How to Choose the Best Makeup Primer For Oily Skin

  A makeup primer helps even out skin so that foundation glides on seamlessly. It can also mattify excess shine and reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines.

Anyone with oily skin will vouch that it can be tricky to strike that perfect balance between glowy and greasy. The right primer can prevent unwarranted makeup meltdowns, however.

1. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic ingredients

As anyone with oily skin knows, a good makeup primer is the difference between flawless base products and a face that slides off before lunch. A primer can also prevent foundation from slipping, concealer from settling into fine lines, and setting powder from accentuating pores.

That's why it's essential to invest in one that is specifically formulated for your skin type. The best face primers for oily skin will have a combination of blurring, mattifying, and clarifying ingredients that work together to create a smooth base for your foundation and concealer (and keep it from sliding around your T-zone all day).

When choosing a primer for oily skin, it's important to look for one that is oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means that it won't clog your pores or contribute to breakouts. You should also check the ingredient list for any potentially pore-clogging ingredients, like parabens or talc, to make sure that you are getting the most benefits for your skin type.

Additionally, you should consider a water-based or oil-free formula to help combat the excess sebum production that often happens with oily skin. Finally, look for a primer with additional skincare benefits that can help your complexion, like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, as well as makeup-enhancing ones, such as blurring and pore-minimizing. The best primers for oily skin will have all of these ingredients in their formulas.

2. Look for water-based or oil-free formulas

A primer is the foundation of any makeup look, and when you're dealing with oily skin, it can make all the difference between makeup that looks flawless for hours or that slides off your face before lunchtime. The best primers for oily skin offer a combination of blurring, oil-absorbing, and clarifying ingredients to create a smooth base that prevents makeup from sliding, creasing, or looking dull throughout the day.

Oily skin is often prone to breakouts and pesky blemishes, so it's important to find a primer that cancels out redness, acne scars, or broken capillaries. Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Primer is a go-to for many beauty influencers, as its green tint helps to neutralize blemishes while the silicone-free formula offers a cement-like grip that ensures your makeup stays in place.

Another ingredient to look for is mattifying properties, which can keep your complexion oil-free for longer. The best primers for oily skin will have mattifying ingredients such as silica or clay to absorb excess sebum without causing a dry, flaky appearance.

Some primers will even come with additional skincare benefits, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C to help hydrate your complexion while also helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For those with enlarged pores, pore minimizers can help to close the pores and render saucer-sized pores into tiny specks of nothingness.

3. Look for mattifying ingredients

The best primers for oily skin deliver a matte finish that can help prevent foundation from sliding off your T-zone or concealer from settling into fine lines. Look for one that has mattifying ingredients like silica or kaolin clay, or an ingredient like lentil extract (we love this clean vegan version) to keep your skin looking smooth and mattified.

The right primer can make all the difference between a foundation that stays put and a makeup look that looks greasy and patchy before lunchtime. A good primer can also minimize pore size, as well as blur imperfections and redness to create a more even appearance.

If you’re looking for a primer that’s not only mattifying but also blurring and hydrating, try this clean option from Laura Mercier. It’s made without questionable ingredients like phthalates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrance, and contains blurring powders and conditioning microalgae to reduce the appearance of marks and uneven texture.

GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn has tried many different primers for her oily skin—and she’s found that this one does the trick. It contains a mix of calming and clarifying ingredients, including green tea extract to sooth redness and antioxidant-rich jojoba seed oil to moisturize, while also controlling excess sebum and shielding your face from pollution and blue light. The result is a smooth base that looks great with and without makeup and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.

4. Look for pore-minimizing ingredients

The best makeup primer for oily skin can keep excess shine at bay and make foundation last all day without clogging or enhancing pores or flaking. The best options are lightweight and come in a water-based or oil-free formula that is breathable on the skin and will help to blur the look of pores and imperfections, while still leaving the complexion looking smooth and natural.

Many primers are formulated with pore-blurring silicone ingredients, which create a silky texture and help to smooth over the appearance of pores. Those with large pores may want to opt for a pore-minimizing primer that contains ingredients such as 2% niacinamide, which helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores for a more even finish.

Some primers offer additional skincare benefits, such as hyaluronic acid or antioxidants, which can help to plump and brighten the complexion, while also helping to control excess shine and prevent future breakouts and flakes. Those with blemish-prone skin should opt for a primer with anti-bacterial or probiotic ingredients, which can help to soothe and calm the complexion. Finally, those with normal or combination skin can opt for a hydrating primer that will help to moisturize and soften the complexion. This will also help to balance the skin’s natural oil production and help to keep it looking hydrated throughout the day.

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