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13 Best Primers for Oily Skin and Large Pores

Your face = matte for hours.

Headshot of Lauren BalsamoBy Lauren Balsamo
best face primers
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I'm all about minimalist makeup routines these days. A little tinted moisturizer, a hint of bronzer or highlighter, maybe a swipe or two of mascara...nothing too complicated or time consuming. But if you have oily skin, there's an extra makeup product that I definitely recommend adding to your daily lineup and that's a primer. The right formula is truly the difference between a great makeup day and a not-so-great one, seriously.

A good primer for oily skin will contain a combo of blurring, oil-absorbing, and clarifying ingredients to create a smooth base for your face makeup or foundation (and prevent it from sliding around all over your face). But even if you're not wearing makeup, it'll still keep your skin matte and shine-free for hours, and help keep your pores clear of excess oil and build-up. Pretty great, right? Ahead, I've rounded up the 13 best primers for oily skin to get you started.

Our top picks for best primers for oily skin of 2022:

  • 1
    Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

    This Primer for Oily Skin with Mineral SPF

    Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

    $38 at Sephora
    Read more
  • 2
    Vapour Matte Smoothing Primer

    Best All-Natural Primer for Oily Skin

    Vapour Matte Smoothing Primer

    Read more
  • 3
    e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

    Best Budget-Friendly Primer for Oily Skin

    e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

    Read more
  • 4
    La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen

    Best Primer for Oily Skin with Chemical SPF

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen

    Read more
  • 5
    Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Matte Makeup, 05 Deep, 1 Ounce

    Best Multitasking Primer for Oily Skin

    Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Matte Makeup, 05 Deep, 1 Ounce

    Read more

Keep reading for the full list of best primers for oily skin and the most important tips to keep in mind when shopping a new primer for your makeup collection.

1
This Primer for Oily Skin with Mineral SPF

Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
1
This Primer for Oily Skin with Mineral SPF

Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

$38 at Sephora$38 at Nordstrom$38 at Ulta Beauty
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Prevents sunburns and sun damage with mineral blockers
Cons
  • Some reviewers say it can look patchy on skin

Not only is this one of my favorite face primers, it's one of my favorite everyday sunscreens too. The fluffy SPF 40 formula (it contains a combo of mineral blockers, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) makes my skin super smooth and matte but not dull looking—plus it has a sheer, neutral tint at blurs discoloration too.

THE REVIEW: "I've been using this for years, and while I've occasionally tried other new products, I keep coming back to it," says on tester. "It's got the perfect amount of light coverage for me and gives my skin a natural matte finish.

2
Best All-Natural Primer for Oily Skin

Vapour Matte Smoothing Primer

Vapour Matte Smoothing Primer
2
Best All-Natural Primer for Oily Skin

Vapour Matte Smoothing Primer

Now 50% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Made with all-natural and organic ingredients
Cons
  • Some reviewers say the texture can feel sticky

Anyone with oily skin who is into natural skincare will love this primer from Vapour. It uses oil-absorbing plant extracts to keep your skin looking matte for hours along with jojoba oil and organic cranberry extract to smooth uneven texture.

THE REVIEW: "I like this primer so much sometimes I just wear it alone," says a tester. "It goes on smooth with no streaking and no residue. It just makes skin look even, clear and healthy."

3
Best Budget-Friendly Primer for Oily Skin

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
3
Best Budget-Friendly Primer for Oily Skin

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

Now 15% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Most affordable option on the list
Cons
  • The pot packaging can potentially breed bacteria

There's a reason this primer went viral on TikTok...it's the best bang-for-your-buck option on the market. Scoop out tiny bit, massage it between your hands to activate the ingredients, and then smooth it over your face. Your skin will look matte and poreless and your makeup will look freaking flawless all day and night.

THE REVIEW: "This is definitely a "buy again" purchase! It goes on incredibly smooth and leaves your skin supple and blurred. It makes my makeup look fabulous."

