beauty
From drugstore pick to an OG classic
By Jenny Jin
•
Published Jun 27, 2024
Additional reporting by
Chelsea Candelario
Expert reviewed by
Drita Paljevic
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
McKenzie Cordell/PureWow
Primer is one of those products that people either swear by or skip altogether. However, if you’re someone with overactive sebaceous glands (translation: you have oily skin), a primer could make a noticeable difference in how your makeup goes on and wears throughout the day. Like a base coat when you polish your nails (or a primer before you paint walls), a makeup primer is a smart prep step for the smoothest finish. In case you’re searching for the best primer for oily skin, I tapped a few editors and makeup artists to share their favorites, and included a few helpful tips for getting and maintaining a non-greasy finish.
The Best Primers for Oily Skin at a Glance
2
Most Smoothing Primer for Oily Skin
Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
read more
Show More
Meet the Experts
- Sara Wren is a professional makeup artist and director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. She has 18 years of experience in the industry, with seven of those years spent at the brand. She specializes in developing brand campaigns, educating staff and creating social media content. She previously held positions at Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, MAC Cosmetics and Shu Uemura.
- Drita Paljevic is a professional makeup artist and the head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. She has 20 years of experience in the beauty industry with a specialty in full glam looks and bridal makeup.
How I Chose the Best Primers for Oily Skin
I tapped PureWow editors and makeup artists with oily skin to share their top picks. I also combed through retailers like Sephora, Ulta and Amazon for the most popular primers on the market. From there, I dug deeper into each product’s reviews and compared their key ingredients, finishes and textures to narrow things down to the 13 best primers for oily skin that will keep your T-zone smooth, and not overly shiny.
Want more beauty tips sent right to your inbox? Subscribehere.
Best Overall Primer for Oily Skin
1. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
What We Like
- contains clean ingredients
- long-wear for up to 12 hours
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
Milk Makeup
Though it seems counterintuitive, oily skin actually needs moisture to stay in balance (and an imbalance can cause your skin to produce even more oil than usual). Luckily, this hydrating primer has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which gets the job done without feeling heavy or looking greasy on your skin. With hemp-derived cannabis seed extract and blue agave extract, it forms an invisible layer over your face to grip makeup, while sealing in moisture. Note: It does feel a bit sticky at first, but give it a minute to fully absorb before applying any foundation for best results. “I’ve been using this primer for years to combat my oily T-zone. No other primer compares, as this one grips my makeup and makes it last all day—minus any greasiness,” says Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe water, hemp-dervied cannabis seed extract
- Texture: gel
- Size: 1.52 oz
Most Smoothing Primer for Oily Skin
2. Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
What We Like
- lightweight formula
- works at blurring pores
- great long-wear
What We Don't Like
- expensive
- not great for acne-prone skin
Smashbox
Widely considered the OG of primers, Smashbox’s Photo Finish launched more than 21 years ago and continues to be a makeup artist and editor favorite. It’s lightweight and completely transparent, so it works on all skin types and tones. Formulated with antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and peptides, the oil-free formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, while protecting the skin against environmental aggressors. According to reviewers, a pea-sized dot will give you a filter-like finish and keep oil at bay for hours. As Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu shares, “I'm obsessed with this primer. I have the unfortunate combo of dry skin with oily patches, and this primer ensures the dry skin doesn't flake as soon as the makeup sets, but it also doesn't highlight the greasy points of my face either. 10 out of 10 recommend!”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin A and E
- Texture: gel-like
- Size: 1.0 oz
Best Luxury Primer for Oily Skin
3. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
What We Like
- contains SPF 15
- great long-wear
- suitable for sensitive skin
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers say it leaves a white cast
- finicky pump
Hourglass
This luxe primer is admittedly a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth every penny if you’re looking for a way to prolong your foundation. The oil-free formula feels absolutely weightless on your skin and somehow makes everything it touches look better. (Seriously, it’s like the blur tool in Photoshop.) Plus, it has broad-spectrum SPF 15 for added protection. According to Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak, it’s also a great option for those with combination skin: “It's very light and doesn't add any extra weight to my base. It gives a mattifying finish that sits beneath my foundation and concealer beautifully. I usually only use it in my T-zone, where I'm oiliest, and find that it doesn't cause any separation or pilling.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
- Texture: cream
- Size: 1.0 oz
Editor Pick
What We Like
- lightweight formula
- offers a silky finish
- fragrance-free
What We Don't Like
- absorbs too quickly
DHC
This gel primer is a cult classic for good reason. With more than 2,800 5-star reviews on Amazon and a stamp of approval from me, it tamps down excess oil without making your skin look or feel dry. The velvety formula glides onto your face easily and has a soft, powdery finish that blurs out pores and reduces redness. (Fact: I rely on this stuff before every major event and wedding because it keeps my makeup looking fresh throughout the night—even after all the sweaty dancing.)
