Best primers for oily skin?

Apr 25, 2014

Jenna L.

So my skin gets super oily when I wear makeup. Makes it go really cakey by the afternoon.
To lessen the oilyness I thought taking primer out of my makeup routine would be helpful. But I've been reading that primer is a key step for making foundation stay.
So what is your favourite foundation!
AND do you need to let it set for a certain amount of time before applying foundation?

Apr 25, 2014

Lorna G.

Hello Jenna,

I have very oily skin and find it hard to keep my makeup in place due to the high humidity in Australia, so I can feel your frustration :) There is two primers that really come to mind. Firstly Smashbox's photo finish primer, is amazing to combat pores acne scars, and controlling the oil throughout the day. I find it adheres my foundation and keeps everything into place. The other primer that comes to mind is Mac's Skin Visage primer? This primer has light reflecting particles that help bounce light off to create a more luminous effect. The primer it's self is really good for creating a great base to apply the foundation. it makes my foundation stay into place as well.
I don't seem to let the primer set, I probably leave it for 20 seconds and then just apply my foundation, or sometimes when I'm in a hurry or what a lighter coverage I'd mix the two into my hand and then apply it.

Apr 25, 2014

Dawn A.

For me, I use the Smashbox primer and its wonderful! I let it sit on my skin for 10 minutes so my skin can really absorb the primer first then I take the foundation to it. I used to use Revlon Colorstay because its super matte and great for keeping my face non-oily! But lately I've just been using mineral powder foundation for a lighter coverage and its been harder for me to stay matte all day. Buuuut, I figured it out finally!! As soon as I put my foundation on I set it with Tarte's smooth operator setting powder and it keeps the oil on my face WAY down. setting with powder helps so much more for me rather than a good primer. But I do love the Smashbox primers:)

Apr 25, 2014

Shauna S.

Smashbox primers are really good and they have a lot of different primers but I do not recommend them for sensitive skin. I also like Hourglass Veil Mineral primer. I usually let mine soak in for about 5 minutes.

Apr 25, 2014

Xiomaruh L.

Smashbox primer does wonders!

Apr 25, 2014

April L.

To me the best primer for all day oil control is milk of magnesia. BUT. Definitely something I can't do everyday because it clogs my pores. So, the closest thing to milk of magnesia is the smashbox photo finish primer which I highly recommend IF you don't have sensitive skin. It broke me out and I'm very sad about it because I think it's the best. Now I use hourglass veil which is just as good and my skin likes it. No matter what though I always sit in front of a fan after I put on my primer and make sure it's as dry as can be.

Apr 25, 2014

Veronica M.

Hourglass primer!! I have oily skin.