Contents
- View The Best Mattifying Primer Below
- 1. Neutrogena Shine Control Primer
- 2. Estee Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer
- 3. Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer
- 4. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte-Lock Longwear Mattifying Face Primer
- 5. First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Pores Be Gone Matte Primer
- 6. Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer
- 7. Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Pore Minimizing
- 8. bareMinerals Original Prime Time
- 9. Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier
- 10. NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Primer
- Mattifying Primers Buyer’s Guide
Whoever coined the phrase “it’s your time to shine” obviously didn’t have your face in mind. When it comes to dialing down that shiny look, we all shy away from. A good primer is all it takes to keep you on the matte side of matters. We’ve shone a light on the subject to find the best mattifying primers – check out our top ten here:
View The Best Mattifying Primer Below
1. Neutrogena Shine Control Primer
Whether you finish this primer off with makeup or not, you’ll get eight blissful, shine-free hours, and the formulation won’t clog pores. It delivers a true matte finish for oily skin.
Pros:
+The rice protein formulation soaks up excess oil
+Decreases the appearance of pores
Why We Like It – This primer can stand up to busy days – even sweat won’t stop it. We loved the noncomedogenic ingredients, too.
2. Estee Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer
Smooth as silk to apply, this top-tier primer will leave even oily skin makeup-ready, and help keep shine at bay. Use it to extend the wear of your foundation or alone as an oil absorber – it’s well worth the splurge.
Pros:
+Superior mattifying that lasts throughout the day
+Creates a smooth surface for makeup
Why We Like It – Ready to move beyond drugstore brand primers? Estee Lauder’s achieved superior control over excess oil with this – it’s one of the best primers for oily skin that we found.
3. Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer
This all-in-one overachiever will reduce the look of fine lines and pores while it mattifies. And it works all day to keep oily skin shine-free while it helps keep your makeup looking like you just applied it.
Pros:
+Blurs imperfections and provides a smooth canvas for makeup
+Fights shine but will leave a healthy glow
Why We Like It – This makeup primer isn’t super-drying, so it’s a good choice for normal and combination skin in the summer months. It smooths fine lines and other flaws – and you can’t beat the price.
4. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Matte-Lock Longwear Mattifying Face Primer
In the search for the best primer for oily skin, you may think you’ll be sacrificing longevity. You’d be wrong. L’Oreal’s Infallible is a primer makeup that will cling to all day long – and the absorbent complex gives even oily skin a long-lasting matte finish.
Pros:
+Use alone or with makeup for extended shine control
+Smoothes skin and blurs imperfections
Why We Like It – The best primers for oily skin will absorb shine around the clock – this one stands the test of time, with or without foundation.
5. First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Pores Be Gone Matte Primer
Formulated with salicylic acid to improve your skin while it banishes shine, this primer pulls double duty. Make that triple, because it also reduces the look of pores, giving makeup a smooth start.
Pros:
+Made with salicylic acid and fig extract
+Reduces the appearance of pores
Why We Like It – We’re suckers for products that multi-task – and makeup primers are no exception. This one does the trick (well, two tricks, actually – that’s why we loved it).
6. Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer
Oil-free formula is always a good place to start when you’re looking to combat shine. This primer delivers the power of Vitamin E without the oily residue. It keeps the look of pores to a minimum and makeup pristine, too.
Pros:
+Vitamin E extract helps protect skin
+Neutralizes shine for a clean, flawless look
Why We Like It – Although it lasts a long time, tuck this primer in your purse if you’ve got a long day ahead: you can reapply over your makeup if pores start to peek through.
7. Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Pore Minimizing
Who needs photo filters? The best primer can do the retouching for you. Smashbox’s Photo Finish will correct color, minimize pores, and overcome oil to achieve a picture-perfect complexion. We liked the gel formula; it dries quickly and smoothly.
Pros:
+Combats oil, but doesn’t dry out the skin
+Corrects skin tone
Why We Like It – Used under your foundation, this primer will tamp down excess oil and leave your skin with a subtle radiance. Skip the touchups throughout the day – you won’t need them.
8. bareMinerals Original Prime Time
This formulation does more than just prime your skin – it nurtures it with botanical extracts and vitamins. It’s rich, but not greasy, and dries quickly to create a silky surface for makeup. You can also use it solo for its nourishing effects.
Pros:
+Gentle formulation revitalizes skin
+Boosts the staying power of all types of foundation
Why We Like It – This is the best primer for combination skin we found – it fights dry patches and oil with the same effectiveness. The plant-derived ingredients are kind to sensitive skin, as well.
9. Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier
Another good option for sensitive skin, Bobbi Brown’s take on matte primers, is enriched with sodium hyaluronate to encourage hydration without crossing into shininess.
Pros:
+Powder power: this formula absorbs oil like a powder, but without cakiness
+Contains sodium hyaluronate for natural hydration
Why We Like It – Formulated for all skin types, this primer will minimize pores without blocking them, and fights shine without overdrying.
10. NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Primer
Fine lines can make a creasy mess of the best makeup job, but if you start right with this primer, you’ll be ready for your closeup all day (or night) long. Skin feels smooth and nongreasy with the balanced formulation of this complex, too.
Pros:
+Reduces the look of fine lines
+Preps your skin for flawless makeup application
Why We Like It – It goes on so easily that just a tiny drop of this prime is sufficient to set the tone for perfect makeup all day long.
Mattifying Primers Buyer’s Guide
In your search for the mattifying skin primer that’ll shun shine, look for an oil-free formula that won’t clog pores.
There are bonus points for primers that go below the surface to treat your skin while they control oil, or ones that multi-task to minimize fine lines and other flaws to create a smooth, makeup-ready surface.
