Expert-Approved: 13 Best Primers For Oily Skin For Sebum Control – 2024
Get rid of the excess oil and shine on your face and make your makeup last all day long.
Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special event categories.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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Oily skin and full-face makeup – sounds risky, doesn’t it? This is why we suggest investing in the best primer for oily skin.
Primers are essential for enhancing the longevity of your makeup. They are generally applied after the moisturizer and create a smooth canvas for the application of successive makeup products. Primers for oily skin have a mattifying effect that controls shine and absorbs excess oil from the face. For oily skin, you may specifically consider oil-free primers for a smooth skin texture. These absorb the excess sebum secreted and also control its secretion to a certain duration. They make sure your makeup does not melt in the middle of the day or the party, and keep you looking fresh. Primers today are enriched with natural ingredients that do not weigh down on your face or make your skin feel heavy. Some even have nourishing ingredients like green tea extracts and aloe. Check out the best primers for oily skin available on the market right now.
In This Article
Top 13 Best Primers For Oily Skin This 2024
1. Best Oil Control:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer for Oily Skin
Bid goodbye to pores with this mattifying primer. The matte primer for oily skin can make a face look smooth, brightens the skin, and balances the skin tone. The oil-controlling primer lasts for a long and has a lightweight texture. The product is cruelty-free; it also ensures to keep the foundation in its place for long hours. The primer is waterproof and non- greasy. The formula provides that the highlighter is the only thing that shines and hence prevents oil generation. As per reviews, it is the best primer for oily skin. Here’s an honest review of the product along with a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Oil-control
- Balances complexion
- Brightens the skin
Cons
- Might melt in the heat
Pro TipApply primer to well-moisturized skin with fingertips, beginning at the center of the face and blending it outwards.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 2,372 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pro Balm Face Primer Pore Minimizer
Instantly minimizes the appearance of pores, this product promises to nourish the skin and offer a smooth makeup base for your skin. The product has the goodness of vitamin E that protects the skin and complements all skin types. The lightweight formula of the primer balm can be applied both under or over the makeup for the perfect skin texture. All it takes is a thin layer to give a mattifying look to get a flawless face. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product based on the reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Little is more
- Conceals pores
- Blends easily
- Works well on acne-prone skin
Cons
- Does not have SPF
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 839 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Minimizing Pores:Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner
The makeup primer for oily skin quickly diminishes pores and imperfections. It creates liquid silk canvas skin with a matte look. The dermatologist-tested primer is ideal for oily skin as it minimizes T-clog pores and absorbs excess oil. It is best to use the product in the morning after moisturizing the face. This expertly crafted oil-free primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless and photo-ready skin.
Pros
- Resistant to sweat and humidity
- Minimizes pores
- Blurs fine lines
- Absorbs excess oil
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might smell unpleasant
Quick TipYou can also wear primer on the bare face without foundation and concealer for a low-maintenance, matte, smooth, and moisturized look.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 1,181 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer for Oily Skin Best Oil Control | Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pro Balm Face Primer Pore Minimizer Best For Acne-Prone Skin | Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Best For Minimizing Pores | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All | oily;combination |
| Dimensions | 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches | - | 3 x 3 x 15.2 inches |
| Weight | 1.28 Ounces | - | 1.06 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,372 | 839 | 1,181 |
| Price | $15.99 | $25 | $30.0 |
4. Best For Skin Brightening:Too Faced Cosmetics Primed and Poreless
Prepare your skin for bronzer, powder, other makeup, or nothing at all with the Too Faced Primer is a multi-tasker that erases pores and imperfections. It is a good primer for large pores and oily skin and has the essence of Mulberry extract and Arctostaphylos, which protect, lighten, and brighten the skin for a renewed, fresh and soothing effect. The product has anti-wrinkle and youth-enhancing ingredients such as cyclodextrin and retinyl palmitate.
In addition, it also has skin-loving ingredients like Camellia oil and vitamin A essence of the white tea plant. The antioxidants help fight against the free radical and make the skin look firmer, brighter, and more resilient. This product is the most hydrating primer for oily skin.
Pros
- Detoxifies skin
- Skin stays hydrated
- Color stays true
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Might be a bit sticky
5. Best Non-Comedogenic:Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
The oil control primer is your key to let go of pores and embrace baby skin. The pores blurring primer also acts like a moisturizer which gives a smooth silk canvas-like look to the face preparing it for a flawless and smooth-looking skin. The affordable option by Maybelline gives you a look you’ve always wished for and can be a part of your everyday makeup routine.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Blurs imperfections
- Smoothens the skin
- For all skin types
Cons
- The size of the product might be small.
