11 Best Oily Skin Primers

KiKi Carr

The most popular questions about makeup primers for oily skin are “Is primer really necessary?”, “Does primer stop oily skin?”, and “Which is the best primer for oily skin?”

Well, it depends. Some makeup artist swear by it and feel it is necessary and alot of people don’t feel like it’s necessary at all. Then there are those who can take it or leave it. But nothing will ever stop you from having oily skin genetics. And the best primers for oily skin are mattifying.

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Matte primers help to control oil while smoothing and minimizing the appearance of pores. They combat shine and grip foundation so that it stays in place all day.

Matte primers are oil free and people love them because they not only help the makeup last longer, but they also blur texture, fill fine lines, and reduces the look of pores. Primers hide imperfections and are hidden gems for achieving that flawless looking finish.

What Is Primer Makeup

Makeup primer has two functions, one to protect skin with makeup by forming a barrier between the skin and foundation. The second main function is to grip complexion products. Primer helps foundation last longer throughout the day.

Primer should be used in conjunction with complexion products. It’s not skincare and does not replace your serums, moisturizers, or any of the other products in your skincare routine. Primer is safe to use everyday and although it can be applied to your entire face the best practice is to use it where needed most, like the T zone.

Choosing a Primer

There are many different kinds of primers i.e. cream, liquid, gel, etc. and there are many different types of primers. The type of primer will give you the benefit, i.e. hydrating, pore minimizing, matte, etc. To choose the right primer type first base it off of your skin needs. For example, oily skin should use primers that are oil absorbing or mattifying.

After putting your skins need first then and only then should you consider your desired finish. And FYI, all skin types can use hydration. Any day all day 7 days a week. Most people gravitate towards primers because they want a blurred finish and they want to diminish the look of pores.

Types of Primers

Mineral Based Primers

Pore Minimizing Primer

Silicone Based Primers

Water Based Primers

Oil Absorbing Primers

Hydrating Primers

Mattifying Primer

Protective Primer

Primer Vs No Primer

Ahhh the great debate! Well let’s say this, foundation can absolutely go directly against the skin. Primers were designed to compliment foundation. So no, primer is not necessary. But they really do work as a great foundation base.

Most primers can be used with liquid or powder foundation. As with anything there are pros and cons to using primer.

Primer Benefits

  • Best way to control oily face makeup
  • Has added skincare
  • Not harmful for your skin

Primer Disadvantages

  • Requires research to choose the right one
  • Extra step

What Order To Apply Primer?

Primer goes on after your skincare. Your serum, moisturizer and sunscreen should all be applied before your makeup primer. Although a lot of primers have amazing skin loving ingredients, those are added benefits. Products specifically designed to care for skin should be applied before makeup primer.

How to Apply Primer, Foundation and Concealer

Unlike skincare, makeup is meant to sit on top of the skin. It is completely pointless to use things your skin will love if it’s not on your face long enough to do anything. Before applying makeup always give your skincare time to absorb. Apply makeup after your skin care has been on for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 1

Apply primer to the entire face. If you have super oily skin set the primer with a thin layer of translucent powder. This will help keep the shine away longer. Be careful not to over due the powder so that your foundation doesn’t look patchy.

Step 2

Apply foundation or concealer. If you plan on wearing both foundation and concealer you can apply either or first. As a makeup artist for over 30 years I use concealer alone, to color correct and to highlight.

Concealer that matches your skin tone can be worn alone or under your foundation. The only time concealer should be used on top of foundation, no exceptions, is when you are using it to highlight.

Pro Tip: Tap concealer in with your fingers for a more natural look.

How To Use Primer for Large Pores

Oily skin types typically have larger pores. And when the face is shiny the pores are much more visible. The absolute best way to hide pores with makeup primer is to use a mattifying primer or double prime. When double priming use pore minimizing primer that is light-weight and oil free.

The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer fits the bill. This silicone based primer helps to fill pores and keeps skin looking matte. This primer has added skin bonuses like Vitamin A which is excellent for acne and Vitamin E for nourishment. Both Vitamin A and E keep the skin youthful looking and healthy.

The first step is to evenly apply the makeup primer. Next apply the foundation, concealer or both. After your base (foundation / concealer) is on, use your fingers to tap a small amount of primer onto any shiny areas of your face.

Remember matte skin makes pores appear less visible.

If double priming sounds like a lot you can always use one primer with a full coverage foundation and a blurring technique. The technique involves using a flat top kabuki brush and buffing the foundation into the skin rapidly and firmly.

This technique is good for small problematic areas. If you try to do this all over your entire face you run the risk of looking cakey.

