Growing up with acne-prone and combination skin taught me many things. Namely, how to choose the best primer for oily skin, conceal a spot, the quickest way to tackle a flare-up up and that moisturiser is not the enemy. It also taught me that when it came to makeup application, I had to be incredibly picky about the products I used on my face. After much trial and error, my entire primer philosophy whittled down to choosing formulas that feel light and not greasy, won't clog my pores or irritate breakouts, would decrease shine and make my makeup last longer.
My skin is much less oily now that I'm older courtesy of some corrections to my routine—I learned the hard way that over-cleansing and avoiding hydrating creams was not the way to deal with it. Still, when I need to ensure my makeup lasts all day, standing up against humid weather and cold snaps that dry out my complexion, I employ the same useful tips and techniques that I learned as an oily-skinned teenager.
I know first-hand how annoying it is when your makeup has slid down your face by midday, when no amount of powder will prevent your T-zone from shining and when your pores seem to be visible no matter how many layers of foundation you apply.
Do People With Oily Skin Need Primer?
While you might think layering an oily complexion with more products may add to the amount of shine, people with oily skin can and should use a primer. As you probably have already guessed, primer is my secret weapon for minimising my sebum-rich skin.
These days, many of the best makeup primers are designed to nourish skin, add glow or a touch of radiance and give leave you with a fresh, dewy finish. But if you have oily skin, then you probably want the exact opposite. The best primers for oily skin will mattify complexions, reducing shine, preventing oil from disturbing your foundation, blurring the appearance of pores, and keeping your makeup locked in place from dawn 'til dusk, even before dousing yourself with setting spray.
Is Silicone or Water-Based Primer Better for Oily Skin?
The best formulas rely upon ingredients like silicones to create a physical barrier between makeup and skin, while creating a smooth canvas for makeup. What's more, many primers for oily skin contain ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid, which help in the long term to control oil, reduce breakouts, and balance skin's moisture levels.
How To Choose a Primer For Oily Skin
As I mentioned, ingredients are important when it comes to selecting an oily-skin-friendly primer. Look for formulas that contain silicone, as these create a barrier between the skin and your base, helping to keep shine at bay throughout the day.
It is worth noting, however, that silicone-based primers may not sit well with water-based foundations, and so, in this instance, you'll want a water-based formula infused with oil-balancing ingredients, like salicylic acid.
Also, don't be afraid of hydrating primers as these can often benefit oily skin, which occurs as a result of dehydration, reducing shine over time.
Yes, primers are the perfect base, helping to even texture and calming redness to provide a blank canvas for the remainder of your routine, and I've tried and tested hundreds of primers for oily skin over the years.
From dedicated face primers designed to prep and smooth to excellent moisturisers that work double duty and won't add an extra step into your daily routine, we have a product to suit and soothe every skin concern. With my edit of the top primers for oily skin, the best days of blurred and softened skin are ahead of you.
How I Tested
For me, discovering the best primers for oily skin has been a real trial-and-error process over many years. Since my teens, I've put many formulas to the test to discover which primers applied smoothly, worked well under foundations and, most importantly, enabled me to stay shine-free all day (no mean feat, let me tell you.)
Each of the primers on this list has been rigorously put through its paces whether that's a full day in the office (or school in my teenage years), applied pre-workout at the gym or simply for a busy doubt. As a result, you can rest assured that every primer on this list truly has what it takes to be dubbed a great primer for oily skin. So, here are my top picks...
Best Primers for Oily Skin, Listed
- Best Overall Primer for Oily Skin: Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Face Primer (£32)
- Best Affordable Primer for Oily Skin: e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer (£11)
- Best Matte Primer for Oily Skin: Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer (£18)
- Best Primer for Acne-Prone Oily Skin: MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12 Hour Shine-Control Primer (£30)
- Best Sculpting Primer for Oily Skin: Refy Face Primer (£24)
1. Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Face Primer
Finish: Mattifying + Smoothing
Key Ingredients: Rich in Vitamin E.
An oldie but a goodie. This tried-and-true pore-smoothing primer has been a favourite of mine since I was a teenager. Since it's kept my makeup intact on many a night out over the years, it's one I always come back to when updating my kit with new innovations or Wholesale Replica Bag and greatest primer for oily skin.