6. Best Non-Greasy:Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Serum + Primer Hybrid
The oil-absorbing and excess shine control fromula is the best foundation primer for oily skin. The top primer for oily skin has the goodness of rice protein that absorbs excess oil and leaves the skin with a mattifying effect. The primer helps prep the skin before makeup application hence giving it a skin matte look. This primer can be used alone as a mattifying serum for exceptional results and to keep the face shine-free and fresh-looking. The skin-boosting serum and primer hybrid bridges the gap between makeup and skincare product. Its nourishing formula enables the skin to remain fresh and flawless.
Pros
- Non- greasy
- Blurs enlarged pores
- Has rice protein
- Soaks excess oil
Cons
- The texture might be a bit grainy
7. Best Long-Lasting Effect:BECCA Cosmetics Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
This travel-sized matte poreless primer is all you need to get a flawless look instantly. The product can absorb excess oil for about 12 hours. The skin smoothing primer helps mattify the skin, control the oil, and blurs pores for enhanced beauty. It can be worn alone or with the foundation to get a smooth and poreless canvas. Since the product lasts for long, it only requires a minimal amount for the perfect base. Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Primer is said to be the best oily skin primer that provides a velvet finish to the skin.
Pros
- Requires a small amount
- Long-lasting
- Blurs pores
- Ideal for oily skin
Cons
- Might leave a white filmy look
"This primer gives me a matte finish. It reduces the oiliness in my T-zone and makes my skin look dry. I apply it using patting motion for the best finish."
8. Best For All Types Of Foundation:Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is the best foundation primer for oily skin. The Veil Mineral Primer offers smooth skin with a silky texture and perfect complexion that lasts for long. The expertly crafted formula works well with creamy, powdery, and liquid foundations. The product is cruelty-free and is 100% vegan. It is paraben-free, sulfates, and phthalates- free as well. It has no nano particles, oil, synthetic fragrance, gluten, or synthetic dyes added to it.
Pros
- Offers radiant-looking skin
- Works on all types of foundation
- Reduces pores
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might be a bit expensive
9. Best Dermatologically Tested:Honest Beauty Everything Primer
The Honest Beauty Everything Primer is a 2019 CEW Beauty Awards Finalist and hence is an excellent primer for oily skin. The pore filling primer for oily skin provides a matte finish to the skin. The primer lasts for long, with full coverage and oil-free formula. The silicone-free primer for oily skin helps control excess shine, blurs imperfections, and can be worn alone or with foundation. The anti-shine primer is cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and makes pores and oil invisible. There are no harmful ingredients added to the product; hence it is safe to use. Therefore it is the best professional primer for oily skin.
Pros
- Non- paraben
- Blurs imperfections
- No synthetic fragrance
- Infused with micronized bamboo powder
Cons
- Might not be lightweight
10. Best Lightweight:Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Matte Primer
Have a happy makeup look with the 12-hour control primer that is the most long-lasting primer for oily skin and shine control. The all-day primer is infused with healthy skin-loving ingredients such as zinc, salicylic acid, and witch hazel. The skin is left to be silky with a cloud-like matte finish that allows the makeup to stay for long. The product is cruelty-free, non- greasy, and has a weightless gel. It is paraben-free, phthalate-free, and sulfate-free. According to a reviewer’s experience, the Smashbox Photo Finish Oil and the amp are subtle but highly effective.
Pros
- Absorbs excess oil
- Smoothens the skin
- Cruelty-free
- Weightless gel
Cons
- No SPF
"This primer reduces oiliness and gives a long-lasting matte finish. It creates a smooth canvas that stays through long shifts or hot climates. I use it with a moisturizer because a small amount seems to go far."
11. Best Anti-Aging:Estee Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher
Estee Lauder, The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer, is the most glowing primer for oily skin. As per reviews and people’s experiences, this primer helps to reduce shine and offer a healthy look to the skin. The mattifying primer creates a flawless base for makeup application. It removes excess oil from the skin and evens out the skin tone. The product enables you to hold makeup all day at work, making a face look fresh and glowy. It is the best face primer for oily skin.
