11 best primers for oily skin that'll keep your makeup in place
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Finding the best primers for oily skin is challenging, yes – but not impossible. Anyone whose skin is on the oily side will be able to confirm that there's nothing more frustrating than having your foundation, contour and blush slide off and separate just hours after applying. But some of the best primers on the market have been formulated with this exact struggle in mind.
Of course, all primers serve different purposes. Some are blurring, others help control oil and shine, and some feature gripping formulas to make your foundation stick and stay in place. Some are specific primers for mature skin, and others are specific primers for dry skin. But here, we're talking about the best primers for oily skin specifically.
If you’re after a matte finish, consider a mattifying or silicone-based primer to help control oil production. If you’re after a dewy finish, try a water-based primer with hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide that will hydrate without resulting in a greasy feel.
Of course, considering the sheer amount of products on the market, choosing the one that will work best for you can be an overwhelming task. To help you pick the right primer that will tick all the boxes, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide of all the best options for oily skin – including trending releases as well as all-time classics from brands like Laneige, Tatcha, Charlotte Tilbury and Benefit.
What kind of primer should I use if I have oily skin?
If you’ve got oily skin, look for a mattifying or oil-controlling primer that helps keep shine at bay. Pore minimising formulas and smoothing primers are especially good if you’re prone to large pores or makeup slipping off during the day.
Is primer really necessary for oily skin?
Not necessary, but if you want your makeup to last, a primer can make a huge difference. It helps to control oil production, reduce shine and creates a smoother base so your foundation and concealer stay put for longer.
Is silicone or water-based primer better for oily skin?
It depends on the finish you’re after. Silicone-based primers are great for blurring, smoothing and keeping oil in check - especially around areas with clogged pores or texture. Water-based primers are lighter and often contain skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, making them better if you want a more hydrating, breathable feel.
What ingredients should I look for in a primer for oily skin?
For oil control: silica, mattifying powders and silicone-based polymers. For hydration without grease: hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. If you want extra skincare benefits, look out for primers with added sunscreen (SPF) or antioxidant-rich ingredients to protect skin as well as prep it.
How we test primers for dry skin
At GLAMOUR, we don’t just round up products based on hype – we actually test them. Each primer featured has been trialled by our beauty team (who collectively cover every skin type from oily to dry to combination). We look at texture, wear time, pore-minimising effects, how well they control shine, and how makeup lasts on top - whether that’s foundation, concealer or a full face of glam. We also factor in skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and SPF to see whether a formula is doing more than just gripping makeup. Only the products that genuinely impress make it into this list.
Keep scrolling to check out our edit of the best primers for oily skin.
Key ingredients: ceramides, diamond mineral powder | Who it's good for: people with oily and combination skin | Finish: radiant.
Why we love it: If you’ve ever wished for a serum that’s half skincare, half primer, Laneige’s Glowy Makeup Serum is the answer. The ceramide hydration gel floods skin with lasting moisture and keeps your barrier happy, while pink diamond powder adds that lit-from-within glow and blurs the look of pores and fine lines. Makeup grips on beautifully thanks to the brand’s clever Light Fit Prep Technology, so your base stays fresh all day long. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes hero that makes your foundation, concealer and highlighter look its absolute best (and actually last).
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, camellia oil | Who it's good for: people who want a primer and SPF in one | Finish: radiant.
Why we love it: A primer and SPF all-in-one? Genius. The silky, lightweight texture melts in without a white cast, blurs the look of pores and leaves skin with a soft, radiant finish. Not only does it protect your skin from sun damage and pollutants thanks to a combination of UVA and UVB filters, but it also has an impressive line-up of ingredients that work with multiple skin types. We’re talking vitamins C and E for brightening and hyaluronic acid for moisture. Glamour’s Beauty Commerce Writer Shani Cohen, swears by this primer and even wore it on her wedding day. “Since entering into my late 20’s, finding a good SPF has been top of my list, and I love how easy this 2-in-1 makes my morning routine. I wear it everyday, and it works just as well by itself as it does under makeup, and leaves zero white cast.”
