Growing up with acne-prone and combination skin taught me many things. Namely, how to choose the best primer for oily skin, conceal a spot, the quickest way to tackle a flare-up, and that moisturiser is not the enemy. It also taught me that when it came to makeup application, I had to be incredibly picky about the products I used on my face. After much trial and error, my entire primer philosophy whittled down to this: it has to feel light and not greasy, not clog my pores or irritate breakouts, and it must decrease shine and make my makeup last longer.
My skin is much less oily now that I'm older, courtesy of some corrections to my skincare routine—I learned the hard way that over-cleansing and avoiding hydrating creams was not the way to deal with it. Still, when I need to ensure my makeup lasts all day, standing up against humid weather and cold snaps that dry out my complexion, I employ the same useful tips and techniques that I learned as an oily-skinned teenager.
I know first-hand how annoying it is when your makeup has slid down your face by midday, when no amount of setting powder will prevent your T-zone from shining, and when your pores seem to be visible no matter how many layers of foundation you apply.
Do People With Oily Skin Need Primer?
While you might think layering an oily complexion with more products may add to the amount of shine, people with oily skin can and should use a primer. As you probably have already guessed, primer is my secret weapon for minimising my sebum-rich skin.
These days, many of the best formulas are illuminating primers, designed to nourish skin, add glow and leave you with a fresh, dewy finish. But if you have oily skin, then you probably want the exact opposite. The best primers for oily skin will mattify complexions, reducing shine, preventing oil from disturbing your foundation, blurring the appearance of pores (there are some great pore-minimising primers around), and keeping your makeup locked in place from dawn 'til dusk, even before dousing yourself with setting spray.
Is Silicone or Water-Based Primer Better for Oily Skin?
The best formulas rely upon ingredients like silicones to create a physical barrier between makeup and skin, whilst creating a smooth canvas for makeup. What's more, many primers for oily skin contain ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid, which help in the long term to control oil, reduce breakouts and balance skin's moisture levels.
How to Choose a Primer for Oily Skin
As I mentioned, ingredients are important when it comes to selecting an oily-skin-friendly primer. Look for formulas that contain silicone, as these create a barrier between the skin and your base, helping to keep shine at bay throughout the day. It is worth noting, however, that silicone-based primers may not sit well with water-based foundations, so you'll want a water-based formula infused with oil-balancing ingredients like salicylic acid. Also, don't be afraid of hydrating primers, as these can often benefit oily skin, which occurs as a result of dehydration, reducing shine over time.
Yes, primers are the perfect base, helping to even texture and calm redness to provide a blank canvas for the remainder of your routine, and I've tried and tested hundreds of primers for oily skin over the years. From dedicated face primers designed to prep and smooth to excellent moisturisers that work double duty and won't add an extra step to your daily skincare routine, we have a product to suit and soothe every skin concern. With my edit of the top primers for oily skin, the best days of blurred and softened skin are ahead of you.
How We Tested
For me, discovering the best primers for oily skin has been a real trial-and-error process over many years. Since my teens, I've put many formulas to the test to discover which primers applied smoothly, worked well under foundations and, most importantly, enabled me to stay shine-free all day (no mean feat, let me tell you).
Each of the primers on this list has been rigorously put through its paces, whether that's a full day in the office (or school in my teenage years), applied pre-workout at the gym or simply for a busy day. As a result, you can rest assured that every primer on this list truly has what it takes to be dubbed a great primer for oily skin. So, here are my top picks.
Best Primers for Oily Skin
- Best Overall Primer for Oily Skin: Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Face Primer, £33
- Best Affordable Primer for Oily Skin: e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer, £11
- Best Matte Primer for Oily Skin: Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer, £35
- Best Primer for Acne-Prone Oily Skin: MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12 Hour Shine-Control Primer, £30
- Best Blurring Primer for Oily Skin: Refy Face Primer, £24
1. Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Face Primer
Finish: Mattifying and smoothing
Key ingredients: Vitamin E
An oldie but a goodie. This tried-and-true pore-smoothing primer has been a favourite of mine since I was a teenager. Since it's kept my makeup intact on many a night out over the years, it's one I always come back to. In fact, I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't love this formula.
Pros
- Great for skin with enlarged pores and blackheads
- Rich in hydrating vitamin E
Cons
- I've found it runs out quickly
2. e.l.f. Liquid Poreless Putty Primer
Finish: Soft-matte
Key ingredients: Squalane
Silicones sometimes get a bad rap in the skincare world, but they're actually a very underrated ingredient, especially when formulated for a primer that mitigates oily skin. Since they can't be absorbed into pores, they sit on top of your skin barrier, creating a smoothing layer that makeup adheres to. The layer also acts as a protectant to prevent oil from coming through and disturbing the makeup.
