11 Best Drugstore Primers For Oily Skin
These top-grade primers won’t let oily skin ruin your makeup ever again.
Expertise: Makeup & Beauty
Experience: 3 years
Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art. Combinin... more
Working for hours to get a flawless makeup look and them allowing your oily skin to ruin it within 30 minutes – world’s best horror story in one line. But fret not because now you can easily avoid this situation with the best drugstore primers for oily skin. These formulas allow you to ace the base by blurring blemishes and aging signs and ensuring proper oil control. They help you create the perfect canvas for your foundation and ensures that the flawless look lasts long. Our list includes 11 drugstore primers that are considered holy grails for oily skin and does not burn a hole your pocket. So, swipe up to explore.
In This Article
Top 11 Drugstore Primers For Oily Skin With Reviews
1. Best Lightweight Formula: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
Review
Don’t be fooled by this primer’s price tag! Rimmel Stay Matte Primer keeps shine at bay for up to eight hours. Its lightweight texture smoothens out your skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and combats redness. Its clear formula complements all skin tones.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Lightweight
- Does not clog pores
- Versatile
Cons
None
2. Best Non-Greasy Formula: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
Review
This cult-favorite primer from Maybelline is so popular for some very legit reasons. Its main ingredient is dimethicone that is known for filling in pores and reducing the appearance of blemishes and redness while absorbing excess oils from your skin. You achieve smooth baby-like skin thanks to its powdery finish. It is one of the best drugstore primers for oily skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines
- Leaves skin feeling smooth and supple
Cons
None
3. Best Non-Comedogenic Primer: Boots No7 Airbrush Away Primer
Image: Boots No7 Review
For the days you want your skin to look extra fresh and flawless, Boots No7 Airbrush Away Primer is a must-try. Its hyaluronic acid moisture-locking spheres smoothen your skin by diminishing the appearance of fine lines and pores. If your skin is on the sensitive side, you are in luck because this primer is also hypoallergenic.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive, oily skin
Cons
None
4. Best Photo-Friendly Option: Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer
Review
Revlon claims that in selfies or IRL, lousy lighting does not stand a chance against its PhotoReady Perfecting Primer. This formula evens out your skin texture effortlessly, so your makeup goes on seamlessly and stays that way. It is also formulated with HD Filter technology that captures and transforms any light to mimic photo filters.
Pros
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight
- Photo-friendly
Cons
None
5. Best Dermatologist-tested: L’Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base
Review
If you are on the hunt for a primer that improves your skin’s texture, the Magic Perfecting Base by L’Oreal is one to look out for. This silky, lightweight formula glides onto your skin effortlessly and instantly minimizes the appearance of large pores and fine lines. Your skin feels smoother, and you get a unified, matte finish that looks flawless throughout the day. It is the best drugstore primer for oily skin and large pores.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Blurs pores and blemishes
- Long-wearing
Cons
None
6. Best For Oil Elimination: NYX Professional Makeup Shine Killer
Review
This primer from NYX is your ultimate weapon in the war with shine. Apply it before your favorite foundation or BB cream for a fresh, flawless, marvelously matte look that lasts all day long. It is especially great for hot summer days when your skin tends to get excessively oily. It is the best drugstore makeup primer for oily skin.
Pros
- Eliminates shine and oil
- Does not clog pores
- Reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines
Cons
None
7. Best Value For Money: e.l.f Poreless Face Primer
Review
This affordable primer from e.l.f transforms your skin into a flawlessly smooth canvas. It is infused with tea tree and vitamins A and E for their restorative benefits. Its light, silky texture is excellent for oily skin, and it effectively holds your makeup in place throughout the day. It is the best face primer for oily skin.
