Lightweight, slightly tacky primer that tames shine, softens pores, and helps foundation stay put without a heavy finish.
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I checked my makeup in the elevator thinking it looked smooth, then caught my reflection outside and my T-zone was already glossy. Switching to a vegan, slightly tacky grip primer and patting it on just where I get oily stopped my foundation from sliding without making my skin feel coated.
In-depth Reviews
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
- Strong grip without feeling sticky all day
- Helps reduce the look of uneven texture as makeup wears
- Plays well with many long-wear foundations when applied thinly
- Can pill if layered over heavy skincare
- Needs a short set time before foundation
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
- Excellent grip for long wear
- Helps prevent foundation separating around the T-zone
- Works well under both light and full coverage bases
- Can feel tacky if you apply too much
- Not the most pore-blurring option
Cover FX Blurring Primer
- Noticeably blurs pores and texture
- Gives foundation a smoother, more even laydown
- Helps slow down shine on the center of the face
- Can feel a bit “silicone-y” if you dislike that texture
- Not as grippy as gel primers for extreme wear time
Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer
- Soft-matte control without looking dry
- Comfortable, lightweight wear
- Good balance of smoothing and breathability
- If you need extreme grip, a gel primer may last longer
- Pore blur is more subtle than heavier silicone formulas
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
- Excellent value for a smoothing primer
- Helps foundation glide and look more even
- Good everyday option for pore-softening
- Not the grippiest choice for very long wear
- Can feel slippery if you over-apply
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: Make Any Vegan Primer Last Longer on Oily Skin
Spot-prime instead of coating your whole face. Most oily skin does best when you focus primer on the T-zone, inner cheeks, and anywhere foundation separates. Keeping the outer perimeter lighter helps you avoid a heavy feel and reduces the chance of pilling.
Match your primer to your foundation base. If your foundation is silicone-heavy and you use a very water-gel primer, you are more likely to see slipping or little “eraser bits.” When in doubt, test one cheek: apply primer, let it set, then swipe foundation on top. If it beads up, switch primer styles.
Use a “press, then set” method. Press primer in with fingertips, let it set, then press foundation in with a damp sponge or dense brush instead of buffing aggressively. Finish by lightly pressing a small amount of powder into the T-zone, then dusting off the excess. It keeps shine down without making your skin look older or cakier.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: For most oily skin, e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide is the best overall balance of grip, lightweight feel, and shine control without making makeup look heavy. If you need the most reliable all-day hold, go with Milk Makeup Hydro Grip and keep application thin to avoid pilling.
See also
If you love a tacky, makeup-gripping base, check out our Milk Makeup Hydro Grip primer review, and pair it with this guide to choosing the right foundation finish so your layers do not fight each other.
- Best SPF tinted moisturizer options for oily skin
- Setting powders that stay smooth and photo-friendly
- Transfer-resistant foundations that hold up in humid weather
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
What type of primer is best for oily skin, grippy gel or silicone?
Both can work, but they solve different problems. Grippy gel primers help foundation cling and often wear well through heat and movement, while silicone primers are usually better at blurring pores and smoothing texture. The most important piece is compatibility with your foundation: water-based foundations tend to behave best over gel-style primers, and silicone-heavy foundations tend to glide better over silicone primers.
How do I stop primer from pilling on oily skin?
Pilling usually comes from too many layers, not enough dry time, or mixing formulas that do not play nicely. Keep skincare light in the T-zone, apply primer in a thin layer (pressing instead of rubbing), and give it a minute to set before foundation. If you use a silicone primer, avoid piling a thick gel moisturizer underneath it in the same area.
Do I still need setting powder if I use a mattifying primer?
Most oily skin still benefits from strategic powder, even with a good primer. The trick is placement: powder the center of the face where you get shine, and go lighter on the perimeter so you do not look flat or dry. A pressed powder for touch-ups plus a small fluffy brush can keep things tidy without caking.
Can I use a primer alone without foundation to control shine?
Yes, especially blurring and soft-matte primers. Apply it like you would skincare, then add a little powder just on the T-zone if you need extra control. If you want a more polished “no makeup” look, spot-conceal around redness and set only where you crease or get shiny.
How much primer should I use for oily skin?
Less than you think. Start with about a pea-size for the whole face, then add a tiny extra amount only where you break down fastest (usually around the nose, inner cheeks, and center forehead). Using too much primer can make foundation skate around and separate faster.
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