Best Foundation Primers for Oily Skin of 2025

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

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Foundation primers are a must-have for anyone with oily skin. They act as a barrier between your skin and your makeup, preventing excess oil from breaking down your foundation throughout the day. Look for primers that are oil-free and specifically designed for oily skin. Some popular options include the Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Foundation Primer, the Benefit POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer, and the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer. These primers help to control shine, minimize the appearance of pores, and keep your makeup looking fresh for hours.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer Cover #TOP 1
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum Cover #TOP 2
Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Revlon ColorStay Grip Primer Cover #TOP 3
Revlon ColorStay Grip Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Foundation Primers for Oily Skin

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

Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum

086800196327
Trasnparent
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum Cover
Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum, Skin-Mattifying Serum-to-Primer with Rice Protein, Absorbs Excess Oil & Keeps Skin Shine Free, 1.0 fl. oz

Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Booster Face Primer & Serum is a skin-mattifying serum-to-primer that can be used alone or before applying makeup. It is formulated with rice protein to absorb excess oil and keep the skin shine-free, fresh-looking and healthy. This two-in-one product provides versatile benefits that bridge the gap between skincare and makeup.

What We Like
Nourishing touch
Can be used alone or before makeup
Keeps skin shine-free, fresh-looking and healthy
#TOP 3

Revlon ColorStay Grip Primer

7260328000
White
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Revlon ColorStay Grip Primer Cover
Revlon ColorStay Grip Primer, Mattifying Primer for Oily Skin, Makeup Stocking Stuffers for Women, Blurs & Reduces Pore Appearance, 1 fl oz.

Revlon ColorStay Grip Primer is a foundation primer that mattifies makeup, absorbs excess oil, reduces the appearance of pores, and blurs imperfections for up to 16 hours. It contains a superfood detox blend of powerful antioxidants, including citrus, aloe, and broccoli, to neutralize pollutants and free radicals. The primer also shields skin against daily aggressors such as blue light, environmental stress, and pollution. Suitable for all skin types, this non-greasy, non-tacky, and non-drying primer is free from added parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil.

What We Like
Mattifies makeup, absorbs excess oil, and reduces the appearance of pores for up to 16 hours
Infused with a superfood detox blend of powerful antioxidants to neutralize pollutants and free radicals
Shields skin against daily aggressors including blue light, environmental stress, and pollution
#TOP 4

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

83406
Hydrating Blue
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer Cover
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer, Makeup Primer For Flawless, Smooth Skin & Long-Lasting Makeup, Fills In Pores & Fine Lines, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Small

The e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer is a lightweight, long-lasting, and creamy formula that hydrates, smooths, and fills in pores and fine lines, leaving a natural matte finish. Infused with Vitamin E and grape, Vitamins A, C, & E, it helps boost complexion and hydrate your skin, creating a flawless, smooth canvas ideal for long-lasting makeup application, perfect for acne-prone, combination, and oily skin. It's cruelty-free, vegan and made from skin-loving ingredients at a good-for-you price.

What We Like
Lightweight, long-lasting, and creamy formula
Hydrates, smooths, and fills in pores and fine lines, leaving a natural matte finish
Infused with Vitamin E and grape, Vitamins A, C, & E, it helps boost complexion and hydrate your skin

Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer

C6RA010000
Off White
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Primer Cover
Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Makeup Primer with Salicylic Acid - An Oil- Controlling Primer for Matte Looking Skin - Travel Size, 0.34 fl oz

The Smashbox Control Primer is designed to help manage excess oil, keeping your skin looking matte without the dryness that often accompanies oil control products. It provides a protective barrier against environmental stressors like pollution and blue light, ensuring your skin remains healthy. Additionally, this primer is non-acnegenic, meaning it won't clog your pores or trigger breakouts. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a flawless finish while maintaining skin health and comfort.

What We Like
Instant oil control
Protects against environmental damage
Non-comedogenic
#TOP 6

FV Matte Face Primer for Oily Skin

FV
FV-P-Oily
Oil Control
FV Matte Face Primer for Oily Skin Cover
FV Matte Face Primer for Oily Skin - Pore Minimizing, Long-Lasting Makeup Base, Smooth Oil Control Formula, 1.05 FL.OZ

The FV Oily Skin Primer is designed to meet the needs of all skin types, particularly oily skin. It helps you achieve a smooth finish while minimizing pores and controlling shine for up to 16 hours. The gentle formula ensures comfort, making it suitable for sensitive skin, which means you can apply it confidently without worrying about breakouts. Additionally, this primer offers a luxurious feel, balancing hydration and oil control, so your makeup looks fresh and even throughout the day. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a radiant base without compromising on comfort.

What We Like
Long-lasting oil control
Suitable for sensitive skin
Smooth, luxurious texture
Enhances makeup application

Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup

041554551792
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup Cover
Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup, Blur + Pore Minimize, 1 fl. oz.

Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup is a water-based foundation primer that blurs skin imperfections and smooths fine lines. Its weightless, non-oily formula primes skin for even makeup application without a greasy feel. You can apply it all over your face before foundation or wear it alone.

What We Like
Smooths fine lines and blurs skin imperfections
Weightless, non-oily formula
Primes skin for even makeup application without a greasy feel
#TOP 8

COVERGIRL Trublend Base Business Face Primer

99240003186
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
COVERGIRL Trublend Base Business Face Primer Cover
COVERGIRL Trublend Base Business Face Primer 200 Color Neutralizing, 1.014 Fl Oz, Primer Makeup, Face Primer, Face Primer for Oily Skin, Blurs Flaws, Long Lasting, Weightless Feel

COVERGIRL Trublend Base Business Face Primer 200 Color Neutralizing is a foundation primer that brightens skin, corrects uneven skin tone, and blurs flaws to create the perfect canvas. This face primer is long lasting and helps extend the wear of your makeup. It has a weightless feel, leaving a light and flawless end look. Additionally, this product is cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

What We Like
Brightens skin and corrects uneven skin tone
Long lasting and extends the wear of makeup
Blurs flaws to create the perfect canvas
Weightless feel for a light and flawless end look
Cruelty-free and not tested on animals

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
#TOP 10

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
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of primer should I use for oily skin?

To start, Lo recommends that oily skin types opt for a mattifying primer, one that will help conceal shine, grease, and excess buildup before your makeup application.

2. Does face primer help oily skin?

This is especially true if you have oily skin and find that you develop shine throughout the day. When you apply a primer underneath your makeup, it can help combat excess oil and leave your skin with more of a matte finish before you even apply foundation.

Editor's Notes

During our foundation primer for oily skin research, we found 48 foundation primer for oily skin products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 389,757 customer reviews through our big data system to write the foundation primers for oily skin list. We found that most customers choose foundation primers for oily skin with an average price of $7.89.

The foundation primers for oily skin are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of foundation primers for oily skin, including Elizabeth Mott, TENA, REVLON, e.l.f., Smashbox. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 533 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.