10 of the best primers for oily skin 2021

Writer and expert3 years ago

A perfectly matte, flawless base is the best canvas for makeup.

If you have oily or combination skin, prepping your skin before applying your foundation is vital if you hope to create a perfect, streak-free base that stays in place and lasts all day.

Which are the best primers for oily skin?

10 best primers for oily skin 2021

To help you find your perfect product, we've gathered together the best primers for oily skin to balance, mattify and smooth your skin.

Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimising Primer

Formulated to mattify the skin and control shine for up to eight hours, Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimising Primer helps to balance and smooth oily, combination skin. With a silky texture which glides on to and melts in to the skin, the primer feels so lightweight on the skin but creates the perfect base to keep your makeup in place all day without creasing or fading.

Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer

Create a perfectly matte base and keep oils at bay all day with Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer. The cream-gel formula absorbs excess oil to mattify the skin without drying out your complexion allowing your foundation to apply smoothly without accentuating any uneven skin texture or tone.

NARS Cosmetics Pore & Shine Control Primer

Enriched with African Whitewood and Oleanolic Acid to balance and purify the skin, NARS Pore & Shine Control Primer helps to perfect your skin whilst wearing makeup. The oil-free primer glides over the skin, helping to sweep away excess oil and minimise the appearance of pores for a smooth, perfected complexion. Working beautifully on all skin tones, it leaves the skin soft and even with a velvet matte finish.

Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier

Extend the wear-time of your makeup and balance your complexion with Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier - a primer which helps to blur the appearance of pores and control oil production for a smooth, even visage. Unlike many mattifying primers, the lightweight formula is almost undetectable on the skin and creates a fresh matte but never flat finish.

MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Mattifying Mist

Achieve a smooth, flawless complexion with MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Mattifying Mist; a weightless, ultra-refreshing formula that works to eliminate unwanted shine and oil.

Lancôme Prep and Matte Primer

Blurring the appearance of fine lines and pores for a perfected, flawless finish, Lancôme Prep and Matte Primer helps to create flawless foundation results. With a sleek, shine-free finish, the primer helps to prolong makeup staying power and creates a natural matte base with a subtle lit-from-within glow.

NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer

Create a photo-ready finish with NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer Primer. Acting as a buffer to prevent a build up of oil, the primer helps to improve makeup application and longevity, creating the perfect smooth, oil-free base for a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher

Expertly controlling oil and shine for a flawless finish, Estée Lauder The Mattifier Perfecting Primer + Finisher keeps your complexion looking healthy whilst smoothing a mattifying veil over the skin. Worn alone or underneath makeup, the primer helps to balance and control for skin that looks fresh all day long.

Barry M Cosmetics All Night Long Primer Stick

In a handy stick form for precise and simple application, Barry M All Night Long Primer Stick smooths over pores and evens out the texture of your skin to create the perfect base for your foundation. Whether simply applied to areas which need mattifying, such as the T-Zone, or all over the complexion, the primer helps to control oil production without looking or feeling heavy on the skin. The oil-free formula sets down to create an invisible, smooth base that stays in place all day.

benefit the POREfessional Primer

The iconic benefit The POREfessional Primer has long been a considered one of the best primers for oily skin. Oil-free and ultra-lightweight, the primer creates a perfect base for makeup and even works to protect the skin with a dose of Vitamin E. Underneath foundation, the primer helps to keep your base in place all day and all night long without breaking up or fading away.

Enjoy this? Try our best primer for dry skin or best silicone free primer guides.