These Top Rated Primers Will Create a Smooth, Flawless Canvas for Your Makeup, Even With Combination Skin!
Primers are meant to turn your skin into a flawless canvas onto which your makeup is applied, but having combination skin can make that challenging.
Combination skin means you have oily skin in some areas on your face like the t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry skin on other parts of your face like your cheeks.
Not all primers work well for this type of skin.
If the primer is too oily, it will create a greasy shiny look on your t-zone while other might dry out the already dry problem areas on your cheeks.
In this article we are going to review the top primers for those with combination skin.
Many of these absorb oil without drying your skin out and they conceal pores, fill in lines and wrinkles, and help your foundation last longer.
This Laura Mercier Foundation primer doubles as a foundation as well.
It is specifically designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin as well as oily skin.
This is a popular choice and those who use it say they love the dewy, fresh appearance it leaves and their makeup lasts much longer when using it as a primer.
In fact, several of our writers and editors use this product and swear by it, myself included!
DHC Velvet Skin Coat
Via Ulta.com
Via Amazon.com
This clear, powder-gel formula can be applied before foundation or worn alone as a skin mattifier.
Instantly minimizes the look of fine lines, pores, and imperfections while reducing oiliness to help makeup glide on and last longer.
It is used by professional makeup artists because it makes the skin look silky smooth and provides the perfect base for makeup.
It contains oil-absorbing silica so that foundation goes on smooth and doesn’t look shiny.
Clinique Superprimer Universal Face Primer
Via Ulta.com
Via Sephora.com
Via Macys.com
The Clinique Superprimer Univesal Face Primer is a lightweight, oil-free primer that creates an ideal makeup canvas.
While you wear it, it corrects discoloration and blurs pores as well as color corrects so that your makeup glides on evenly and stays true.
Reviewers say this also works great on aging skin or those with acne.
Ideal for combination to oily skin.
L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Lock Primer
Via Ulta.com
Via Amazon.com
Like the name suggests, this primer is long lasting and gives you a matte look that isn’t shiny.
This face primer works by blurring imperfections and keeping oil at bay, locking in a matte finish that lasts all day.
It provides all day oil control which makes it ideal for combination and oily skin.
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
Via Amazon.com
Via Target.com
This oil free formula minimizes the appearance of pores, controls shine for up to 7 hours, and never feels greasy or heavy.
This skin perfecting primer can be worn alone, under, or on top of makeup.
If you have dry skin with oily patches, try Stay Matte Primer to smooth and moisturize your skin before putting on your other makeup.
Best of all it doesn’t clog pores or irritate skin and is an amazing price of less than $6 per bottle.
Murad Oil Control Mattifier
Via Ulta.com
Via Sephora.com
The Murad Oil Control Mattifier not only reduces oil but it works to clear up acne and moisturize while wearing it.
It even comes with a sunscreen to protect your skin all day long.
This formula provides up to 8 hours of oil control with a matte finish while still preserving moisture and not drying out your skin.
Jolie Oil Free Mattifying Primer
Via Amazon.com
For sensitive skin, this formula is hypoallergenic and non drying.
It is oil free liquid imparts a flawless, soft matte finish with moderate coverage.
Ingredients like vitamins A & E, panthenol and lecithin condition the skin and provide antioxidant protection.
Philosophy The Present Invisible Skin Perfector and Oil-free Makeup Primer
Via Amazon.com
Via Walmart.com
Philosophy’s primer creates an airbrushed look on your skin.
The formula is lightweight and functions as a foundation primer, colorless skin perfecter, and skin barrier to protect from oil.
It helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores and even has antibacterial benefits with the inclusion of lavender oil.
Once you apply it, your face will feel and look smoother than before.
bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer
Via Ulta.com
Via Sephora.com
This lotion creates an ultra-silky, smooth canvas for your makeup to be applied to.
Formulated without preservatives, oil, fragrance or skin irritants, it glides on like silk with no stickiness and helps to smooth out your complexion instantly before you apply foundation.
Infused with nourishing natural ingredients including vitamins C and E, soothing plant extracts and antioxidants.
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Magic Lumi Light Infusing Makeup Primer
Via Ulta.com
Via Amazon.com
The Magic Lumi primer from L’Oreal adapts to any skin type.
It blurs pores and wrinkles alike.
Plus, it provides enough shimmer to give you a bright, refreshed appearance without the need for other makeup.
Choosing the Best Primer for You
Now that you have a list of the top ten primers on the market for combination skin, how do you know which one to choose from this list?
All of the products listed above focus on reducing shine and making your makeup last longer, so you already know that will be taken care of.
If you have very oily skin, you will want to look into getting a more mattifying option because they offer more oil control.
If you have acne or blemishes, you will want to look at the ones that offer more coverage.
Lastly, if you have aging skin, there are a few primers listed above that have anti aging ingredients.
Don’t be afraid to try a few products until you find the one that you love.
You can manage that oily t-zone easier than you think with a great primer!
