How do you apply primer to oily skin?

Primer goes on after your moisturizer and before your foundation. Try and allow time for your skincare to absorb, then apply a thin layer of primer across the face as the last step before putting on your makeup. Using an oil-controlling primer can work wonders for those prone to a serious case of shininess. It not only helps to balance excess sebum, but it can also extend the life of your makeup for a fresher look that lasts all day.

The 14 Best Primers for Oily Skin of 2024

Three bottles of makeup primers — Byrdie / Alli Waataja

If you have oily skin, adding in the simple step of a primer before your foundation could be just the solution you have been searching for to prevent your makeup from melting off your face after just a few hours' wear.

“A lot of primers create a base which enables the makeup to adhere to the face better than it would on bare skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher. “Many also have the added benefit of preventing the overproduction of sweat and oil, therefore allowing for a longer-lasting application.”

We conducted hours of research and tested several products on this list, evaluating each formula on key ingredients, skin feel, and which types of skin they work best on. We also looked at whether the formula contains SPF and how it blends and absorbs into skin. After considering dozens of top-rated products, we landed on the following best in show.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer at Amazon ($58)

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer at Amazon ($20)

Jump to Review

Best for All Skin Tones:

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Long-Wearing:

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer at Sephora ($15)

Jump to Review

Best Balancing:

Nars Soft Matte Primer at Sephora ($36)

Jump to Review

Best for Mature Skin:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer at Sephora ($42)

Jump to Review

Best with SPF:

Milani SPF Primer at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer at Amazon ($45)

Jump to Review

Best Moisturizing:

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance at Amazon ($27)

Jump to Review

Best Skincare Ingredients:

Caliray SO Blown Blurring Collagen Peptide Primer at Sephora ($15)

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

PHOTO:

Sephora

$58 at Amazon $24 at Sephora $58 at Ulta

What We Like

Long-lasting
Satin texture
Provides SPF15 protection

What We Don't Like

Pump dispenser could be improved

Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Size: 0.3, 1, 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It took only a few seconds for us to fall in love with this product. Compared with other primers we've tried, this one definitely feels less greasy, so there were high hopes for it. Even through heat and humidity, our skin stayed shine-free while we wore it. We also loved its long-lasting finish and satin texture. Oh, and did we mention it offers mineral SPF 15, too? Not enough to negate the need for your regular sunscreen, but the more protection, the better, right? We definitely think it’s worth the investment due to how effective it was, but it also comes in a smaller travel size so you can test it out.

Who It's For

If you are skin first when it comes to makeup and like your base to be the main focus of attention, you’ll love how much better your foundation looks applied over this primer. It is lightweight, but you will see a big change when it comes to how much longer your makeup lasts and how your skin maintains a velvet finish as opposed to going greasy.

Byrdie / Clare Holden
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Best Budget

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$20 at Amazon $14 at Walmart $5 at Walgreens

What We Like

Affordable
Long-lasting
Non-drying

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Key Ingredients: Rice protein technology | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Neutrogena’s primer is certainly a budget option, but don’t let the price fool you into thinking it’s ineffective. We were impressed with the product’s longevity, and skin remained shine-free, even after hours of wear. It’s also non-drying, so it glides on easily, and liquid foundation follows evenly over the top. Also note that this product does contain fragrance, so if your skin’s on the sensitive side, be sure to do a spot test before applying it all over your face.

Who It’s For

If you are still on the fence about whether primer is for you, this is a great product to start with as it’s affordable, non-drying, and effective.

Best for All Skin Tones

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

PHOTO:

Walgreens

View on Ulta $7 at Amazon $7 at Target

What We Like

Affordable
Minimizes pores
Can use alone

What We Don't Like

Can feel greasy

Key Ingredients: Silica | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Maybelline's primer might be a great affordable option, but it feels just as undetectable as its pricier counterparts. And for the days when you want to go easy on the makeup application, it has enough skin-perfecting power to be worn alone, minimizing pores and counteracting grease. When we tested drugstore primers, we especially loved how this formula extended the wear of our foundation and prevented it from transferring or moving around. In short, it works. But the best bit is that it's clear, making it a great option for a range of skin tones. Don’t worry that it feels slightly greasy at first, we found that it quickly absorbed into the skin for a lightweight feel.

