Getting your skin ready for makeup application is important and usually involves washing your face with a cleanser and moisturizing. However, you should toss in a good primer as part of your cosmetic application routine.

What is a Primer?

Primers are designed to help even out your skin to prepare it for makeup application. A primer for oily skin will reduce shine, control oil production, and moisturize your face all day long.

What primer does is create an additional layer that is between your face and your makeup. Using a primer will help to keep your makeup looking fresher for longer. Though it is impossible to say exactly how long your makeup will last with a good primer, it will definitely help your makeup stay in place longer than it ordinarily would.

Best Primer for Oily Skin

If you want to pick the best primer for your oily skin, you may find it very confusing to choose the right one. We have helped you narrow down the list of options to only the best primers for oily skin. Have a look, and pick the one that works for you.

The jane iredale Smooth Affair for Oily Skin Facial Primer and Brightener, 1.7 oz. is an excellent primer when it comes to dealing with oily skin. This primer is designed to help you reduce the shine that is caused by excess oil on your face. The mineral science that is behind this primer makes your skin look younger, healthier and clearer. You will enjoy the fact that fine lines and pores will be reduced with this primer, though not completely hidden.

The technology used to develop this primer is revolutionary as it uses a PoreAway tech that helps to give you clear skin. Furthermore, the matte finish makes your skin tone look even as it soothes away blemishes. You also don’t need to worry about harsh chemicals that can damage your skin as this is good for sensitive skin.

Overall, the jane iredale Smooth Affair for Oily Skin Facial Primer and Brightener, 1.7 oz. is one of the best primers for oily skin as it will give you a look you are trying to achieve. You will have reduced shine, an even complexion and a great base for makeup that will make it last all day long. This primer is a great choice when you are looking for a primer that includes anti-aging properties.

Key Features
  • Helps to bring out your natural radiance by giving you an even skin tone
  • Helps to reduce the look of fine lines and the size of pores
  • Has anti-aging properties to give you a youthful glow
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 2.1 x 0.9 x 5.2 inches
  • Weight: 0.64 ounces
  • Brand: jane iredale
Pros
  • Goes on smoothly
  • Is very light and provides great coverage
  • Has a nice fresh scent
  • Helps keep makeup fresh for most of the day
Cons
  • Doesn't completely reduce the shine from oily skin
  • Pores are still quite visible

The Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Pore Minimizing By Smashbox for Women - 1 Oz Primer, 1 Oz is among the best primers for oily skin because it helps to reduce the look of imperfect skin. Since you can never truly have flawless skin, this primer is designed to give you the appearance of it by using a smooth matte finish. Additionally, it reduces the appearance of large pores and fine lines.

You will love this primer as it is an oil-free formula that will help to give you more manageable skin. Applying your makeup over top of this primer is simple, and it will help to hold your makeup in place for hours. The formula is waterproof as well. Therefore, you will be able to keep your face looking fresh for many hours.

Overall, the Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Pore Minimizing By Smashbox for Women - 1 Oz Primer, 1 Oz is an excellent choice for a primer when you have oily or combination skin. Your skin will look and feel much better when you use this primer daily. You can use it alone or with makeup; either way, you will have an added depth to your skin that you will love.

Key Features
  • Helps to improve the manageability of your skin
  • It helps to add more depth to your skin making it easier to apply makeup
  • It is a waterproof formula that will help keep you looking shine free all day long
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 6 x 9 inches
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Base: Water
Pros
  • Easy to work with
  • Glides on smoothly and dries with a matte finish
  • Makes your skin look soft and shine free
Cons
  • Feels a bit heavy
  • Does not completely reduce the look of pores

The Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, 1 Ounce (1 Count), Makeup Primer, Refines Pores, Stops Shine, Smooths Skin, For Use Under Makeup or as a Standalone Skin Mattifying Product is one of the best primers for oily skin because it delivers on quality. From minimizing the look of pores to helping to keep shine at bay for hours, this primer gives you what you want when searching for the right base. This product really does compliment any skin tone and type.

The formula of this primer is designed to be lightweight and go on smoothly. You can wear this primer alone to give you an even natural skin tone, or you can wear it under your makeup to give you picture quality looks. Additionally, the formula does not leave a heavy or greasy feel to your skin. Though it is designed to prevent shine for up to eight hours, you can expect to get more like four or five hours before you start to experience a bit of shine.