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4
Best Primer for Oily Skin with Chemical SPF

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen
4
Best Primer for Oily Skin with Chemical SPF

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Protects skin from UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50
Cons
  • Some reviewers say the consistency feels thick and heavy

This four-in-one primer with sunscreen for oily skin (and TBH, all skin types) is a must for the summer season. Rub a nickel-size amount over your entire face to blur the look of large pores, keep excess shine at bay, protect your skin with chemical sunscreen filters, and minimize inflammation with antioxidants too.

THE REVIEW: "This is my go to face product for summer," says one tester, adding that "it has a nice matte finish with a skin blurring effect too."

5
Best Multitasking Primer for Oily Skin

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Matte Makeup, 05 Deep, 1 Ounce

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Matte Makeup, 05 Deep, 1 Ounce
5
Best Multitasking Primer for Oily Skin

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-In-1 Matte Makeup, 05 Deep, 1 Ounce

Now 55% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Provides sheer coverage to even out your skin tone
Cons
  • Some reviewers say it's prone to pilling when layered with other products

This drugstore face primer from Maybelline New York is truly the ultimate multitasker. The 4-in-1 formula has a whipped texture that mattifies skin and blurs pores and the sheer tint (it comes in six versatile shades) helps even out your skin tone and minimize the appearance of breakouts. You can wear it alone for a no-makeup makeup look or as a base for more full-coverage makeup products.

THE REVIEW: "This product definitely gives you a matte and blurred effect," writes one tester. "My skin looked really nice and filtered after I put it on—and it feels lightweight too."

6
Best Blurring Primer for Oily Skin

Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects Blurring Primer

Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects Blurring Primer
6
Best Blurring Primer for Oily Skin

Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects Blurring Primer

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with clean ingredients
Cons
  • May not be mattifying enough for super oily skin types

Smoothing on a pea size amount of this primer is basically like taking the airbrush tool to your face. It instantly blurs the look of large pores, fine lines, and uneven skin texture while keeping excess oil in check and creating a grippy canvas for your foundation and concealer too.

THE REVIEW: "This primer is phenomenal! It blurs my pores without clogging them up and really makes my makeup last too."

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7
Best Clean Primer for Oily Skin

Honest Beauty Everything Primer Matte

Honest Beauty Everything Primer Matte
7
Best Clean Primer for Oily Skin

Honest Beauty Everything Primer Matte

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Clean formula is made without questionable ingredients
Cons
  • Needs to set before applying makeup or skincare on top

Not only does this primer keep your oily skin looking shine-free and your makeup intact all day long, but the formula is made without questionable ingredients like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, or dyes. It's pretty much as a clean as primers come.

THE REVIEW: "I’ve been switching to cleaner products and a lot are unfortunately a bust, but this primer works exactly how you’d expect. Highly recommend!"

8
Best Silicone-Free Primer for Oily Skin

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Blurring

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Blurring
8
Best Silicone-Free Primer for Oily Skin

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Blurring

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Has a lightweight water base
Cons
  • May be drying for certain skin types

Not a huge fan of using skincare and makeup products that contain silicone? Go with this primer for oily skin from Laura Mercier. The water-based formula is made without silicones like dimethicone, but still mattifies skin and minimizes marks and uneven texture thanks to blurring powders and conditioning microalgae.

THE REVIEW: "It does it all: mattifies, blurs pores and fine lines, and makes your makeup really stay all day long," says one reviewer, adding that it's "easy to apply with fingers and dries down fast."

9
Best Serum Primer for Oily Skin

Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Primer + Serum

Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Primer + Serum
9
Best Serum Primer for Oily Skin

Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Primer + Serum

Now 24% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Has a fast-absorbing, serum-like texture
Cons
  • Doesn't have blurring properties like some other face primers do

There are a ton of great lightweight primers for oily skin out there, but this one from Neutrogena is hands down my favorite. It has the same texture as a face serum so it soaks into skin in seconds and can be easily layered with your existing skincare and makeup products. Plus it's made with oil-absorbing rice protein to sop up excess sebum throughout the day.