Who It’s For

If you find foundation seems to emphasize your pores, a thin layer of this primer underneath your makeup will not only keep you shine free but also give your skin a more blurred appearance and minimizes pores. This is also the ideal primer for those who sometimes love to go makeup-free as it can be used by itself for a natural look and works for all skin tones.

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer Before and After — Byrdie / Olivia Handcock

Best Long-Wearing

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer

PHOTO:

Nordstrom

$15 at Sephora $35 at Ulta $15 at Target

What We Like

Minimizes pores
Long-lasting
Oil-free

What We Don't Like

Not for those who like minimal makeup

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Size: 0.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Like a bottled Instagram filter, Benefit's primer is slightly thicker than the ones you might have used before, so it's ideal if you usually wear full-coverage makeup. Once it's on, it's as though someone has put a plug in each one of your pores, significantly reducing their appearance. This one kept our makeup in place all day and well into the evening. Impressive, right? If you prefer a more natural makeup look, however, some of the more lightweight options in our lineup might be more suitable.

Who It’s For

For events that last all day or well into the night, this is the primer you need to lock in your foundation, leaving you free from having to worry about constant touch-ups. The matte finish makes it an obvious choice for those with oily skin but the base smoothing benefits also mean it works equally well for those with dry or combination skin.

Best Balancing

Nars Soft Matte Primer

PHOTO:

Nars Cosmetics

$36 at Sephora $92 at Walmart $36 at Nordstrom

What We Like

Mattifies
Created specifically for oily skin
Adjusts to the climate

What We Don't Like

Not for those looking for a dewy finish

Key Ingredients: Rosemary, bran extract, cocoa | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Designed especially for those with oily skin, this primer from Nars mops up any excess sebum to leave an all-around matte finish. It uses a unique climate-balancing formula that helps your skin hold on to hydration when the climate is dry but absorbs any excess moisture once the weather turns humid.

Who It’s For

If you are looking for a primer for all seasons, this product will serve you well through hail, rain or sunshine. You can’t always depend on the weather but you can rely on this primer to keep you shine free and matte winter through summer. It also reduces excess sweat to lengthen the wear of your makeup.

Best for Mature Skin

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

PHOTO:

Ulta

$42 at Sephora $42 at Ulta $42 at Dermstore

What We Like

Natural finish
Available in 3 sizes
Contains Vitamin A and E

What We Don't Like

Not as mattifying as other primers

Key Ingredients: Silica, grape seed extract | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 0.34, 1, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While you may want to keep your shine under control that doesn’t necessarily mean you are looking for a matte finish. This primer provides a softer natural finish which gives your skin a fresher appearance that never verges on cakey. It is also infused with vitamin A and E to shield skin from daily pollutants and environmental stressors.

Who It’s For

This is a great primer for anyone who finds makeup accentuates the fine lines and wrinkles they may have. Its ability to smooth out the texture of the skin means foundation doesn't settle in any lines and antioxidant-rich formula also keeps skin nourished and protected while wearing it.

Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer before after — Byrdie / Clare Holden

Best with SPF

Milani SPF Primer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$12 at Amazon $12 at Walmart $15 at ecosmetics.com

What We Like

SPF 30
Antioxidants
Leaves no residue

What We Don't Like

Slightly sticky

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin A and E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Primer is a simple way to deliver some extra sun protection to your skin. Unlike normal sunscreens, this primer doesn’t have that typical tropical smell nor is it thick and heavy. In fact it is lightweight and barely scented, so much so you’ll hardly even know you're wearing it.

