Best Primer for Oily Skin

Face primer makes for an excellent addition to any makeup collection. From shine control primer to hydrating primer and mattifying primer — there are many different priming products from which to choose. But what is primer? Is it really necessary to use primer for daily makeup application? According to Grove, primer is used underneath eyeshadow, foundation, tinted moisturizer, and mascara to create a smoothing effect that enhances makeup coverage. The best face primers effectively blur out large pores, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and correct any skin discoloration. Whether you're a makeup artist or not, this handy tool is both easy to use and great for all skin types and tones. From combination skin to sensitive skin and even those with an oily skin type — there's a primer out there for everyone.

If you're someone that deals with excess oil production and you're on the market for a dependable makeup primer, you're in luck. As it turns out, some of the best primers available today are designed for use on oily skin. From Laura Mercier to Elizabeth Mott and Fenty Beauty, all of the major brands carry a priming product — all you need to do is find the one that's gonna work best for your skin. Because oily skin produces excess sebum and tends to be more acne prone, certain ingredients and formulas can worsen these issues or prove otherwise ineffective. Medical News Today says managing oily skin requires a person to make regular skincare habitual. And when it comes to makeup products, it's your responsibility to keep track of what you're putting on your face.

Choosing the Right Makeup Products for Oily Skin

According to Vogue, there are a handful of ingredients commonly found in makeup and skincare that those with oily skin should avoid entirely. Unfortunately, many of these ingredients are used in everything from foundation and moisturizer to eyeshadow, lipstick, contour, and highlighting products. To avoid worsening your skin issues accidentally, the best thing you can do is review ingredient lists before even buying a product. If you discover a product contains the following ingredients or formulas — you might want to think twice.

1. Coconut Face Oils

2. Alcohol

3. Occlusive such as petroleum jelly

4. Rough scrubs

5. Silicone

6. Artificial dyes

Otherwise, you'll want to avoid anything that adds moisture. Worry not, however, because there are plenty of oil-friendly products available, containing a bounty of nourishing ingredients. So, whether than taking a risk with the ingredients above, look for things like salicylic acid, vitamin E, retinol, hyaluronic acid, clay, and spearmint. According to Gamila Secret, these ingredients can increase cell turnover, calm inflammation, eliminate acne, and boost moisture in the skin. With the help of products enriched with such elements, managing oily skin doesn't have to be such a challenge.

How to Use Primer Effectively

While it might seem like there's not much involved when it comes to applying primer, there are more ways to put it to use than one might assume. For instance, did you know primer can be beneficial even if you're not applying makeup that day? In fact, because many makeup primers contain SPF in addition to moisturizing, color correcting, and smoothing effects, they can be incorporated into your normal, everyday skincare routine. According to Cosmopolitan however, the benefits of primer go way beyond skincare. Below are some of the more inventive ways to put primer to use for you.

1. Mop up eyeshadow

2. Erase eyeliner mistakes

3. Correct your lip liner

4. Tame frizzy hair and fly-a-ways

5. Prevent chafing

6. Make full-coverage foundation more sheer

7. Revive gel eyeliner

8. Turn powder eyeshadow into cream

As you can see, much like your best foundation, a good primer should be a staple in any complete makeup bag. With many different formulas to choose from, you can use it to achieve a number of skin and makeup goals.

Check Out the Best Primer for Oily Skin

Now that you have an understanding of what's good to use and what should be avoided if you have oily skin, we can focus on the real topic at hand — primer. No matter what your skin tone, a good primer is especially beneficial for oily skin. Why? According to Byrdie, primer is necessary for controlling oils and helping the makeup adhere to the skin. With dependable staying power and a weightless finish, these are the best primers for oily skin.

