Having oily skin can be challenging when it comes to getting foundation and concealer to last. But with the help of a good makeup primer, it can be easy to control oil and reduce the appearance of shine throughout the day.
Primers create an extra layer between your skin and makeup. They are not, as Karl Hodson, makeup artist and head of education for Laura Mercier points out, a replacement for your moisturiser and serum(s). “Primer should always be treated as an extra layer of makeup, not as your skin care,” he tells POPSUGAR, meaning to get the best results from your primer, it’s key to properly prep and hydrate your skin first.
There are a wide variety of primers on the market, many of which are meant for different skin types and concerns. Primers formulated specifically for oily skin help mattify, lock base products in place, and absorb excess sebum on the skin (which also contributes to your makeup lasting longer). In some cases, they can also blur pores, fill in fine lines, and even out skin tone.
If you have oily skin, look out for primers with the following terms on the packaging or in the product description: mattifying, shine control, oil control, pore-less, or pore-minimising. “You should also look out for primers that are noncomedogenic primers, as they won’t clog your pores,” says Dr Kemi Fabusiwa from Joyful Skin Clinic in Croydon.
As we mentioned above, to get the most out of your primer, it’s important to ensure your skin is clean and well moisturised. Then, don’t go slathering it on all over your face like a cream. According to makeup artists, the most common mistake people make with primer is often applying too much.
Using either your fingers or a sponge (a brush will just spread the product around), gently dab the primer onto the areas of your skin that are the oiliest, which is usually along the centre of the face (i.e. the T-zone). “It is important to make sure that you wash the sponge regularly to avoid the transfer of bacteria onto your face,” says Dr Fabusiwa, adding that you should “allow the primer to set and dry before following up with your makeup.” Most makeup artists recommend waiting at least a minute until you layer anything on top of your primer.
Keep reading to discover some of the best shine-stopping, makeup-prolonging primers we could find that are ideal for people with oily skin.
