Have you ever wished for skin that looks like it has been face-tuned even when it’s not? Oil-free primers are the quickest way to achieve that soft matte filter-like look.
Many choose to skip primers, but if you have oily skin, you may want to reconsider. Although it’s not necessary per se, primers that are specially formulated for oily skin do help to extend your makeup wear, and they blotch away the unwanted shine on your face.
Is a primer bad for pores?
As with any makeup or skincare products, it’s essential to check the ingredient list. You need to know what are the harmful ingredients that you should stay away from. Primer formulas these days are carefully developed, and in fact, they serve as an added step to complete your skincare routine. So, with the right primer, your pores are safe. Here are the best oil-free primers for any skin types, tones, and concerns.
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Hourglass’ Veil Mineral Primer is an oil-free multipurpose primer that conceals redness, minimises the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles. It has a silky texture and a weightless feel that also repels water to keep your makeup looking fresh all day long. Plus, it shields your skin from the UV rays with SPF15 protection.
Your Skin But Better Primer is also a moisturiser; this 2-in-1 product is formulated with IT Cosmetics’ proprietary All Day Grip Technology. It's lightweight and contains a key moisturising agent, which is known as Glycerin, that draws moisture from the air and traps them in your skin. With continued use, it can help to refine your pores too.
Bobbi Brown’s Primer Plus Mattifier is a primer that not only extends the quality of your foundation’s wear but it also absorbs excess oil while blurring your pores. On top of that, this primer features a special powder technology that refreshes and smoothes skin with a cool and breathable finish. It also contains Sodium Hyaluronate to keep your skin’s moisture level balanced.
Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer by Fenty Beauty is an oil-free face primer that offers next-level [matt]ness for oily skin. This lightweight and cushiony primer instantly mattifies your skin, fights shine all day, and smooths the look of pores, without feeling tight or dry on the skin. Thanks to the unique blend of Blue Agave Extract and special blurring powders, this primer helps create an instant soft-focus filter-like skin.
Bye Bye Pores Primer is a non-clogging, oil-free serum and primer 2-in-1. It has the benefits of a facial serum due to the powerful skin-loving ingredients formulated in it, namely Moroccan lava clay, purifying charcoal, papaya fruit extract and hydrolyzed collagen. Then, there’s IT Cosmetics’ exclusive Bye Bye Pores Optical Blurring Technology™ that creates a smooth and velvety canvas for flawless makeup application. This primer is also suitable for dark skin types as it has a translucent formula that blends into the skin seamlessly.
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer is an oil-free mattifying primer that immediately blurs flaws, reduces the appearance of pores, and controls oil for up to 8 hours. This is a gel-based primer that won’t clog pores or cause any breakouts, and it’s water-resistant too.
Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is an oil-free primer that ensures better foundation application and longer wear with an instant retouch effect. Not to mention, this primer creates the perfect soft matte filter-like blurring effect on the skin. It has a lightweight and comfortable feel while keeping your skin moisturised in the meantime.
Tarte’s BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer is a brilliant multitasker that works as a primer, moisturiser, light foundation, anti-ageing treatment, and sunscreen, perfect for people who are always on the grind. This oil-free primer has a light-to-medium coverage that can be worn alone or underneath your foundation. In addition, it helps to diffuse light and minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores while improving the appearance of your skin’s luminosity.
The Revitalising Primer by 3INA is a super-light water-based primer that creates a smooth base for makeup. More importantly, it’s oil-free and it has SPF30 built in its formula to protect your skin from sun damage and premature ageing. This paraben-free primer also contains Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin hydrated and revitalised.
WetnWild’s Coverall Face Primer is an oil-free matte primer that reduces the appearance of pores, fills in fine lines and wrinkles, even out your skin tone, as well as preventing your foundation from caking. This lightweight primer is also formulated with a White Sapphire blend that helps brighten your complexion.