12 Best Primers for Oily Skin 2023: Oily Skin’s Best Friend
Do you have oily skin?
Primers are a great way to control the oil on your face. They help makeup stay in place and can even make it last longer. But not all primers are created equal! Research has shown that you don’t have to worry about which primer is best for your skin type. Check out the list of best primers for oily skin, and find one that will work perfectly with your needs! You deserve to be able to wear makeup without worrying about how long it will last or if it will come off on your clothes. No more embarrassing moments at work because of greasy patches under your eyes.
Best Primers for Oily Skin 2021
Best Primers for Oily Skin Overall
1
Elizabeth Mott Cruelty-Free Matte Makeup Base Primer
Elizabeth Mott Cruelty-Free Matte Makeup Base Primer will leave a matte finish that protects your makeup from oiliness and creasing throughout the day. Besides evening out your skin tone, the formula revitalizes the appearance of your skin and balances your complexion. You’ll love how it makes you look. This product is made with natural ingredients. It contains Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea Extracts, Chamomile Extracts, and Aloe Vera Juice which are known to nourish dry or sensitive skin while also protecting against free radicals caused by environmental factors such as pollution. With this product on hand, you can feel confident about having healthy-looking smooth radiant-looking skin all day long.
What we like:
- Protects your skin from environmental pollutants and dryness.
- Prevents the natural oils in your skin from breaking down your makeup.
Best on Budget
2
Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
If so, we’ve got the perfect primer for you. Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer is a great way to help your makeup go on smoothly and last all day long without breaking down or fading. It goes on like a moisturizer and leaves the skin looking matte and poreless. Apply it before foundation for a smooth canvas that will stay fresh all day long! There are also sheer, medium, and full coverage foundations in liquid, stick, and cushion foundations as well as concealers, primers, contours, highlighters, and pressed powders.
What we like:
- Keep your makeup looking fresh for longer.
- Helps to minimize the appearance of pores.
Best Pore-Minimizing Primers
3
COVERGIRL Base Business Face Primer
If you’re looking for a primer that will keep your makeup in place all day, COVERGIRL TruBlend Skin Smoothing Face Primer is the perfect product for you. This clinically-proven formula reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving your face looking smoother and younger. The oil-free formula goes on smoothly without leaving a sticky residue or caking up your makeup. It also creates a smooth surface for better foundation application and helps keep your makeup from fading throughout the day. Available in 4 shades, this face primer is ideal for all skin tones. You can achieve an even canvas before applying foundation with COVERGIRL TruBlend Skin Smoothing Face Primer.
What we like:
- Provides the perfect canvas for your makeup to go on smoothly.
- Gives you a flawless base that lasts all day.
4
TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer
TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer tightens pores, gives a lifting effect to dull and saggy skin and helps to minimize wrinkles. This makeup primer for the face with collagen hydrates the skin while preventing moisture loss by strengthening the moisture barrier. Touch in Sol primer face makeup for oily skin instantly gives you a healthy-looking face at once while regulating oil excretion and controlling sebum production. You can use this pore filler primer on any foundation or powder that will give you flawless-looking results every time.
What we like:
- It is lightweight, so it doesn’t feel heavy on your skin.
- It has a matte finish for a natural look that lasts all day.
Best Mattifying Primers
5
DHC Velvet Skin Coat
Velvet Skin Coat is best facial primer that both preps skin for a flawless makeup application and mattifies skin when worn alone. The ultra-lightweight formula instantly minimizes the look of pores, fine lines and imperfections so makeup glides on and stays put all day. The clear, powder-gel formula feels like velvet on the skin and can be worn alone for a mattified look that’s like your very own camera filter. The good-for-you formula also defends against environmental stressors that can cause premature aging.
What we like:
- Smooths skin instantly
- Softens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a smoother, younger looking complexion.
6
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free is an oil-free face moisturizer for oily skin. This product has Sebulyse Technology to target excess oil for a dual-action: mattifying skin and refining pores while providing daily hydration. Excellent base for makeup. Moisturizer is oil-free & non-comedogenic with a light matte finish. This moisturizer visibly tightens pores. Use as a daily, oil-free mattifying moisturizer for oily skin after cleansing. It is an excellent base for makeup. Every day, you can use this product to help reduce shine and control excess sebum production without over-drying your skin or clogging your pores.
What we like:
- Matifies skin and controls shine.
- Helps prevent breakouts with regular use.
