I am always on the lookout for a primer that will combat shine and keep my makeup in place all day. Having very oily skin means my makeup doesn’t always last as long as I’d like. It can be incredibly frustrating to spend time perfecting your foundation, only for your face to become shiny and your makeup to start breaking down within minutes.
If you struggle with oil control and want to extend the longevity of your makeup, the right primer can make all the difference. In this post, I’ve rounded up the best primers for oily skin to help you achieve a long-lasting, shine-free finish.
Why Use a Primer for Oily Skin?
A primer acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup, controlling oil production, blurring imperfections, and ensuring that foundation stays put. The best primers for oily skin absorb excess sebum, smooth out the skin’s texture, and provide a matte base for foundation application. Whether you’re looking for something hydrating, mattifying, pore-blurring, or gripping, there’s a primer out there for you.
Best Primers for Oily Skin
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer – Learn Why
Best Shine Control: One Heck of a Blot Primer – Learn Why
Best Gripping Primer: ELF Power Grip Primer – Learn Why
Best Blurring Primer: Tatcha The Silk Canvas – Learn Why
Best Acne Control Primer: Milani Erase Base Primer – Learn Why
Best Pore Smoothing Primer: Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer – Learn Why
Most Mattifying Primer: Catrice The Mattifier Primer – Learn Why
Best Natural Finish Primer: Milani Brightside Illuminating Primer – Learn Why
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip – Best Overall

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip has cultivated quite the fanbase, and for good reason. This primer doesn’t just blur pores and fine lines, but it also locks in moisture with its hydrating qualities without adding additional shine. Once applied, it dries to a luxurious velvety finish that absorbs excess oil. It’s your go-to if you desire a fresh, shine-free look all day long.
Tatcha The Silk Canvas – Best Blurring Primer

Tatcha’s Silk Canvas is an absolute favorite for those aiming for a flawless base. This primer is silky smooth, minimizes pores, and creates a perfect canvas for makeup application. It controls oil and enhances the look of your foundation, allowing your makeup to last from day to night without shine or creasing.
One Heck of a Blot Primer – Best Shine Control

As the name suggests, the One Heck of a Blot Primer is a powerhouse against oil and shine. It’s specifically designed to mattify the skin, making it exceptional for those who struggle with oily T-zones. This primer not only refines skin texture but also ensures that your foundation remains spot-on all day long.
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage

The MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage has been a staple in many professional kits for years. This lightweight primer easily absorbs into the skin, reducing redness and evening out skin tone. Its shine-control formula keeps excess oils at bay, granting you a fresh and flawless finish that lasts for hours.
Milani Erase Base Primer – Best Acne Control Primer

If you’re tackling both oil and acne, the Milani Erase Base Primer could be your holy grail. Crafted with 2% salicylic acid, it actively helps combat acne while smoothing out your skin’s surface. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a primer that not only controls oil but also benefits acne-prone skin by preventing new breakouts.
Elf Power Grip Primer – Best Gripping Primer

This primer is a favorite for those with oily skin because it grips your makeup for long-lasting wear. It smooths the skin and provides a slightly tacky base, which ensures your foundation stays put throughout the day. The ELF Power Grip Primer is perfect for ensuring that your makeup remains flawless, even on the oiliest of days.
Sheglam Goodgrip Primer

Sheglam’s Goodgrip Primer is designed specifically for excellent adherence, making it a must-try for oily skin types. This primer provides a matte finish that manages excess oil and leaves your skin feeling smooth and ready for makeup application.
Catrice The Mattifier Primer – Most Mattifying Primer

The Catrice The Mattifier Primer is a fantastic choice for oily skin, as it is waterproof, oil-free, and silicone-free. These features ensure a matte complexion without the extra weight of silicones, which can sometimes feel heavy on the skin.
L.A. Girl Pro Prep HD Face Primer

The L.A. Girl Pro Prep HD Face Primer is lightweight and quickly absorbs into the skin, making it perfect for oily skin. It blurs pores and diminishes shine, offering a flawless canvas for makeup application. This primer is known for its ability to keep your makeup in place all day long.
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Maybelline Master Prime

Maybelline’s Master Prime is an excellent option for those battling oiliness. It’s formulated to create a smooth surface, which helps prolong the wear of your foundation. It’s a tried-and-tested product that makeup lovers with oily skin swear by.
Milani Brightside Illuminating Primer – Best Natural Finish Primer

For those who want a hint of glow without compromising on oil control, Milani’s Brightside Illuminating Primer offers just that. While it provides a brightening effect, it still controls oil, so you can have radiant skin without the excess shine.
Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer – Best Pore Smoothing Primer

Rare Beauty’s Pore Diffusing Primer works wonders by giving you a soft-focus effect. It’s particularly effective in minimizing the appearance of pores while also controlling oil, leading to a smoother application of makeup.
Glow Recipe Pore Smooth Blur Drops

These drops from Glow Recipe double up as a primer that hydrates and smooths the skin, all while reducing the visibility of pores. They serve as an excellent base for makeup if you’re looking for light yet effective pore-perfecting properties.
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

The Rimmel Stay Matte Primer is a go-to for oily skin. It provides a shine-free finish and creates a smooth surface for makeup application, ensuring long-lasting wear. This primer is valued for its excellent performance in maintaining a matte appearance throughout the day.
Finding the right primer for oily skin can transform your makeup routine. Whether you’re looking for something mattifying, hydrating, blurring, or acne-fighting, there’s a primer that fits your needs. The key is to choose a formula that complements your skin type and provides the right balance of oil control and longevity.
By using one of these top-rated primers, you can ensure your makeup stays fresh, smooth, and shine-free all day long. Give them a try and discover which one works best for your skin!
The editorial team at The Glossychic carefully selects our product recommendations. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.