Having oily skin can be maddening any time of year — how are you supposed to keep your makeup on when it keeps sliding off? But that frustration increases when all oil-production hell breaks loose.
The default solution to this conundrum is to say that a primer will solve all your problems, but the truth is not all primers are created equal. The best primer for oily skin, however, can change your makeup game and keep it that way. You'll get smoother, clearer skin, a more balanced complexion and makeup that lasts all day long.
Below, we've gathered the very best primers for oily skin out there right now.
1. Givenchy Mister Mat
This luxurious mattifying powder-gel is an oily skin lifesaver whether you wear it alone or under makeup. As a primer, its lightweight texture softens and hydrates, and plant extracts help control sebum overproduction for a long-lasting matte finish.
Givenchy Mister Mat, $67 at Amazon
2. bareMinerals PrimeTime oil-control foundation primer
This oil-free foundation primer is formulated specifically for people with oily skin to create a silky-smooth canvas from the get-go. Throughout the day, it holds up to combat excess oil and absorb shine while hiding pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
bareMinerals PrimeTime oil-control foundation primer, $22.39 at Walmart
3. Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Foundation Primer
When primer pros Smashbox release a new formula, makeup lovers pay attention — and this one did not disappoint. The nondrying formula locks in makeup and absorbs oil to keep your face shine-free throughout the day. Plus, it's sweat- and humidity-resistant for up to eight hours, so consider it a safe choice for summer.
Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Foundation Primer, $31.73 at Amazon
4. Benefit The Porefessional
This lightweight primer quickly minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines to help makeup stay put. The super-silky texture leaves skin smooth and shine-free, and the vitamin E in the formula protects skin from damaging free radicals.
Benefit The Porefessional, $22.16 at Amazon
5. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
This mineral-based, water-resistant primer — with SPF 15! — neutralizes and balances skin to minimize shine. The satin finish minimizes the appearance of pores and leaves makeup feeling fresh and decidedly non-slippery all day.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, $54 at Amazon
6. Too Faced Primed & Poreless
This primer is scientifically formulated — whatever that means — to achieve the appearance of smooth, poreless skin even without makeup. It contains vitamins A and C, mulberry extract and an impressive amount of retinol to conceal pores and leave skin firm and hydrated.
Too Faced Primed & Poreless, $38.60 at Amazon
7. Per-fékt Skin Perfection Gel
This primer wants to replace traditional foundation, primer, color corrector and powder to enhance the appearance of your skin in one fell swoop. On top of keeping your makeup on all day, it also works to improve skin tone, help maintain hydration and reduce the appearance of redness, discoloration, pores, fine lines and shine. A multitasker for the ages.
Per-fékt Skin Perfection Gel, $34.40 at Amazon
8. Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer
This formula is water-based, so it has a super-lightweight feel that really lets skin breathe. Pomegranate extract is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps tighten pores while willow bark extract balances skin, witch hazel mattifies and keeps impurities out, and rice starch absorbs excess surface oil and softens skin.
Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer, $33 at Korres
9. Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
Ever-matte, indeed: This one controls oil and keeps skin mattified and pores minimized for up to 12 hours. Think of it as a liquid blotting paper to keep skin matte and shine-free all day long — sans silicone, oil, alcohol or fragrance.
Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector, $14.98 at Amazon
Originally posted on StyleCaster. A version of this article was originally published in October 2016.