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: dimethicone, olive oil
- Texture: gel
- Size: 0.52 oz
Most Hydrating Primer for Oily Skin
What We Like
- easy to apply
- pleasant scent
- great at blurring pores
What We Don't Like
- small product
- expensive
Caliray
This creamy primer hydrates your skin, while somehow minimizing shine. It’s formulated with niacinamide and collagen peptides to reduce redness and hyperpigmentation, while lightly smoothing over fine lines and enlarged pores. Fans say it goes on smoothly and leaves a soft blur that would make an Insta filter jealous. Here’s why Assistant Editor Delia Curtis relies on it time after time for their combo skin: “I have an oily T-zone and this product helps reduce the excess oils from my skin and mattifies my look. The blurring effect works really well and it helps create a solid base for any foundation or tinted moisturizers I wear over it. Plus, it’s got a really creamy texture and helps to hydrate my skin, giving it some of the moisture my skin is so desperately lacking in other areas.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: niacinamide, collagen peptide, pistacia lentiscus mastic gum
- Texture: cream
- Size: 1.0 oz
Best for Under Makeup Primer for Oily Skin
6. Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Face Primer
What We Like
- great long-wear
- offers a soft matte finish
- suitable for combination skin
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Benefit Cosmetics
Punny name aside, this fan favorite remains a top seller among makeup lovers because its translucent formula glides on like silk and it can easily be layered under or over makeup. Smooth it on to quickly minimize shine, fine lines and/or large pores (and delight in the way that it makes your skin feel like a rose petal). In 2022, the brand launched a ‘lite’ version that’s water-based, non-comedogenic and equally as popular. I actually prefer this option for the warmer months, when I tend to sweat more. I use it sparingly and only in areas that tend to get slick faster (aka my forehead and nose) to keep my makeup from sliding off my face.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin E derivative
- Texture: cream
- Size: 0.75 oz
Best Blurring Effect of Primer for Oily Skin
7. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- offers a soft matte finish
- great long wear
What We Don't Like
- glass bottle
Fenty Beauty
There’s no denying that Rihanna knows a thing or two about makeup. (After all, it’s largely thanks to her that we have more inclusive foundation shades and a gold-foiled highlighter is even a thing.) All this to say that when RiRi launched a mattifying primer, I had high hopes and was not disappointed. The lightweight formula feels more like a moisturizer than a traditional primer and makes my skin look positively poreless. Made with blue agave extract and a blurring powder, it controls shine and secures your look all day—no greasy shine here.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: blue agave extract
- Texture: cream
- Size: 1.0 oz
Best Stick Primer for Oily Skin
8. Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Primer Stick
What We Like
- long-wear for up to 16 hours
- travel-friendly
- easy to apply
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Milk Makeup
For easy de-slicking on the go, this stick is an (ahem) solid choice. Swipe it directly over any hot spots (aka areas that are prone to getting oily), blend with your fingertips and marvel at the smooth, shine-free finish. As Candelario shares, “I brought this with me on a recent vacation and it was a game changer. The stick glides nicely on the skin and it truly locks in makeup so it lasts for the entire day (and I was visiting very hot places). I also like that it contains skincare ingredients like niacinamide and bakuchiol to minimize the appearance of my pores, along with charcoal to control shine and tea tree oil to soothe skin. Overall, it’s very convenient and I rely on it heavily for any touch ups.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: lentil extract, charcoal, niacinamide, bakuchiol, tea tree oil
- Texture: stick
- Size: 0.44 oz
Expert Pick
9. Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer
What We Like
- smooth texture
- great blurring effect
- hydrating
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Kevyn Aucoin
Paljevic suggests this primer for oily skin as it has hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera) that will balance the skin. “It’s weightless and glides nicely on the skin. It helps to even skin texture and blur pores. Even if you don’t plan on wearing foundation, this primer will make your skin feel smooth after applying,” she says.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera
- Texture: cream
- Size: 1.0 oz
Best Drugstore Primer for Oily Skin
10. Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime Primer
What We Like
- easy to apply
- lightweight formula
- great for sensitive skin
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers say it doesn't help with redness
Maybelline
Here’s a drugstore favorite that fills in fine lines and softens the appearance of large pores instantly. It features a water-soluble base and dimethicone (a silicone-based polymer that gives it a silky texture and matte finish). Shoppers rave about its gentle formula that works well for sensitive skin. As one reviewer shares, “This is the best primer ever! I have super oily skin along with rosacea, and it does wonders for me. It lasts for the whole day. I barely wear anything besides this now, that's how much of a difference I saw!” Just pat a little over your T-zone, let it absorb for a minute and your foundation will go on like butter. Or wear it on its own for a quick mattifying effect.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, crosspolymer
- Texture: gel-like
- Size: 1.0 oz
Long-Lasting Primer for Oily Skin
11. Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
What We Like
- easy to apply
- blends well
- great long-wear
What We Don't Like
- small bottle
- expensive
Tatcha
