Best Matte Foundation Primers of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Matte foundation primers are a popular choice for those who want to achieve a flawless, shine-free complexion. These primers are designed to create a smooth base for foundation application while also controlling excess oil production throughout the day. They are particularly effective for those with oily skin, as they help to prevent makeup from melting or sliding off the face. Matte foundation primers can also help to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, resulting in a more even and polished look. With a variety of brands and formulas available on the market, finding the perfect matte foundation primer is easy and affordable.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer Cover #TOP 1
Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Pro Makeup Primer for Flawless Finish Cover #TOP 2
Pro Makeup Primer for Flawless Finish
ftb score rating icon 9.8
wet n wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer - Partners in Prime Cover #TOP 3
wet n wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer - Partners in Prime
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Matte Foundation Primers

#TOP 1

Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer

34788826003
Primer
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer Cover
Rimmel London Stay Matte - 003 - Primer, Ultra-Lightweight, Controls Shine, Doesn’t Feel Greasy, 1oz

The Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer is a 30 ml (1 fl oz) foundation primer that helps perfect your skin. Its ultra-lightweight formula controls shine for up to 8 hours. The primer never feels greasy or heavy and is ideal for anyone wanting a shine-free look.

What We Like
Controls shine for up to 8 hours
Ultra-lightweight formula
Never feels greasy or heavy

Pro Makeup Primer for Flawless Finish

2PCS
Pro Makeup Primer for Flawless Finish Cover
2Pcs Pro Makeup Primer, Long Lasting Hydrating Smoothing Isolated Moisturizing Oil Free Effect Make Up Base Matte Face Foundation Primer

2Pcs Pro Makeup Primer is a transparent silicone gel base with Vitamin A, C & E that minimizes pores, blurs fine lines, reduces wrinkles and controls shine to create a smooth finish for a flawless makeup look that lasts all day long. This non-oily formula evens out skin texture and prevents the loss of hydration throughout the day, leaving you with a glittering, translucent and bright natural skin shine. It is a cruelty-free and vegan brand that cares about the planet and your skin.

What We Like
Provides a smooth finish for a flawless makeup look that lasts all day long
Minimizes pores, blurs fine lines, and reduces wrinkles
Controls shine and evens out skin texture
Prevents loss of hydration throughout the day
Cruelty-free and vegan brand
#TOP 3

wet n wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer - Partners in Prime

Partners in Prime
wet n wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer - Partners in Prime Cover
wet n wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer - Partners in Prime

The wet n wild Matte Face Primer is a lightweight foundation primer that provides a matte finish, reducing shine on your face. It not only extends the wear of your makeup but also prevents cracking, fading, or creasing throughout the day. The formula contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, which nourish and hydrate your skin while creating a smooth canvas for your foundation. With this primer, you can achieve a flawless and long-lasting makeup look. Say goodbye to shine and hello to a beautiful matte finish with wet n wild Matte Face Primer.

What We Like
Lightweight formula
Matte finish
Extends makeup wear

e.l.f Matte Putty Primer

85911
Matte Putty Primer
e.l.f Matte Putty Primer Cover
e.l.f. Matte Putty Primer, Skin Perfecting, Lightweight, Oil-free formula, Mattifies, Absorbs Excess Oil, Fills in Pores and Fine Lines, Soft, Matte Finish, All-Day Wear, 0.74 Oz

e.l.f Matte Putty Primer is a skin perfecting foundation primer that mattifies, absorbs excess oil, fills in pores and fine lines, and provides a soft, matte finish with all-day wear. Infused with kaolin and white charcoal, it delivers a perfect matte finish while smoothing over imperfections for a poreless effect. The velvety texture glides effortlessly over the skin and creates the ultimate grip on your makeup. It is easy to carry and perfect for travel. Cruelty-free, vegan, and free from Phthalates, Parabens, Nonylphenol, Ethoxylates, Triclosan, triclocarban.

What We Like
Creates a perfect matte finish
Smoothes over imperfections for a poreless effect
Provides a soft, matte finish with all-day wear
Easy to carry and perfect for travel
Cruelty-free, vegan, and free from harmful chemicals

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

Mattifying
Pink
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer Cover
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer - Mattifying Makeup Base Primer for Shine and Oil Control - Pore Minimizer, Hides Wrinkles and Fine Lines – Long-lasting Makeup Gripping Formula 30 g

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is a pore minimizer and matte makeup base that preps your skin before applying makeup, leaving a smooth effect on your skin. It protects your makeup from oiliness and creasing, balances your complexion, and is weightless, non-greasy, and long-wearing. This paraben-free and cruelty-free primer is formulated for every skin type and is Leaping Bunny approved.

