18 Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin And a Smooth Canvas

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 19, 2024
A woman applying the Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin And a Smooth Canvas
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The best drugstore primers for oily skin are designed to amp up your makeup base easily without costing you a fortune. This product helps your makeup to stay on your skin longer than usual. Primers are nothing less than magical elixirs that help in reducing excess sebum production, thus controlling the oily sheen that ruins your makeup. Also, such products can effectively blur your pores, hide blemishes and fade away the signs of aging.

With multiple powers like keeping your skin hydrated and creating a smooth makeup base, these are indeed a must-have in your vanity kit. Trying your hands on the best mattifying primers for oily skin and waving goodbye to your oily skin concerns is surely a great idea.

For all those early explorers, trend-obsessed beauty junkies, and hardcore makeup buffs, vouching for the best drugstore primers for oily skin is a great choice as they serve as your secret weapons to ace flawless skin and fabulous HD makeup looks. With their oil-control formula and lightweight texture, they will never let your pores clog. Lastly, the mattifying effect and skin-nourishing abilities will leave you awestruck. What’s more? The excessive sebum will no longer peek through your makeup and spoil your look.

18 Best Drugstore Primers for Oily Skin

This Matte Putty Primer from e.l.f. is one of the best primers for oily skin that will fetch you a shine-free flawless makeup base. It is enriched with white charcoal and kaolin clay that softens your skin and prepares it for your heavy as well as light makeup layers. Its oil-free formula seamlessly blurs pores, fine lines, and other imperfections, keeping your look clean and minimalistic. For a full-coverage makeup look, this primer’s velvety texture and oil-absorbing abilities are indeed what you need.

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Lightweight
  • Travel-friendly
Cons
  • Not suitable for mature skin
  • Best Ultra-light Formula

    RIMMEL LONDON Stay Matte Primer

    RIMMEL LONDON Stay Matte Primer
  • Every makeup buff looks for lightweight makeup products that prevent greasy and cakey results. To start with the base and take extra care of your skin, you need this ultra-lightweight Stay Matte Primer from RIMMEL LONDON. It is a mattifying primer that comes with shine-controlling and pore-minimizing features. It has magical powers to lock your makeup, smoothen your skin and keep it hydrated all day long. In addition, this primer can be worn alone or with a foundation.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Non-greasy texture
    • Ideal for all skin types
    • Controls shine up to 8 hours
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best Weightless Primer

    Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

    Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer
  • It allows you to create a smooth canvas by minimizing imperfections and controlling excess sebum production. With a lightweight and well-balanced priming formula, this primer deserves much appreciation for serving you with a poreless base for minimal or maximal makeup application. It has a creamy texture that evens your skin tone and leaves your skin super smooth and matte. Plus, the high-quality ingredients will prevent creases, making sure that you need no frequent touch-ups. Incorporate this matte primer from Elizabeth Mott into your everyday makeup routine and drool over your own skin.

    Pros
    • Weightless
    • Non-greasy
    • Non-greasy
    • Paraben-free
    • Sweat-proof
    Cons
    • Hard to wash off
  • Best Long-lasting Primer

    Milani MAKE IT LAST Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set

    Milani MAKE IT LAST Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set
  • This long-lasting primer and setting spray from Milani is all that you need to seal your skin prior to or post-makeup with one of the best hydrating formulas ever. Yes, You read it right! This MAKE IT LAST Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set from Milani is nothing less than a magical elixir as it primes your skin and sets your makeup for up to 16 hours straight. It blurs out imperfections and lends you naturally luminous skin. It leaves no smears or streaks behind and thus, is one of the best drugstore primers not only for oily but also for all skin types.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Ultra-fine mist
    • Available in 4 finishes
    Cons
    • Poor packaging
  • Best Color-correcting Primer

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP STUDIO PERFECT PHOTO--LOVING PRIMER