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

With a pleasant lightweight and creamy formula, e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer is the incredibly affordable option you don't want to miss — priced at less than $7. While added hydration is typically frowned upon if you have oily skin, this hydrating primer uses natural ingredients to soothe and nurture the skin while creating a smooth canvas. Infused with grapes and vitamins E, A, and C, this primer also serves to boost your complexion. Preview says going au-naturel with your skincare routine is the best thing you can do for oily skin. That's why this primer is one of our top picks.

Because this primer has such a gentle, skin-friendly formula, it's actually good for all skin types. Simply blend it evenly on the surface of your skin either with a sponge or your directly with your fingertips and let it set. Once it dries, you've got a flawless base on which you can apply your makeup. In addition to it's natural ingredients, e.l.f. Hydrating Face primer is cruelty-free, vegan, and 100% free of unwanted ingredients like parabens, phthalates, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, triclocarban, triclosan, and hydroquinone. Perfect for illuminating skin, minimizing pores, and blurring acne, this is by far one of the best primers for oily skin.

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Illuminating Primer

Priced at $16, this primer product is a great option not only for those with excess oil issues, but also for anyone with mature skin. Because according to Who, What, Wear, primer actually smooths fine lines, evens the skin tone, and reduces the size of the pores — all factors we contend with as we age. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Illuminating Primer is an excellent oily skin facial primer for several reasons. First, it adds a well-balanced amount of hydration. Second, its formula is weightless and non-greasy. Finally, it's waterproof and long-lasting, so even those with oily skin can enjoy a flawless face all day long.

Providing its signature 'lit from within' iridescence, Elizabeth Mott Primer is crafted from a sebum-controlling powder that actively fights to control sebum production and prevent acne. Designed to brighten skin and balance skin tone, this makeup primer has multiple benefits any skin type can enjoy. Formulated to perfection without testing on animals, this is another cruelty-free product that is Leaping Bunny approved. Additionally, it is perfect for wear with or without makeup. Foundation Fairy says primer can be used without makeup to create a flawless, moisturized natural base — not to mention the skincare benefits.

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

Good for both oily and dry skin, this is another highly affordable yet well-designed primer priced at just $8. E.LF. Poreless Putty Primer is a long-lasting, hydrating formula that minimizes pores to provide a flawless base. This product contains ingredients like Squalene, which according to WebMD is a moisturizing ingredient that occurs naturally in the body and helps the skin appear more supple in addition to numerous other benefits. With a velvety, lightweight texture, this product glides effortlessly over the skin, applied best either with a sponge or with your fingertips. In the end, you're left with a matte finish that confidently holds makeup in place all day. With a convenient design and compact size, it's easy to store and travel for touch ups as needed.

If you have enlarged pores or acne prone skin, e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer is ideal because it effectively helps close pores and eliminate and prevent acne. Available in 9 shades and several different finishes ranging from matte to luminous and satin, you're seeking a matte primer or a silk canvas primer — e.l.f. has you covered. Furthermore, their Poreless Putty Primer is cruelty-free, vegan, and free of unnecessary harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, and the like. Providing full coverage, this primer is unique in that it's tinted, making i a great option if you'd prefer to skip the foundation

Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer

Available for a remarkably low $4, this selection is a purely matte primer with impeccable shine control even for the worst cases of oily skin. Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer controls shine for up to 8 hours while leaving skin feeling weightless. Good for oily and dry skin alike, this non-greasy formula is creamy and easy to apply with your fingertips. As a part of a complete line of products, Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer can be used alone or in unison with your other favorites for a more polished appearance. Do you have combination skin? If so, this is the product for you as it banishes shine for good while stopping sebum from sneaking through your makeup.

Inika Organic says mattifying primer is the best tool for shrinking pores and absorb oil — making it ideal for use on oily skin. In addition to its priming and skincare benefits, Rimmel Stay Matte Primer can even be worn on top of makeup to increase its longevity. As you can see, this is a multi-use product that even soothes under eye areas. According to Style Craze, certain primers can actually eliminate the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes.

Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray and Primer

If you are looking for a product that has the power to hold your makeup in place for up to 16 hours, Milani Make It Last 3-in-1 Setting Spray and Primer is the product for the job — especially if you have oily skin. This illuminating finishing spray doubles as a primer, making it an excellent 2-for-1 item that's beneficial every time you apply makeup. Priced at just under $9, we chose this as one of the best primers for oily skin because it hydrates and illuminates the skin while preventing shine. Not only that, but it's one of the longest-lasting options on this list by far.

Great for every skin tone, this product is effective for everything from daily looks to dramatic evening looks and even theater and Halloween makeup. No matter what your style or occupation happens to be, this affordable makeup primer has a light fragrance that leaves you feeling refreshed and beautiful all day. Milani Setting Spray and Primer products include a number of finishes should you choose to switch it up once in a while. These finishes include make it dewy, make it last, make it matte, and make it SPF. According to The Brightside, using a primer with SPF in combination with one other protective product is enough to protect your skin each day.

Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go Primer

Much like the previous Rimmel primer on this list, Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go Primer is available for the low price of just under $4. This is another handy 2-in-1 product that serves as an excellent primer and finishing spray. Complete with shine control and quick drying abilities, this is a great primer for anyone who is frequently on the go. Simply spritz the skin, apply makeup, spritz again, and you're set. With a transparent and lightweight formula, the 100 ml you get for this low price will last your hundreds of applications. Just hold the bottle 8-10 inches from the face and spray the foreheads, cheeks, nose, and chin for overall coverage.

With a matte finish, it's easy to see why this product is great for oily skin. Especially when you consider its all-day staying power. As a part of a complete line of Stay Matte products, you can confidently use this product on its own without makeup or as a part of a complete routine. Either way, Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go Primer is more than worth your consideration.

NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Blurring Primer

As it's name applies, NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Blurring Primer is ideal if you have oily skin in addition to enlarged pores. With this product, you don't need a celebrity makeup artist to help you look flawless. In fact, in terms of primer, this option has incredible smoothing capabilities and up to 12 hours of staying power. In Style claims NYX Professional Makeup's primers are better than some of the high-end options, but at a much more affordable price. Available for $13, this primer comes in cream form and glides on in a lightweight manner so you're not weighed down.

Free from both oil and talc, this is a makeup primer that won't clog your pores or cause acne to form. Certified by PETA, NYX products are 100% cruelty-free and never tested on animals. Additionally, this product is vegan. With a blurring formula, this primer is especially ideal for anyone with acne-prone skin or other unsightly imperfections you wish to mask. As the perfect pre-foundation base coat, this professional grade pore filling primer has a matter finish and is enhanced with a number of nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E — a great ingredient for those dealing with excess oil production.

NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer

As another option coming to you from NYX Professional Makeup, the NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer is the perfect option for anyone who likes to look photo-ready. Available in three different shades, this product has several purposes that correct an array of skin issues. With clear for classic hold, green for color correcting red tones, and purple for color correcting yellow tones, this product provides a solution for everyone. And priced at under $12, you afford to buy multiple shades for solving every days problems. With a silky cream formula, you can easily prime your whole face with a minimal amount of product.

PETA certified and cruelty-free, NYX Professional Makeup never tests on animals and this formula itself is vegan. Once applied, this makeup primer absorbs and sets quickly so you can get your makeup done in a timely manner. And on days where you wish to go makeup free, this primer works great on its own to provide moisture, fill pores, and correct skin discoloration for a flawless natural appearance that lasts the whole day. Finally, with brightening and illuminating effects, this is a primer you cant count on every day of the week to keep you looking fresh.

Add a Primer to Your Makeup Kit Today

Shopping for makeup and skincare products with oily skin can be quite daunting. However, if you're looking for a dependable primer that won't bother your skin but rather hydrate, color correct, and combat acne and oil production — you don't have to feel discouraged. Because now, not only do you have an understanding of which ingredients are best for your skin type, you have a handful of impressive primer products to choose from that can seriously help you step up your makeup game.