The Best Primers for Oily Skin

Hi lovelies! Although my teen years are far behind me, I'm pretty sure my skin hasn't realized it yet. I am still just as oily and acne-prone as I was back in my days of adolescent angst. Luckily, I have found quite a few primers that work wonders for keeping the grease under control. Keep reading for all of my picks!

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1. Jouer Anti-Blemish Matte Primer
This little beauty is my ultimate holy grail mattifying primer. It's a little on the pricey side, but it is so worth the splurge. Not only does it keep skin oil-free all day long, but it also contains active ingredients like salicylic acid to treat any existing blemishes. I also love that this primer isn't that silicone-y, gel consistency like most oil control primers are. It almost feels like a moisturizer when you apply it, but it quickly dries down to a matte finish. Moral of the story: this stuff is liquid gold and you need it.

2. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer
I have been using Dr. Brandt skincare for years, but it wasn't until recently that I realized they had some amazing makeup as well. The moment you apply this primer, you can feel a difference in your skin. Pores get smaller, oil is mattified, and you are left with a silky smooth canvas to apply your foundation. If you've ever tried Benefit's POREfessional, this is very similar in consistency, but it is much more effective in my opinion.

3. Urban Decay Oil Control De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray
So I know this isn't technically a primer, but I use it like one. I like to spray this magical potion on my face before I start applying makeup and as the very last step in my routine to lock everything in place. If you're not into heavy primers that add an extra layer of product to your face, De-Slick's light, refreshing mist is the perfect choice.

4. Cover FX Mattifying Primer
This is another primer that has skincare ingredients to fight acne, which I absolutely love. It also does a great job keeping skin shine-free from morning til night. My only small issue with this one is the gel consistency, but that is just my personal preference.

P.S.- If you decide to try out this primer, buy the $16 "mini" .5 oz instead of the 1 oz tube. If you do the math, two .5 oz tubes would cost $32, while the 1 oz tube is $38. Generally the travel sizes are a ripoff, but this one is a better deal for some odd reason.

5. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light
I wouldn't recommend this primer if you are just a complete oil slick, but it is a great option if you are mildly oily to combination. The Photo Finish Light isn't greasy or pore-clogging like some primers, but it also isn't quite as mattifying as the others on this list. It's perfect for those girls that just need a bit of oil control and want their pores less visible. I often reach for this guy in the winter, when my skin isn't quite so greasy.

I'd love to hear about all of your favorite primers in the comments below!