THE REVIEW: "I have decently oily skin and this kept me from running through blotting papers and having to top off my makeup with powder foundation every few hours," says one tester.

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10
Best Protective Primer for Oily Skin

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer
10
Best Protective Primer for Oily Skin

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • The protective formula has added skincare benefits
Cons
  • Expensive price tag compared to other face primers

Yes, this primer for oily skin does the obvious (aka create a smooth canvas for makeup and keep your skin from turning into a grease-slick), but it also shields your face from the harmful effects of pollution and blue light. It's all thanks to a combo of silk extract (it creates a lightweight, protective veil on skin) and antioxidant-rich green tea extract.

THE REVIEW: "This is legit the best primer I have ever used," says one reviewer. "I was worried at first because of the price tag, but it is totally worth it. My make up lasts all day, it controls shine, and it doesn’t dry me out either."

11
Best Primer for Oily Skin That's Acne Prone

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer
11
Best Primer for Oily Skin That's Acne Prone

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Contains ingredients that help prevent breakouts
Cons
  • Some reviewers say has an orange-looking tint

Smoothing on a pea size amount of this primer is basically like taking the airbrush tool to your face. It uses tea tree oil to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, plus little oil-absorbing spheres that mattify skin and diffuse light to minimize the look of pores and rough texture on contact.

THE REVIEW: "I used to have a hard time finding a primer that didn't break me out—and then I found this formula," writes one reviewer. "This stuff is pretty great."

12
Best Primer for Oily Skin for Under Makeup

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer
12
Best Primer for Oily Skin for Under Makeup

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Significantly improves makeup wear-time
Cons
  • Contains fragrance which may be irritating for some skin types

The easiest way to prevent a makeup meltdown is with this primer for oily skin. It provides all-day shine-control (bless you, mattifying blue agave extract) and extends the wear-time of your foundation and concealer so you makeup looks just as good at 9 p.m. as it did at 9 a.m.

THE REVIEW: "This primer is amazing and it keeps my makeup looking fresh after 10+ hours of wear. Highly recommend this one."

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13
Best Gel Primer for Oily Skin

Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer

Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer
13
Best Gel Primer for Oily Skin

Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • The gel-like formula layers nicely with other products
Cons
  • Some reviewers said it didn't give their makeup as much longevity as they had hoped

If the thought of layering another lotion or cream on top of your oily, congestion-prone skin makes you shudder, give this clear gel primer for oily skin a try. The lightweight texture soaks into skin quickly and looks invisible (seriously—there's zero residue) while keeping shine in check for hours.

THE REVIEW: "When I use this primer before makeup my face has a perfect glow that's not shiny or greasy...I can really see a difference," says one tester.

14

How to choose the best primer for oily skin:

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Scan the product description for certain key words.

You don't need a degree to cosmetic chemistry to find the right primer for your oily skin type. Just look for key words—like "blurring", "mattifying", and "pore minimizing"—on the label. All of these are indicators that the formula has either oil-absorbing benefits or is designed to help makeup products grip onto oily skin. Phrases like "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" (aka tested to not clog pores) are good to keep an eye out for as well.

Consider a formula that contains SPF.

Sunscreen is hands down the most important step in any skincare routine, so why not get your daily dose with your primer? Choosing a face primer that has SPF 30 or more is an easy and effective way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent signs of aging, like dark spots and fine lines. If your skin is sensitive and oily, choose an SPF primer with mineral or physical blockers (like Supergoop's above). If your skin isn't prone to redness or irritation, an SPF primer with chemical filters, such as avobenzone and octisalate, will be just fine.

15

Why trust Cosmo?

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Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare and makeup stories that range from the best all natural foundations, to the greatest cream blushes on the market. She regularly tests and analyzes face primers and other makeup products for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists and cosmetic chemists to assess new formulas and brands.

Headshot of Lauren Balsamo
Lauren Balsamo
Deputy Beauty Director

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram

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