Overall, the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, 1 Ounce (1 Count), Makeup Primer, Refines Pores, Stops Shine, Smooths Skin, For Use Under Makeup or as a Standalone Skin Mattifying Product is an excellent primer for oily skin. You will love the way you look and feel with this primer. As one of the best primers, you can experience it yourself and find out what makes it so popular.

Key Features
  • Formulated to help control oil and shine for up to eight hours making pores practically invisible
  • A silky cream that is smooth and provides the perfect matte finish
  • The forumula is long-lasting and helps to conceal imperfections all day long while keeping your makeup looking fresh
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 1.8 x 4.3 inches
  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Base: Water
Pros
  • The cream goes on clear to compliment your skin
  • Doesn't feel heavy on the skin or greasy
  • Does help reduce shine
  • Does not interfere with makeup
Cons
  • Has a chemical-like smell
  • Does not prevent shine for up to eight hours, more like four to five

The Oily Face Control Mattifying Primer and Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil, Anti Shine Facial Primer for Men and Women, 2 Oz by LAUDA BOTANICALS is an excellent choice when looking for a primer for oily skin. The formula of this product is designed specifically with oil control in mind. What it does is help to reduce the look of oil on your skin through shine control, and it also helps to balance out the oils so that your face looks nice and smooth. Furthermore, you will love the way this primer adds moisture to your skin and does not dry it out.

The formula used to produce this primer is completely plant-based helping to provide you a natural product. This primer is full of anti-oxidants and provides your skin with the right balance of nutrients needed to keep it looking healthy.

The Oily Face Control Mattifying Primer and Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil, Anti Shine Facial Primer for Men and Women, 2 Oz by LAUDA BOTANICALS is a great primer to use when you are looking to help reduce blemishes along with achieving and even skin tone. You will find the formula is lightweight, but it may feel a bit greasy after application until it dries, which also take a bit of time. Overall, a great product that will give you beautiful looking skin.

Key Features
  • Uses an oil-balancing formula to help prevent and control shine
  • Provides optimal hydration while preventing excess oil from damaging your look
  • Acts as a mattifier and a pore minimizer while also being a moisturizer for your skin
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 1.2 x 5.1 inches
  • Weight: 2.08 ounces
  • Base: Water
Pros
  • Controls oils very well
  • Helps to improve the appearance of your skin
  • Goes on easily and smoothly
Cons
  • Has a bit of greasy feel to it
  • Drying takes a bit longer than you might want

The TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer, 1.01 fl.oz(30ml) - Face Makeup Primer, Big Pores Perfect Cover, Skin Flawless and Glowing, Instantly Smoothes Lines, Long Lasting Makeup's Staying is a great primer when you are looking to help improve the look of your skin along with add some freshness to it. This primer comes in a light pink cream that, when applied, adds a nice glow to your skin. One of the best things about this primer is that it will help reduce the look of pores and even out your skins textures to give you a right look.

The formula is designed with green tea extract that will protect and energize your skin. Furthermore, this primer helps to keep your makeup looking fresh and beautiful all day long. Another great addition to the formula is the soluble collagen that it is infused with. What it does is help to balance out the moisture in your skin improve the elasticity.

Overall, the TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer, 1.01 fl.oz(30ml) - Face Makeup Primer, Big Pores Perfect Cover, Skin Flawless and Glowing, Instantly Smoothes Lines, Long Lasting Makeup's Staying works amazingly well to help you achieve the balanced look you are wanting. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about the shine from oil all day long with this primer on. To get the best results you should apply this primer after your moisturizer, just before you apply your daily makeup.

Key Features
  • This primer helps to perfect pores and fine lines giving you flawless skin
  • The formula is lightweight and evens out your complexion
  • Made with green tea extract that will help to keep your skin looking youthful
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches
  • Weight: 4 ounces
Pros
  • Very lightweight and easy to apply
  • Helps keep makeup looking fresh for hours
  • Does not have a greasy feel to it
Cons
  • Has a strong scent
  • Adds a bit of pink to your skin

The N3 No Name Necessary Pore-Minimizing Mattifying Oil and Shine Control Anti-aging Makeup Face Primer Spray (100ml) is a nice primer that is vitamin-infused and helps to reduce the look of fine lines and pores so that you can have a beautiful canvas to work with when applying your makeup. This primer is a spray-on mist that isn’t too heavy and does matte upon drying. You will love the fact that this primer does not fade or melt throughout the day.

This primer is the perfect preparation for makeup application as it will lock your makeup in place and maintain your skins natural vibrancy throughout the day. Furthermore, it does control oil and helps to give you a nice even complexion. You will truly love the airbrushed look that this primer gives you.

