19 Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin

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By Sara Nawaz

This article will explore the Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin.  These primers not only control excess oil but also create a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application. Say goodbye to shiny T-zones and hello to a long-lasting matte finish!

Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin
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Having oily skin can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your makeup intact throughout the day. A good primer is a game-changer for oily skin as it helps control excess oil, minimizes the appearance of pores, and provides a smooth base for foundation. In this article, we will explore the Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin that effectively combats oiliness and deliver a long-lasting matte finish.

Understanding Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands that produce an excess amount of sebum. This can result in a shiny complexion, enlarged pores, and makeup that fades quickly.
Oily skin is often caused by factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, and environmental influences. It requires special care and products specifically tailored to regulate oil production and create a shine-free look.

The Importance of Using a Primer for Oily Skin

Using a primer is essential for oily skin types as it creates a barrier between the skin and makeup, preventing excess oil from breaking down the foundation. A primer helps to control shine, extend the wear time of your makeup, and blur the appearance of imperfections.
By using a Primer for Oily Skin, you can achieve a smoother complexion and ensure that your makeup stays fresh and matte throughout the day.

Key Features to Look for in a Drugstore Primer

When choosing a drugstore primer for oily skin, there are certain key features to consider:
a) Mattifying Formula:
Look for a primer with a mattifying formula that controls oil and reduces shine. Ingredients like kaolin clay, silica, and salicylic acid are effective in absorbing excess oil and providing a shine-free finish.
b) Pore minimizing Properties:
A primer that helps minimize the appearance of pores. Ingredients such as niacinamide and dimethicone can help smooth out the skin’s texture and reduce the visibility of pores.
c) Long-lasting and Sweat-Resistant:
Since oily skin tends to produce more sweat, choose a primer that is long-lasting and sweat-resistant. This will ensure that your makeup stays in place even in humid conditions.
d) Lightweight and Non-Greasy Texture:
A lightweight and non-greasy primer is ideal for oily skin. It should feel comfortable on the skin and not add any additional heaviness or oiliness.
e) Blurring Effect and Smoother Skin:
Some primers offer a blurring effect, which helps to create a smoother canvas for makeup application. These primers can help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.

Top 19 Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin

1. Best Primer for Oily Skin: Maybelline Primer Baby Skin

Maybelline Primer Baby Skinir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07HM8598M
The Maybelline primer baby skin is a popular drugstore primer loved by many individuals with oily skin. This lightweight primer effectively blurs pores, mattifies the skin, and helps control oil throughout the day. Its velvety texture creates a smooth base for makeup application, ensuring a long-lasting and shine-free finish.

2. Best Primer for Large Pores: NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer

NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B007NNU2WI
If you’re looking for a primer that minimizes the appearance of pores and controls oil, the NYX professional makeup pore filler primer is an excellent choice. This affordable drugstore primer creates a silky-smooth surface, blurring imperfections and providing a matte finish. It helps your makeup stay in place and reduces shine, making it ideal for those with oily skin.

3. Best Drugstore Primer for Mature Skin: L’Oreal Infallible Matte Lock Primer

L'Oreal Infallible Matte Lock Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B074PQ14XY
For all-day shine control, the L’Oreal Infallible Matte Lock Primer is a top contender. This primer is specifically designed for oily skin, offering a matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours. It creates a smooth canvas, blurs imperfections, and helps your foundation adhere better. With its oil-absorbing properties, it keeps your skin looking fresh and shine-free.

4. Best Drugstore Primer for Wrinkles: E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07NSH2B4D
The e.l.f. poreless putty primer has gained a cult following for its pore-blurring and mattifying effects. This drugstore gem fills in fine lines, minimizes the appearance of pores, and controls excess oil, leaving your skin with a flawless finish. Its unique putty-like texture glides onto the skin, creating a velvety-smooth surface for foundation application.

5. Best Primer for Pores: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

Rimmel Stay Matte Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B00I9X3UKM
If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable primer for oily skin, the rimmel stay matte primer is a fantastic option. This lightweight primer helps to control shine and minimize the appearance of pores. It provides a matte finish that lasts throughout the day, ensuring your makeup stays put even in hot and humid conditions.

