15 Best Primers For Oily Skin (Esthetician Reviewed)

Finding a primer that keeps makeup intact on oily skin can be challenging as many “mattifying” or “oil-free” primers often fall short, and some may even cause breakouts, which is a common concern for this skin type.

Having personally battled with oily skin that’s also prone to acne and trying countless primers over the years of using makeup, I rounded up some of the best options on the market specifically formulated for oily skin types.

Therefore, below, you will find a list of the 15 best primers for oily skin that have been reviewed and handpicked based on their ingredients and performance on my oily skin in a hot and humid climate.

The Ordinary – High-Spreadability Fluid Primer

Best primer for oily skin.

The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer is a liquid, silicone-based primer that’s fantastic for oily skin as it helps prevent excess oil production while providing a smooth base for makeup application.

Its fluid texture spreads easily and sinks into the skin quickly, leaving behind a natural, slightly mattified but not dull and flat finish.

This primer also helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and acne scars thanks to the blurring effect provided by the multiple silicones it contains.

Finally, the fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula makes the High Spreadability Fluid Primer suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Wet N Wild – Prime Focus Hydrating Primer Serum

Best primer for combination skin.

The Wet N Wild Prime Focus Hydrating Primer Serum is a lightweight, hydrating primer serum that provides a smooth base for makeup while also nourishing the skin with its antioxidant-rich formula.

Perfect for combination, oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, the primer contains hydrating rose water along with soothing chamomile and green tea extracts to soften the skin, relieve irritation, and reduce the appearance of redness.

The ultra-lightweight, spreadable formula also features a unique blend of silicone and hydrating components that control excess oil throughout the day without drying out the skin and making the makeup look dull and flat.

Maybelline – Baby Skin Primer

Best budget-friendly primer for oily skin.

An absolute classic within the affordable range, the Baby Skin Primer by Maybelline reduces the appearance of enlarged pores for long-lasting makeup.

Additionally, it also has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that provides hydration without feeling heavy on the skin, making it suitable for both oily and combination skin types.

MAC – Prep+Prime+Mattifying Mist

Best setting mist and primer for oily skin.

If you want to ensure your oily skin is prepped for makeup application but don’t like the feel of primers, the MAC Prep+Prime+Mattifying Mist is an excellent option to consider.

This multitasking product can be used as a primer to prep the skin or as a setting mist to lock in makeup, leaving a matte finish without feeling tight or drying on the skin.

NYX – Honey Dew Me Up

Best dewy skin finish primer for oily skin.

Although marketed for normal to dry skin types, the Honey Dew Me Up by NYX is an excellent option for those with oily skin who want a dewy finish.

The primer features a mini scoop for convenient use with a formulation that irresistibly reminds of the high-end Guerlain Parure Gold 24K Radiance Primer.

This primer will make your foundation stick to it like glue and will definitely make your complexion appear rejuvenated and glowy.

The gold flecks create a luminous, healthy-looking complexion, and besides this, it is also incredibly easy to blend and can minimize the appearance of uneven skin texture and enlarged pores.

E.l.f. – Power Grip Primer

Best long-lasting primer for oily skin.

The E.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a must-have for anyone with oily skin who struggles to keep their makeup in place throughout the day.

The gripping primer is not only fantastic at controlling excess oil and shine, but it also contains pore-reducing ingredients that help refine the appearance of enlarged pores and minimize uneven skin texture.

Finally, the formula is lightweight and slightly sticky to help makeup adhere to the skin for long-lasting wear.

Neutrogena – Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer + Serum

Best mattifying primer.

The Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Primer + Serum is the best matte primer for oily skin, as it helps control shine and oil production while also providing hydrating benefits to prevent the makeup from sliding off your face or dehydrating your skin.

The formula is enriched with rice protein extract that absorbs excess oil for a matte finish, along with propanediol and adenosine, to keep the skin hydrated without exacerbating shine.

Finally, the primer also contains soothing panthenol, which makes it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin and can be used alone for its skincare benefits or under makeup for a smoother, more even complexion.

Erborian – Matté Creme

Best primer cream for oily skin.

The Erborian Matté Creme is a lightweight primer cream that helps control excess oil and shine while also minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores and improving skin texture.

Enriched with antioxidants such as white water lily flower extract and hydrating glycols, this Korean beauty-inspired product provides hydration without feeling heavy on the skin and creates a smooth base for makeup application.

