Have you been searching for the perfect primer for oily skin?
You can now achieve that flawless makeup look with these top recommendations from experts.
Table of Contents
- Primers for acne skin types
- Primers for oily skin types
- ISDIN’s SkinDrops
- Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Foundation Primer
- Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
- Givenchy Mister Mat
- OC 8
- Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
- Nars Pore & Shine Control
- Colorescience’s Mattifying Perfector Face Primer
- Givenchy Mister Mat Primer
- Frequently Asked Questions
Primers for acne skin types
- Look for a water-based formula that won’t clog pores. Clogged pores may result in blackheads. (Related: How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose)
- Consider a primer with a green tint, which can neutralize the redness in the skin.
- Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, safflower oil, or licorice extract because they help to reduce oil production, soothe skin, decrease bacteria production and reduce redness. But because many of these ingredients can be drying, it’s important to opt for one that also has hyaluronic acid for non-greasy hydration.
You can try these drugstore options:
E.L.F. Cosmetics Blemish Control Face Primer
Maybelline Face studio Master Prime (color corrects redness)
Primers for oily skin types
- Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, that reduce surface grease and get into the pores to help manage oil production.
- Look for hydrating ingredients (eg, hyaluronic acid, aloe, honey, rose water) that help skin feel moisturized, so that it doesn’t over-compensate and produce excess oil.
- Look for mattifying and shine-minimizing ingredients like Zea mays, witch hazel, Dimethicone, magnesium aluminum silicate, silica, mica.
- Look for water or gel-based products that protect the skin, sit on the skin, but don’t clog pores.
You can try these drugstore options:
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
E.L.F Mineral Infused Face Primer
NYX #NoFilter Blurring Primer
Revlon PhotoReady Primer (Brightening)
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lock Primer
For more Prestige Brands, try the following:
Benefit The Porefessional
Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer
ISDIN’s SkinDrops
The skin needs to be healthy from the inside out, and the main building blocks for this are good diet (lower processed carbs, more healthy fats, and proteins), good hydration, effective stress management, and exercise. From a skincare standpoint, the skin needs to look enough to shine on its own–with little to no makeup.
In terms of primers for oily skin, I really like ISDIN’s SkinDrops product: this is a really lightweight foundation with very powerful coverage. It gives coverage for up to 12 hours and effectively covers up tattoos, discoloration, and various other imperfections.
SkinDrops comes in 3 different shades. I like it mixed with a moisturizer and applied with just 1-2 drops for the whole face for light-medium coverage, and 3-4 drops for heavier coverage.
Daryna Podchernyayeva
Professional Makeup Artist, WarrenTricomi Salon | Graduate, MakeUpForEver Academy New York
Primer is a makeup product that will help your makeup last longer. One of the problems with oily skin is it’s too much shine. So, the best way to fix that is to use a matte primer. I would like to introduce you to my must have primers for oily skin!
Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Foundation Primer
The first primer is Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Foundation Primer. This primer absorbs oil to keep your face non-oily and lock your makeup for a long time.
Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
The second primer is Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector. This primer controls oil for up to 12 hours!
Givenchy Mister Mat
Lastly, Givenchy Mister Mat. This luxurious primer makes your face feel softens and hydrated. The primer contains plant extracts that help control oil and keep healthy beautiful skin.
Not only have I been treating all types of skin for 15 years, but I went into the field of Medical Aesthetics due to my own super oily/acne-prone skin issues.
Having tried dozens of makeup primers, specifically for oily skin over more than 20 years, I have a few that I have found most effective to NOT turn me into an oil slick by day’s end!
OC 8
OC 8 is a terrific magnifier/primer that truly does the trick! I have applied a thin layer at 6 AM and remained slick-free, with makeup in place, even at 9 PM! This is alcohol-free and terrific for sensitive skin (including mine!).
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is another GO TO for summery humid days/nights that has never disappointed me! It is very lightweight and will not cause breakouts. This contains Vitamins A, C & E (which I insist my patients/clients use 365 days a year if tolerated), which helps to protect, hydrate and repair the skin.
Nars Pore & Shine Control
Nars Pore & Shine is another primer that contains peptides, which we can all use to hydrate, while the skin still remains slick free!
Colorescience’s Mattifying Perfector Face Primer
Control shine and blur imperfections with Colorescience’s Mattifying Perfector Face Primer.
This mattifying primer is specifically formulated to help oily and acne prone skin. Not only does this primer help absorb oil and smooth any imperfections, but it is also formulated with SPF 20 to help protect your skin. A must have to maintain oil control throughout the day.
Givenchy Mister Mat Primer
Givenchy Mister Mat Primer works as a remedy for oily skin. Oily skin causes makeup to fade much quicker than if the person had a combination skin type. Priming your skin will make the makeup last longer.
Just like you apply a base coat to your nails before you put the polish, the same applies to makeup. Even though this product is a bit on the expensive side, it’s worth it. It’s a powder gel that can be worn under makeup or on its own. It’s extremely lightweight and actually softens and hydrates your skin.
It absorbs the excess oil without clogging your pores. It also contains plant extracts that help control the overproduction of sebum, which will give you a matte finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply primer for oily skin?
To apply primer for oily skin, follow these steps:
• Start with clean, moisturized skin.
• Apply a pea-sized amount of primer to your fingertips.
• Gently massage the primer onto your face, focusing on areas prone to oiliness.
• Wait a few minutes for the primer to dry before applying foundation or other makeup.
Are there any ingredients I should avoid in primers for oily skin?
Yes, some ingredients can be problematic for oily skin. Here are some ingredients to avoid in primers:
Heavy oils: Any primer that contains heavy oils like coconut oil or shea butter. While these ingredients may be great for dry skin types, they can leave oily skin feeling greasy and lead to breakouts. Look for primers that use lightweight oils like argan or jojoba oil instead.
Fragrance: Fragrances in primers can cause skin sensitivity and irritation, especially in oily or acne-prone skin. It may also indicate the presence of undisclosed harmful ingredients. Fragrances can contain synthetic chemicals that can harm your skin and overall health. Look for fragrance-free primers or those that use natural fragrances like essential oils.
Silicone: While silicones can help to blur imperfections and create a smooth surface for makeup application, they can also trap oil and bacteria in the pores, leading to breakouts. Instead, try a primer that uses natural, non-comedogenic ingredients like kaolin clay or zinc oxide to absorb excess oil and keep your skin looking matte all day.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a common ingredient in primers as it helps the product to dry quickly and feel weightless on the skin. However, alcohol can dry and irritate, causing the skin to produce even more oil. Instead, opt for a primer that uses natural ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin to provide a smooth, matte finish.
By choosing a primer specifically designed for oily skin and free of these potentially problematic ingredients, you can help control oil production and keep your skin looking matte and healthy throughout the day.
Is it necessary to use a primer if I have oily skin?
While using a primer isn’t necessary for everyone, it can be especially helpful for people with oily skin. A primer can help control oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve the longevity of your makeup throughout the day.
By creating a smooth base for your foundation, a primer can also prevent your makeup from caking or settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Overall, using a primer can help you achieve a more polished, matte look and keep your makeup looking fresh longer.
How often should I replace my primer?
Like all beauty products, primers have a shelf life and should be replaced periodically. Most primers have an expiration date printed on the packaging, but as a general rule, you should replace your primer every six months to a year.
Over time, the ingredients in your primer can break down and lose their effectiveness. That’s why keeping track of when you purchased your primer and replacing it as needed is important. Also, if you notice any changes in the texture or scent of your primer, you should play it safe and replace it.