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If you possess overactive sebaceous glands , you always run the risk of makeup melting off your face. While oil-absorbing compact powders may temporarily soak up the greasiness, a more foolproof solution is vital. Here’s where an oil-controlling primer comes in. Curbing shine and lending a mattified base, the humble primer helps create a clear canvas for makeup application and ensures that your products don’t budge. Better yet, tresearch indicates that a multifunctional primer can potentially help treat mild-to-moderate hyperpigmentation and fine lines associated with photodamage when used over 12 weeks.
Why Prep Your Skin With a Primer?
Primers blur your pores and refine skin texture, creating a smooth base for makeup application. Plus, they keep oil production in check, limiting the possibility of makeup sliding off your face. For those of you prone to skin greasiness, enlarged pores, and redness, primers offer a mattified base and extend the wear-time of your makeup. They are the Photoshop of the makeup world, so to speak. Scroll on – we’ve rounded up the best pore-blurring primers for oily skin types.
The Ingredients To Look For In An Oily Skin-Friendly Primer
As one would assume, oily skin demands a formulation that curbs shine and excess sebum sans stripping the skin of its moisture. Hence, hunt for a primer boasting silicone for a mattified, even finish, whereas, glycerine can amp up moisture content without clogging the pores. A hybrid formula enriched with oily skin-loving ingredients, such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree, among others, would also greatly benefit those plagued by hyperactive sebaceous glands.
Also, consider the finish you’re seeking. If you desire a dewy, luminous look, perhaps steer clear of ultra-mattifying primers. Alternatively, if you’d rather keep shine and grease at bay, mattifying, silicone-based primers may work best.
Types Of Face Primers
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Mattifying Primer: As the name suggests, a mattifying primer lends a blurred, matte finish for smooth, even-textured skin. A godsend for those with oily skin, these formulations are often silicone-based, preventing makeup from melting off your face.
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Hydrating Primer: Hydrating primers offer a hefty dose of hydration to the skin, owing to moisture-replenishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine. Often an oil-based formulation, they quench and nourish the skin to prevent your makeup from looking cakey or creased.
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Illuminating Primer: n illuminating primer adds a healthy glow to your skin, for a dewy, sunlit finish. Such formulations, similar to their silicone counterparts, are ideal for special occasions.
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Colour-Correcting Primer: A colour-correcting primer helps neutralise pigmentation and other imperfections, especially in the delicate under-eye region. If you suffer from rosacea, redness, or dark circles, opt for a colour-correcting formula.
Primers may also be classified as oil-based, water-based, gel-based, or tinted, depending upon their composition and texture. When on the hunt for a primer, choose one best suited for your skin type, needs, and concerns.
10 Best Pore-Blurring Primers For Oily Skin
Active-Infused
The Derma Co. Pore Minimizing Primer boasts a harmonious blend of 2% niacinamide, vitamin E, and Seboclear MP for even-toned and textured skin. While niacinamide addresses dark spots, vitamin E lends moisturising and healing properties to your skin. Meanwhile, Seboclear MP restricts excess oil production and treats blackheads, leaving your skin looking smooth.
Cruelty-Free
An efficacious formulation boosting hydration, butter LONDON’s LumiMatte Cool Blue Blurring Primer guarantees extended makeup wear for a luminous, ‘my skin but better’ finish. Free of silicone, the mattifying formula locks in moisture for hours on end while blurring the stark appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections.
Mattifying & Waterproof
Blur away blemishes and ace your base with Lakmé’s Unreal Blurfect Primer, which helps effectively blend makeup. The waterproof formula zaps up excess oil and needn’t be layered with a foundation, owing to its tinted finish. Squeeze some product onto your palm, dab it over your skin, and blend for a flawless, mattified finish.
Worth the Splurge
A cult classic, Smashbox’s The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Foundation Primer is enriched with vitamins A and E to give your skin a soft-focus finish. The velvety gel formulation melts onto the skin, smoothing fine lines and blurring pores for seamless application and blending of makeup. After a week of use, 93% of users saw blurred imperfections, while 95% claimed it helped with easy makeup application. This product also creates a barrier on the epidermis to protect against environmental pollutants and other external aggressors.
#1 Bestseller
Super-affordable and effective, Nykaa’s Prep Me Up! Face Primer is a lightweight formulation that instantly blurs away pores and fine lines for an even-textured complexion. Ideal for all skin types, this primer is enriched with vitamin E to neutralise free radicals and facilitate skin health. The gel-based texture seamlessly glides on your skin to fill in pores and conceal other blemishes.
Dermatologically-Approved
This mega multitasking product intensifies powder pigments, instantly hydrates your skin, and sets your makeup in place for up to 12 hours. You can also spritz it on after applying makeup application for a quick refresh. Non-acnegenic and dermatologically approved, M.A.C Cosmetics’ Prep + Prime Fix+ is a beauty bag staple that comes in a travel-friendly size for ease and portability.
India Proud
This homegrown offering by multi-hyphenate Katrina Kaif is available in five colour-correcting shades to address myriad skin concerns, ranging from dullness and redness to skin pigmentation. The 100% silicone-free product lends your skin a healthy boost of hydration and relies on light-diffusing technology for a high-definition, mattified base.
Editor’s Pick
The Ordinary’s High-Adherence Silicone Primer contains advanced adaptive silicones to act as a mattifying agent for a soft-focus finish. The non-greasy hydrator also diminishes the appearance of pores and imperfections for a spotless base. Alcohol-free, oil-free, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, it’s the ideal pick for oily skin types.
Glow-Boosting
Invite this vitamin C-enriched formula into your beauty regimen for enhanced radiance and extended makeup wear time. Supercharged with the goodness of turmeric and vitamin C, this primer visibly brightens the complexion while smoothening out skin texture. Moreover, it boasts a feather-light, non-greasy texture with zero chemicals.
SPF-Infused
Promising up to 16 hours of comfortable wear, Maybelline’s Fit Me Primer curbs shine, owing to the presence of mattifying minerals. Enriched with vitamin E, the formula also offers SPF 20 protection, dwindles pore size, and holds makeup for up to 16 hours. Modestly priced at INR 619, bag this beauty essential stat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to apply primer on oily skin?
A primer goes on after your moisturiser and before foundation. Once your skincare formulations have been absorbed, apply a thin layer of primer to the epidermis before slathering on makeup. An oil-controlling primer is ideal for oily skin types who possess hyperactive sebaceous glands.
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Can I apply primer without makeup?
You certainly can; you may choose to apply primer for refined skin texture and blurred pores. Better yet, a tinted primer will go beyond the call of duty to deliver a hint of tint for a barely-there, clear canvas.
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Can I skip moisturiser if I’m using a primer?
While a primer may lend hydrating properties, it cannot – and should not – act as a substitute for a moisturiser. You must apply a suitable primer after adequately cleansing and moisturising your skin. Remember, a primer offering hydration is just an added bonus.
