The 10 Best Makeup Primers for Oily Skin, According to Experts (2024)

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."

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."

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."

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."

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

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