer, now’s the time. You’ll be amazed at the results.

1. DHC Velvet Skin Coat

DHC’s primer is a product endorsed by a professional makeup artist.

It isn’t just for the face – you can apply it to the neck and the hands as well.

It’s silicone-based, with the primary ingredients being Cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone. They instantly leave the skin smoother and make it look healthier. We feel this is the best primer for oily skin.

Users say that they make sure it erases fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth even if they don’t wear makeup over the top.

2. Peter Thomas Roth Skin to Die For No-Filter Mattifying Primer

The best primer for oily skin and large pores mattifies the skin for as long as possible. This one fits the bill.

This mattifying primer keeps the T-zone naturally matte by absorbing excess oil.

Then, the universal tint with diamond powder camouflages pores and enhances skin tone.

Since this mattifying primer is made for all skin types, it also respects the cheeks to keep them from looking dry and flaky.

We feel this is the best primer for oily skin and is much better than the hourglass veil mineral primer.

As you continue to use mattifying primer daily, it offers long-term results. You should gradually notice more balanced oil production and smoother skin.

3. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer for Oily Skin

You’ve heard of Korean beauty products. Elizabeth Mott takes inspiration from K-beauty and develops cosmetics for the American market.

Instead of relying on software filters to improve your appearance, you’ll always be selfie-ready with this primer. We feel this is the best primer for oily skin and is much better than the hourglass veil mineral primer.

The waterproof, silky formula soaks up oil to keep makeup in place all day long. It will create a smooth canvas for makeup of by reducing pores and evening skin tone.

This is a cruelty-free product with a money-back guarantee and we feel this is good primer that is available.

Related Reading: Best Korean Primers for Flawless Skin

4. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Shine Killer Primer

Out of all NYX’s primers, the Shine Killer is the best for oily skin.

Wear it underneath makeup or by itself to stay grease-free for hours.

This oil-free formula manages to hydrate the skin. This oil-free primer contains vitamin E to keep your complexion young and healthy.

NYX is a cruelty-free brand certified by PETA. These primers for oily skin also help makeup stay put all day.

5. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Pore Filler Primer

What’s the difference between this NYX primer and the one above?

At first, the similarities are apparent. Both contain vitamin E, and both are non-comedogenic and oil-free.

But this product is better at hiding large pores. It does so without using talc. This is the best professional face primer out there.

6. Dermablend Poresaver Matte Makeup Primer

If you have scars or hyperpigmentation you’d rather not reveal, you probably already know about Dermablend. They make the best full-coverage foundation primer available.

Their primer is the ideal under-makeup makeup and will make your skin look smooth and shiny.

It’s silicone-based with only 6 ingredients. There are no parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances. Moreover, it’s been dermatologist-tested for safety. This is the best professional face primer out there.

The non-comedogenic formula blurs blemishes within moments. Your complexion will be noticeably more perfect than it was before.

When Dermablend conducted customer surveys, they found that 96% were satisfied with the way it mattifies the skin.

7. TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer

Asian cosmetics are trending in the USA. It’s no surprise that this Japanese makeup primer sells well.

But it’s not just the attraction of the exotic. There are real benefits.

For one, it absorbs oil to keep the skin velvety soft.

Second, the slight pink tint leaves the complexion radiant.

And third, it contains anti-aging ingredients like green tea and soluble collagen. These improve moisture without unbalancing oil production. They also firm and energize the skin.

8. E.L.F. Blemish Control Face Primer

Is salicylic acid the best mattifier for oily skin? If you have acne-prone skin, then yes.

It helps control shine as it unclogs pores and diminishes inflammation.

The other advantage of this primer is that it prevents the foundation from clogging the pores and making them look larger or cause a breakout.

It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain parabens, phthalates, or other harsh chemicals.

9. Neutrogena Shine Control Primer

Dermatologist-recommended brand Neutrogena shine control primer is designed this primer to work solo as a serum. This shine control primer also preps the skin for perfect makeup application.

As a serum, the rice protein soaks up oil to keep the complexion clear.

As a shine control primer, it mattifies so that foundation stays in place for hours without touch-ups.

This shine control primer is water-based and paraben-free.

10. Revlon PhotoReady Prime Plus Primer

Revlon’s PhotoReady primer has salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acid to smooth skin texture with regular use. Its anti-aging benefits shrink wrinkles and fade discoloration.

Both of those ingredients are exfoliants that keep pores clear as well.

Revlon says that over the course of 4 weeks, the formula makes pores less noticeable and balances oil production.

In the meantime, it blurs pores and fine lines and blemishes with a soft-focus effect.

11. Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer

Smashbox developed a tinted waterproof primer for combination and oily skin.

One user called pore-minimizing primer a spackle as it hides pores well.

It keeps the complexion matte, but not flat, as the skin continues to look and feel soft and natural.

By the way, if you’ve tried primer and weren’t satisfied with how your makeup looked over the top of it, you might need to go with products from the same brand. If they have the same base ingredient, they function better together.

12. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer

Some say that the best budget-priced primer for oily skin is made by Wet N Wild.

It also blurs pores and fine lines and blemishes with a soft-focus effect. It will create a perfect canvas of your face by reducing pores and evening skin tone.

It keeps oil under control for hours. You can extend its ability by applying finishing powder over the top of the foundation.

13. Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

Another of the best drugstore primers for oily skin is made by Rimmel.

It feels very lightweight to the point that you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

The mattifying effects last up to 8 hours, whether you use it by itself or under the foundation. Plus, it makes pores virtually disappear.

Now, you’re likely to stop using that beautify effects filter on your camera.

14. L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Pro Matte-Lock Longwear Mattifying Face Primer

L’Oreal’s infallible primer is best for combination or oily skin. It’s water-based with dimethicone and other silicone-based ingredients.

