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 Best Primer for oily skin.

Finding the best primer for oily skin can be overwhelming. Many claim to control shine and extend makeup wear, but not all deliver. I personally tested 15 highly-rated primers over a month, wearing them in different settings—hot weather, long workdays, and special events.

To make sure these recommendations are as reliable as possible, I also consulted dermatologists and makeup artists to understand which ingredients truly help control oil. Below, you’ll find primers categorized by budget, long-wear performance, pore-minimization, and grip, so you can find the best fit for your skin type.

What to Look for in a Primer for Oily Skin

Before diving into the top picks, here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right primer:

✔ Oil-Absorbing Ingredients – Look for silica, niacinamide, or kaolin clay, which help absorb excess oil throughout the day.

✔ Silicone-Based Formulas – These help smooth skin, blur pores, and create a barrier against excess oil production.

✔ Matte or Natural Finish – Dewy primers can make oily skin look shinier, so opt for formulas with a soft-matte or satin finish.

✔ Longevity – A primer should keep makeup in place for at least 6-8 hours without excessive blotting.

✔ Non-Comedogenic – If you’re acne-prone, choose a primer that won’t clog pores.

My Top Picks

• Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – Best Primer for oily skin
• Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Primer – Best Luxury
• Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer– Best for Oil Control
• 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 Primer for oily skin

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Size: 1 oz | Texture: Gel | Finish: Natural

🔹 Key Ingredients: Silkscreen Complex, Vitamin A and E

🔹 Best For: Long wear, blurring pores, controlling shine

This primer is a cult favorite for a reason. It delivers a soft-matte finish, minimizes pores, and extends makeup wear for up to 12 hours. It has Vitamin A and E which helps with breakouts, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.

✔ Oil control for 10+ hours
✔ Blurs pores without feeling heavy
✔ Ideal for acne-prone skin

❌ Can feel slightly drying for combination skin

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Best Luxury

Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Primer

Size: 1 oz | Texture: Liquid | Finish: Natural

🔹 Key Ingredients: Silk Extract, Green Tea Extract, Rice Powder

🔹 Best For: Soft, velvet finish, smooth texture, long-lasting hold

This primer creates an airbrushed look, absorbing excess oil while providing a soft, matte finish. Its formula with silk extract ensures makeup lasts longer without feeling heavy.

✔ Ideal for dry to oily skin
✔ Protects against environmental stressors
✔ Smooth, silky texture

❌ Price may be high for some budgets

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Best Primer for Oil Control

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

Size: 1 oz | Texture: Cream | Finish: Matte

🔹 Key Ingredients: Silica, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

🔹 Best For: Oil control, matte finish, and shine reduction

This mattifying primer is perfect for those with oily skin. It works to control shine and keep makeup intact all day. The inclusion of silica helps absorb excess oil, while dimethicone provides a smooth, silky texture that fills in pores. It’s also packed with Vitamin E, which helps protect the skin.

✔ Controls oil and shine for hours
✔ Smoothes skin texture for a flawless base
✔ Protects with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E

❌ May not be hydrating enough for dry skin

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Best for Minimizing Pores

Benefit POREfessional Face Primer

Size: 0.75 oz | Texture: Balm | Finish: Matte

Key Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate

🔹 Best For: Minimizing pores, controlling shine, long wear

This primer instantly blurs imperfections and minimizes the appearance of pores. The combination of dimethicone and silica works to control oil and create a smooth base for makeup.

✔ Blurs pores effectively
✔ Oil-free formula for long-lasting control
✔ Keeps makeup in place all day

❌ May not work well for extremely dry skin

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Best Long-Lasting

Urban Decay All Nighter Mattifying Primer

Size: 1 oz | Texture: Gel | Finish: Matte

🔹 Key Ingredients: Silica, Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract, Polyacrylamide

🔹 Best For: Long-lasting makeup, shine control, pore minimization

With a gel-like texture, this primer is designed to keep makeup in place while controlling shine for up to 12 hours. Silica and the antioxidant-rich nannochloropsis extract protect the skin from environmental damage.

✔ Long-lasting hold
✔ Controls shine and excess oil
✔ Smooth, non-greasy texture

❌ Can feel slightly heavy on sensitive skin

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Best Budget

Elf Poreless Putty Primer

Size: 0.74 oz | Texture: Cream | Finish: Matte

🔹 Key Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

🔹 Best For: Blurring pores, matte finish, smooth texture

This affordable putty primer is known for blurring imperfections and reducing the appearance of pores while keeping the skin matte. It works well for both oily and combination skin types.

✔ Affordable, effective pore-blurring
✔ Smooth matte finish
✔ Great for oily skin

❌ May feel a little heavy for sensitive skin

For similar, affordable smoothing primers, check out our Top 8 Best Drugstore Primers Under $20

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Best Multi-Tasker

NYX Marshmallow Primer

Size: 1 oz | Texture: Cream | Finish: Natural

🔹 Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract

🔹 Best For: Hydration, smoothness, multi-tasking

This primer hydrates and controls oil at the same time, providing a smooth base while keeping shine under control. The inclusion of marshmallow root extract leaves skin feeling soft and ready for makeup.

✔ Smooth, velvety texture
✔ Balances hydration and mattification
✔ Suitable for sensitive skin

❌ Can be too moisturizing for very oily skin

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Best Mattifying Drugstore Primer

NYX Shine Killer Primer

Size: 0.67 oz | Texture: Gel | Finish: Matte

🔹 Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, Silica, Charcoal Powder

🔹 Best For: Mattifying, shine control

This primer targets excess oil and keeps shine under control while providing a smooth, matte base. The addition of charcoal powder also detoxifies the skin.

✔ Ideal for long-lasting shine control
✔ Lightweight formula
✔ Detoxifies skin

❌ May not provide enough moisture for dry skin

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Best Hydrating Primer

Wet n Wild Impossible Primer

Size: 1 oz | Texture: Cream | Finish: Natural

🔹 Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Physalis Angulata Extract

🔹 Best For: Hydration, smooth base, oil control

This primer balances hydration while effectively controlling oil, leaving your skin with a smooth finish. It’s a great option for those looking for a balance between hydration and oil control.

✔ Hydrates while controlling oil
✔ Affordable
✔ Smoothens texture

❌ Contains fragrance which may irritate sensitive skin

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Best for Grip

Elf Power Grip Primer

Size: 0.81 oz | Texture: Gel | Finish: Natural

🔹 Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosemary Leaf Water

🔹 Best For: Long-lasting grip, enhancing makeup longevity

This primer is known for its excellent grip, ensuring makeup stays in place all day. It contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid for added hydration while niacinamide calms and soothes the skin. Ideal for those looking for a primer that holds makeup tightly to the skin for a flawless finish.

✔ Helps makeup last all day
✔ Hydrates while providing grip
✔ Great for sensitive and dry skin

❌ Can feel sticky initially, but grips well once set

For more E.L.F. options, including those that give a natural glow, check out the 5 Best E.L.F Primers