E.l.f.'s Liquid Poreless Putty Primer is a great example of this. It applies seamlessly, blurring pores and smoothing skin texture, whilst also leaving skin with a soft-matte, oil-free finish that lasts all day.
Pros
- Affordable and lasts for hours with a high-adherence texture
- Contains hydrating squalane
Cons
- If you don't love a silicone feel, you may not enjoy this
3. Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer
Finish: Matte
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, lentil extract, moonstone, blurring microspheres
If you prefer a silicone-free formula (the texture can be a little jarring for some), this is an excellent option. It's formulated specifically for oily and combination skin types, so it contains a blend of helpful ingredients like niacinamide and bakuchiol, as well as blurring microspheres.
On the skin, however, it feels lightweight and melts in quickly to leave you with a smooth, shine-free complexion.
Pros
- Packed with powerful skincare ingredients
- 100% vegan
- Free from silicone
- Lightweight water-cream texture
Cons
- Totally mattifying, so removes all radiance
4. MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12 Hour Shine-Control Primer
Finish: Matte
Key ingredients: Antioxidant-rich lactobionic acid, algae extract, witch hazel
Promising 12 hours of shine-free skin, MAC's Mattifine primer is a powerhouse formula for keeping oil at bay. What makes this primer extra special is its texture: lightweight and moisturising, as you apply it to the skin, it transforms from a gel to a powder, which combats oil and creates a smooth, velvety complexion. Plus, it's packed with witch hazel, which soothes blemishes as it covers.
Pros
- Feels hydrating on the skin.
- Contains soothing witch-hazel, making it ideal for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Witch hazel can be drying
5. Refy Face Primer
Finish: Radiant glow
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, glycerin
Pros
- Feels really lightweight and is totally invisible
- The applicator allows you to sculpt as you apply
Cons
- The roller applicator isn't very hygienic
Of course, not everyone with oily skin wants a matte finish. I love the Refy primer for days when I want to maintain a bit of a glow and radiance. Alongside hydrating vitamin E and glycerin, it contains niacinamide to help control oil. Plus, I love the roller applicator, which allows you to sculpt as you apply for a little added lift.
6. E.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer
Finish: Dewy
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin
There's a good reason why E.l.f Cosmetics' Power Grip primer has racked up hundreds of five-star reviews and is one of the few beauty products that's gone viral on TikTok. The water-based, jelly-like formula is lightweight and non-greasy, so it looks and feels totally invisible on the skin. Despite this, it impressively locks makeup in place for hours on end thanks to its slightly tacky texture.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Tacky texture takes a little getting used to
7. Estée Lauder Double Wear Smooth and Blur Primer
Finish: Matte
Key ingredients: Powerful emollients, emulsifiers, humectants
Ideal for those who have very oily skin and wear their makeup all day (or all night), this silicone-based primer has a velvety texture which gives skin a true matte finish. For a full-coverage, shine-free base, I like to pair this with Estée Lauder's coordinating Double Wear Foundation.
Pros
- Really long-lasting
Cons
- Can pill with some silicone-based moisturisers
8. Dr. Jart+ Pore Remedy Soothing Primer
Finish: Soft-focus semi-matte
Key ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, essential oils
I tried and tested this one over the summer, so take it from me: it really stands up against hot temperatures and humid climates. (Don't worry; it's just as effective for cold weather, too.) It's a skincare-makeup hybrid, so as well as locking down makeup, it utilises gentle chemical exfoliators to target dead skin cell buildup and unclog pores.
Pros
- Contains skincare ingredients, like pro-vitamin B5
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin types
9. Nars Soft Matte Primer
Finish: Soft matte
Key ingredients: A patented Anti-Oxidation Complex
If your skin is oily but prone to occasional dryness, it can be hard to find a primer that works perfectly for you. Enter Nars' Soft Matte Primer. The unique formula features a climate-balancing technology that absorbs excess moisture in humid climates whilst retaining skin hydration in dry ones, making it a brilliant all-rounder for unpredictable skin. Rather than simply mattifying the surface, it helps create a smoother, more balanced complexion that allows makeup to wear beautifully throughout the day. I especially love this for combination skin, as it targets shine where needed whilst avoiding the tight, stripped feeling some oil-control primers can create.
Pros
- Great for combination skin types
- Ideal for travelling
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as some formulas on this list
10. Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer
Price shown is members' price.