Pros
- Great for skin with enlarged pores and blackheads.
- Rich in hydrating Vitamin E.
Cons
- I've found it runs out quickly.
2. e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Finish: Soft-matte
Key ingredients: Squalane
Silicones sometimes get a bad rep in the skincare world, but they're actually a very underrated ingredient, especially when formulated for a primer that mitigates oily skin. Since they can't be absorbed into pores, they sit on top of your skin barrier, creating a smoothing layer that makeup adheres to. The layer also acts as a protectant to prevent oil from coming through and disturbing the makeup.
e.l.f.'s Liquid Poreless Putty Primer is a great example of this. It applies seamlessly, blurring pores and smoothing skin texture, while also leaving skin with a soft-matte, oil-free finish that lasts all day.
Pros
- Affordable and lasts for hours with a high-adherence texture.
- Contains hydrating squalane.
Cons
- If you don't love a silicone feel, you may not enjoy this.
3. Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, lentil extract, moonstone and blurring microspheres.
If you prefer a silicone-free formula (the texture can be a little jarring for some), this is an excellent option. It's formulated specifically for oily and combination skin types, so it contains a blend of helpful ingredients like niacinamide and bakuchiol, as well as blurring microspheres.
On the skin, however, it feels lightweight and melts in quickly to leave you with a smooth, shine-free complexion.
Pros
- Packed with powerful skincare ingredients—that are 100% vegan—and free from silicone with a lightweight water-cream texture.
Cons
- Totally mattifying, so removes all radiance. You can always add a touch of shine back in with moisturisers designed for glowing skin.
4. MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12 Hour Shine-Control Primer
Finish: Matte
Key ingredients: Antioxidant-rich lactobionic acid, algae extract and witch hazel.
Promising 12 hours of shine-free skin, MAC's Mattifine primer is a powerhouse formula for keeping oil at bay. What makes this primer extra special is its texture — lightweight and moisturising, as you apply it to the skin, it transforms from a gel to a powder consistency, which combats oil and creates a smooth, velvety complexion. Plus, it's also packed with witch hazel, which soothes blemishes as it covers.
Pros
- Feels hydrating on the skin.
- Contains soothing witch-hazel making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
5. Refy Face Primer
Finish: Radiant glow
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, glycerin.
Of course, not everyone with oily skin wants a matte finish. I love the Refy glow and sculpt face primer for days when I want to maintain a bit of a glow and radiance. Alongside hydrating vitamin E and glycerin, it contains niacinamide to help control oil. Plus, I love the roller applicator, which allows you to sculpt as you apply for a little added lift.
Pros
- Feels really lightweight and is totally invisible.
- The applicator allows you to sculpt as you apply.
Cons
- The roller applicator isn't very hygienic.
6. e.lf. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer
Finish: Dewy
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide and glycerin.
There's a good reason why e.l.f Cosmetics' Power Grip primer has racked up hundreds of five-star reviews and is one of the few beauty products that's gone viral on TikTok. The water-based, jelly-like formula is lightweight and non-greasy, so it looks and feels totally invisible on the skin. Despite this, it impressively locks makeup in place for hours on end thanks to its slightly tacky texture.
Pros
- Affordable.
Cons
- Tacky texture takes a little getting used to.
7. Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Powerful emollients, emulsifiers and humectants.
Ideal for those who have very oily skin and wear their makeup all day (or all night), this silicone-based primer has a velvety texture which gives skin a true matte finish. For a full-coverage shine-free base, I like to pair this with Estée Lauder's coordinating Double Wear Foundation for a seriously flawless look.
Pros
- Really long-lasting.
Cons
- Can pill with some silicone-based moisturisers.
8. Dr. Jart+ Pore Remedy Soothing Primer
Finish: Soft-focus semi-matte
Key Ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, titanium dioxide (a physical sunscreen) and essential oils.
I tried and tested this one over the summer, so take it from me, this one really stands up against hot temperatures and humid climates. (Don't worry, it's just as effective for cold weather, too.) It's a skincare-makeup hybrid, so as well as locking down makeup it utilises gentle chemical exfoliators to target dead skin cell buildup and unclog pores.
Pros
- Contains skincare ingredients, like pro-vitamin B5
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin types
9. Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer
Finish: Soft matte
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E and C, hyaluronic acid and the powerhouse peptide Matrixyl 3000.