What We Like
Preps your skin before applying makeup
Protects your makeup from oiliness and creasing
Weightless, non-greasy, and long-wearing
Paraben-free and cruelty-free
Leaves a smooth effect on your skin

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer

1114753
Partners in Prime
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer Cover
wet n wild Face Primer Photo Focus Matte Face Primer Clear Partners in Prime

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer is a lightweight spray that acts as a primer to create a smooth base for any foundation. It evens out the skin tone while filling in pores and blurring imperfections, leaving a gorgeous matte finish. The weightless formula utilizes the power of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to keep the skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Moreover, it extends makeup wear and is cruelty-free.

What We Like
Creates a smooth base for any foundation
Helps to keep shine at bay
Utilizes the power of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to keep the skin feeling fresh and hydrated
Extends makeup wear
Cruelty-free

e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer

83405
Poreless White
e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer Cover
e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer, Restoring Makeup Primer For A Flawless, Smooth Canvas, Infused With Tea Tree & Vitamin A, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.47 Fl Oz

The e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer is a tea tree and vitamins A- & E-infused primer that perfects your skin and locks in moisture. The silky base minimizes pores and imperfections, giving your makeup all-day lasting ability. Apply a small amount prior to foundation and/or concealer for a smooth canvas. The product is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. e.l.f. Cosmetics provides professional-quality products at affordable prices, believing that beauty should be accessible to all.

What We Like
Tea tree and vitamins A- & E-infused primer perfects your skin and locks in moisture
Silky base minimizes pores and imperfections, providing all-day lasting ability to your makeup
100% vegan and cruelty-free

No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer

No7
SG_B01LW3XH3L_US
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer Cover
No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Facial Primer - Lightweight, Matte Primer & Pore Minimizer for Face - Makeup Primer for Oily Skin (30ml)

No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer is a lightweight, oil-free formula that instantly blurs pores, reduces shine, and provides a flawless matte finish. It extends the wear of makeup up to 12 hours and is ideal for those looking for a mattified finish. In a consumer study, 81% agreed that the product instantly gives the appearance of pore-less skin.

What We Like
Instantly blurs pores and reduces shine
Extends the wear of makeup up to 12 hours
Leaves a flawless matte finish
#TOP 9

Black Radiance Matte & Poreless Face Primer

1320319
Matte & Poreless
Black Radiance Matte & Poreless Face Primer Cover
Black Radiance Matte & Poreless Face Primer, Matte & Poreless, 0.5 Fl Oz

Get ready for a flawless look with Black Radiance Primer. Its clean formula cools your skin and minimizes shine, while constricting and minimizing the appearance of pores. This primer also moisturizes and improves skin texture, prepping and smoothing your skin for a perfect foundation application. Oil-free, paraben-free, talc-free, fragrance-free, vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, this primer is suitable for all skin types, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to achieve a smooth, matte, and poreless complexion.

What We Like
Cools and minimizes shine
Constricts and minimizes pores
Moisturizes and improves texture
#TOP 10

Milani Face Primer Collection

FPR229-110
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Milani Face Primer Collection Cover
Milani Face Primer for Makeup (Mattifying & Pore-Minimizing, 1.0 Fl. Oz)

The Milani Face Primers offer a variety of solutions tailored to your makeup needs. The Erase Base Blemish Control Primer features 2% salicylic acid to help clear breakouts, making it perfect for those with acne-prone skin. For oily skin, the No Pore Zone Mattifying Primer creates a smooth, matte finish, reducing the appearance of pores. If you're looking for sun protection, the SPF BFF Primer provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 to shield your skin while prepping for makeup. Finally, the Skin Quench Hydrating Primer delivers essential moisture, ensuring your skin stays hydrated throughout the day. Each primer is designed to enhance your makeup application and improve your skin's appearance.

What We Like
Blemish control with salicylic acid
Matte finish for oily skin
SPF protection included
Hydrating for all-day moisture
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What primer goes with matte foundation?

Best Overall: Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Primer. Best Shine-Absorbing: The Body Shop All-In-One Instablur Universal Primer. Best Pore-Blurring: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer.

2. What does a matte primer do?

A great mattifying primer will provide a flawless base, minimize the appearance of pores, and hydrate skin without clogging your pores or causing excess oil. The result: silky, lightly refined skin that acts as the perfect smooth canvas for makeup.

3. Should you use a matte primer with matte foundation?

FOUNDATION AND PRIMER PAIRING #3 First, apply your matte primer onto clean skin, all over your complexion—focusing more product on areas that tend to get very oily, such as your T-zone. Next, apply your matching matte foundation using a makeup blender, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender.

4. Is matte primer good?

Not only will a good mattifying primer tackle areas of high shine, but it'll temper the appearance of fine lines and pores too, resulting in a smooth, unified complexion that doesn't feel tight or become patchy.

Editor's Notes

During our matte foundation primer research, we found 48 matte foundation primer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 458,632 customer reviews through our big data system to write the matte foundation primers list. We found that most customers choose matte foundation primers with an average price of $7.77.

The matte foundation primers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of matte foundation primers, including Rimmel, BestLand, wet n wild, e.l.f., Elizabeth Mott. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.