6. Best Drugstore Primer for Long Lasting Makeup: Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer

Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07YPKZZHF
The revlon photoready perfecting primer is a versatile drugstore primer suitable for oily skin. It creates a smooth base for makeup, blurs imperfections, and reduces shine. The lightweight formula glides on effortlessly and helps your foundation adhere better, resulting in a flawless and long-lasting look.

7. Milani Prime Shield Face Primer

Milani Prime Shield Face Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B01BPLEELS
The milani prime shield face primer is a mattifying primer that combats oiliness and extends the wear of your makeup. Its lightweight formula minimizes the appearance of pores and helps control excess oil, leaving your skin with a soft-focus finish. This drugstore primer is a favorite among those with oily skin, as it keeps shine at bay while providing a smooth and even base for makeup application.

8. Best Primer for Oily Skin: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Face Primer

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Face Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0155N7L7Q
The Wet n wild photo focus face primer is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. This primer helps control oil, minimizes the look of pores, and extends the wear of your foundation. Its matte finish ensures a shine-free complexion throughout the day, making it an excellent choice for those with oily skin.

9. Covergirl Trublend Primer

Covergirl Trublend Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07CJ7LPGL
The covergirl trublend primer is designed to control excess oil and create a flawless canvas for your makeup. This primer blurs imperfections, reduces shine, and helps your foundation last longer. Its lightweight formula glides on smoothly, leaving your skin with a soft and velvety texture.
Last but not least, the Neutrogena Shine Control Primer is a reliable option for individuals with oily skin. This primer effectively absorbs excess oil, minimizing shine and providing a matte finish. It also helps to reduce the appearance of pores and extends the wear of your foundation, ensuring a fresh and shine-free look throughout the day.

11. E.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Putty Primer

E.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Putty Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07ZR15K5R
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Matte Putty Primer is another gem from the e.l.f. Cosmetics line. This primer is specifically designed to control oil and minimize the appearance of pores. Its lightweight formula glides onto the skin, providing a smooth canvas for foundation application. The matte finish helps to reduce shine and keep your makeup intact throughout the day.

12. Physicians Formula Primer

physicians formula primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B08S6K4XJ4
Physicians Formula Primer is a great option for those with oily skin. This primer helps to absorb excess oil, creating a shine-free base for makeup. It also blurs imperfections and extends the wear of your foundation, ensuring a flawless look.  The lightweight formula feels comfortable on the skin and helps control shine throughout the day.

13. Best Primer for Dry Skin: Milani Primer Hydrating

milani primer hydratingir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B01BPLIBZS
For those with oily skin that still requires hydration, the Milani Primer Hydrating is an excellent choice. This primer not only minimizes the look of pores but also provides a boost of hydration to keep your skin moisturized. Its lightweight formula creates a smooth base, allowing your foundation to glide on seamlessly.

14. Best Smoothing Primer:  L.a. Girl Pro Prep HD Smoothing Face Primer

L.a. Girl Pro Prep HD Smoothing Face Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B00WNCS852
The l.a. girl pro prep hd smoothing face primer is a budget-friendly option that works wonders for oily skin. This primer blurs fine lines, minimizes the appearance of pores, and controls excess oil. It creates a smooth and velvety canvas for foundation application, ensuring a flawless and long-lasting makeup look.

15. Best Face Primer for over 50:  Covergirl Simply Ageless Primer

Covergirl Simply Ageless Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B003FKSVMG
If you’re looking for a primer that not only controls oil but also provides anti-aging benefits, the covergirl simply ageless primer is a fantastic choice. This primer helps to minimize the appearance of pores, smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles, and keeps your skin looking youthful.  It creates a perfect base for the foundation, ensuring a seamless application.

16. Best Moisturizing Primer: Revlon ColorStay Prep & Protect Primer

Revlon ColorStay Prep & Protect Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07B4PDNH8
Revlon ColorStay Prep & Protect Primer is a multi-purpose primer that offers oil control and added sun protection. This primer helps to control shine, extend the wear of your makeup, and provides SPF 34 protection against harmful UV rays.  It creates a smooth canvas for foundation, ensuring a flawless and protected complexion.