Who It's For

Milani is one of our favorite drugstore brands, with their range stacked full of affordable makeup gems. This primer is perfect for anyone looking to ensure they never leave the house without some form of sun protection. It glides on and absorbs quickly and also has the added benefits of moisturizing glycerin and vitamin E.

Milani Face Primer SPF BFF before and after — Byrdie / Clare Holden

Best Lightweight

Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer

PHOTO:

SkinStore

$45 at Amazon $45 at skinstore.com

What We Like

Lightweight
Oil-free
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

Some may prefer a pump dispenser

Key Ingredients: Aluminum starch, glycerin | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you don't like the feel of heavy creams on your skin, Illamasqua's super-light gel-cream formula could be a winner. While the mattifying ingredients work to absorb excess oil and literally form a shine-controlling "veil" over your face all day, oil-free moisturizing agents such as glycerin make sure you don't dry out either. Because who wants flaky skin, right?

Who It’s For

This product hits the sweet spot between reducing oil while still delivering hydration to the skin to keep it soft. The combo of ingredients creates a winning formula that will work for anyone who wants to maintain a matte finish without sacrificing on moisture.

Best Moisturizing

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance

PHOTO:

Sephora

$26 at Amazon $26 at Sephora $26 at glossier.com

What We Like

Rubs well into the skin
Very moisturizing without being sticky or oily
Cruelty-free

What We Don't Like

Can be irritating for sensitive skin

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, and willow bark extract | Skin Type: Normal, combination and oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with niacinamide and glycerin, this oil-control gel cream from Glossier helps to control shine while hydrating the skin. It has a translucent gel-like texture that works well beneath makeup, due to its spreadability and fast absorption. It also contains willow bark extract and customized power primers to create a smooth finish. This is the one to reach for if you have an uneven skin tone and visible oversized pores that you’d like to improve the appearance of. That said, all the powerful ingredients may be too much for sensitive skin.

Who It’s For

If you are short on time and the thought of adding in another step to your makeup application just seems too time consuming, this primer absorbs so quickly it is literally only a couple of extra seconds onto your routine that will save you from having to touch up and powder later on in the day.

Best Skincare Ingredients

Caliray SO Blown Blurring Collagen Peptide Primer

PHOTO:

Sephora

$15 at Sephora

What We Like

Blurs out imperfections
Creates a great long-lasting base for makeup
Supports skin health with collagen

What We Don't Like

Needs a little longer to absorb

Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides, niacinamide and G-P-Hyp Tripeptides | Skin Type: Normal, combination and oily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you wear full-coverage makeup, you’ll need a great base to keep your artistry in place throughout the day. This blurring primer not only helps to cover oversized pores, but it also supports skin health with ingredients such as collagen, niacinamide, and G-P-Hyp Tripeptides. There’s also vitamin E within its formula to nourish, moisturize, and fight oxidative stress. To get the most out of this product give it a few minutes to absorb, we promise the finished result is worth the wait.

Who It’s For

If you wear makeup everyday this is the ideal primer to keep your skin intact underneath your foundation. The texture is super silky and when it comes to the end of the day and time to remove your makeup you can see the improvement the combo of vitamin E, peptides and collagen will have made to your skin.

Best Silicone

The Ordinary Silicone Primer

PHOTO:

The Ordinary

View on Theordinary.com

What We Like

Hydrates and blurs
Isn’t greasy
Great value for money

What We Don't Like

Not as lightweight

Key Ingredients: Advanced adaptive silicones, dimethicone | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Ordinary is always a go-to for its very reasonably priced yet effective skincare, and we love this silicone primer for a number of reasons. First off, it’s vegan with a formula that’s free from parabens and sulfates. Second of all, it contains advanced adaptive silicone that helps to hydrate and blur the surface of the skin without leaving behind greasiness.

Who It’s For

If you favor a no makeup makeup look, this primer works best when teamed with a light veil of color as opposed to a full-coverage foundation. If you have been looking for ways to improve the appearance of your base without necessarily going for a heavier foundation this is a top choice. The spreadability of this primer is also amazing.