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP STUDIO PERFECT PHOTO--LOVING PRIMER
  • This STUDIO PERFECT PHOTO-LOVING PRIMER is one of the best drugstore color-correcting primers with a shade of green. It effectively neutralizes redness with its lightweight and silky formula. For those struggling with rosacea, acne, and sensitivity, this green photo-loving primer is indeed a makeup must-have. Its quick-absorbing formula and smooth, creamy texture allow your makeup layers to cling to your skin throughout the day. With this primer in your kitty, you can seamlessly create a smooth and long-lasting makeup surface.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Ideal for all skin types
    • Available in three shades
    Cons
    • Greasy
  • Best Non-sticky Primer

    Touch in SOL NO PORE BLEM PRIMER

    Touch in SOL NO PORE BLEM PRIMER
  • This touch in SOL NO PORE BLEM PRIMER is one of the best drugstore makeup primers for attaining seamless coverage. It is a lightweight primer that minimizes pores as well as imperfections. It controls sebum and shine, and effectively blurs pores. Since the primer is formulated with collagen and green tea extracts, it leaves your skin super smooth and hydrated. With soluble collagen content, this gel-like primer enhances the elasticity of your skin, whereas green tea extracts lift dullness with ease.

    Pros
    • Non-sticky
    • Chemical-free
    • Regulates oil secretion
    • Plant-based ingredients
    Cons
    • Not ideal for mature skin
  • Best Multi-use Product

    Too Faced Mini Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray

    Too Faced Mini Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray
  • Amongst a heap load of silicone primers that feel greasy and uncomfortable on your skin, this 3-in-1 primer by Too Faced replenishes your skin with water and quenches its thirst. You’ll be surprised to discover that its formula consists of fresh coconut water and provides all-encompassing nourishment to your skin while smoothing out its surface. Other phenomenal humectants infused in it, such as hyaluronic acid, trehalose, and panthenol offer a steady delivery of moisture so your oily skin doesn’t feel too tight or uncomfortable under the makeup. After trying out this product, we were convinced that it could also be used as a refreshing toner and setting spray. 

    Pros
    • Efficient spritzer
    • Promotes skin elasticity
    • Makes skin plumper
    • Silicone-free
    • No parabens or phthalates
    Cons
    • Not for scent-sensitive folks
  • Best Clean Formulation

    bareMinerals PRIME TIME Original Pore-minimizing Primer

    bareMinerals PRIME TIME Original Pore-minimizing Primer
  • Owing to its whipped formula, spreading this primer over your skin is a breeze and you don’t have to rub too hard. The blurring primer reduces the appearance of enlarged skin pores and acne scars while ensuring that your makeup products don’t accumulate in them. Infused with buchu leaf extracts, the primer absorbs excess sebum from your skin and prevents it from getting an unflattering oily sheen. All in all, we highly recommend using this before applying makeup for a gorgeous, filtered effect. 

    Pros
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Clean formulation
    • Lightweight
    • Anti-inflammatory benefits
    • Revitalizes your skin
    • Hydrating properties
    Cons
    • Quantity is very little
  • Best for a Radiant Finish

    Artist Couture Prep & Glow Blurring Perfection Primer

    Artist Couture Prep & Glow Blurring Perfection Primer
  • There’s no reason to invest in a highlighter when you have this primer by Artist Couture that gives a stunning, luminous finish while combating the dullness that oily skin beauties often experience. The formula is perfect for making your skin look plump and healthy and left us drooling over how smoothly the foundation goes on over this. Through our practical experience, we can assure you that this product won’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight. 

    Pros
    • Bursting with humectants
    • Soothing sensation
    • Absorbs excess sebum
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Slightly sticky
  • Best for All Skin Types

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FACE STUDIO MASTER PRIME PRIMER MAKEUP - Blur + Smooth

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FACE STUDIO MASTER PRIME PRIMER MAKEUP - Blur + Smooth
  • This FACE STUDIO MASTER PRIME PRIMER for MAYBELLINE NEW YORK is enriched with a water-soluble base and active ingredients. It magically refines your look and makes your makeup last throughout the day. It lends you sheer, medium, and full coverage, and doesn’t clog your pores. It visually fades blemishes, fine lines, and enlarged pores, and helps reduce dark circles with its lightweight formulation. Plus, this primer also controls oil and is allergy tested.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy
    • Travel-friendly
    • Ideal for all skin types
    • Dermatologist tested
    Cons
    • Doesn’t smell great
  • MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FACE STUDIO MASTER PRIME PRIMER MAKEUP - Blur + Redness Control