Best Acne-control Primers
7
e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer
e.l.f Blemish Control Face Primer is your secret weapon to a flawless face. When applied before your makeup, this base will give your face a baby-like matte finish. Allowing your foundation to do its job and not get stuck in the wrong places while prepping your palette (face) for light powder or full makeup – you decide. e.l.f makes best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip, and face with professional quality products that are always vegan and cruelty-free! Your originality is infinite, and it is inspired by what makes you unique. From the early explorer to the trend-obsessed beauty junkie-glam or bare-faced, minimalist or maximalist.
What we like:
- Reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines.
- Keeps your makeup from caking up on your skin.
8
Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer
Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer is a lightweight and non-oily formula that primes skin with pigments to counteract the look of redness for an even-toned start; Dermatologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive skin, does not clog pores. This water-based primer helps smooth application without a greasy feel, visually blurring imperfections and smoothing fine lines for flawless, even-toned skin; Apply all over the face before foundation or wear alone for a luminous effect. You can use this primer to achieve the perfect canvas, so your makeup goes on flawlessly every time! There are sheer, medium, and full coverage foundations.
What we like:
- Keeps makeup in place for hours
- Provides a perfect canvas to apply foundation, blush, and eyeshadow.
Best Smoothing Primers
9
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer is the perfect product for your makeup routine. It’s infused with marshmallow root extract to make your skin feel oh so soft and smooth while extending the wear of your makeup for 16 hours! This vegan, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested super primer also helps reduce texture, blurs lines, adds a soft-focus finish, AND keeps makeup fresh. You can complete your entire look with a full line of face products that help color correct and cover blemishes. There is everything you need to create flawless looks every day.
What we like:
- The formula is light and non-greasy.
- It has a smooth, silky feel that helps makeup glide on easily.
10
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer
If you’re looking for a primer that will keep your makeup in place all day, look no further. Age Perfect by L’Oreal Paris Blurring Face Primer is infused with a caring serum and features a universal rosy formula. This product can either be worn alone or with age, perfect radiant serum foundation or creamy powder foundation plus Y5. It instantly smooths the look of lines and pores. In 1 Use, it diffuses the look of lines with a natural-looking, soft-focus finish. The blurring Primer rosy formula is universally flattering – it helps boost healthy-looking, radiant skin. It also works overtime to improve skin appearance.
What we like:
- Your makeup will look flawless all day.
- Skin will be smooth and radiant.
Best Oil-Free Primers
11
e.l.f Matte Putty Primer
e.l.f Matte Putty Primer with formula infused kaolin and white charcoal delivers a perfect matte finish. Velvety texture glides effortlessly over the skin, smoothing over imperfections for a poreless effect and the ultimate grip on your makeup. Apply a thin, even amount to moisturized skin before makeup application and set for 30 seconds before applying foundation. Easy to carry and convenient for travel! Cruelty-free, vegan, and 100% free from Phthalates, Parabens, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates, Triclosan, Triclocarban Hydroquinone. Before applying foundation, you can use this matte putty primer as an everyday base or even wear it alone for a natural look.
What we like:
- Smooths out pores and fine lines to create a flawless canvas.
- Keeps makeup from fading or creasing for hours on end.
12
Ruby Kisses Never Touch Up Face Primer
The Ruby Kisses Never Touch Up Face Primer is a lightweight formula worn under or over makeup for a smooth canvas. It helps reduce shine and keeps the oil at bay while allowing the foundation to look better and last longer by increasing its hold. The Fresh All Day reduces shine and keeps the oil at bay, so you don’t have to worry about touching up throughout the day! Good Bye Pores minimizes the appearance of fine lines, large pores, uneven texture & tone with just one swipe! Blemish Sweep balances the skin’s surface & tone for smoother, more subtle-looking skin.
What we like:
- Keep your makeup fresh and flawless for hours.
- Never worry about touch ups again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is primer good for oily skin?
Yes, primer can help oily skin. One of the benefits of primer is that it can help mattify the skin and control oil production. But it would help if you chose a primer for oily skin. Some primers might make your skin more oily, so you should find one designed for oily skin and not use other primers.
Is primer bad for acne?
There is no one answer to this question because everyone has different skin. However, many people believe that primer can worsen acne because it often contains silicone and other ingredients that can clog pores. If you have acne, it might be a good idea to avoid using primer and instead look for products specifically labeled as “acne-fighting.”
How do I choose a primer?
A primer is a makeup product you put on before you put on your makeup. There are different kinds of primers for different skin types. If you have oily skin, you will want to find a primer that controls oil production. If you have dry skin, then find a moisturizing one with ingredients to help keep the natural moisture in your skin. Sometimes people have both oily and dry skin, so if this is the case, look for a type of primer with ingredients for both types of skin in it.
Do primers clog pores?