Pros
- Oil controller
- Moisturizes the skin
- Refines skin tone
- Amazing for aging skin
- Improves makeup adherence
Cons
- Might have a little shine
12. Best For Blemish-Prone Skin:First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Pores Be Gone Matte Primer with Fig Extract
The Pores Be Gone Matte Primer is an illuminating primer for oily skin. The product is nutrient-rich as it has fig extract that provides antibacterial properties. Clinical testing reports indicate that salicylic acid in the product helps to minimize the appearance of pores with consistent use. The primer can make the skin soft and provide it with a matte finish. It is said to be a natural primer for oily skin as it has no artificial colors, fragrance, alcohol, or any other harmful chemicals added to it. The product is gluten, oil, nut, and nano-free. As per reviews online, it is suitable for oily and sensitive skin types and is 100% vegan.
Pros
- Allergy-tested
- Long-lasting wear
- Blurs pores
- Reduces acne/ blemishes
Cons
- No SPF
"This primer feels like a moisturizer. It settles without leaving an oily sheen. It applies smoothly and minimizes the look of pores. It works well under foundation and leaves an even finish."
13. Best Matte Finish:City Color Oil Control Primer Spray
The City Color Oil Control Face Primer Spray has a citrus scent and is a facial primer for oily skin type. The primer spray is used before applying makeup and hence helps in preventing oil generation and uneven makeup. The primer is cruelty-free and has no paraben added to it. The product lasts for long and has been enhanced with aloe vera, making the skin smooth and soft. With City Color Primer, it is super easy to get a flawless face to outshine!
Pros
- Weightless
- Reduces shine
- Controls oil
- Helps makeup stay put
Cons
- The spray nozzle might not work well.
"This spray primer gives me a smooth finish. It stays for a long time and mixes well with my foundation. It refreshes my skin and does not give me a cakey appearance."
The best high-end primers for oily skin have the goodness of vitamins and minerals that make the skin oil-free while also moisturizing and making it soft.
Buying Guide For The Best Primers For Oily Skin
We now have a way to benefit from the face primer for oily skintype and get an oil-free makeup look. Here are some of the essential tips one should consider before purchasing a primer for very oily skin.
Choosing A Makeup Primer For Oily Skin
Dry skin or normal skin, a primer just makes the whole makeup look better and does much more. A mattifying primer is the best option for oily skin type as:
- It helps to reduce excess oil and shine.
- It helps in reducing sebum production.
- Such products help in reducing pores hence reducing shine as well.
- The pore minimizing primer helps in providing a base for the concealer and foundation.
How To Use Primer For Oily Skin
Step 1:
Once the cleanser, toner, and moisturizer have been used, it prepares the skin for primer application.
Step 2: The primer should first be applied to the eyelids and face, followed by concealing all the blemishes.
Step 3: Concealers can also cover dark circles and other marks, and finally, the foundation can be applied.
Note: The primer should be selected, keeping the skin type in mind.
The Bottom Line
Oily skin needs a good base for makeup to hide excessive sebum production and avoid melting down. To prepare the skin, you need primers that can enhance the longevity of the makeup on oily skin. If you want a product that balances skin tone, then the Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is a good option. The Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner is ideal for refining pores. For a velvet finish, choose the BECCA Cosmetics Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector. Applying these primers can help control sebum and provide a matte-like glow to the skin. These oily skin primers for skin preparation contain natural ingredients that do not feel heavy on your skin. They are non-greasy, cruelty-free, and provide long-lasting results. Check out the buying guide to pick one that suits your skin type and tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does primer work for oily skin?
Primers are meant to fight against oily skin; it removes excess oil without clogging the pores or drying the skin. The best primers for oily skin help the makeup stay on the face and reduce the generation of oil.
What is the best primer for oily acne-prone skin?
The best primer for oily acne-prone skin is those that absorb excess oil and keep the face clean all day. The primer should maintain the look hydrated and not have any ingredients that can cause blemishes or acne.
What is the best affordable primer for oily skin?
Maybelline, L’Oreal, Revlon, Boots, and COVERGIRL are some of the perfect skin primers. These are worth every penny and provide the quality it promises.
How do you control oily skin?
Oily skin can be controlled by using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer twice a day. Cleaners that have tea tree oil or salicylic acid help to dissolve sebum from the skin. After using the cleanser, it is advisable to use a cleanser to remove impurities with a final application of a light oil-free moisturizer. Facial masks and exfoliators should be applied once a week. There are several primers for redness and oily skin and promise to offer flawless and shine-controlled skin.
Is MAC primer good for oily skin?
It is a good primer for oily skin as its lightweight and keeps the skin balanced by evening it out. The MAC primer helps in making the foundation sit on the face and reduce oil production.
Is a baby skin primer good for oily skin?
Baby skin primer is good for use as it’s not only suitable for oily skin but works well for all types of skin. It helps to make skin smooth and poreless.
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Asmita De
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