The blend is breathable and won’t clog pores. Furthermore, it doesn’t make the complexion look flat or dry.

Out of the tube, it looks white but turns clear as it absorbs.

15. Covergirl Matte Ambition

Here is a mattifying primer that contains SPF 30 sunscreen.

Covergirl says that this mattifying primer is suitable for all skin types. Users with oily skin say that the performance is good for the price.

The third ingredient is talc, which absorbs excess oil.

16. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

Remember how nice your skin used to be when you were younger? Then, turn back time with the Baby Skin primer.

It acts like a lightweight moisturizer that smooths the skin and keeps it hydrated. Yet, it still manages to control shine for hours.

Your complexion should look poreless and perfected while you wear this silicone-based product.

It will create a perfect canvas of your face by reducing pores and evening skin tone and is long-lasting.

17. [INNISFREE]NO-SEBUM Blur Primer

From K-beauty powerhouse Innisfree comes the No-Sebum primer.

It has a subtle beige tint that blurs imperfections and disguises apprearance of pores. This is ideal if you don’t want to wear a lot of makeup.

For hours afterward, it prevents shine by tamping down oil production. The blend of mint and natural minerals keeps sebum under control.

18. Etude House FACE BLUR MATTIFYING SPF50+ PA+++

Korean manufacturer Etude House includes maximum strength sunscreen in this primer.

It defends against the UV radiation that causes sunburn and premature aging.

But it also makes the skin velvety soft while it corrects tone and blurs blemishes.

It has a slight pink tint that gives the complexion a healthy glow.

Users say it has a soft scent similar to baby powder that quickly fades.

19. Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray – Prime + Correct + Set

One of the best water-based primers for oily skin is made by the LA company, Milani.

This is a multipurpose product that also acts as a setting spray.

Spray it on before you apply makeup, then apply it over the top to extend the foundation’s wear time. It can keep you smudge-free and fresh for 16 hours.

What’s more, this is a cruelty-free, vegan product. It has a pleasant floral scent that quickly fades as it dries.

Users have commented that it controls shine all workday long.

20. E.L.F. Oil Control Primer Mist

Here’s another spray-on primer. The refreshing oil-control primer contains cucumber and vitamins.

It’s hard to believe that a water-based primer can reduce shine so well. Be sure to shake it well before you apply it to get the most out of it. It maintains a matte finish as it minimizes the appearance of pores and lines.

The formula is vegan and cruelty-free. It doesn’t have parabens or phthalates.

21. Better’n Ur Skin Foundation MINERAL PRIMER

The best natural primer for oily skin is rich in minerals that soak up excess sebum. It helps even if you get sweaty.

At the same time, it keeps dry skin supple and hydrated.

Wear it to minimize fine lines and reduce the appearance of pores. Enjoy it even if you have acne-prone skin as it eliminates redness.

The antioxidants protect against premature aging, too.

I checked the ingredients of this protective primer to learn more about this American-made product. It maintains a matte finish as it minimizes the appearance of pores and lines.

This protective primer is water-based with aloe juice, jojoba oil, and rice starch. But it has many other certified organic ingredients that promote healthy skin. We feel these are the best primers for oily skin.

22. Catrice Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder

Does a waterproof powder primer interest you?

This one from Catrice is transparent. It stands up to high humidity and sweat as the water simply rolls off the top.

It comes in a compact for convenient application.

We feel these are the best primers for oily skin.

23. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer

If you have mature, oily skin, turn to Elizabeth Arden’s primer to perfect your face. It’s the expert solution for blurring pores and lines.

The silky formula is oil-free. This oil-free formula primer has hollow silica beads to blot up oil and maintain the complexion shine-free throughout the day. Enjoy it even if you have acne-prone skin as it eliminates redness.

Plus, this oil-free primer balances the skin with time-release technology. You may be able to find more information on their website.

24. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen

Prevent regrets now by wearing sunscreen every day.

You’ll thank yourself in a couple of decades when your skin stays smooth and blemish-free. Meanwhile, your contemporaries will be dealing with wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

This award-winning sunscreen provides superior protection against sun damage while it prepares your skin for makeup.

It maintains a matte finish as it minimizes the appearance of pores and lines. It also includes anti-aging ingredients like green tea that leaves skin feeling perfectly smooth.

It has hollow silica beads to blot up oil and maintain the complexion shine-free throughout the day.

We feel these are the best primers for oily skin. You may be able to find more information on their website.

25. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Base

If you struggle to keep eye shadow from creasing and fading, you need this eyelid primer.

It’s suitable for all skin shades and types. Enjoy it even if you have acne-prone skin as it eliminates redness.

It has a slight pearlescent shimmer that brightens skin tone without altering color. The ingredients, meanwhile, absorb excess oil to keep makeup looking perfect for hours.

26. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Eyeshadow Base Primer

How about an eye primer that makes eyeshadow more vibrant?

It has hollow silica beads to blot up oil and maintain the complexion shine-free throughout the day.

NYX offers three tones that intensify any color of eye makeup. For example, pearl enhances iridescent effects.

By the way, the formula also prevents creasing.

Also Read: 9 Best Foundations for Prom Makeup

Conclusion

Don’t complain about your makeup melting if you’re not wearing primer. All the makeup primers on this list will create a smooth canvas for makeup that makes makeup application a breeze.

Primer is the best way to prep your skin for a flawless appearance. It keeps the complexion fresh and natural because it reduces oiliness. It helps in stopping foundation from settling in pores.

I hope that you discovered your new favorite makeup primer today. If so, please tell us more about it in the comments below.

Source:

1. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/oscar-winner-beauty-tricks-that-really-work#1 by Colette Bouchez,

Leave a Reply