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

• Hour Glass Veil

Pore Minimizing Primer

• Fenty Pore F’ltr Instant Retouch

Silicone Based Primers

• The Ordinary High Adherence

Water Based Primers

• Benefit POREfessional

Oil Absorbing Primers

• Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte

Hydrating Primers

• Milk Hydrogrip

Mattifying Primer

• Peter Thomas Roth Skin to Die For

Protective Primer

• Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas

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.

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!

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.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

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