Does your makeup seem to melt away before lunchtime, leaving you with a shiny forehead? You are not alone! Many people with oily skin fight that midday shine. It is frustrating when you spend time applying makeup, only for it to disappear.
Choosing the perfect mattifying primer can feel like a treasure hunt. Some primers feel too heavy. Others do not actually stop the oil slick. You want something that works hard all day without clogging your pores. Finding that magic product seems tough with so many choices out there.
This guide will break down everything you need to know. We will explore what makes a primer truly mattifying for oily skin. Learn the secrets to a long-lasting, shine-free base. Get ready to say goodbye to blotting papers!
Top Mattifying Primer For Oily Skin Recommendations
No. 1
Rimmel London Stay Matte - 003 - Primer, Ultra-Lightweight, Controls Shine, Doesn’t Feel Greasy, 1oz
- Skin perfecting
- Ultra-lightweight formula
- Controls shine for up to 8 hours
- Never feels greasy or heavy
- Helps makeup stay all day
No. 2
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer - Mattifying Makeup Base Primer for Shine and Oil Control - Pore Minimizer, Smooths Wrinkles and Fine Lines – Long-Lasting Makeup Gripping Formula, 30g
- Flawless Skin Made Simple—Korean Beauty Innovation: We work with the finest Korean manufacturers to bring the best Korean skincare, korean primers and beauty to you; this primer for face before makeup is infused with effective Korean ingredients and breakthrough formulas; dermatologist & allergy tested, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny approved
- MATTE PRIMER FOR PREPPING: Elevate your makeup game with our matte primer; essential step between skincare and makeup; crafted with high-quality ingredients like luxurious pearl powder; smooths skin immediately; perfect as foundation base; suitable for dry or oily skin; say goodbye to uneven texture
- GET FLAWLESS FACE MAKEUP: Our makeup primer prepares skin and locks in makeup; matte finish of this mattifying primer shields your makeup against oiliness and creasing; perfect for mature skin; helps conceal wrinkles and fine lines; keeps makeup picture-perfect from morning to night
- SMOOTHING SKIN PRIMER WITH BENEFITS: Creates a flawless base; gripping primer with skin-loving benefits; evens out your skin tone; enlivens your complexion; minimizes appearance of pores; perfect for layering under makeup; enhances longevity of your look; safeguards against creasing; your skin will thank you
- HOW TO USE: Achieving the perfect makeup canvas is easy with primer foundation base; start with a clean face, apply skincare and sunscreen; let it absorb for 30 seconds or more; dispense a nickel-sized amount of primer; apply in gentle, circular motions; let it set for 30 seconds; apply makeup for a fresh, matte look all day
No. 3
e.l.f. Power Grip Matte Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, Vegan & Cruelty-Free
- MATTIFYING MAKEUP PRIMER: Meet the fan-fave Power Grip Primer—now with a matte finish! This gel-based, skin-smoothing primer grips makeup all day while giving your complexion a natural, shine-free look.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Our Power Grip Primer's formula goes on clear with a translucent finish for all skin types and skin tones. It is also non-comedogenic, hence it will not clog your pores.
- MOISTURIZES WHILE PRIMING: Infused with powerhouse ingredients like lemon myrtle, this makeup primer moisturizes, preps, and smoothes to perfection, improving the look and feel of your skin.
- HOW TO USE: Apply evenly before makeup using your fingertips to pat into skin. The warmth of your fingers will help the product melt into skin for even application. Allow 30 seconds to set before applying makeup.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: 100% vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
No. 4
Neutrogena Mattifying Primer with Shine Control, Lightweight Pore Blurring Face Primer Blurs the Look of Pores & Helps Reduce Shine, Matte Primer with Niacinamide, 1 oz
- 1-ounce of Neutrogena Mattifying Primer with Shine Control & skincare benefits that blurs the look of pores & controls shine for a long-lasting, soft matte finish
- This lightweight blurring primer helps reduce shine & visibly smooths skin's texture. When used for pre-makeup skin prep, this weightless primer increases the wear time of your makeup for beautiful looks all day long
- The matte primer is formulated with niacinamide and helps blur the appearance of pores for a more even-looking complexion. The pore-blurring face primer is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores
- This pore-blurring makeup primer, ideal for oily or shiny skin offers skincare benefits & is formulated free of parabens, mineral oils & dyes.
