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Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth Primer became my top choice. It’s lightweight, not sticky, and blends easily. I picked it after a friend’s recommendation, and it keeps my makeup matte all day. It works great with powders and doesn’t need touch-ups, even after hours of wear.
My second favorite is NYX Shine Killer Primer. I decided to try it after seeing great reviews, and it really controls shine. It feels smooth and lightweight, and keeps my oil in check throughout the day without feeling greasy.
My makeup used to slide off within hours, no matter how much setting powder I used. The constant battle with shine, especially in my T-zone, was exhausting. Since I already used primer, I decided it was time to switch for the perfect one for my oily skin.
I started by grabbing samples at Sephora, getting recommendations from friends, and purchasing a few highly-rated options online. Over the course of a month, I tested 15 primers in different settings—hot days outside, long workdays, and even during a friend’s wedding. My priorities were simple: the primer had to feel comfortable, control oil effectively, and keep my makeup looking fresh for hours.
After all that testing, I finally discovered some incredible primers that completely changed the game for me. Below, I’m sharing my top picks and some tips to help you find the best primers for oily skin.
My Top Picks
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – Best Overall
- Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Primer – Best Luxury
- Benefit POREfessional Face Primer – Best for Minimizing Pores
- Urban Decay All Nighter Mattifying Primer – Best Long-Lasting
- Elf Poreless Putty Primer – Best Budget
- Elf Power Grip Primer – Best for Grip
- NYX Marshmallow Primer – Best Multi-Tasker
- NYX Shine Killer Primer – Best Mattifying Drugstore Primer
- Wet n Wild Impossible Primer – Best Hydrating Primer
Best Overall
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Size: 1 oz | Texture: Gel | Finish: Natural
I didn’t expect this primer to be as good as people say, but it completely surprised me. It has a gel texture that feels very light and smooth on the skin. When I applied it, it blended easily and left my face feeling soft without being sticky. It created a perfect base for my makeup, making everything go on smoothly without any patchy areas.
What I loved most was how well it controlled oil. After three hours, there was only a small amount of shine near my nose, and even after six hours, my makeup looked fresh with very little oil. It also has vitamins A and E, which help improve skin texture and keep it hydrated. This primer works well if you want a matte, long-lasting look.
Best Luxury
Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
Size: 1 oz | Texture: Liquid | Finish: Natural
This primer feels like luxury in a bottle. The texture is liquidy but silky, and it glides onto the skin effortlessly. It sinks in quickly and creates a soft, smooth layer that helps your makeup stay put all day.
I noticed it kept my skin looking fresh and reduced shine, especially in my T-zone. Even after hours, my face still looked matte and polished. What’s great is that it also has skincare benefits, like silk extracts and botanicals, which nourish and protect the skin. If you want a primer that feels amazing and performs beautifully, this one is worth trying.
Best for Minimizing Pores
Benefit POREfessional Face Primer
Size: 0.75 oz | Texture: Balm | Finish: Matte
If you have large pores, this primer is like a magic eraser. It has a silky, balm-like texture that glides over the skin and instantly blurs imperfections. After applying it, my skin looked so smooth, almost like it was airbrushed.
It’s lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy or clogging, which is a big plus. The matte finish lasted for hours, and I only had to touch up my nose area once during the day. This is a great choice for anyone looking to minimize pores and keep their makeup in place.
Best Long-Lasting
Urban Decay All Nighter Mattifying Primer
Size: 1 oz | Texture: Gel | Finish: Matte
This primer feels like a game-changer for long days or special occasions. It has a gel consistency that feels refreshing when applied. Once it dries, it leaves your skin feeling smooth and ready for makeup.
I tested this on a humid day, and my makeup stayed put for hours without smudging or sliding off. Even after eight hours, my T-zone only had a slight shine, which was easy to blot. If you want something reliable for oily skin that lasts all day, this is a great pick.
Best Budget
Elf Poreless Putty Primer
Size: 0.74 oz | Texture: Cream | Finish: Matte
This primer is affordable but feels like a high-end product. The creamy texture melts into the skin and fills in pores, creating a smooth surface for makeup. It doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, which is impressive for the price.
What stood out to me was how well it controlled shine. Even after wearing it all day, my makeup looked fresh with only a little bit of oil on my forehead. Plus, it contains squalane, which helps keep the skin hydrated and balanced. This primer is a best drugstore primer for oily skin.
Best for Grip
Elf Power Grip Primer
Size: 0.81 oz | Texture: Gel | Finish: Natural
At first, I wasn’t sure about the sticky texture, but it turned out to be a great feature. The tackiness helps your makeup grip better, so it lasts all day without sliding around. Despite the texture, it feels lightweight on the skin.
The oil control is fantastic. Even after hours of wear, my T-zone didn’t look overly shiny, and my foundation stayed in place. If you’re looking for an affordable primer that ensures long-lasting makeup, this one is definitely worth considering.
Related: Other Best E.L.F Primers
Best Multi-Tasker
NYX Marshmallow Primer
Size: 1 oz | Texture: Cream | Finish: Natural
This primer has such a unique, creamy texture that feels super soft and light on the skin. It blends in easily and leaves your face smooth, which makes applying foundation so much easier.
What I loved is how it kept my skin balanced—hydrated but not oily. Even after several hours, my makeup looked fresh and natural. It’s a great option if you want a primer that works well and also feels nice on your skin.
Best Mattifying Drugstore Primer
NYX Shine Killer Primer
Size: 0.67 oz | Texture: Gel | Finish: Matte
This primer is perfect for those who struggle with constant shine. The gel texture is easy to apply and instantly mattifies the skin without making it feel tight or dry.
I noticed my makeup stayed matte for hours, even in hot weather. It kept my oily areas under control, especially around my nose and forehead. For the price, this primer does a fantastic job at keeping shine at bay and makeup in place.
Best Hydrating Primer
Wet n Wild Impossible Primer
Size: 1 oz | Texture: Cream | Finish: Natural
I wasn’t expecting much from such an inexpensive primer, but it turned out to be incredible. The formula is lightweight and creamy, and it smooths out the skin beautifully.
What impressed me was how balanced it felt—it controlled oil but didn’t dry out my skin. My makeup stayed put for hours without looking cakey or greasy. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly option for anyone with oily skin.
Related: Top 8 Best Drugstore Primers Under $20