Finish: Radiant
Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide
Pros
- Helps to treat and prevent oiliness
Cons
- Expensive price point
If you’re looking for a primer that does more than simply help your makeup last longer, Beauty Pie’s Wonderfilter Brightening Primer is a brilliant option. Whilst many primers for oily skin focus solely on mattifying shine, this one takes a more skincare-led approach, combining complexion-enhancing ingredients with makeup-perfecting benefits. The lightweight formula helps to hydrate, smooth and brighten the skin, creating a fresh, healthy-looking base without feeling heavy or greasy.
11. ONE/SIZE Beauty Secure the Sweat Primer
Finish: Matte
Key ingredients: Bamboo marrow powder, niacinamide, horsetail, sage extracts
Since it's waterproof, sweat-proof and oil-proof, shine doesn't stand a chance against this primer, making it the perfect primer for oily skin. Created by makeup artist Patrick Ta, this hardworking formula was designed with longevity in mind, making it particularly impressive for long days, special occasions or warmer weather. I like to use it before the gym or pack it when I'm heading away on holiday and need a primer that works seriously hard against oil. Despite its mattifying finish, it doesn't leave skin looking dry or cakey; instead, makeup stays put whilst excess shine is kept under control for hours.
Pros
- Really does lock makeup in place all day and night
Cons
- Can irritate sensitive skin types
12. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer
Finish: Airbrushed matte
Key ingredients: Brimming with microspherical powders
It may be expensive, but truly, no one does base makeup quite like Hourglass. This skin-perfecting primer not only controls shine but also creates an airbrushed finish that minimises the appearance of pores, texture and breakouts. The silky formula glides effortlessly across the skin, creating a smooth veil that helps foundation apply more evenly and last longer throughout the day. And the texture? Like velvet—a dream to apply and wear. I also love that despite its impressive oil-control abilities, it doesn't leave skin feeling tight or uncomfortable, making it a luxurious option for anyone who wants a matte finish without sacrificing skin comfort.
Pros
- Blurring finish
Cons
- Not totally mattifying, but great if you still like to have some glow
13. Kat Burki Silk Protein Primer
Finish: Natural
Key ingredients: Sea moss, algae, amino acids
Pros
- Really does blur over enlarged pores and fine lines
- Packed with active skincare ingredients
Cons
- Expensive price point
If fine lines and texture are your main concerns alongside oily skin, this underrated primer is one to know about. Unlike many mattifying primers that simply absorb oil, this luxurious formula focuses on smoothing and perfecting the skin’s surface, helping makeup sit more evenly and preventing it from settling into lines. The smooth texture is thanks to silk protein, which helps create a soft-focus effect whilst leaving the complexion looking smoother and more refined. Despite its smoothing properties, it still feels lightweight on the skin, making it a beautiful choice for mature oily skin or anyone concerned with visible texture.
14. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Finish: Plump and hydrated
Key ingredients: Moisturising complex, Vitamins E, B and C
Bobbi Brown's moisturiser-come-primer hybrid may seem best suited for dry and normal skin; however, I can say from experience it works wonders on oily skin too. Although it's packed with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and a trio of hardworking vitamins, the cushiony texture also contains silicones, which work to smooth skin and create an even base for makeup. The result is skin that feels nourished and plumped with the grip needed to help foundation sit beautifully throughout the day. I particularly love this for oily skin types that still experience dehydration, as it prevents makeup from clinging to dry patches whilsy helping to create a seamless, long-wearing base.
Pros
- Incredibly hydrating
- Can be used instead of a separate primer and moisturiser
Cons
- Won't suit those who prefer a matte finish
15. Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer
Finish: Soft matte
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, silicone
As any beauty expert will tell you, it's essential to moisturise oily skin, irrespective of how counterintuitive it might feel at the time. In fact, skipping hydration can sometimes leave skin producing even more oil as it attempts to compensate. I love this Rare Beauty primer because of how hydrated, cushiony and fresh it leaves the skin after wear, without ever feeling greasy or heavy. The lightweight gel texture creates the perfect balance between smoothing and radiance, making it ideal if you want your makeup to look naturally luminous rather than overly matte.
Pros
- Blurs and softens
Cons
- Slightly sticky to the touch
16. Vieve Skin Nova
Finish: Radiant
Key ingredients: Rose water, beta-glucan, niacinamide
Pros
- Leaves skin looking blurred and smooth
Cons
- Very glowy finish might not suit everyone
Not everyone with oily skin wants a completely matte complexion, and Vieve’s Skin Nova is proof that shine control and radiance don’t have to be mutually exclusive. This complexion-enhancing primer gives skin a beautiful, healthy-looking glow whilst creating a smoother base for makeup application. The pearlescent finish catches the light in all the right ways, helping skin look fresh and luminous rather than greasy or overly shiny. It’s the perfect reminder that oily skin can still embrace glow—you just want it to look intentional.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.