Oily skin is nothing to be ashamed of—but you can totally be annoyed by it, because excess oil on the face can get in the way of your long-wear makeup dreams. "Everyone has different skin types and skin tones, and it’s important to use products that work with your specific skin. Just like finding clothes to fit your body, or a foundation to match your skin tone, you need the right base to get the best results possible," explains Alexandra McCormick, Hourglass's Director of Global Artistry Development. That's where one of the best makeup primers for oily skin comes into play.
Shop the Best Primers for Oily Skin
The best primers for oily skin will not only help your favorite oil-free foundation apply like butter, but it will likely contain skincare ingredients that help minimize excess shine, reduce the look of pores, and prevent or treat breakouts. But don't stress about looking overly matte or dry. "In most cases yes, you should be able to tell the difference between looking 'oily' versus 'glowy,'" says makeup artist Gina Ritacco, noting that skin prep can make all the difference. With the help of our experts, we've narrowed down the top 10 best primers for oily skin that will help your makeup stay put.
Pros
- Enhances and extends makeup wear
- Glass bottle is eco-friendtly
Cons
- Glass bottle can be harder to travel with
If you're struggling to control oil, try this best-selling primer. It lends a translucent, airbrushed finish to the skin while controlling oil for hours, thanks to microspherical powders in the lightweight liquid formula.
Expert Review: "The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is my go-to for people with oily skin. It absorbs oil to balance skin and control shine, smooths and evens skin texture and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines," says McCormick. "My pro tip: If you have combination skin, add a little of the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer to the center of the face, then use the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer to the outer perimeter of the face. It will give you that perfect balance."
Pros
- Vegan & Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it came in a larger size
This long-wear, blurring primer is packed with skincare ingredients that can help address common issues with oily skin. Glycerin helps moisturize skin without adding excess shine, while witch hazel helps minimize the look of pores, and niacinamide brightens and controls oil production.
Expert Review: "This one hits all the stops for troubleshooting very oily skin. Not only does it help control oil from coming through your makeup throughout the day, it also has a beautiful blurring effect for pores and fine lines," says Ritacco. "This is a superhero primer for someone with intense oil production."
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Best for Moisture
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Illuminating Primer
Pros
- Great for all skin types
- Lightweight and water-based
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the consistency was thicker
You don't want to dull your skin in the pursuit of less oil. That's where Rare Beauty's Illuminating Primer comes into play. This silicone-free, water-based, lightweight primer adds skin hydration without clogging pores.
Expert Review: "Rare Beauty Illuminating Primer makes the list for someone who wants to control oils throughout the day but also likes to glow," says Ritacco. "This primer has a unique way of mattifying down the skin and while the light-reflecting pigments in it leave behind a subtle glow that will still shine through your makeup—it gives you that 'lit from within' illumination."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Won't blur pores as much as other primers
Great for humid weather and summer days, this spray-on priming mist keeps oil production at bay for hours and features patented temperature-regulating technology to ensure your makeup stays locked on, no matter what your weather app says.
Expert Review: "This is a unique primer that comes in spray form. As most oil-controlling primers can feel heavy on the skin, this is a game changer, as it’s as light as water," says Ritacco. "You spritz it on before makeup, let it dry down, and work its magic! It’s lightweight and will help keep any oils at bay for the day! I’d recommend this one for someone with light-medium oil production."
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Best Gel Primer
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
Now 35% Off
Pros
- Grips makeup for all day wear
- Made for all skin types
Cons
- This primer takes a bit longer to set before adding makeup
This primer is for those who want a dewier finish, so if you're shine-averse, I would skip ahead. But oily skin still needs moisture, and this primer provides that with blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, and aloe water. Our editors' wear tests found that it keeps your makeup locked in place without creasing or fading for nearly the entire day.
A Sephora Reviewer Says: "The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer is an absolute game-changer! It provides a smooth, hydrating base that grips makeup perfectly, keeping it in place all day without any fading. The lightweight formula feels refreshing on the skin, and the dewy finish gives a healthy glow. Plus, it's suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. A must-have in any makeup routine" -Mus75
Pros
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- Contains skincare ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it had more of a sticky consistency
This primer is more like a serum in both texture and performance. Moambe Jaune Tree extract, salicylic acid, and bamboo powders control oil while hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide hydration and plump fine lines. Finally, rose centifolia extract is an antioxidant that can help soothe irritated skin.