- After your skincare routine, apply a thin layer of liquid primer over clean, hydrated skin. Blend into skin with fingertips & wait one minute before makeup application. Wear blur primer over entire face or targeted oily areas like T-zone or chin
No. 5
e.l.f. Power Grip Matte Primer Mini, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, Travel Size
- MINI MATTIFYING MAKEUP PRIMER: Meet the fan-fave Power Grip Primer—now in a travel size! This gel-based, skin-smoothing primer grips makeup all day while giving your complexion a natural, shine-free look.
- FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Our Power Grip Primer's formula goes on clear with a translucent finish for all skin types and skin tones. It is also non-comedogenic, hence it will not clog your pores.
- MOISTURIZES WHILE PRIMING: Infused with powerhouse ingredients like lemon myrtle, this makeup primer moisturizes, preps, and smoothes to perfection, improving the look and feel of your skin.
- HOW TO USE: Apply evenly before makeup using your fingertips to pat into skin. The warmth of your fingers will help the product melt into skin for even application. Allow 30 seconds to set before applying makeup.
- VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE: 100% vegan, e.l.f. is double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny & PETA.
No. 6
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Mattifying Face Primer Makeup With Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 20, 16HR Wear, Shine Control, Clear, 1 Count
- Fit Me Maybelline Primer: Our primer with clay and SPF 20 is a must have mattifying face primer for normal to oily skin; Controls shine and provides a matte finish for up to 16HRs for a makeup look that lasts
- Lightweight & Breathable Formula: This poreless primer instantly blurs pores for skin that looks even, smooth and perfected; Pore minimizing primer glides on skin to minimize the look of imperfections for a flawless, blurred skin look
- All Day Matte Make Up: Our makeup primer creates a smooth canvas for makeup application and enhances the look of your makeup; Extend your makeup wear with instant shine control for a matte finish that lasts all day
- Create any look with Maybelline: foundation, BB creams, concealers, and setting powders for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping matte lipstick to a plumping lip gloss
- Remove Maybelline Makeup With Micellar Water: Use Garnier Micellar Water as a gentle makeup remover at night, and as a facial cleanser in the morning to prep skin for Maybelline makeup
No. 7
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer – Blurs Pores, Controls Shine + Holds Makeup for Up to 12 Hours – Creates a Smooth, Even Base for a Soft, Long-Lasting Matte Finish – 0.68 oz
- Lock Makeup + Block Shine: This mattifying makeup primer blurs pores, controls shine + locks in your look for up to 12 hours, ensuring makeup stays smooth and crease-free; silicone-free and suitable for all skin types, the lightweight cream formula provides a long-lasting matte finish
- Skincare-Infused Primer: Niacinamide helps minimize the appearance of pores, Bakuchiol helps smooth skin texture + even skin tone, Lentil Extract helps control shine, Blurring Microspheres provide a soft-focus matte finish and Moonstone helps calm skin
- How to Use: Immediately after moisturizing, blend a thin layer of primer onto clean skin; allow the formula to activate for 1 minute before applying makeup
- Clean, Vegan Formulas: With Milk Makeup, it's high standards or nothing—that's why we don't use over 2,500 controversial ingredients; everything is clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and made to make your life easier
- Live Your Look: Born out of Milk Studios, a creative hub in downtown New York City, community and self-expression are at the heart of everything we do; we believe it’s not about how you wear your makeup, it’s what you do in it that matters
No. 8
DHC Velvet Skin Coat, Mattifying Makeup Primer, Powder-Gel Formula, Minimizes look of pores, fine lines, and Imperfections, All skin types, Fragrance and Colorant Free, 0.52 oz. Net wt
- Helps makeup glide on and last all day
- Blurs the appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections
- Absorbs excess oil for a smooth, matte look
- Nourishes skin with botanicals
- Clear, transparent formula can be used on all skin types and tones
Your Guide to Finding the Best Mattifying Primer for Oily Skin
Oily skin can make your makeup look shiny fast. A good mattifying primer is your secret weapon. It helps control oil and keeps your makeup looking fresh all day. This guide helps you choose the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features. They tell you how well the primer will work for your skin.