Once the foundation has been buffed into the skin add a light layer of translucent setting powder to seal the deal.

Best Primer for Large Pores

One of the best primers to blur and fill pores is the Makeup For Ever (MUFE) pore minimizer. MUFE is one of the best makeup brands around. This primer visibly reduces the appearance of pores instantly and is one of the few primers that can be worn alone because of its flesh tone.

MUFE PORE MINIMIZER

Reduce the appearance of pores for up to 24 hours. Instantly smooth. Blur. Smooth fine lines and texture.

Best Matte Primer

When it comes to matte primers the best one is the Bobbi Brown Face Base. It is vitamin enriched and a 2-n-1 primer and moisturizer. The face base does not clog pores and is made with very simple ingredients. Oh, and it smells wonderful!

BOBBI BROWN FACE BASE

Full makeup prep in one step. Rich. Lightweight. Fast-absorbing. Layers seamlessly with makeup and skincare products.

Best Primer For Acne Prone Skin

An oil controlling primer is the best option when you have a breakout or pimples. The Tom Ford Traceless Primer has Salicylic Acid which combat acne scars and help keep pores clean. It also cuts down on excess oil, is anti-bacterial, and lessens breakouts over time.

TOM FORD TRACELESS SOFT MATTE PRIMER

Hybrid primer. Oil controlling. Sweat and humidity resistant.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Best Fake Eyelashes For Beginners | A Complete Guide

KiKi Carr

The best fake eyelashes for beginners are 3D mink lashes. Particularly Siberian hair minks. The 3D effect makes the minks look natural and the band is firm yet flexible making them easy to apply and durable.

Minks are soft, reusable, fluffy, lightweight and can be worn everyday. They vary in length from short 12mm to long 25mm.

Items are shipped via USPS priority. Orders are processed within 72 hours of receipt. All sales are final.

Minks typically cost between 15 and 25 dollars. The difference between mink lashes and synthetic lashes is that minks last longer.

Synthetic lashes are meant for single use but you can probably get at least 3 uses out of them if you are very gentle.

Mink lash strips on the other hand have up to 25 wears. Minks mimic real hair in texture and appearance unlike synthetic lashes which have a shiny appearance.

mink lash

A mink lash is the secret weapon to looking more beautiful and awake with less effort. It’s much quicker to pop a lash than it is to apply several coats of mascara.

And with all of the different lash styles almost any look can be achieved. Rather you want sexy, subtle, or glamorous there’s a lash for that!

How To Put On Fake Eyelashes

If you have long full lashes already you can add a coat of mascara but if not just add it after the lash is already on. For my makeup lovers go ahead and beat your face.

You don’t want to get make in or on the lash so always apply your lashes after putting on makeup. But honestly, a flirty lash is an “eyeshadow” hack. Lashes are instant eye looks.

how to apply fake eyelashes pictorial

The Blessed Lash

Mink lashes can easily be applied with your fingers but its a good idea to use a lash tool. Instead of peeling the lash off from the side, release it from the tray by sliding it down with your thumb.

Once you have the lash take a little time to customize it to your eye shape by trimming off any part of the outer corner that extends past your natural lash.

So that the lash isn’t blunt but actually follows the diagonal of the natural lash line be sure to trim the lash on an angle. Now you are ready to apply!

PRO TIP: Applying the lash too close to the inner corner will cause irritation. Your eye may itch and tear which will cause the lash to lift.

makeup for black women

Step 1

Start by holding the lash in the middle near the lash band.

Step 2

While looking down into a mirror sit the lash down right above your natural lash.

Step 3

Make sure the band adhere’s to your eyelid.

Step 4

Press the middle of the lash against your skin first, then attach the outer corner and lastly the inner corner.

Step 5

Pinch the false lash together with your lash using your fingers or the lash tool.

Step 6

Tight-line your upper lash line with a black eyeliner.

Step 7

Use mascara to blend your lashes with the falsie.

Best Glue For False Eyelashes

There are so many different eyelash glues for strip lashes these days. There is waterproof glue, instant bond, Vitamin enriched, lash glue pens, wands and the list goes on and on. Out of all the choices the best glue for false eyelashes is a latex glue.

best false eyelash glue

Latex glue is definitely beginner friendly and has a strong hold. The Sassy eyelash glue is super easy to use, fast drying and budget friendly. Of course if you have an allergy to latex there are great latex free options as well.

PRO TIP: Give the glue about 30 seconds to dry before applying the lash. This helps the glue get tacky and stick quickly.

How Long Do Mink Lashes Last?