17. Best Drugstore Primer: Catrice Prime and Fine Poreless Blur Primer

Catrice Prime and Fine Poreless Blur Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B09GGBHNCL
Catrice prime and fine poreless blur primer is a reliable option for those with All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, and Normal. This primer blurs imperfections, minimizes the appearance of pores, and controls shine.

18. Primer for Sensitive Skin Drugstore:Covergirl Outlast All-Day Primer

Covergirl Outlast All-Day Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B00YLMVL3S
Covergirl Outlast All-Day Primer is a long-lasting primer designed to control oil and extend the wear of your makeup. It creates a smooth and even base, blurs imperfections, and helps your foundation stay in place throughout the day. This primer is specifically formulated for Sensitive, providing a shine-free finish that lasts.

19. NYX Shine Killer Primer

NYX Shine Killer Primerir?t=beautysecre06 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0072FTOW6
If you struggle with excessive shine, the NYX shine killer primer is a must-try. This primer effectively controls oil and eliminates shine, providing a matte finish that lasts. It creates a smooth base for makeup application, ensuring a flawless look without any unwanted greasiness.

How to Choose the Right Primer for Your Skin Type 

Choosing the right primer for your skin type is crucial to achieving the desired results:
Consider your Skin Concerns: 
If you have oily skin, prioritize mattifying and oil-controlling primers. If you also have visible pores, look for pore-minimizing properties.
Read Product Reviews: 
Get advice from people with similar skin types. Their experiences can give you valuable insights into the effectiveness of the primer.
Test the Consistency:
 Visit a local drugstore and test the consistency of different primers. Make sure the texture feels lightweight and non-greasy on your skin.
Check for non-comedogenic labels:
Non-comedogenic primers are less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts. Look for this label if you have acne-prone skin.

When to Apply Drugstore Primer for Oily Skin

To make the most out of your drugstore primer, follow these tips for applying it on oily skin:
Start with Clean, Moisturized Skin:
Cleanse your face thoroughly and apply lightweight, oil-free moisturizer before applying primer.  This will help moisturize your skin without adding excess oil.
Use a Small Amount: 
A little goes a long way with primers. Start with a pea-sized amount and gently spread it evenly across your face, focusing on areas prone to oiliness.
Allow the Primer to Set: 
Give the primer some minutes to set before applying the foundation. This will ensure that it forms a smooth base and maximizes its oil-controlling properties.
Use a Patting Motion:
 Instead of rubbing the primer into your skin, gently pat it in using your fingertips. This will help the product adhere to the skin and fill in pores for a smoother finish.
Consider Targeted Application: 
If you have extremely oily areas, such as the T-zone, you can apply a little extra primer to those areas. This will provide additional oil control and prolong the matte finish.
Follow with the 0il-Free Foundation:
Choose an oil-free foundation or a matte formula. This will complement the oil-controlling properties of the primer and help your makeup last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1.    Can I use a primer without a foundation?
Ans.    Yes, you can absolutely use a primer without foundation. Primers can be used alone to control oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and create a smoother complexion.
Q2.    How often should I apply primer on oily skin?
Ans.   It is recommended to apply primer every time you wear makeup. However, if you prefer a more minimal look, you can use primer on days when you want to control oil and extend the longevity of your makeup.
Q3.    Can a primer help minimize the appearance of pores?
Ans.  Yes, many primers are formulated with ingredients that help minimize the appearance of pores. They create a smoother surface and fill in the pores, resulting in a more refined complexion.
Q4.    Should I use a water-based or silicone-based primer for oily skin?
Ans. Both water-based and silicone-based primers can work well for oily skin. However, silicone-based primers are often preferred as they create a smoother canvas and have better oil-controlling properties.
Q5.    Can I use a drugstore primer with a high-end foundation?
Ans. Yes, you can definitely use a drugstore primer with a high-end foundation. Primers are designed to work with all types of foundations, regardless of the price range.

Conclusion

Finding the best drugstore primers for oily skin is essential to achieve a long-lasting matte finish. These primers not only control excess oil but also provide a smooth base for flawless makeup application. By choosing a primer that suits your skin’s needs and following the right application techniques, you can enjoy a shine-free complexion that lasts throughout the day. Say goodbye to makeup meltdowns and hello to a flawless, matte look!

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