Oily skin can be a challenge to deal with, especially when it comes to makeup application. The right primer is essential for ensuring that your makeup stays put and looks flawless throughout the day. Primer creates a smooth and even canvas for makeup, minimizing the appearance of pores and controlling oil production.
For those with oily skin, finding the perfect primer can make all the difference in achieving a long-lasting makeup look. A good primer for oily skin should not only control shine but also prevent makeup from slipping, sliding, or caking. It is crucial to find a primer that is lightweight, non-greasy, and compatible with your other makeup products.
When searching for the best primer for oily skin, pay close attention to the ingredients. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulations that contain mattifying properties, such as silica or kaolin clay. Additionally, some primers are infused with skincare ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, which can help improve the overall texture and appearance of your skin in the long run.
We have dedicated our time and effort to researching and testing various primers suitable for oily skin. In the following sections, we’ll introduce you to our top picks, discuss their key features, and help you choose the ideal primer to keep your makeup looking fresh and shine-free all day long.
Best Primers for Oily Skin
We are thrilled to present our top picks for the best primers specifically designed for oily skin! Dive into our list below and discover the perfect primer to keep your complexion looking matte and flawless all day long.
Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer
We’d highly recommend this primer for those struggling with oily skin, thanks to its effective mattifying abilities and lightweight feel.
Pros
- Effectively controls shine
- Ultra-lightweight formula
- Non-greasy and comfortable wear
Cons
- May not suit very sensitive skin
- Needs careful application to avoid excess
- Thickness requires getting used to
We recently tried the Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer to see how it performed on oily skin. As soon as it was applied, we noticed a visible difference in oil control. The primer kept our skin looking fresh and shine-free for up to 8 hours, which was impressive considering how lightweight it felt.
Another plus point was that the primer did not feel greasy at all. In fact, it helped our makeup stay put throughout the day, giving us confidence in its effectiveness. However, we did find that it takes a bit of practice to figure out the right amount to apply, as it is a slightly thicker formula than what we’re used to. So, a little goes a long way!
While this Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer worked wonders on our oily skin, we are aware that it may not be suitable for everyone. Those with extremely sensitive skin should proceed with caution, as it could potentially cause some irritation. However, for the majority of oily-skinned folks out there, this primer is a fantastic choice to help keep shine at bay and create a flawless, matte base for your makeup.
MILK Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Face Primer
You’ll love this primer that keeps your skin looking flawless and matte all day long.
Pros
- Lightweight, water-cream formula
- Controls shine and blurs pores
- Nourishing ingredients, such as niacinamide and bakuchiol
Cons
- May dry fast when applying
- Not ideal for very sensitive skin
- May need makeup touch-ups throughout the day
We have recently tried this MILK Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Face Primer, and it quickly became one of our favorites. It has a lightweight, water-cream texture that glides onto our skin, creating a smooth and even base for makeup application. Despite being lightweight, it still manages to keep our oily skin under control throughout the day.
What really sets this primer apart from others we’ve used is its nourishing formula. Packed with niacinamide and bakuchiol, it not only minimizes the appearance of pores but also works to even out our skin tone over time. Plus, it’s suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin types, making it a versatile choice for various skin concerns.
However, there are a few caveats to consider. The primer might dry fast when applying, so it’s essential to work in small sections to prevent it from affecting your foundation application. Additionally, it might not be ideal for very sensitive skin, and some users may need occasional touch-ups throughout the day. Overall, though, we believe this MILK Makeup primer is an excellent option for those in search of a makeup primer that effectively controls oiliness and blurs pores.
Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum
This primer and serum hybrid is a must-have for anyone with oily skin looking for a shine-free, smooth surface for makeup application or standalone use.
Pros
- Mattifying and smoothing effect
- Two-in-one primer and serum
- Infused with rice protein for oil absorption
Cons
- May not work beyond 10-12 hours
- Could be drying if not paired with a moisturizer
- Not suitable for users who prefer separate primer and serum
We recently tried the Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum and were impressed with its dual-functionality. The combination of a face primer and serum in one product made our makeup routine much more manageable. The rice protein infusion helped absorb excess oil, leaving our skin with a matte finish and feeling refreshed.
We appreciated the fact that this product can be used as a standalone serum for shine control or as a primer to create a smooth surface for makeup application. Regardless of how it’s used, the result is consistently a mattified and nourished complexion.
However, we noticed that the shine control effect might not last for more than 10-12 hours. Also, if you’re using this product daily, it’s essential to pair it with a moisturizer to avoid drying out your skin. Lastly, some users might prefer using separate primer and serum products for their specific skincare needs.
Overall, the Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum is a versatile and effective solution for those with oily skin seeking an all-in-one product to achieve a shine-free, smooth complexion.
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Spackle Primer
You should purchase this primer if you want a hydrating, lightweight, and nourishing makeup primer for oily skin that creates a smooth base for foundation application.
Pros
- Hydrates and preps skin for a smoother makeup application
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
- Formulated with nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and antioxidants
Cons
- Not suitable for extremely oily skin types
- No SPF protection
- May require multiple layers for large pores
As makeup enthusiasts, we all know how essential a good primer is, especially for oily skin. The LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Spackle Primer has been a game-changer in our makeup routine. It creates a smooth canvas on our skin, making foundation glide on seamlessly.
