Prepping your skin with a primer before applying makeup is optional, but many consider it a vital step for keeping greasy-looking skin at bay. Along with absorbing excess oil, this key product helps with a slew of complexion concerns. “Primer helps to reduce the appearance of pores, and on some occasions provides color correction to balance redness or any other issues you might want to address,” says makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran.
The best primers for oily skin also tend to smooth and fill texture irregularities such as fine lines, creating a smooth base for makeup application and as a result extending the longevity of your look. “If you’d like makeup to last, primer is the best option for achieving that goal,” says Jaikaran.
Ahead, we break down the nine best primers for oily skin, including options for a matte finish and one with ingredients to help control acne. Keep in mind that primer should be applied after all skincare products (including sunscreen) to be most effective.
- Best Overall Primer For Oily Skin: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
- Best Pore-Minimizing Primer For Oily Skin: Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Pore Minimizing Primer
- Best Mattifying Primer For Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer
- Best Primer For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: e.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer
- Best Illuminating Primer For Oily Skin: BareMinerals Primetime Brightening Foundation Primer
- Best Smoothing Primer For Oily Skin: Tatcha Silk Canvas Filter Finish Protective Primer
- Best Silicone-Free Primer For Oily Skin: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Blurring
- Best Oil-Free Primer: Lancôme La Base Pro Oil-Free Longwear Makeup Primer
- Best Drugstore Primer For Oily Skin: Honest Beauty Everything Primer
Best Primer Overall For Oily Skin
A Lightweight Primer That Does It All
Best Pore-Minimizing Primer For Oily Skin
A Cult-Favorite Pick That Gives An Airbrushed Look
Best Mattifying Primer For Oily Skin
A Primer That Stops Oil In Its Tracks
Best Primer For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
A Blemish-Fighting Formula
If you have acne-prone skin, this multitasking primer is for you. It’s powered by salicylic acid, tea tree and vitamin E to treat and prevent breakouts while simultaneously turning your face into a smooth, even base for makeup. Reviewers rave about its longwearing abilities and improvements in skin after use.
Best Illuminating Primer For Oily Skin
An Oil-Absorbing Primer That Leaves You Radiant
This primer makes a noticeable difference: When worn alone or with makeup, it makes the skin appears significantly more radiant—no matter your skin type or skin tone. What’s better, it’s infused with silica, an ingredient that helps absorbs excess oil and blur the look of larger pores and wrinkles.
Best Smoothing Primer For Oily Skin
The Holy Grail Of Makeup Primers
Oily skin types are the ideal candidates for Tatcha’s fan-favorite Silk Canvas Primer, which has over 1,100 five-star reviews. The balm’s pressed silk smooths and blurs pores for even foundation application that stays in place all day, while the formula’s botanicals prevent makeup from clogging pores and causing breakouts. Pro tip: Use the round spatula instead of sticking your fingertips into the balm to keep it clean.
Best Silicone-Free Primer For Oily Skin
A Top Pick For A Smooth, Matte Finish
Best Oil-Free Primer
A Base That Locks Makeup In Place
Best Drugstore Primer For Oily Skin
A Fast-Acting Skin-Perfecting Primer
Frequently Asked Questions About Primers For Oily Skin
What Type Of Primer Is Best For Oily Skin?
If your skin tends to err on the side of normal to dry, Jaikaran says water- and gel-based primers will work well for you. On the other hand, if your skin is oily, gel-based primers may work even better, as they tend to better grip makeup.
Is Primer Necessary For Oily Skin?
While primer isn’t always necessary, it can be particularly helpful for prepping skin—whether all over or in spots that get particularly oily. “If you find that you tend to get oily, you can apply primer only in the areas you need it,” says Jaikaran.
Is Primer Bad For Oily Skin?
Primers are not bad for oily skin, but some are better than others, especially when they have added skincare ingredients. Some formulations are packed with complexion-boosters like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which help soothe and hydrate the skin. Also, water- and gel-based primers are increasing in popularity. Plus, Jaikaran says, “We’re seeing a lot of brands exclude silicone in their primers.”