There is not much debate over whether primers clog pores. Most people think that they do not. The question is whether or not certain types of primers, like those with a lot of silicone in them, will make your pores look like they are clogged up. If you break out a lot, it could be worth trying a primer without silicone to see if it helps to reduce the number of breakouts you have.
Can I use primer daily?
Primer can help your makeup look better and last longer, but it’s not essential. You can use a primer every day, but it’s not necessary. Some people prefer to wear primer every day, while others only use it when they’re wearing makeup. If you don’t have primer and don’t want to buy any, you can still wear makeup – just be aware that it might not last as long.
Can I use primer without makeup?
Some people use primer under their makeup. It helps their skin look smoother and it makes their makeup last longer. However, if you are using it as a moisturizer, you may not need to wear foundation or other types of makeup.
Are face primers necessary?
Many people ask me this question, but there is no right answer. It depends on the person’s skin type and makeup needs. But face primers can be a great way to add an extra layer of protection for your skin. They also help your makeup last longer! So if you want your makeup to look smoother or stay on all day, then a primer may be a good choice for you.
Primers for Oily Skin Buyer Guide
Including a primer in your daily routine helps to keep your makeup in place the whole day and makes your skin look polished. These primers are great for oily skin as they are oil-free and prevent the skin from looking greasy. They do not break out the skin which is a common problem with using primers on oily skin. The following factors must be kept in mind when buying a primer for oily skin to get the right product:
1) Skin Type & Concerns
Even an oily skin can have many different concerns and every skin type needs a different type of product to work on these concerns. Identify your skin type and concerns before buying the primer to get the most benefits. Use different primers in different seasons as your skin is oily in the harsh summer months but can be dry in winters. If you have a matured skin, use a primer which offers anti-aging benefits.
2) Formula & Consistency
The formula of the primer should not contain artificial fillers and synthetic dyes which can aggravate the oil glands of the skin further. Use an oil-free primer which is non-comedogenic to keep your skin look fresh and dry. The texture of the primer should be smooth and comfortable on the skin and not cause acne. Work with the primer so see which type of application gives the desired results.
3) Staying Power
The basic function of a primer is to enhance the staying power of your makeup as the makeup slides off after a few hours on an oily skin. Check the primer to see if it extends the staying power considerably and makes your makeup last longer than usual. Try different brands before you get the one which gives you maximum staying power. Primers are all the more necessary during the harsh summer months and it is important that you check this feature during those months only to see the true effect.
4) Price
Primers are products in which you should invest carefully as a wrong product can not only not give you the desired results but also damages your skin with the harmful ingredients. Primers can generally cost anywhere between 8$ to 25$ depending on the brand and the formula. Invest in a good primer which suits your skin and controls oil to give you a natural base for makeup. Look online for deals on primers for oily skin to get the lowest price.
5) Customer Reviews
Read what other users have to say about the primer you are considering buying as this will give you an idea about the pros and cons of the product. Look for people with similar skin type and see how the primer works on their skin. You can also get a sample from the store to see how it works for you before purchasing a large bottle. You can also share your questions and concerns with the online community to solve your doubts regarding the product.
Here are some general tips and tricks you should follow when buying and using a primer for oily skin to get a flawless base for your makeup:
- Do not use a primer on a dirty skin as this can lead to acne and breakouts. Cleanse your face with a cleanser before applying a primer to get the maximum benefits.
- Blot the excess oil from the face before using a primer to keep the skin dry. If you are applying a moisturizer, give some time to it to dry and then continue with the primer.
- Primers with silicones can clog the pores and make the skin look dull and tired after prolonged use. Give your skin a break once in a while and let it breathe naturally to restore its health.
- Look for primers which have multiple benefits and act like moisturizer, SPF, and highlighter in one to avoid using multiple products every morning.
- Remove the primer every night before you sleep with a good makeup remover as the skin cell renewal process is at its highest rate at night.
- Do not buy cheap primers which use fillers and synthetic chemicals to mimic the texture of high-quality primers. These products can damage your skin and lead to many other skin diseases.
- Carry a small bottle with your favorite primer in it when you travel to keep your skin look young and fresh always. You can either buy a small tube of your favorite primer or fill one of those refillable makeup tubs to carry the primer.
So these are some of the most popular makeup primers for oily skin which make your makeup stay for long and keep it bright. These primers are great for everyday use as they are quite gentle on the skin. You can use them for any special occasions to be the talk of the party because of your makeup. Use this buyer guide to choose the right primer for your skin which will enhance the staying power of your makeup considerably. Choose a primer which keeps your skin look prepped and primed and makes your makeup stay longer without any greasiness on the face.