Looking to save some money on the best primers for oily skin? Check out our Sephora discount codes.
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer
Key ingredients: bakuchiol, lentil extract, niacinamide | Who it's good for: oily and combo skin types | Finish: fliler-like finish.
Why we love it: You asked and Milk Makeup answered. Available in two travel-friendly sizes, this primer blurs pores and controls shine. It also features bakuchiol and lentil extract to keep shine firmly under wraps and reduce irritation and sensitivity to a minimum.
Benefit The POREfessional Pore Primer
Key ingredients: vitamin E | Who it's good for: oily and combo skin types | Finish: smooth.
Why we love it: There's a reason why this pore primer is a bestseller and a favourite among makeup artists. Its formulation comes with vitamin E, which plumps your skin and keeps it hydrated underneath your makeup to avoid dryness. Instantly minimises the look of pores and fine lines, creating smoother-than-smooth skin.
Looking to save some money on the best primers for oily skin? Check out our Boots discount codes.
Key ingredients: green tea, rice, algae extracts | Who it's good for: mature skin types | Finish: smooth, flawless base.
Why we love it: Formulated with silk extracts as well as a complex of green tea, rice and algae extracts, this matte primer gives your skin tone a healthy look for long-lasting looks. Ideal for mature skin types.
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Blurring Primer
Key ingredients: squalane, microalgae | Who it's good for: oily skin types | Finish: matte.
Why we love it: This silicone-free formula absorbs extra moisture that can encourage breakouts and blemishes to create a mattified appearance that helps make your foundation look brighter and smoother. After all, there's a reason why Laura Mercier is the queen of natural ‘no makeup’ makeup looks.
Enjoy extra savings while shopping for the best primers for oily skin, thanks to our LookFantastic discount codes.
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
Key ingredients: adaptive silicone particles | Who it's good for: oily and combination skin types | Finish: fresh and matte.
Why we love it: An affordable, cult-favourite skincare product that hydrates, mattifies and smoothens for optimum makeup application? Say no more. This alcohol and oil-free formulation can enhance the longevity of you makeup, leaving your complexion feeling fresh and flawless all the way through.
Key ingredients: glycerin | Who it's good for: oily skin types | Finish: silky soft and shine-free.
Why we love it: This long-wearing makeup primer for oily skin absorbs excess sebum while retaining your skin's natural moisture levels and controlling excess shine throughout the day and evening. In other words, there's no better product to provide oil control and create a smooth canvas for your makeup look. Trust.
Looking to save some money on the best primers for oily skin? Check out our Sephora discount codes.
Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher
Key ingredients: algae extract, green tea leaf extract, caffeine | Who it's good for: oil and acne-prone skin types | Finish: velvety-matte.
Why we love it: Tired of excess oil and acne-prone skin? Been there, done that. This primer is one of the best primers for oily skin available on the market, applying a matte finish that reduces shine and the appearance of enlarged pores while also improving your skin texture at the same time.
NARS Pore & Shine Control Primer
Key ingredients: Nars anti-oxidation complex, rice bran extract, rosemary leaf extract | Who it's good for: oily and sensitive skin types | Finish: velvety, soft-matte.
Why we love it: Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, parabens-free and dermatologist-tested? Yes please. This shine control product from NARS is a good primer for anyone with oily sensitive skin – it soaks in excess shine and prolongs the look of makeup by creating the perfect matte canvas.
Looking to save some money on the best primers for oily skin? Check out our Boots discount codes.
Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer
Key ingredients: Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, glycerin| Who it's good for: oily and combination skin | Finish: smooth.
Why we love it: Perfect for oily and combination skin, this vegan and cruelty-free formula is simultaneously one of the best and most affordable options on this list. Pair it with Urban Decay's famous makeup setting spray to create a look that won't budge under any conditions.
