Best Primers for Oily Skin: 2021 Reviews and Top Picks

Oily skin is a problem encountered by millions of individuals from all walks of life. Unfortunately, one of the end results of oily skin is that it can be very difficult for make-up to remain in place throughout the day.

One of the best ways to avoid this situation is to utilise a primer that is specifically designed for this type of skin. 

Let us take a look at what many consider to be the top primers for oily skin as well as some of the unique features that each is able to provide.

❶ Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Foundation Primer, 30 ml

Smashbox SBOCOSC73004733 The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer 30ml
56 Reviews
Smashbox SBOCOSC73004733 The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer 30ml
  • Silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A and E, grape seed extract...
  • Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores.

Pros

  • Increases the wear time of makeup
  • Fills in fine lines and pores
  • Lightweight
  • Oil-free
  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Feels silicone-like

Editor's review

This product is arguably one of the best primers currently on the market today. One of the reasons why Smashbox is considered to be an ideal choice is the presence of numerous antioxidants within its formulation. These will provide the skin with the nutrients that it requires throughout the day.

The silky smooth consistency of this primer offers superior levels of comfort while its ability to soak into the skin ensures that one’s make-up will remain firmly in place. Another massive advantage of Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is that it contains a number of skin-friendly botanical products. Some examples include orchid complex, aloe and soothing lemongrass.

All of these can help to further enhance the beneficial effects to the skin while providing a further sense of reliability; ideal for today’s working woman.

Best Pick

❷ Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12hr Perfecting Primer

No products found.

Pros

  • Reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles
  • Fragrance free
  • Lightweight
  • Cruelty-free
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Very expensive 

Editor's review

The fact that this product is able to stand up to no less than twelve hours of active use is one of the reasons that it is rated highly by nearly every user. This attribute is further bolstered by ratings of 4.5 out of 5 by the majority of Amazon customers. Much like the other products within this category, two of its main ingredients are vitamin A and vitamin D.

A unique combination of herbs such as rosemary extract, hibiscus flower, avocado and goji berry add extra benefits to both the dermis and epidermis alike. It is said that Tarte Perfecting Primer is also excellent at increasing circulation as well as reducing facial inflammation; both massive benefits for those who wish to look their best on a daily basis.

❸ Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer
16 Reviews

Pros

  • Reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles
  • Creates a smooth base for makeup
  • Hydrating

Cons

  • Can cause breakouts

Editor's review

Too Faced is a brand which has enjoyed a significant amount of popularity over the years due to the reliability of its products. This primer specifically designed for oily skin is indeed no exception. Customers have noticed beneficial effects after only a few applications and thanks to its highly concentrated formulation, only a small amount needs to be applied. Seen as being an excellent “blank slate” for the subsequent addition of make-up, Too Faced Primed and Poreless Primer can be used in combination with bronzing agents, foundations and nearly any other type of powder.

 Some of its other benefits include the ability to reduce pore size, to hydrate the underlying skin, to offer enhanced elasticity and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. As this primer can be applied on any skin tone, it truly is a universal solution for those who suffer from oily skin.

Some of the main ingredients (besides vitamins A, D and E) include mulberry extract, white tea essence and camellia oil. A final feature worth noting is that this brand contains retinol. This chemical is excellent at protecting the skin while fighting the damages that are caused by the natural occurrence of free radicals.

❹ Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector 40ml

Becca Cosmetics Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector 40ml
18 Reviews
Becca Cosmetics Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector 40ml
  • A silicone-free primer that controls excess oil and reduces shine
  • Gives instant skin tightening and mattifying effect

Pros

  • Increases the wear time of makeup
  • It does not clog pores
  • Fragrance free

Cons

  • Does not goes well with all foundations

Editor's review

Unlike some low-quality primers, this cream contains no silicone. Its water-based properties are therefore ideally suited for someone who is already suffering from oily skin. This attribute also enables its formulation to be quickly absorbed into the skin and provide a firm base for the subsequent application of make-up.

Superior levels of protection can therefore be enjoyed throughout the day. Many clients claim that it can easily remain in place for up to ten hours. So, Becca Matte Poreless Priming Perfector is a great option for women whose lives are defined by a rather busy work schedule.

A notable lack of alcohol and fragrances is another advantage, for these components may cause sensitive skin to become irritated. This primer has an extremely lightweight feel and is specifically designed for women who may find that other products designed for oily skin have fallen short of their promises.

❺ Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer, 30 ml

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer, Transparent, 30 ml
145 Reviews
Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer, Transparent, 30 ml
  • Controls shine for up to 8 hours
  • Ultra-lightweight formula

Pros

  • Increases wear time of makeup
  • Mattifies the skin
  • Suitable for all skin types 
  • Fragrance free
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Does not minimize the appearance of prores

Editor's review

The thicker composition of this primer is perfect for those who are looking to display a matte appearance throughout the day. Another great benefit of this primer is that unlike some other products, it can be worn alone as well as used as a foundation for the subsequent application of make-up.

Many users also feel that this product is even more beneficial when the temperatures outside rise. In most cases, even sweating will not cause the primer to fail. As Rimmel Stay Matte Primer is specifically designed for oily skin, it is perfectly capable of handling even the most demanding of make-up applications while its constituent ingredients will provide much-needed moisture and elasticity.

 While Rimmel Matte Stay Primer does not offer herbal components, the fact of the matter is that this version is certainly one of the most effective products currently on the open market.

Last update on 2021-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Emilie Hagstörm
 

My name is Emilie Hagstörm. Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden to a Swedish Father and an English Mother. With a background as a Pharmacist, I use a scientific approach to research what REALLY works. When you read one of my beauty reviews you’ll know that it is honest and unbiased because I don’t work for a make-up retailer or manufacturer, and I’m completely independent.

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