15 Best Primers For Combination Skin – Review & Guide
No more shiny T-zone and dry cheeks— these primers will bring balance to your skin.
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
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Combination skin can be tricky for makeup application. Ensure that you are using a good primer for combination skin. Primers help provide a smooth canvas to layer your makeup products effortlessly. They also ensure that your makeup stays intact for a longer time without getting flaky. Unlike dry or oily skin, combination skin requires makeup products that reduce the shine in your T-zone area without making the rest of your face too dry. In this article, we have curated a list of the 15 best makeup primers for combination skin type so that you can get your hands on the best! Keep reading to find out more about them and select the most suitable ones according to your needs.
In This Article
15 Best Primers For Combination Skin In 2023
1. Maybelline New York Master Prime By Face Studio
When looking for good primers for combination skin, you want a makeup product that doesn’t make your skin greasy at the end of the day. And this primer from Maybelline is formulated keeping that in mind. The Master Prime helps smoothen fine lines and blurs imperfections to give you flawless-looking skin. This water-based product has a water-soluble base with active ingredients that help improve the look and feel of your skin. Apply this primer before foundation to help your makeup last all day long. This video review will help you understand more about the product.
Pros
- Water-based formula
- Dermatologically tested
- Lightweight formula
- Ideal for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Cons
- It may not be effective in covering redness of the skin.
Pro Tip2. e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer
Try the e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer for an instant and long-lasting boost of hydration for your skin. This silky and creamy textured formula is packed with grapeseed oil and vitamins A, C, and E. The ingredients focus on delivering hydration and calming the skin. They also help the product to glide smoothly on the skin, leaving it dewy and even-toned. The primer delivers sheer coverage with a radiant and natural finish. It blurs out fine lines and pores, preps your skin, and makes your makeup long-lasting.
Pros
- Skin smoothening
- Boosts hydration
- Natural matte finish
- Phthalates-free
- Paraben-free
- Triclosan-free
- Hydroquinone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May feel sticky after a few hours
- Quantity may seem less than expected
3. TULA Skin Care Face Filter Blurring and Moisturizing Primer
Looking for the best primer for combination skin? This blemish control primer from TULA Skin Care is packed with probiotics and super foods that give you a sun-kissed look by blurring imperfections and brightening your skin. While turmeric helps in combating redness and inflammation, chia seeds improve luminosity, and licorice evens out the skin tone. The buildable formula is perfect to achieve that filter-like finish and is warm-toned. The primer is ideal for normal, oily, combination, mature, and sensitive skin types. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful.
Pros
- Preps your skin to provide a radiant finish
- Clinically proven to be suitable for blemish-prone skin
- Formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, and other harmful ingredients.
Cons
- It has a slight orange tint to it.
Pro Tip4. Farmasi VFX Pro Camera Ready Primer
Give your skin an instant youthful appearance with the Farmasi VFX Pro Camera Ready Perfecting Primer. This primer is formulated with an advanced photo-filter technology which smoothens your skin and helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. It gives your skin a smooth finish and blurs out the pores for a seamless makeup look. The formula is developed with premium ingredients that feel comfortable on your skin while locking the makeup for prolonged hours. In addition, it is oil-free that absorbs quickly into your skin without making it feel greasy or heavy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Minimizes pores
- Skin-replenishing ingredients
- Gentle on the skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Oil-free
- Prevents acne breakouts
Cons
- May make the makeup appear cakey after some time
5. Monica Ann Beauty Dual-Action Primer
This Dual-Action Primer from Monica Ann Beauty is the perfect pick if you are looking to give your skin that extra care and nourishment. Formulated using high-quality ingredients along with vitamin C, it improves collagen production to give you firmer and plumper skin while also smoothening out fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C helps reverse the skin damage caused by UV rays and also fights free radical damage. The face primer also contains hyaluronic acid which reduces fine lines and replenishes dehydrated skin by boosting the natural moisture content.
Pros
- Translucent matte coverage
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Helps makeup last all day long
Cons
- Has a strong fragrance
6. L’Oréal Paris’ Infallible Matte-Lock Foundation Primer
The L’Oréal Mattifying Primer blurs fine lines and other imperfections to give a matte makeup look that lasts all day. The primer glides on smoothly to perfect the complexion of your skin and prime the skin for makeup by keeping oil at bay. A non-come dogenic formula that’s lightweight and breathable, the primer is suitable for normal, oily and combination skin types. If you are going for a natural look, the primer alone will do the job! So, grab this product now and have zero worries about your makeup getting greasy. These are the best primers for combo skin. To find out more about this kit, check out this video.
Pros
- Perfect for a matte makeup look
- White to clear formula
- Long-lasting effect
- Controls shine
Cons
- It is not ideal for extremely oily skin.
7. Skin2Spirit Better’n Ur Skin Mineral Primer
This cruelty-free brand brings you a makeup primer that not only primes your skin but is packed with the goodness of antioxidants and botanical extracts to nourish and protect it. The non-greasy lightweight formula hydrates and smoothes skin, reduces fine lines, redness, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Ideal for oily, dry, mature, sensitive, and combination skin types, this primer forms the perfect base to apply your foundation by reducing oil and excess sweat. It is the best foundation primer for combination skin.
Pros
- Vegan
- Ideal for cream, liquid, or powder foundation
- Works as a moisturizer
- Balances pH
Cons
- Has a strong scent
Pro Tip8. Lauda Botanicals Oily Face Control Mattifying Primer
With the Mattifying Primer from Lauda Botanicals, you get a 2-in-1 product that works as a moisturizer and a primer. The non-drying formula is infused with the goodness of botanicals to provide clear, smooth skin. The herbal moisturizer/primer reduces inflammation, balances pH, shrinks pores, and provides hydration to your skin. Formulated without toxins, it is infused with aloe vera, tea tree oil, salicylic and lactic acids, cinnamon, lemon, pine tree extract, and witch hazel among others. This non-greasy primer helps control shine to give you healthy and fresh-looking skin all day long. It also contains anti-aging AHA and BHA ingredients that work towards promoting smoother and refined skin.
Pros
- Non-come dogenic, oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Suitable for combination, oily, blemish, and acne-prone skin.
- Free of parabens, artificial colors, fragrance, and mineral oil.
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
9. Philosophy Supernatural Poreless/Flawless Tinted Primer
Looking for a product that is similar to a BB cream? Then you might want to check out this tinted primer from Philosophy. This makeup product is perfect for everyone reluctant to apply too many products on their skin. Lazy to apply sunscreen? This product has got you covered. The oil-free formula offers SPF 15 and provides a sheer, natural look to your skin. It provides a flawless base for your foundation by minimizing pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Pros
- SPF 15
- Oil-free formula
- Multi-use
- This product can be used on its own.
Cons
- May not work for very pale or dark skin tones.
10. DHC Velvet Skin Coat Makeup Primer
This primer is formulated with organic olive oil and silica to absorb excess oil and sweat while protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. The Velvet Skin Coat formula minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections, making your skin look smooth and matte, ready for makeup. This clear and transparent formula works great for all skin tones and types. You can also wear it alone for an all-day matte look.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
- Suits all skin tones and types
- Matte finish
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Might dry out the skin
11. Clinique Super Universal Face Primer
Next on our list of the best primer for combination skin is the primer from Clinique. Clinique’s Universal Face Primer suits all skin types and is perfect for everyday use. The lightweight formula is free of oils, allergens, and fragrances. The primer color-corrects your skin and addresses a range of concerns to provide the perfect canvas for makeup. Apply the primer using your fingertips or a makeup sponge evenly on your skin.
Pros
- Glides on easily
- Non-oily
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy tested
Cons
- Not suitable for extremely dry skin
12. NxN Beauty Flash Matte Perfecting Primer
The Flash Matte Perfecting Primer minimizes the appearance of pores and evens out skin tone for a perfect flawless canvas. Infused with java tea leaf, grape seed, and licorice root extract, it nourishes your skin. One of the major concerns with combination skin is the excess oil production in certain areas. The primer helps control oil to give you a radiant yet shine-free finish. It also prevents redness and protects the skin with its powerful antioxidant properties. It is the best primer for combination skin.
Pros
- Free of sulfates and parabens
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Not ideal for a complete matte makeup look
13. Estee Lauder The Smoother Universal Perfecting Primer
The Universal Perfecting Primer from Estee Lauder is infused with apricot essence that softens the skin while preparing it for makeup. It has a lightweight formula that minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections, making your skin smooth and even. The velvety texture glides smoothly on the skin for an easy application
Pros
- Lightweight
- A little bit goes a long way
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- Softens and smoothes the skin
- Blends well
Cons
None
14. TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer
Keep pores and signs of aging at bay with the TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer. This lightweight pore-minimizing formula gives your skin a smooth coverage and even tones it for radiant skin. In addition, it tightens the pores and instantly lifts dull skin. It has soluble collagen that smoothens your skin to create a flawless canvas for your makeup. It is loaded with green tea extracts, which protect and energize your skin. It prevents moisture loss by strengthening the moisture barrier while regulating the oil excretion and controlling sebum production. The formula minimizes spots and blemishes and keeps your makeup intact for long hours.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Reduces signs of aging
- Plant-based ingredients
- Velvety finish
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Acrylamide-free
- Talc-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
15. Banila Co Prime Primer Matte
One of the best primers for combination skin, the Banila Co Prime Primer Matte is available in the form of a non-transparent gel that provides a shine-free look. The primers absorb sebum on the T-zone area and cheeks and refine pores and fine lines to give a porcelain-smooth finish. Ideal for oily and combination skin types, the primer seamlessly blends into the skin like no other. With this primer, you will never have to worry about your makeup looking cakey!
Pros
- Helps makeup last longer
- Hydrating primer
- Pore-tightening properties
- Offers a satin-soft finish
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
Now let us take a look at how to choose the right makeup primer for combination skin.
Best Primers For Combination Skin – Buying Guide
Choosing The Right Makeup Primer For Combination Skin
When picking a primer for combination skin, it’s best to go for a non-comedogenic formula that doesn’t clog your pores. An oil-free formula is ideal for combination skin as it helps reduce acne and breakouts. Lastly, make sure it sits comfortably on your skin and lets your skin breathe. For that, opt for a breathable and lightweight primer which most non-comedogenic formulas tend to be. Some primers address other areas of skin concern such as fine lines, visible pores, and wrinkles.
Which Primer Is Good For Combination Skin?
The best primers for combination skin include Premium Foundation Makeup Primer, TULA Skin Care Face Filter Blurring and Moisturizing Primer, Glossiva Face Primer, and Monica Ann Beauty Dual-action Primer.
Tips For Picking And Applying Makeup Primer
Here, we list down a few tips that might be helpful while choosing and applying a makeup primer:
- Choose a primer that deals with your specific set of skin concerns whether it is oily T-zone, redness, pores, fine lines, wrinkles, or blemishes.
- Remember that only a pea-sized amount of your primer is needed to apply all over your skin. Make sure to apply it on clean, moisturized skin.
- Apply the foundation primer in upward and outward gentle motions starting from the center of your face.
- Check if your primer is safe to use near the lash line or near the delicate eye area. Otherwise, steer clear of those regions.
Choosing the right primer for combination skin can be tough. As primers act as the ultimate base for your makeup products, people with combination skin need primers that are neither too oily nor too dry. The primer that people with combination skin choose should be able to effectively remove the extra shine from their T-zone area while not turning the other parts of the face too dry. There are many primers in the market that help in smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, and patches as well.
Infographic: Benefits OF Using A Primer
Check out the following infographic which lists the benefits of using a primer for combination skin. The combination skin type is quite tricky to handle and needs special attention. The infographic will help you understand the importance of using a primer that takes care of the various oily and dry zones of this skin type, and get a flawless look. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic 
Choosing the right primer for combination skin can be tough. As primers act as the ultimate base for your makeup products, people with combination skin need primers that are neither too oily nor too dry. The primer that people with combination skin choose should be able to effectively remove the extra shine from their T-zone area while not turning the other parts of the face too dry. There are many primers in the market that help in smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, and patches as well.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Chaitra Krishnan, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast who loves to keep up with the latest trends and review makeup products.She has conducted thorough research, checked the brand websites and user reviews and ratings on trusted online platforms to prepare this detailed list of the best primers for combination skin. These products reduce the shine in the T-zone area without making the rest of the face too dry and provide a smooth canvas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best drugstore primer for combination skin?
The best drugstore primers for combination skin are Maybelline master prime By Face Studio, L’Oréal Paris’ infallible matte-lock foundation primer, NxN Beauty flash matte perfecting primer, and Aesthetica pore minimizing foundation primer.
What makeup is good for combination skin?
Matte foundation is ideal for combination skin. However, there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to makeup looks. So, feel free to try out a dewy foundation to understand what works best for you.
Is a primer really necessary?
Yes. If you want flawless-looking skin or a smooth base for your makeup, applying primer is non-negotiable. It is a great way to ensure that your makeup lasts for a longer time and keeps the skin moisturized.
Can I use primer without makeup on combination skin?
Yes, you can use a primer on combination skin even if you don’t plan on using makeup. It helps in creating a flawless and smooth texture that instantly lifts up your look without having to apply any extra makeup products.
What comes first – moisturizer or primer?
Moisturizer. It is important to clean your skin and apply a moisturizer first as it makes the application of all other products much more smooth.
Can I apply primer every day on combination skin?
Yes, you can use a primer on combination skin every day. It is safe and offers an even tone and smooth texture without having you to add heavy makeup products.
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