Overall, the N3 No Name Necessary Pore-Minimizing Mattifying Oil and Shine Control Anti-aging Makeup Face Primer Spray (100ml) is one of the best primers for oily skin because it is great at control the oil production and preventing your skin from looking shiny. Furthermore, this primer is heat and humidity resistant as it has cooling technology that is time-released so that you look your best all day long.

Key Features
  • Helps to reduce the look of pores and fine lines to give you a more youthful look
  • The spray stays on perfectly with no sliding, melting or fading throughout the day
  • Controls shine from oil and evens out your appearance to give you an airbrushed look
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 1.4 x 6.4 inches
  • Weight: 4 ounces
  • Base: Water
Pros
  • Easy application, simply spray on
  • Very good at controling oil
  • Really provides a nice finish
Cons
  • Does fade after a while if you have extremely oily skin
  • Shine does peek through after a few hours
  • Its a spray and that may not be a good thing if you don't like spraying anything on your face

The L'Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer, Instantly Smoothes Lines, Mattifies Skin & Hides Pores, Improves Makeup’s Staying Power, Suitable for All Skin Types, Dermatologist Tested, 0.5 fl. oz. is one of the best primers for oily skin because it is designed to give you that perfect skin appearance. You will enjoy the results of soft and clear skin that look fresh. This primer is lightweight, and it reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines with ease. You will love how beautiful you will feel with this primer.

One great thing about this primer is that the formula is designed to give you velvety smooth skin and looks resurfaced. Your skin texture will instantly feel and look more perfect. You will end up with a nice rosy radiance that corrects your skin tone and reduces shine.

Overall, the L'Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer, Instantly Smoothes Lines, Mattifies Skin & Hides Pores, Improves Makeup’s Staying Power, Suitable for All Skin Types, Dermatologist Tested, 0.5 fl. oz. is an excellent primer as it will last all day long and keep your makeup looking fresh. You will enjoy a nice matte finish that is formulated with silicon oil for easy application. You will feel amazing with this primer and look just as good. You will not regret getting this primer. The only drawback is that it does not completely reduce the look of large pores and fine lines, but it certainly does make enough of a difference to make it totally worth applying.

Key Features
  • Formulated to be soft and silky so that it does not weigh your skin down
  • Helps to reduce the look of pores and fine lines to give you a flawless looking appearance
  • Dries in a smooth matte finish that will leave you feeling amazing
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 9.3 x 4.8 cm
  • Weight: 13.6 g
  • Base: Water
Pros
  • Silky and soft, nice to work with
  • Has a nice light scent to it
  • Works to reduce shine amazingly
Cons
  • Does not completely reduce the look of pores
  • Does not last as long as you might like

The Radiant Complex Face Primer - Flawless Base for Foundation and Makeup -1.2 Fl Oz is among the best primers for oily skin that you can get in today's market. You will get a flawless looking face when you use this primer before applying your daily makeup. This primer does not contain any harsh or harmful chemicals which make it safe for any skin type. The simple tube makes it easy to throw into your makeup bag and make it apart of your everyday routine. 

You will enjoy the fact that this primer gives you a professional quality look. It glides on seamlessly and helps to keep your skin looking fresh as it minimizes the look of pores and fine lines to give you a more youthful glow. This primer will give you a nice matte finish that will look like it has been airbrushed.

Overall, the Radiant Complex Face Primer - Flawless Base for Foundation and Makeup -1.2 Fl Oz is an excellent primer when you are dealing with oily skin. You will find that once you apply this primer, you can then apply your makeup and it will stay in place all day long. The fresh look will last from morning until night and have you feeling and looking your best.

Key Features
  • Is designed in a tube so that you don't waste any primer or have to struggle to get it out
  • Helps in applying makeup that will glide on seamlessly and stay looking fresh all day
  • Evens out skin tone and reduces shining due to oil
Specifications
  • Weight: 1.28 ounces
  • Base: Water
Pros
  • Goes on smoothly
  • Helps give an even complexion
  • Does reduce shining
Cons
  • Is a bit heavy and feels greasy
  • Doesn't keep makeup fresh for the whole day

The Thank Me Later Primer. Paraben-free and Cruelty Free. …Matte Face Primer (30G) is a great primer for oily skin as it comes with a matte finish that will leave your skin looking shine-free. You will love how the texture of this primer is creamy, but not oily. You will be able to smoothly apply it from top to bottom without any issues.