The standard for a mink lash is up to 25 wears but I get much more use out of my mink lashes. Last year I wore the my favorite pair the entire summer!

Mink lashes can last for months if they are cleaned and stored after each use. Avoid using mascara on the lash and keep them dry. If the lash gets wet it won’t fall apart but it will lose the curl and 3D effect.

how to get beautiful black skin

How To Take Care of Mink Lashes

When removing the lash tightly grab the outer corner and gently begin lifting the lash. Use an alcohol soaked Q tip and pat it on the glue. The alcohol will immediately begin to dissolve the glue.

With a pair of tweezers or your fingers pluck the glue from the lash band. If the glue doesn’t remove easily add more alcohol, be care not to get too rough. Lastly take a spoolie and comb through the lash hairs before storing it in its casing.

natural looking mink lashes

Will False Lashes Damage My Real Lashes?

NO! Short answer lol. There are so many lash myths that needs to be canceled already. They are heavy, they won’t stick, they will damage your real lashes. UGH! A strip lash can not damage your real lashes if

  • You use lash glue and not gorilla glue or hair glue or something silly.
  • Remove the lash daily.
  • Sit the falsie above your natural lash, not on it.
makeup skincare and fashion for women

How To Choose False Eyelashes

The first way to choose a lash is preference. Sure certain lashes look better with certain face shapes and eye shapes but if YOU don’t like the lash don’t buy it just because a google search says it will look good on you.

3D mink lashes come in different lengths, density’s, and styles. The lengths are short 12mm – 14mm, medium 15mm – 19mm, and long 20mm to 25mm. A density of light, airy, wispy, bold, or dramatic and lastly a style of cat eye, doll eye, open eye or natural.

PRO TIP: Long eyelashes make you look prettier.

Mink lashes are easy and low maintenance. They don’t need curling or mascara. They are light weight, won’t damage your real lashes and will enhance any makeup look. Mink are great for popping the eyes and looking beautiful with very little effort.

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Kiss Lash Adhesive

Strong hold. Gentle formula. Latex-free.

Sassy Eyelash Glue

Anti-fungal. Fast drying. Water proof.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Keep Oily Skin Matte All Day

KiKi Carr

Oily skin is great for looking younger, not so great if you want a matte finish. Without taking the proper prep makeup may start off looking matte but as the day goes on will get greasy looking. Preventing, avoiding and stopping shiny face makeup is a flex. Period.

The best method to keep your face from getting oily throughout the day is to start with a good skin prep. Skin care is always the first line of defense. Although it is not possible to stop oily skin all together a good skin care routine definitely makes a world of a difference.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Good makeup always begins and ends with a solid skincare routine. There is no makeup hack that can or will replace a proper skincare regimen. Target has excellent skin care for black skin. These products are extremely affordable and will help control oil all day.

Wash with a Hydrating Cleanser

Oily skin lacks sufficient moisture and over produces oil. It is important to not attempt to constantly strip the skin of excess oil but to add in more moisture. Using a hydrating cleanser like Cerave will help bring balance to the skin. This cleanser is not stripping and leaves the skin feeling light and fresh.

Tone with Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is the best toner for oily skin because it is pore constricting. Oily skin has larger pores. By constricting the opening of the pore less oil can get through to the surface of the skin. Witch hazel is all natural and has been used for centuries in skin care. Thayer’s is purified and will leave the skin visibly smoother.

Moisturize with an Oil Free Moisturizer

Oil is good for oily skin, not all but some. I recommend everyone use a face oil but they are especially helpful for oily skin and acne prone. Obviously using oil when going for the matte look is not the move. The Cerave Cream Moisturizer is perfect for anyone who wants a matte look.

It is not possible to completely stop our skin from producing oil. Constantly stripping the skin of its oil will cause the skin to produce more oil, increasing the chances of a break out. With the proper skin prep it is possible to stay matte throughout the day.

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Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

The Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains Hyaluronic Acid, an all natural intensive moisturizing agent. The cleanser is paraben free, dermatologist tested and recommended for oily skin. The Cerave hydrating face cleanser works by optimizing the skin barriers so that it functions efficiently.

Thayer’s Witch Hazel

Thayers Witch Hazel contains ingredients used for centuries in beauty. Aloe (nicknamed the plant of immortality by the Egyptians) and Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel has been used to treat oily skin for decades. Witch hazel is an all natural pore constrictor. As the pores are constricted oil is reduced.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream

The Cerave Moisturizing Cream is non comegenic, fragrance free and dermatologist tested. It is light weight and absorbs quickly. Cerave ingredients are extremely hydrating and is the best drug store moisturizer for oily skin and acne prone.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator