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12 Best Primers for Oily Skin That Control Shine All Day
Get a polished, matte look that lasts.
There's a lot to think about when it comes to your daily beauty routine. First comes your moisturizer, then comes your concealer or foundation―but wait! Did you forget something in between? Yep, you should put on a primer in between. Primers not only help smooth the appearance of skin and minimize pores, and but importantly, help your makeup stay on longer without multiple touchups each day. And if you are prone to oily skin, you also need to worry about minimizing shine, which is why you should seek out the best primer for oily skin you can find.
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To combat shine, the best makeup primers for oily skin types are matte. Even if you have a preference towards a dewier look overall, a matte primer will counteract the unwanted oil, so you can apply your foundation, BB cream, or concealer on a neutral surface first before going for your glow-up. Many matte primers also contain ingredients that won't clog pores and actually help keep it clean and clear like witch hazel and exfoliating acids. Plenty of these also work well if you have combination skin, helping to balance the oily T-zone without harming the drier parts of your face. That also means you can use them all year round, no matter how rough the winters or summers are on your skin!
Bonus: Did you know that primers also help prevent lipstick from bleeding into the skin around your mouth? Use in combination with a lip balm for hydration, and you'll have a gorgeous smile to go with your fabulously finished face all day long!
Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Primer
If you're looking to save some money and still combat shine, Maybelline is easy to find and very affordable. Its water-based formula is lightweight and won't clog pores, but will definitely minimize their appearance and help keep them oil-free all day.
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Face Primer
While Smashbox is a bit more money, it is truly skincare and primer in one. It contains witch hazel and salicylic acid to absorb the oil and antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and algae to hydrate and balance skin. Plus, it provides a smooth, shine-free finish for hours!
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer
If you battle extra oil all over, go for an ultra matte primer like this one. It will not combat the shine, but it will smooth pores, too. Reviewers rave how great it is especially in the T-zone, but if you are prone to dryness in other places, you might want to consider another product suited for combination skin.
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Shine Control
While most primers last from six to 12 hours, this primer can last up to 20. The formula is made with mineral clay powder which helps absorb excess oil and ginseng for radiance. It's safe for normal and combination skin as well as oily.
Neutrogena Shine Control Mattifying Primer
Another affordable find, Neutrogena's formula relies on rice protein to absorb the extra oil for a shine-free look for up to eight hours. It can be worn alone for an almost-makeup free look but is smooth enough to work well with any foundation.
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer
If you have normal or combination skin or toggle between those and oily throughout the year, go for a primer that is great for any of them. Milk is water-based, so it's lightweight and won't dry out your skin because it relies on a lentil-based formula to reduce shine instead of harsh chemicals.
No7 Instant Illusions Airbrush Away Primer
No7 Instant Illusions Airbrush Away Primer
If you're concerned about fine lines, the hyaluronic acid in this formula will help blur them to create a softer, smoother appearance. The same goes for pores, too, while it simultaneously combats shine.
Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
Great for all skin types, but especially those with sensitive skin, Tatcha relies on natural ingredients like green tea to soothe the skin while keeping it shine-free. One thing to note: Reviewers say a little goes a long way, so use it more sparingly than you would other brands.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Putty Primer
Affordable and cruelty-free, this primer helps combat shine with kaolin and white charcoal. Because it is a putty, it will take a few more minutes to set than a liquid primer, but the end result is a lovely base to then layer on top. Reviewers note that this works great if you prefer a dewy look, because it helps combat shine but isn't as matte as other brands.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
If you want something that can reduce redness and the appearance of pores, reduce shine and repel water to keep your makeup set for hours, and work for any skin type, then this might be worth the splurge. It also has SPF 15 for added protection.
MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12-Hour Shine Control Primer
MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12-Hour Shine Control Primer
MAC not only touts a long-lasting 12-hour shine control thanks to a powerhouse combination of lactobionic acid and witch hazel to clean and clear pores, but it also helps reduce their appearance with a truly matte finish. So if you hate your large pores, this will help even out your skin's appearance.
Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher
Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher
Apply this before your foundation to control shine and balance your skin with algae and green tea extracts. Then you can also apply it when you're done to seal in your makeup instead of a setting powder or spray. Genius!
AnnMarie Mattila is the Commerce Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering products ranging from home, fashion, beauty, and more.
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