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FACE STUDIO MASTER PRIME PRIMER MAKEUP - Blur + Redness Control
  • This color-correcting primer seeks the help of its active ingredients to even out your skin tone. MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FACE STUDIO MASTER PRIME PRIMER MAKEUP is popular for its counteracting ability to conceal skin’s redness. You can wear this primer alone as well as under your foundation. It works well on all skin types and provides you with a natural-looking finish. What is worth noticing is its long-lasting, mattifying, and transfer-proof abilities.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Non-oily formula
    • Water-based formula
    • Dermatologist tested
    Cons
    • Feels sticky
  • NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP SHINE KILLER MATTIFYING PRIMER

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP SHINE KILLER MATTIFYING PRIMER
  • This SHINE KILLER MATTIFYING PRIMER from NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP is loaded with oil-absorbing properties for a fabulous matte finish. It is an impeccable mattifying primer that easily dries down to a translucent finish. It is enriched with charcoal and helps you take better care of your oily T-zone. If you ask us, this primer is one of the best drugstore primers for oily skin. For a shine-free look, nothing can stand against its effective and instant results. It does not just blur out the pores but balances your skin’s sebum production.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Long-lasting
    • Provides full coverage
    Cons
    • Feels greasy
  • COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Primer

    COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Primer
  • For long-lasting makeup coverage, vouch for COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Primer. Trust us, this primer prepares your skin for makeup layers and seamlessly extends the wear of your foundation. The clear and translucent formula of this primer is also ideal for sensitive skin. If you are yearning for a spot-free effect and wish to conceal your pores, then this primer is what you need right at your hands. Let us tell you that with this primer you will look fresh and fabulous all day long.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Cruelty-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Won’t clog pores
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

    MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
  • This Hydro Grip Primer from MILK Makeup comes with a hydrating gel-like formula that lends you a dewy finish. It is an invisible primer that will shield your skin and prep it for the next heavy layers of makeup products. It is loaded with the goodness of Hyaluronic acid, hemp seed extract, and niacinamide that boost the hydration levels of your skin. For acing a smooth, supple, and glowing makeup look, this primer will set the perfect base for your skin.

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Silicone-free
    • Ideal for all skin types
    Cons
    • Overpriced
  • L.A. Girl PRO Prep Primer

    L.A. Girl PRO Prep Primer
  • This L.A. Girl PRO Prep Primer is a high-definition smoothing face primer that fills in your fine lines and pores. It is enriched with light-diffusing particles and skin-nourishing ingredients, much-needed for your foundation. This primer will lend you a flawless finish on and off-camera. This tube might look small but lasts for approximately 6 months. Add this primer to your makeup vanity right away and get set for a mattifying makeup look.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Fragrance-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Easy-to-apply
    Cons
    • Thick consistency
  • Milani Prime Shield Face Primer

    Milani Prime Shield Face Primer
  • This Milani Prime Shield Face Primer is a mattifying and pore-minimizing primer that is extremely light in weight. It is one of the best drugstore primers for oily skin that delivers effective color-correcting and discoloration-diffusing results. The primer blends seamlessly and prepares your skin for prolonged makeup wear. It has a creamy formula that evenly blends onto your skin. So, to soften the appearance of fine lines, and hide the pores, you can use this primer alone or under makeup.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Available in 2 shades
    Cons
    • Unpleasant fragrance
  • Boots No7 Airbrush Away Primer

