10 Best Primers for Oily Skin 2023 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed

This primer from XX Revolution helps to illuminate, hydrate and blur pores. Its lightweight texture and mattifying properties makes it perfect for anyone with oily skin. 

What makes this primer stand out is the inclusion of witch hazel and pink clay which are both anti-inflammatory ingredients which will help to create a smooth base and finish!

The clue is in the name, this product gives a sleek matte finish to your makeup application. The mattifying primer feels like velvet, lasts for the whole day and you only need to use a tiny bit to go a long way. 

This silicone-based primer does a great job at hiding imperfections and blurring the appearance of wrinkles. It's also a fantastic product for anyone looking for a sweat resistant primer to use during the summer or on holiday. 

This elegantly packaged primer is infused with bamboo extract which is packed full of benefits for oily skin. Bamboo extract aids in collagen production to help firm pores and encourage faster healing for acne prone skin.

The formulation is non-drying and binds makeup together to prevent fallout, clumping and sliding. Our concern is the durability of this product, as there is only one silicone-based ingredient it may not stand up quite as well against sweat. 

One of MAC's most loved products, this mattifying primer combats visible pores, controls shine, as well as helping to improve skin texture for up to six hours. 

Not to mention, it's rich in beneficial ingredients such as algae extract and witch hazel, this primer will help leave skin looking healthy and improving the quality of foundation wear.

Rimmel's Lasting Matte Primer has a smooth and silky texture that's easy to spread. In fact, you only need to apply less than a pea sized amount to instantly create a makeup-ready canvas across your entire face. With the ability to control shine for up to nine hours, this is your go-to product for any night out. 

With a light and breathable texture, you will hardly tell that you're wearing this primer at all. Making it ideal for those who prefer minimal makeup.

Effectively control shine with this primer from Huda Beauty. This product is designed to minimise oil production and reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles for a matte and even skin texture.

This gel-like primer is 60% water, with a range of plant extracts to adequately moisturise and nourish the skin. The formula also contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium to help your skin look younger and more radiant. 

Smashbox's Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer is a reliable choice given it is one of the most popular primers on the market. This gel-to-powder primer is easy to apply and creates a silky-smooth finish to the skin. 

Abundant with great ingredients such as witch hazel, salicylic acid and zinc, this primer is the perfect solution for those looking to maintain an oil-free and smoother looking face throughout the day. 

Collection's Primed & Ready Mattifying Pore Minimiser uses an anti-bacterial formula that contains witch hazel, a naturally astringent and anti-inflammatory ingredient used to treat acne-prone skin. 

It's transparent and ultra-lightweight, so it won't cause your make-up to cake or clog your pores. Best of all, a little goes a long way and at an already affordable price, you can save yourself a bit of cash if you're buying primer on a budget!

Not-too-thick and not-too-thin, this primer's a winner in the texture department. You can wear it under makeup without it feeling too heavy for a shine-free finish, or on its own to give bare skin a natural-looking matte appearance that will last all day.

How ever you choose to apply it, make sure to combine this primer with a suncream on sunny days or if you're planning on being outside as unfortunately, this product does not provide sun protection.

With its ability to fight shine all day long, it's no surprise that Fenty's Pro Filt'r mattifying primer has become such a popular product online. The formula, which includes blue agave extract, is so lightweight that it will absorb easily into the skin, leaving only the thinnest possible layer of product to seamlessly bind with your makeup. 

Although great for people with oily skin, make sure to use this product sparingly. By applying too much, you could risk drying out your skin, especially with the lack of moisturisers in the formulation.