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Finding a matte face primer that helps try to control shine while keeping your makeup in place all day can be hard to find. Luckily, we found a few great options that work well on all skin types.
A face primer is a sheer liquid or cream that can be applied to your face before makeup application to keep your makeup in place all day long. The primer helps try to lock in your makeup and acts as a canvas. There are many different types of primers and one of the most popular is a matte primer.
If you want a matte finish to your skin that can possibly control shine all day long without looking greasy or oily, then these primers are for you. Below we rounded up all of our favorite picks from a primer with SPF to a cruelty-free option, a primer that lasts up to eight hours, and so much more.
No matter what type of matte primer you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find one you love from our list below!
Our Favorite Matte Face Primer of 2024
Elizabeth Mott Matte Makeup Base Primer — Best Overall
This primer aims to stay in place all day long and is waterproof which keeps your makeup from smudging. The lightweight formula isn’t greasy and it provides you with a smooth, matte base that adheres to your makeup. Even better, it’s not tested on animals.
Pros
- It’s not tested on animals
Cons
- It doesn’t come with an applicator
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer — Runner Up
This primer might last you the entire day as it helps control shine for up to eight hours. It’s super lightweight and non-greasy, so you don’t have to worry about your face looking oily throughout the day. It can possibly minimize the appearance of pores and may leave you with a velvety matte finish. Plus, you can use it alone or under makeup.
Pros
- It lasts up to 8 hours
Cons
- It’s small
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Matte Face Primer — Honorable Mention
This primer might be able to even out your skin tone, minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, plus, it’s 100% cruelty-free. The lightweight formula prevents your makeup from caking or pilling and it keeps it in place all day long. It’s infused with the ingredient, white sapphire, which makes it easy for the primer to glide on your face smoothly.
Pros
- It’s cruelty-free
Cons
- It doesn’t have SPF
Covergirl Matte Ambition Skin Primer — Contender
It’s hard to find a primer that has SPF but manages to stay matte, which is why this prime is a diamond in the rough. It helps to control shine all day long, might leave your skin matte, and has SPF 20. It works well on all skin types and can be worn alone as a matte sunscreen, or can be worn under makeup to help try and keep it in place all day while protecting your face from UV rays.
Pros
- It has SPF 20
Cons
- It’s only 1 ounce
Buying Guide: Matte Face Primers
Oily skin can be a real pain for makeup lovers. After putting up a whole glam face, the last thing you want is the oily t-zone ruining it all up. Instead of loading yourself up with setting powder, which may end up reflecting in pictures, block the shine right in the tracks using a mattifying face primer that would smoothen out the texture of your skin and ensure it doesn’t become oily for hours.
Applying a Mattifying Primer With Perfection – Everything You Need to Know
If you have oily skin, then kick off a full-glam look with a mattifying primer, which is exactly what you need for erasing pores and keeping your skin from shining. Not only is it the best way to control oil, but it is also effective in smoothening out the texture of your skin.
So when it comes to applying a matte face primer, the first rule of thumb is to always start with a minimal amount. A primer is not really a makeup product but more of a skin prep product. So, start with a single pump and apply to areas that need your attention. You know your skin’s problem areas, which should be your primary focus. If you have an oily T-zone or prominent smile lines, that’s where you start priming. Using a matte face primer on these areas will go a long way in keeping your makeup in place.
But how do you apply a primer? The best tool for even primer application is a brush, especially if you naturally have oily skin. Applying a primer using fingers is a bad idea since it further pushes out the skin's natural oils. Sparingly pick up a little primer on the brush and apply gentle strokes.
Features of a Splurge-Worthy Matte Primer
Not all matte face primers are designed equal. Some are better than others, and that’s what you need for a flawless makeup look. The following features make up splurge-worthy primers, so make sure you look out for these:
Excellent pore-blurring abilities
The best oil-balancing primers will ensure you get a smooth, poreless look. Not only will it keep the oil in control but also gives you an airbrushed look. Grab any of the primers we’ve listed in this guide to achieve that smooth, filtered look you’re after.
Doesn’t let the makeup move
When you have the right product on, you can rest assured that the makeup will stay put throughout the day without the oil peeking through.
Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin
Some mattifying primers can feel really heavy on the skin, making you look all cakey once the entire face is up. The thicker formula may do a wonderful job blurring out the pores and balancing the oil but may not be the best base to put up your foundation or the rest of the makeup.
Therefore, you must choose a matte primer with a light formula that lets your skin breathe without feeling heavy. All the A-list products we mentioned in this guide have this fantastic oil balancing quality to give you a no-shine finish without caking you up.
Budget-friendly
Last but not least, primers are a must-have product with myriad benefits for your skin and makeup routine. You will find a variety of options available. So in addition to all the factors mentioned above, make sure you also consider your budget to get your hands on the best one.
Minimizing Oiliness and Pores
Indeed, primers are a great product to invest in, especially if you regularly use makeup and have to deal with oiliness and large pores. However, it isn’t the only thing you can entirely rely on for kicking enlarged pores and shine. Beauty experts worldwide believe that making a few skincare changes in your routine can also help. To start with, the focus should always be on adequate hydration of your skin.
But, one common mistake people make is applying moisturizer to the whole face (which is okay for your nighttime routine only). In contrast, moisturizers should only be used in areas that require hydration. If you have oily zones on your face, applying moisturizers to that area could worsen the situation. Instead, apply primers on those oily areas and moisturizers on the rest of the face for the best results.
Also, for super oily skin, look for mattifying moisturizers to keep the oil in control. Lastly, including a pore-refining toner is your best bet for unwanted texture. It helps exfoliate the skin and soak up extra oil. Making these little changes to your skincare routine will make primers even more effective.