Fans of the brand's original silk primer will love this liquid version. Customers say it's lightweight and creamy, leaving skin looking and feeling like, well, silk. To that end, it actually does use layers of different silks (i.e., fibroin, sericin and even silk powder) to smooth fine lines, prevent clogged pores and help your makeup last longer. Though most mattifying formulas leave your complexion dull and flat, this one just smooths everything out, while maintaining a healthy (non-greasy) glow. “This primer does WONDERS for my oily skin. Not only does it keep the oily shine at bay, [but] my makeup [doesn’t] budge an inch when I have it on. I once stayed out until 5 am and when I got home my makeup was still very much intact. If you're having trouble finding a primer that works for oily skin, definitely give this one a try,” says one reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: silk (fiborin, sericin and silk powder)
- Texture: liquid
- Size: 1.0 oz
Best for Controlling Shine
12. Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Shine Control
What We Like
- great at controlling shine
- pleasant scent
- softens skin
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers say it leaves a white cast
Make Up For Ever
PSA: This primer will give you a velvety finish. It has ginseng and mineral clay powder to control oil and shine, while laying down the smoothest base for your makeup. One raving review said it best: “It's a game-changer for anyone battling oily skin. Not only does it keep shine at bay all day long, but it also works wonders for making your foundation look flawless. Pro tip: Moisturize, [apply] sunscreen, then [add] this magic primer before your foundation and setting spray. It's like creating the perfect canvas for your makeup masterpiece. And the best part? Your glam will last through anything—from happy hour to late-night shenanigans. Say hello to your new best friend for a flawless face that stays put all night long!”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: ginseng, mineral clay powder
- Texture:
- Size: 1.0 oz
Best Hybrid Primer for Oily Skin
13. Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturize & Primer
What We Like
- lightweight formula
- contains hydrating ingredients
- pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Bobbi Brown
Part moisturizer, part primer, Bobbi Brown might have figured out the recipe to cutting down on prep time. With vitamins B, C and E, and a hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane and shea butter, this formula smooths over your face without making your skin slick. As one shopper says, “I have been using this for years! My skin loves this cream [and] it makes my makeup look flawless. Also smells amazing.” Yup, the creamy primer uses fruity notes like grapefruit and geranium to add another level of goodness to your routine.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamins (B, C and E), hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, grapefruit, geranium
- Texture: cream
- Size: 1.7 oz
What to Consider When Shopping for a Primer for Oily Skin
- Texture: Texture can play a huge role in how your makeup looks at the end of the day. The most common textures that work well for oily skin are silicone and water-based formulas. You’ll find they secure your makeup and control oil production.
- Ingredients: Texture aside, ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin A or E and niacinamide are just as important. While controlling oil and shine is the goal, you don’t want to miss out on hydrating the skin, which will help with the overall balance.
RELATED
The 19 Best Lightweight Foundations for Smooth Coverage, Vetted by Editors and Makeup Artists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Silicone or Water-Based Primer Better for Oily Skin?
The experts were divided on this question, so it may just come down to personal preference. According to Wren, a water-based primer is a better option for those with oily skin. She explains, “When it comes to oily or acne-prone skin, I always recommend a silicone-free, water-based primer under makeup. Silicone is a large molecule and can clog pores. It can also create a ‘slide’ on makeup that is placed on top when your skin starts getting oily throughout the day.”
However, Paljevic leans towards silicone-based primers. “They look better on oily skin, as the silicone creates a layer that keeps the oil from breaking through and helps your makeup stay intact longer. This type of primer also creates a smoother base layer between the skin and foundation for a more even application,” she explains.
When Should You Apply a Primer?
Ideally, you should apply primer after moisturizing and before foundation. Wren suggests waiting at least three to five minutes between steps to give your skincare products time to absorb before moving os. She states, “This [step] prevents any pilling and gives your skin time to really ‘marinate’ before adding another layer.”
How Should You Apply a Primer?
How you use a primer is crucial to its success. When the label says to use a pea-sized amount for your entire face, it’s best you follow their suggestion. Too much primer can actually cause your makeup to slip or pill (which is the opposite of the intended effect). The easiest way to apply it is using your fingertips, and only on places you get oiliest (i.e, forehead, nose and chin).
Can Those with Oily Skin Skip Primer?
Paljevic says this will come down to personal preference but overall, she recommends those with oily skin consider adding primer to their routine. “Primer can help makeup sit better and last longer—plus, it will absorb some excess oils. While it isn’t a crucial step, I recommend it, especially for looks that require more effort. You don’t want that to go to waste!”
Jenny Jin
Beauty Director
Jenny Jin is PureWow’s Beauty Director and is currently based in Los Angeles. Since beginning her journalism career at Real Simple magazine, she has become a human encyclopedia of...
read full bio
Chelsea Candelario
Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru
Chelsea Candelario is an Associate Editor at PureWow. She has been covering beauty, culture, fashion and entertainment for over a decade. You'll find her searching the internet...
read full bio
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