    Boots No7 Airbrush Away Primer
  • This Boots No7 Airbrush Away Primer instantly reduces the appearance of your pores, blemishes, and fine lines. This primer is expertly enriched to soften your skin and lend a smooth base for your foundation. Along with its ability to treat wrinkles, this primer also works well for evening skin tone. If you wish to create a flawless and glowy makeup base, then this primer is all that you need to vouch for at the earliest.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Ideal for all skin types
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • e.l.f. PORELESS FACE PRIMER

    e.l.f. PORELESS FACE PRIMER
  • This Poreless Face Primer from e.l.f aids in filling your enlarged pores, fine lines as well as wrinkles. It locks in sufficient moisture with skin-loving and nourishing ingredients like tea tree extracts and vitamins like A and E. The primer’s silky base will fetch you a smooth canvas ideal for minimal and maximal makeup looks. What’s more? This face primer is 100 percent free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol, ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Matte finish
    • Blurring texture
    Cons
    • Unpleasant fragrance

    So, which are the best drugstore primers for oily skin making their way to your vanity? Well, there is no restriction on the number of primers that you invest in unless and until they deliver what they claim and serve your necessities. Why do you need to invest in one? Roll your eyes over to get to know everything about drugstore primers for oily skin.

    Why Is Primer Required for Oily Skin?

    No matter how professionally you plan to amp up your makeup game, without investing in the best makeup products you can end up messing up your look. And if you possess oily skin, your makeup can look cakey or patchy. So, you ought to rely on the best mattifying primer and bid adieu to greasy and oily skin. Here are the reasons why you need a primer for oily skin. 

    • 1. To blur pores 
    • 2. To control excess oil
    • 3. To blend makeup easily 
    • 4. For a mattifying makeup look
    • 5. To regulate sebum production
    • 6. To prevent makeup breakouts 
    • 7. To keep your makeup fresh for hours 
    • 8. To conceal shine and extreme greasiness 
    • 9. To form a smooth base for makeup application
    • 10. To help your makeup stay on to your skin throughout the day
    • 11. To conceal fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and other imperfections

    With the best drugstore primers for oily skin, you need not struggle for hours to ace a flawless makeup look. These primers are indeed the effective potion that helps you conceal everything that hampers your luminous complexion. To know how to use one, keep scrolling.

    When to Apply Drugstore Primer for Oily Skin?

    After you pick the best primer, you must be looking out for ways to incorporate them into your everyday makeup routine. But let us tell you, primers are not just meant for forming a base for your foundation but they also safeguard your skin from the adverse effects of prolonged makeup wear. Scroll down to know when to apply a drugstore primer for oily skin.

    • Step 1: Cleanse your face with a face wash or a face cleanser. 
    • Step 2: Apply a serum.
    • Step 3: Moisturize your face with a lotion or moisturizer. 
    • Step 4: APPLY PRIMER
    • Step 5: Apply a color corrector. 
    • Step 6: Apply a liquid foundation.
    • Step 7: Apply a concealer.
    • Step 8: Apply a foundation powder. 
    • Step 9: Apply bronzer.
    • Step 10: Apply blush and follow it with a highlighter.

    From the above steps, you must have noticed that priming your face is the first and the most crucial step to follow before kickstarting your makeup regime. So, shop for one of the best drugstore primers for oily skin, and resolve all of your oily skin concerns with ease. We are sure you will drool over your own makeup skills as these primers are indeed the boon you are looking for to tackle your oily-skin shenanigans on a daily basis. Do make sure that you populate your makeup vanity with an appropriate primer that suits your skin. Skimping off a primer isn’t a good choice to make if you wish to amp up your makeup game to the maximum.

    FAQ's

    Which is the best glowy finish drugstore primer for oily skin?
    Maybelline is the best glowy finish drugstore primer for oily skin. You may also use a non-greasy and ultra-lightweight primer.
    When to apply drugstore primers on oily skin?
    Always apply a drugstore primer on oily skin right before beginning your makeup.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    We understand how difficult it must be to keep the makeup in place all day when you have oily skin. Our certified makeup expert, Sayantani, who also has oily skin, knows the struggle and has been trying out several primers over the years that can mitigate the problem effectively. She has curated this list based on her practical experience and come up with the products that really helped her to get a smooth canvas when she decks up for an event or on a daily basis.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More