10 Best Makeup Primers for Oily Skin in 2025
When you have oily skin, finding the right makeup primer can be a game-changer for keeping shine under control and ensuring your makeup lasts all day. Primers designed for oily skin usually have mattifying, pore-blurring, and oil-control properties, which help create a smoother, longer-lasting base for foundation and other makeup. Here are the top 10 primers that can help manage oil and enhance your makeup look.
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1. Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer
This cult favorite has a mattifying effect that’s ideal for oily skin. The gel-like texture glides smoothly over the skin, helping reduce the appearance of pores and absorb oil throughout the day. It’s formulated with salicylic acid, witch hazel, and zinc, which work together to control shine and provide a comfortable, all-day wear.
Key Benefits:
Long-lasting oil control
Pore-blurring effect
Infused with skin-soothing ingredients
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2. Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Matte Rescue Primer
Benefit’s POREfessional Matte Rescue Primer is a gel-based formula that’s known for its ability to minimize pores and control oil without drying out the skin. It has a lightweight consistency and gives a soft-focus effect that makes skin look smoother and more even.
Key Benefits:
Minimizes pores
Oil-free, lightweight formula
Delivers a matte finish
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3. e.l.f. Matte Putty Primer
A budget-friendly option, e.l.f. Matte Putty Primer is a fan favorite for its velvety formula that works well on oily skin. It provides a long-lasting matte base that helps to control excess oil and blur pores, making it a great option for all-day wear.
Key Benefits:
Affordable
Long-lasting matte effect
Pore-blurring formula
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4. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line has a primer specifically for those with oily skin concerns. The Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer has a lightweight, gel-like texture that mattifies and smooths the skin. It also helps extend the life of your foundation, making it perfect for long days.
Key Benefits:
Lightweight and breathable
Long-lasting matte finish
Non-comedogenic
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5. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is known for its silky finish and long-wear properties. While it’s slightly pricier, this primer creates a smooth, soft-focus look and effectively controls oil. It also provides SPF 15, which adds a layer of sun protection.
Key Benefits:
Smooth, soft-focus finish
Controls oil for all-day wear
Offers sun protection
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6. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Mattifying Primer
Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer is designed specifically for normal to oily skin. It offers up to 16 hours of shine control, minimizes pores, and creates a smooth canvas for makeup application, all at an affordable price point.
Key Benefits:
16-hour shine control
Pore-minimizing effect
Budget-friendly
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7. Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
A drugstore staple, Rimmel Stay Matte Primer offers a powerful mattifying effect that keeps skin shine-free for up to 8 hours. The lightweight formula absorbs oil without clogging pores, making it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.
Key Benefits:
Affordable
Up to 8 hours of oil control
Lightweight and breathable
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8. Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
This primer from Becca is perfect for those with very oily skin. It’s designed to keep oil at bay for up to 12 hours and provides a shine-free finish that lasts. Its mattifying effect can be quite strong, so it’s best applied only to oily areas, like the T-zone.
Key Benefits:
Intense oil control
Long-lasting matte finish
Suitable for very oily skin
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9. Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
The Silk Canvas by Tatcha is a unique balm-textured primer that works well on oily skin by creating a barrier between makeup and the skin, which helps prevent clogging. It has anti-pollution properties, smooths the skin’s texture, and minimizes pores for a refined finish.
Key Benefits:
Silk-textured finish
Anti-pollution barrier
Reduces appearance of pores
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10. NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer Primer
NYX Shine Killer Primer is an excellent affordable option for those who want long-lasting oil control. It has a lightweight formula that feels comfortable on the skin, absorbs excess oil, and leaves a matte finish that lasts throughout the day.
Key Benefits:
Affordable
Controls shine for hours
Lightweight and comfortable
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Tips for Choosing and Using a Primer for Oily Skin
Application: Use a pea-sized amount and apply to oily areas like the T-zone for the best results.
Setting Powder: For extra oil control, apply a translucent setting powder after your primer.
Blotting Papers: Keep blotting papers on hand to manage midday shine.
Finding the right primer for oily skin can make a noticeable difference in how your makeup looks and lasts. With any of these options, you’ll be able to control shine, reduce the appearance of pores, and create a smooth canvas for your makeup to stay put all day.