Best for Acne

Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Primer

Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer

$20 at Amazon $20 at Sephora $20 at kohls.com

What We Like

Absorbs excess oil
Controls shine
Blurs imperfections

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, lentil extract | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're after a matte finish, go with the Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse. This ultra-smooth, transparent primer absorbs excess oil and reduces shine while also adding a blurring effect to the skin.

Who It’s For

There is nothing more timeless than a matte base and if you like to keep your makeup classic then this primer creates the smoothest canvas to build your look upon. The non-comedogenic formula also means it is a good option for those prone to breakouts.

Best Shine Control

Make Up For Ever Shine Control Step 1 Primer

$23 at Sephora $39 at makeupforever.com

What We Like

Mattifies shiny areas
Absorbs excess oil
Leaves skin velvety-smooth

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Key Ingredients: Ginseng | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Dosage: Rice-size amount in oily areas | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

When you need to keep a shiny T-zone under control, reach for Make Up For Ever's Step 1 Primer. This lightweight formula was designed especially to absorb oil, mattify shiny areas, blur pores, and leave a velvety-smooth canvas in its wake.

Who It’s For

If you spend your days dabbing your forehead and nose with pressed powder in a bid to reduce shine, this primer was made with you in mind. Put down the compact and go right back to the start of your makeup application and add in a thin veil of this primer to help keep your shine at bay all day.

Best Soft-Focus

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Primer

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Protective Primer

PHOTO:

Sephora

$54 at Amazon $24 at Sephora $54 at QVC

What We Like

Minimizes excess shine
Smooths imperfections
Evens out skin tone

What We Don't Like

Can leave cast on dark skin tones

Key Ingredients: Silk powder, silicone | Skin Type: Oily, dry, combination, sensitive, mature | Size: 0.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This do-it-all balm-style primer from luxury brand Tatcha smooths out the skin surface, evens tone, reduces excess shine, and leaves you with a soft-focus finish. A little bit goes a long way with this product—all you need is a rice-size amount for your entire face, so while it is an investment it will be in your makeup bag for a long time.

Who It’s For

If you are looking to treat yourself, this primer oozes elegance and the luxurious packaging makes applying it feel that little bit extra special. Using this pressed silk primer every morning definitely takes the edge of waking up early. It is also suitable for all skin types.

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

What To Look For in a Primer for Oily Skin

Ingredients: If you have an oily base you want to look for a primer that will reduce shine, without drying out the skin. Silicone smoothes out surface texture, creating a more even canvas for foundation to be applied upon. Glycerin delivers moisture to the skin, so using a primer with this ingredient is an effective way of giving your skin an extra dose of hydration without clogging the pores.
Finish: Most of the best oil-controlling primers are designed to help balance oil while also promoting a natural finish on the skin. However, if you crave an ultra-matte look, you’ll find a few products with the ability to give you the no-shine finish you desire.

FAQ

How do you apply primer to oily skin?

Primer goes on after your moisturizer and before your foundation. Try and allow time for your skincare to absorb, then apply a thin layer of primer across the face as the last step before putting on your makeup. Using an oil-controlling primer can work wonders for those prone to a serious case of shininess. It not only helps to balance excess sebum, but it can also extend the life of your makeup for a fresher look that lasts all day.

Why Trust Byrdie

Cat Hufton is a London-based freelance writer who has been a contributor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best maternity stores.

Byrdie contributor and makeup Clare Holden never skips the essential step of applying primer, even on days when she is going makeup free. She uses a primer to improve the appearance of her natural skin.

In addition to our own research, Byrdie also consulted a professional makeup artist to get their expert advice:.

In addition to extensive runway and bridal work, Miami based makeup artist Natalie Dresher has also created looks for celebrities such as Dylan Mulvaney and Remi Bader.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough primers for oily skin from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.