A Bloomingdales Reviewer Says: "I love this primer; the texture is thick and soft. It makes my skin feel like a smooth base but still has an adhesive element. You can see the difference on your skin immediately. My makeup was up, and it’s stuck! You don’t need a lot, maybe 3-4 pumps, and you're good to go. Very thankful to be able to try this product out" -Soyalicious
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Pros
- Oil-free
Cons
Mac's primer comes with receipts: it is proven to control oil for 12 hours, reduce the appearance of pores for eight hours, and improve skin texture for six hours. This is the one primer to choose when you have a long day ahead of you.
A Mac Reviewer Says: "Best primer! I get so oily my makeup usually smears and looks terrible at the end of the day and this primer solves my problem. It's absolutely perfect for combination skin for the t-zone. Talk about perfect makeup all day!" -Carlz16
Pros
- Non-acnegenic
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
Soft matte is the perfect way to describe the finish of this primer, which balances the skin without making it look too dry. Plus, the formula contains technology that helps retain hydration in dry climates and absorb excess moisture in humid ones, so you can carry this one tube from Miami to Aspen.
A NARS Reviewer Says: "Don't let the name fool you! Soft matte primer feels hydrating yet soft and matte. It actually makes my skin feel calmer and improved just by wearing it! It holds my makeup in place all day and looks so natural. I highly recommend this primer to my friends and clients." -Chalenen
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Best Pore-minimizing Primer for Oily Skin
IL MAKIAGE No Filter Poreless Base Smoothing Primer
Now 10% Off
Pros
- Best-selling
- Great for mature skin
Cons
- Somę reviewers would rather the primer come in a squeezable tube instead of a bottle
This best-selling primer offers instant results that are so compelling you might want to skip foundation altogether. Silky, lightweight, and ultra-blurring, this primer helps keep shine in check without dulling skin while also minimizing the look of pores and wrinkles.
A IL MAKIAGE Reviewer Says: "This primer is my new go-to staple when doing my makeup routine. It is mattifying yet leaves me with a poreless base. My makeup goes smooth and helps control the oil on my super oily T-zone. I'll definitely purchase again because i do not want to wake up one day to an empty bottle." -Julia L
Pros
- Made for oily and combination skin
- Great for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Must be dabbed on
This shine-controlling primer can be worn alone, under foundation, or even dabbed on top of it to keep oil at bay for hours. The oil-absorbing formula also helps reduce the look of large pores.
A Paula's Choice Reviewer Says: "I put a tiny amount on my forehead and beside my nose over the top of makeup. This literally stayed shine-free for nine hours. I have crazy oily skin, and nothing ever worked for me. Not more than two hours max. Thank you, Paulas Choice, for finally inventing a winning product. I couldn't be more extremely surprised and satisfied." -Chantavalanche
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Meet the Experts
- Alexandra McCormick is the Director of Global Artistry for Hourglass Cosmetics, has over 15 years in the beauty industry and has worked on live TV, with celebrities and backstage at fashion shows.
- Gina Ritacco is a professional makeup artist in New Jersey and the Tri-State area, with over 300 brides and clients annually.
When should I apply primer?
Think of primer as the bridge step between your skincare and your makeup. Apply a primer after your sunscreen or moisturizer but before any base makeup. To get the most out of your primer, make sure you're using the right amount (you want to cover your face but not with a layer too thick), and give the primer two or three minutes to set before doing the rest of your makeup.
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What should I be looking for in a primer for my oily skin?
The best primer for oily skin will keep your makeup locked in place and contain ingredients like witch hazel or niacinamide to address common skin issues like pore size and discoloration. Most makeup primers for oily skin are silicone-based and have a mattifying finish, but there are silicone-free options in the list above if you prefer something lightweight.
Looking for more makeup recommendations for oily skin?
- The 13 Best Serums for Oily Skin
- The 15 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin
- The 14 Best Face Washes for Oily Skin That Won't Be Too Drying
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.