The 9 Best Oil Free Primers for Your Face

If you suffer with oily skin, using an oil-free primer could well be one of the best makeup moves you make. Designed to stop your foundation slipping, the right primer leaves your complexion hydrated, nourished, and looking flawless for longer. Shiny skin can be a real drag. Even your best foundation will struggle to maintain its staying power when you have very oily skin.

What Does a Primer Do?

An oil-free anti-shine primer will help you in your quest for healthy, oil-free, dewy-looking skin. Without a primer, you might find that by lunchtime, your T-zone is looking a little patchy and uneven. Not every dewy finish is intentional! A primer that doesn't have any oil in it will help your skin stay looking matte all day.

Do I Need to Use a Primer?

A mattifying, oil free anti shine primer will keep your makeup look in place for as long as you need it to stay put. If you’re spending ages getting your look just the way you like it, the last thing you want is for it to slip away halfway through the day. An oil free primer for face will help lock down your look. A great primer will minimise the appearance of pores, give you a flawless base, and keep your skin hydrated without clogging your complexion. For smoother, healthier-looking skin, a primer for oily skin is the way to go.

And if you think finding an oil-free formula is going to be tricky, think again! We’ve combed the reviews and found our favourite primers to help keep your complexion free from shine, with or without makeup!

This is a great oil free primer for dry skin. Designed to condition and treat dehydrated or irritated skin, this formula is rich in nourishing ingredients that work to promote healthy skin. The lightweight texture of Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer - GOLD won’t clog your pores. And your fine lines will appear reduced every time you use it. Perfectly prepping the skin for makeup, this primer will have you loving the smooth, even look of your skin. The gel-like texture perfectly bridges the gap between your skincare and makeup routine, and the formula is suitable for all ages, genders, and skin types. Those who have dry skin will love the lightweight finish of this oil free foundation primer.

Today, primer is an essential for every makeup artist. If you're wondering what primers are good for oily skin, you might’ve just found one! MAKE UP FOR EVER Shine Control Primer is a silicone-based primer that doesn’t contain any oil. Your makeup will apply easier and last on the skin for longer when you use this oil free primer. It also won’t interfere with the colour of your foundation. This primer helps you optimise the colour of your foundation and concealer, and keeps both looking true as the day wears on. For a flawless finish that lasts for hours, the primer balances the skin’s texture and gives it a refined, silky finish. Apply the primer to clean, moisturised skin, especially along your T-zone.

When you wear a perfectly formulated primer, you don’t always need to apply foundation to your skin. Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Primer is a mattifying primer that has a barely-there feel. You’ll love the soft, silky, velvety texture your skin takes on every time you apply this formula. Dermatologically tested, this non-comedogenic solution helps the skin resist shine as the day goes on. If you’re spending a lot of time and energy doing your makeup every morning, the last thing you want is for it all to disappear by lunch. This primer will keep your makeup locked in place for as long as you need it to stay. Apply this solution after you’ve applied sunscreen, and follow up with your favourite makeup look.

The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer works hard to keep your skin looking its best. Designed with skin-loving ingredients, this primer keeps even very oily skin looking mattified and hydrated after every use. If you love the look of perfect skin, this easy-to-use primer should be your next essential purchase. Wear it alone or under makeup to make your pores look smaller. This non-greasy hydrator lessens the visibility of your imperfections. Apply the product to clean, dry skin and top up with makeup if your day calls for it. Keep your makeup looking high-definition for longer with this silky-smooth primer.

If you’ve never used primers before, you might think they’re a bit pointless. Surely, if your foundation is good enough, it’ll stay in place anyway, right? Well, that’s not always the case. As day goes on, your foundation has to work harder to handle whatever life throws at you. And if you’re a face-toucher (really not a good idea!), your makeup will look more and more depleted as the day goes on. Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Oil Control primer is silicone-free and has been proven to reduce the need for makeup touch-ups or blotting papers. Formulated to be worn with or without makeup, this hypoallergenic, paraben-free formula gives your skin a smooth, shine-free finish.

If you’re looking for a primer that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth but with a serious matte finish, Designer Brands Blur Primer is your pick. Formulated with a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients, this primer leaves your skin looking fresher, more illuminated, and smoother for longer. The Peptide infusion and Q10 help keep the skin looking firm and plump. Antioxidant-rich Green Tea and Aloe Vera extracts work to soothe and protect the skin. Vitamins A, C, and E give the skin a brighter appearance. All the ingredients blend together perfectly to accelerate skin cell renewal, so skin looks smoother and better. Suitable for all skin types, the formula should be applied in a thin layer. Pat it in to help it dry.

If you’re looking for something that will keep your eyeshadow in place before a big night out, you should look to theBalm Put A Lid On It Eyelid Primer. The cruelty-free and paraben-free formula treats the skin with kindness and creates a smooth area to apply makeup on. The smudgeproof, fade-resistant primer features light-reflecting particles that brighten the skin. The Peptides in the formula work to minimise the signs of ageing. The perfect base for all your favourite cream and powder eyeshadows, Put a Lid on It lets you enjoy a freshly applied makeup look for as long as your day lasts. Glycerine helps draw moisture from the skin and makes it look less oily, while Cyclopentasiloxane creates a satiny, soft, silky finish.

Formulated with a host of ingredients that help boost your skin’s moisture levels, Clarins Instant Poreless 20ml primer is perfect for people who want to play with makeup. Creating the perfect canvas for you to apply your look to, the nourishing and smoothing formula makes your skin glow. Effortlessly mattifying the skin without drying it out, this gel formula gives your skin a healthy boost. If you need to keep your oily patches in check, this primer will help you regain control while also minimising the appearance of any noticeable pores. This innovative formula leaves a blurred effect on the skin and boosts the skin’s moisture levels without creating any extra shine.

Lancôme Prep & Matte Primer is suitable for all skin types but is best suited to oily, shiny-looking skin. If you have a long, important day ahead of you, you don’t want to keep having to touch up your makeup. This primer helps keep your foundation and concealer in place while you get on with the important stuff. The advanced Polymers help the primer last on the skin, and they help create a smooth, even base for your makeup application. Ensuring your skin stays soft, this primer doesn’t compromise on comfort or hydration and helps the skin maintain its moisture levels. Your skin will look perfected and blurred every time you use this formula. Apply in the morning after you’ve cleansed, toned, and moisturised your skin.

If you love to play with makeup, you want to make sure your carefully crafted look stays in place all day long. If you’ve never bothered with a primer before, you’ll be surprised at the difference one can make to your skin. Smoothing out imperfections and getting you Instagram Story ready, a primer just might get you to decide to ditch the foundation completely.

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