We all know and love Urban Decay's makeup setting spray, but this primer doesn't always get the recognition it deserves. It utilises the same makeup-locking formula to keep your face looking fresh for up to eight hours while still feeling nourishing on the skin. When used in conjunction, these two products are the ultimate shine-free make-up locking power couple.
Pros
- Very durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Can feel quite heavy on the skin.
10. NARS Soft Matte Primer
Finish: Soft matte
Key Ingredients: A patented Anti-Oxidation Complex.
If your skin is oily but prone to occasional dryness, it can be hard to find a primer that works perfectly for you. Enter Nars' Soft Matte Primer. The unique formula features a climate-balancing technology that absorbs excess moisture in humid climates while retaining skin hydration in dry ones.
Pros
- Great for combination skin types
- Ideal for travelling
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as some formulas on this list
11. Paula's Choice Shine Stopper
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: A unique Microsponge® technology that keeps oily skin shine-free for up to six hours.
I find that some primers can feel thick and heavy on skin, and if you're prone to oiliness and breakouts, you may be concerned about makeup clogging your pores. Put your mind at rest with this skincare-makeup hybrid from Paula's Choice. It instantly works to keep skin shine-free, while working in the long term to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Pros
- Helps to treat and prevent oiliness
Cons
- Totally mattifying, so removes all glow
12. ONE/SIZE Beauty Secure The Sweat Primer
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Bamboo marrow powder, niacinamide and horsetail and sage extracts.
Since it's waterproof, sweat-proof, and oil-proof, shine doesn't stand a chance against this primer, making it the perfect primer for oily skin. I like to use it before the gym or pack it when I'm heading away on holiday and need a primer that works seriously hard against oil.
Pros
- Really does lock makeup in place all day and night
Cons
- Can irritate sensitive skin types
13. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer
Finish: Airbrushed matte
Key Ingredients: Brimming with microspherical powders.
It may be expensive, but truly, no one does base makeup quite like Hourglass. This skin-perfecting primer not only controls shine but also creates an airbrushed finish that minimises the appearance of pores and breakouts. And the texture? Like velvet — a dream to apply and wear.
Pros
- Blurring finish.
Cons
- Not totally mattifying, but great if you still like to have some glow.
- Expensive
14. Indeed Labs Nanoblur Instant Skin Finisher
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: A Nano-Optic Prism Complex.
I know many a makeup artist who counts this primer as a staple in their kit. Formulated to give skin a photo-ready finish, it mattifies and smooths while light-diffusing pigments blur and filter imperfections.
Pros
- Really does blur over enlarged pores.
Cons
- Small tube doesn't last very long.
15. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Finish: Plump + Hydrated
Key Ingredients: Moisturising complex, Vitamins E, B and C
Bobbi Brown's moisturiser come primer hybrid, may seem best suited for dry and normal skin, however, I can say from experience it works wonders on oily skin too. Although it's packed with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and a trio of hardworking vitamins, the cushiony texture also contains silicones, which work to smooth skin and create an even base for makeup.
Pros
- Incredibly hydrating.
- Can be used instead of a separate primer and moisturiser.
Cons
- Won't suit those who prefer a matte finsih.
Finish: Soft matte
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and silicone.
As any beauty expert will tell you, it's essential to moisturise oily skin, irrespective of how counterintuitive it might feel at the time. I love this Rare Beauty primer because of how hydrating and cushiony it leaves the skin after wear. Top with your go-to pigmented skin enhancer (mine is Chanel Beauty's Les Beige Water-Fresh tint) and a light dusting of liquid blush.
Pros
- This gel texture blurs and softens.
Cons
- Slightly sticky to the touch.
Finish: Soft mate
Key Ingredients: Glycerin and silicone.
There's a reason Fenty Beauty forever changed the industry when Rihanna launched her makeup line in 2017—because who else enters the market with three different primers designated to treat and soothe specific skin concerns? This primer is a great universal salve that really helps even skin tone, diffuses the appearance of pores and leaves oily skin with a shine-stop finish.
Pros
- Leaves skin looking blurred and smooth.
Cons
- The texture is quite gummy.
Why Trust Us: Beauty
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We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.