Pros
- Value for money
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
None
8. Best For UV Protection: Covergirl Full Spectrum Matte Ambition Primer
Review
Now you can put your best face forward with Covergirl’s Full Spectrum Matte Ambition Primer. This primer leaves your skin looking fresh with its neutral matte finish. It also comes with SPF 20, so you can get the benefits of added sun protection. It is the best drugstore makeup primer for oily skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
9. Best For Large Pores and Fine Lines: L.A. Girl Pro Prep HD Smoothing Face Primer
Review
Make your makeup last all day with L.A. Girl’s Pro Prep Smoothing Face Primer. This formula creates a smooth base by filling in pores and fine lines while providing the ideal surface for the foundation. It is formulated with light-diffusing particles and skin-nourishing vitamin E to give you a beautiful finish on or off camera. It is the best drugstore oil control primer.
Pros
- Softens skin and enhances makeup
- Lightweight
- Paraben- and fragrance-free
Cons
None
10. Best Matte Finish: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer
Review
The Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer fills in pores, blurs scars and blemishes, and effectively evens out your skin tone. Its lightweight consistency creates a smooth base and its visible matte finish keeps grease and shine away. The hydrating and moisturizing formula reduces creasing, cracking, or fading. White sapphire, the key ingredient in the primer, glides on effortlessly and offers a crystal complexion. The primer is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E. The long-lasting formula rejuvenates your skin and smoothes out the skin’s surface readying you for other makeup products.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting formula
- Blurs scars
- Reduces caking and cracking
- Non-greasy
- Reduces shine
- Matte finish
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Watery consistency
11. Best Anti-Aging: Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer
The Skinperfect Primer by Dermalogica has a 3-in-1 benefit of sunscreen, an anti-aging treatment, and a primer that can help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while giving you a flawless base for your makeup. The formula contains SPF 30 which can protect the skin against UV/UVB and stimulates collagen production to tackle signs of aging. It contains soy protein that gives a silky and velvety feel to your skin and makes your makeup last longer.
Pros
- Contains SPF
- Light coverage
- Smooth application
- Creates flawless base for makeup
- Neutral tint
Cons
None
Price Range
Face primers can cost you anywhere between $6 to $60. If you are looking for affordable options, our list above contains budget-friendly formulas that you can purchase for under $12. Mid-range primers include brands like Benefit and Tarte that will cost you around $25 to $35. High-end brands like Hourglass and Tatcha are priced a little above $50.
To get the perfect, long-lasting base and flawless makeup finish, you need to invest in the best primer. Primers are a must-have, especially for oily-skin types, because they effectively control excess oil and sebum production. These primers create the perfect canvas for your foundation and ensure long-lasting makeup. These drugstore primers are considered the Holy Grail as they help you achieve the desired makeup look without digging a hole in your pocket. They have a non-comedogenic formula and leave your skin feeling smooth and supple post-application. In addition, their clear formula complements all skin tones.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
If you have oily skin, you may find it challenging to buy makeup and other skincare products that suit your needs. To make your job easy, our product writer and makeup enthusiast, Esha Saxena, has compiled a list of the best drugstore primers for oily skin after surveying some of the finest products and their customer feedback on various forums. She has also included a detailed description along with pros and cons to assist you in buying the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a primer for oily skin?
Yes. You can use a mattifying primer for oily skin types to reduce further oiliness and enjoy a shine-free and matte effect, creating the perfect base for makeup.
What are the best glowy finish drugstore primers for oily skin?
Lightweight and non-greasy primers such as the Maybelline New Master Primer can make oily skin look radiant. Such primers work magically to make the skin look glowy and young.
Is drugstore primer a good moisturizer for people with oily skin?
Yes. A drugstore primer that controls excessive secretion of oil works well as a moisturizer for people with oily skin. Certain primers control excess oil and shine, making oily skin appear fresh and non-sticky.
What is the best way to apply drugstore primer for oily skin?
The best way to apply drugstore primer for oily skin is by following the steps of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, followed by a primer. Keeping these steps in check will ensure you get the perfect base to apply makeup to oily skin.
Is using a foundation without primer bad for oily skin?
Yes. Always apply a primer to avoid your skin appearing oilier than usual. A primer ensures a mattifying and smooth base that provides a clean, fresh finish.
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