The lightweight and non-greasy texture of this skin-perfecting primer does not clog our pores, and we were quite impressed by how it brightened our complexion. The Hydrate 2-in-1 formula works wonders, and we noticed a clear difference in our skin when we used it, even without any makeup on. The blend of Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin provides essential hydration and replenishment to keep our face feeling fresh and looking radiant all day long.
One downside we noticed is that this primer might not work well for extremely oily skin types. It might require multiple layers for masking larger pores or a higher coverage for those who need it. We also wish the primer had SPF protection to shield our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, considering its target audience is more mature women.
In conclusion, the LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Spackle Primer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hydrating, lightweight, and nourishing makeup primer for oily skin. Although it might not provide maximum coverage or sun protection, the overall benefits it offers are indeed worth the investment.
TULA Skin Care Brightening Smoothing Primer Gel
We highly recommend this primer for those with oily skin, thanks to its probiotic and skin-friendly ingredients.
Pros
- Clinically proven and effective formula
- Smoothens and brightens skin
- Ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin
Cons
- Comes in a small container
- May not work well for very oily skin
- Packaging might be less than perfect
When using the TULA Skin Care Brightening Smoothing Primer Gel, we immediately noticed how our makeup application was smooth and easy. The formula contains powerful probiotics and skin superfoods that help maintain a healthy and balanced complexion. As we applied the primer, our skin enjoyed the instant brightening effect which gave us a more radiant appearance.
The fact that this primer is silicone-free and non-comedogenic makes it a reliable option for those with oily and blemish-prone skin. It doesn’t clog pores, and its brightening willowherb is perfect for giving our skin a fresh boost. However, we did find that the container is smaller than expected and might run out quickly for regular users.
Although its effectiveness might vary depending on the level of oiliness of your skin, we loved how it smoothened and brightened our complexions. It’s worth noting that some customers have received a package with a strong scent or dirt on the primer, so make sure to double-check upon receiving it. However, we generally had a great experience with the TULA Skin Care Brightening Smoothing Primer Gel and believe it’s worth trying out for people with oily skin.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Studio Perfect Primer – Clear
We highly recommend NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Studio Perfect Primer for oily skin, as it provides a lasting, smooth, matte base for makeup application.
Pros
- Silky formula creates smooth matte surface
- Prolongs makeup wear
- Available in Clear, Lavender, and Green for versatile skin concerns
Cons
- May not provide strong color correction
- Might not fully cover redness for rosacea
- Some users experienced breakouts
The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Studio Perfect Primer impressed us with its smooth, silky formula that easily absorbed into our oily skin. Applying it before our foundation made an instantly noticeable difference, smoothing out our skin’s surface and ensuring our makeup stayed in place all day long.
We appreciate that the primer is available in three shades – clear, lavender, and green – which cater to different skin concerns. Clear works great for covering fine lines and large pores, while lavender helps to brighten and illuminate yellow undertones, and green is designed to counteract redness. However, for those with rosacea or more severe redness, it might not fully cover the imperfections.
On the downside, a few users experienced breakouts after using the primer. We personally didn’t run into this issue, but it’s still something to consider if you have sensitive skin. Overall, the NYX Studio Perfect Primer is a great choice for oily skin and at a reasonable price, it is definitely worth trying for a long-lasting, matte makeup look.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer
Oily skin types should definitely consider NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer for a superb, shine-free base.
Pros
- Creates a smooth canvas
- Hydrating and soothing
- Extends makeup wear
Cons
- Light scent may bother some
- Might not work for all skin types
- Can be slightly pricey
We recently tried out the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer and we have to say, our faces have never looked better! Not only did it create a silky-smooth canvas for our makeup, but it also kept our oily skin in check throughout the day.
The vegan formula, infused with marshmallow root extract, offers numerous benefits, such as hydration and soothing properties. Plus, it blurs fine lines and pores, achieving that perfect soft-focus finish. We also noticed our makeup looking fresh for a more extended period with this primer, which is a game-changer!
Although we found the light scent pleasant, some people might not appreciate it. Additionally, while it works great for our oily skin, it may not suit everyone’s skin type. Lastly, although the product’s quality justifies the price, it might be a bit expensive for some.
Overall, we’re thrilled with the results NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer provides, and we highly recommend it for anyone searching for the perfect primer for oily skin.
Buying Guide
We are thrilled to help you find the perfect primer for your oily skin! Choosing the best product can be overwhelming, but by focusing on a few essential features, we can make the process easier.
First and foremost, look for a mattifying primer. Since oily skin produces excess sebum, a mattifying primer can help control shine and keep your makeup intact throughout the day.
It’s crucial to consider the ingredients in the primer. Opt for oil-free formulations to inhibit extra oil production. Also, keep an eye out for ingredients like silica and dimethicone, which can help absorb excess oil and smooth out the skin’s texture.
Remember the importance of skin compatibility. Even if a product works wonders for someone else, it may not suit your skin. Look for non-comedogenic primers to ensure that your pores won’t get clogged and lead to breakouts.
Longevity
An essential part of choosing the best primer is its ability to extend the wear time of your makeup. A high-quality primer should work as a reliable base, increasing the longevity of your makeup and preventing it from wearing off or smudging throughout the day.
Texture
The primer’s texture plays a critical role in application and skin feel. We recommend seeking a lightweight, non-greasy primer that blends seamlessly into your skin. This way, it won’t weigh down your makeup or cause an uncomfortable, heavy sensation.
In conclusion, focus on the features mentioned above, such as mattifying properties, ingredients, skin compatibility, longevity, and texture, to find the best primer for your oily skin. Happy hunting!