Perfect for those looking for a product that will keep excess oil in check without compromising skin nourishment.

NYX – Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer

Best non-comedogenic primer for oily skin.

The NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer is fantastic for oily and acne-prone skin due to the lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that provides hydration without clogging pores.

Enriched with cucumber and aloe vera extracts, this primer soothes and nourishes the skin while creating a smooth canvas for makeup application.

It also helps control excess oil and shine while giving your skin a refreshing boost, which makes it perfect for hot summer days or long hours at work.

Dior – Backstage Face & Body Primer

Best primer for enlarged pores.

Best paired with the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, this primer is the perfect choice for those with oily skin, enlarged pores, and texture.

The oil-free formula contains blurring components that help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and smooth out uneven skin texture, creating a flawless base for makeup application.

Additionally, the primer also helps control excess oil and shine throughout the day while still nourishing the skin instead of making the complexion look dull and flat.

However, the only downside to the Dior Backstage Face & Body Primer is that it has a strong scent and contains several fragrant components, which makes it unsuitable for sensitive and reactive skin.

One Size – Secure The Blur Makeup Magnet Primer

Best oil control primer for oily skin.

The One Size Secure The Blur Primer is a game-changing product for those with oily skin.

Formulated with oil-absorbing components, this lightweight, cream-based primer helps control excess shine and keeps makeup in place for hours without feeling heavy or uncomfortable on the skin.

The addition of witch hazel in the primer also refines enlarged pores and creates a smooth, velvety matte canvas for makeup application.

Guerlain – Parure Gold 24K Radiance Primer

Best illuminating primer for oily skin.

If your skin is oily, but you prefer a glowy and illuminating makeup finish instead of the typical matte look, the Guerlain Parure Gold 24K Radiance Primer is worth considering.

Enriched with gold flakes and hyaluronic acid, this luxurious primer provides hydration without feeling heavy on the skin and creates a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.

The gel texture also helps it grip makeup for long-lasting wear while minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores and refining uneven skin texture for a smooth makeup application.

Guerlain – Météorites Primer Perfecting Pearls

Best primer for oily textured skin.

On the other hand, if your oily skin is also textured and blemish-prone and you are looking for a primer that will help your makeup look natural and velvety, the Guerlain Météorites Primer Perfecting Pearls is an excellent choice.

The primer pearls are designed to correct color imperfections such as redness and dullness while providing a soft-focus effect that evens out the complexion while bringing the skin’s radiance into focus.

Moreover, the lightweight and oil-free formula also helps control excess shine and keeps makeup in place for hours without feeling heavy on the skin or making your makeup look flat and lifeless.

Bioderma – Photoderm Max Aqualift SPF 50+

Best primer for large pores and acne scars.

The Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF 50+ Tinted Cream is a tinted sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with the use of gentle chemical filters.

It also contains hyaluronic acid as well as anti-redness components that improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of large pores and acne scars while preventing new dark spots from forming due to UV damage.

The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and blends seamlessly into the skin, providing light coverage and a natural, slightly matte finish, making it excellent for everyday wear on its own or as a makeup primer.

Hero Cosmetics – Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

Best primer for acne-prone skin.

The Hero Cosmetics Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 is not just a sunscreen but also a great primer for acne-prone skin due to its lightweight gel consistency.

Furthermore, the non-comedogenic formula also helps control oil production and prevent excess shine throughout the day without clogging the pores, which makes it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Question

What Does a Makeup Primer Do?

A makeup primer serves as a base for foundation and other complexion products to help them go on smoother and last longer.

Primers can also help smooth fine lines, wrinkles, or large pores and reduce the appearance of redness and blemishes by evening out the skin tone.

Do You Need A Primer If You Have Oily Skin?

Using a primer on oily skin can help control shine, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve the longevity of your makeup.

However, primer is not an essential step in a beauty routine, particularly if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin and are trying to minimize the number of products you expose your skin to.

While primers can enhance your makeup’s overall look and longevity, using them ultimately depends on your preference.

What Can We Use Instead of Primer for Oily Skin?

Sunscreen can be an excellent alternative to primer for oily skin.

Not only do sunscreens safeguard your skin from harmful UV damage, but they can also make a suitable base for makeup due to providing a blurring effect similar to a primer.