This primer is ideal for any part of your face including eyebrows and lids. One thing that you will like about this primer is how easily it adheres to makeup, giving you a refreshing look that will last all day long. After washing your face, you can apply this primer immediately and enjoy the fact that it will dry within seconds. However, beware that if you don't use it everyday, it will cake up in the tube. 

Overall, the Thank Me Later Primer. Paraben-free and Cruelty Free. …Matte Face Primer (30G) is one of the best primers for oily skin because it does not add to the oil. What it does is help to balance the oils in your skin leaving you looking and feeling healthy and vibrant. From application time to drying time. This primer is definitely one you want to look into adding to your makeup routine.

Key Features
  • This primer is long-lasting and it is waterproof for a full day of flawless skin
  • Helps to reduce the look of fine lines and reduces the look of pores for a more clean look
  • The primer forumula is mattifying and keeps your skin from looking shiny
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches
  • Weight: 0.48 ounces
Pros
  • Glides on easily
  • Does not have a strong scent
  • Helps to keep your face looking nice
  • Dries very quickly
Cons
  • Cakes up in the tube if you dont use everyday
  • Doesn't last as long as you might want it to

The Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Balm Face Primer, .25 Ounce is a great primer for oily skin as it will reduce the look of shiny skin when it mattifies upon drying. You will love how smooth your skin will look and feel once this primer is applied. Application is simple as you only need a little of the lightweight cream and smooth it evenly over your skin moving outward.

The formula used to create this primer is designed to be safe for all skin types and not to be full of harmful chemicals. You will sincerely enjoy the fact that it does not feel oily, only soft. This primer will help your makeup look fresh and clean for many hours. When the shine starts to show through, or your makeup feels as though it is fading, you can reapply this primer over your makeup.

Overall, the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Minimizing Balm Face Primer, .25 Ounce is designed to give you lasting results that are ideal for anyone wanting to keep their fresh look going for hours. Though it does not completely reduce the look of pores and fine lines, it does reduce them enough to give you a nice fresh look that is younger and beautiful.

Key Features
  • Reduces fine lines and the appearance of pores for smooth skin
  • Formula is translucent and it is completely oil-free
  • Reduces shine as it mattifies when it dries
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2 inches
  • Weight: 0.32 ounces
  • Base: Water
Pros
  • Gives you very smooth skin
  • Helps keep your makeup looking fresh all day long
  • It is a nice lightweight primer that isn't greasy
Cons
  • Does not completely reduce the look of pores or fine lines
  • Doesn't keep the shine away all day

As you scroll through various primers for oily skin, you may still be on the fence as to which one to choose. There are a few things that can help you make this decision.

How do you choose the best primer for oily skin?

Having oily skin is a problem of its own, so you don’t want to end up with a primer that is going to enhance this issue instead of helping it. When picking the right primer for your skin type, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Mattifying Primers

Oily skin is difficult to control, so you don’t want a primer that will make the problem worse. When looking for the right primer for oily skin, you want to make sure it dries as a matte. A matte finish gives you a simple and clean look rather than a shiny one.

A mattifying primer will help to control oil production and the shine that comes with excess oil. A good primer for oily skin will control the sebum and give you a dry face to work with when applying makeup.

Cooling Effects

Primers that have a cooling effect that helps to resist heat and humidity is ideal for those who struggle with oily skin. These primers will help to stop oil from even forming because of the heat resistance and humidity resistance of the formula that will give you a cooling effect and leaves your skin looking fresh.

No Melting, Fading or Sliding

A primer for oily skin must have the ability to resist against fading, sliding and melting. Oils in your skin can easily ruin the best makeup application if you don’t have a primer that can stop your makeup from sliding around your face. Furthermore, if you don’t have the opportunity to reapply makeup or primer, you want it to last as long as your day does.

How do you apply primer?

Depending on the type of primer you choose, there are a couple different application methods. However, the process is the same for all. First, you want to cleanse your face thoroughly and then use your moisturizer to help keep your skin soft and looking good.

Before applying your makeup and once your skin is dry from applying your regular moisturizer, then you apply your primer. There are two main application methods.

  1. Spray – which is a gentle mist that will settle into a matte on your skin once it is dry.
  2. Cream – which you have to apply to your skin the same way you would moisturizer and rub a fine layer throughout your face.

Conclusion

If you're looking for the best primer for oily skin, hopefully you found the one that will work best for you in our list. There are many great primers out there, and this list gives you the best of the best fo pick from.

Resources— Adorebeauty, Huffpost

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