Oil Control Power
- Long-Lasting Shine Reduction: Look for primers that promise 8+ hours of oil control. This means fewer touch-ups.
- Pore Minimizing: Many good mattifying primers also blur large pores. This creates a smoother base for foundation.
Texture and Finish
- Velvety or Silky Feel: The best primers feel light, not heavy or sticky. They should glide easily onto your skin.
- Matte Finish: Ensure the product explicitly states it provides a matte or shine-free finish. Avoid primers labeled “dewy” or “radiant.”
Compatibility
- Foundation Pairing: Consider whether you use water-based or silicone-based makeup. Some primers work better with certain foundations.
- Non-Comedogenic: This label means the primer won’t clog your pores. This is crucial for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Important Ingredients to Know
The ingredients list reveals a lot about the primer’s performance. Certain materials are essential for soaking up oil.
Oil Absorbers
- Silica and Talc: These powders are excellent at absorbing excess oil right away. They give you that instant matte look.
- Corn Starch or Rice Powder: Natural alternatives that also absorb shine without feeling heavy.
Skin Enhancers
- Dimethicone (Silicone): This common ingredient creates a smooth barrier. It fills in fine lines and prevents oil from breaking down your makeup.
- Niacinamide: Some advanced primers include this ingredient. It can actually help regulate your skin’s oil production over time.
Factors Affecting Primer Quality
Not all mattifying primers perform equally. A few factors determine if a product is high quality or disappointing.
What Improves Quality?
- Good Adherence: High-quality primers strongly grip your foundation. This prevents sliding, especially in hot or humid weather.
- Lightweight Feel: A premium primer feels nearly invisible once applied. You should not feel a heavy mask on your face.
What Reduces Quality?
- Pilling: If the primer balls up when you rub it or apply foundation over it, the quality is low. This usually happens with poor ingredient balancing.
- Drying Out Skin: Some very strong mattifiers remove *all* moisture. This can cause your skin to overcompensate by producing *more* oil later. Look for a balanced formula.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the primer affects your results. Think about when and where you need the most shine control.
Application Tips
- Less is More: Start with a pea-sized amount. You only need a thin layer.
- Target Oily Zones: Focus application on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). You can skip drier areas like cheeks if needed.
When to Use It
- Long Work Days: Use it for professional settings where you need a flawless look for 8+ hours.
- Outdoor Events: It provides a barrier against humidity and heat, stopping makeup meltdown.
- Photo Shoots: Mattifying primers reduce flash glare, giving you a smoother look in pictures.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mattifying Primers
Q: Do I need a mattifying primer if I use a matte foundation?
A: Yes, often you do. A primer adds an extra layer of oil absorption that the foundation alone cannot provide, especially during peak oil hours.
Q: Can I use a mattifying primer every day?
A: You certainly can. However, always remember to thoroughly cleanse your face at night to prevent ingredient buildup.
Q: Will this primer dry out my skin too much?
A: Some strong ones might. Look for formulas that include hydrating elements like glycerin alongside the mattifying powders to maintain balance.
Q: Is primer necessary if I only use concealer?
A: It helps! Even with minimal makeup, a primer smooths texture and keeps your concealer from creasing or sliding off oily spots.
Q: How long should I wait after applying primer before foundation?
A: Wait about 30 seconds to a minute. Give the primer time to set and create that smooth, dry surface your foundation needs to grip onto.
Q: Can I use this primer just on my T-zone?
A: Absolutely. This is a great strategy if you have combination skin. Target oiliness only where you need it most.
Q: Do mattifying primers make makeup last longer?
A: Yes, they significantly improve longevity. They act like a sticky glue for your foundation, preventing oils from dissolving the makeup underneath.
Q: Are silicone-based primers always better for oily skin?
A: Silicone primers (like those with Dimethicone) are great for smoothing texture. However, water-based mattifiers might feel lighter for some users.
Q: What is the difference between a mattifying primer and a pore filler?
A: A mattifying primer controls oil. A pore filler mostly focuses on physically smoothing the surface. Many good products do both jobs!
Q: Should I use a primer before sunscreen?
A: Yes. Sunscreen should go on clean skin first, followed by your mattifying primer, and then your makeup. This layering order protects your skin and keeps your makeup set.