The Best Drugstore Primer For Oily Skin – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Having to deal with oily skin can be challenging. The excess sebum production leads to greasiness which is often disturbing.

While other people can just put their makeup and head outdoors, you have to be always on the watch.

We understand you, and we are here to help. We have created a list of the best drugstore primers for oily skin.

We invite you to take a glance at our roundup, as well as to check our tips and expert advice on how to handle this condition in the long run.

Quick Overview: Our Top Picks of the Best Drugstore Primer for Oily Skin

The product that we chose to head our list is the e.l.f. Studio mineral infused face primer. We love that it makes use of Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, and Silica. They can serve to keep the shine at bay while creating a smooth base for the makeup.

The second product that grabbed our attention is the Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser. With only a tiny amount, we experienced a reduction of the excessive greasiness. We also like that it can help us diminish the signs of aging since it contains the potent Bitter Cherry Extract.

Coming in at number three is the L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base. This product differs from the rest of our list, as it is a professional makeup base. When we used it as a primer, we love that it lasted throughout the whole day.

The fourth choice for our selection is the Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer. Its formulation boasts of Dimethicone, Isododecane, and Isoparaffin to help us achieve a flawless appearance. The added Glycerine can nourish the skin without causing it to look oily.

And lastly, we have the Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Makeup. Among its ingredients, we detected Talc which is one of the most efficient compounds to target oiliness. It can absorb moisture and minimise sweat production.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin is known medically as seborrhea. It is caused by excess oil produced within the pores. There is one particular type of hormones, called Androgens.

These are male hormones which are present both in males and females.

They are related to the maturation of the skin’s sebaceous glands. As these glands mature, the oil production increases.

However, age is not the main reason for oily skin. Certain life events, continuous stress and even not getting enough sleep can lead to an increased level of androgens in your body.

While many people blame their genetics for their skin condition, we refuse to agree with them.

When we get born, we don’t get to choose the color of our eyes or hair. However, as we become thinking human beings, we can still do much about the condition of our skin.

How to Cope with Oily Skin in the Long Run?

Do not skip on washing your face both in the morning and in the evening. The first thing to do when you get up is to target the excessive sebum that has been accumulated while sleeping.

Then when you go to bed, you have to make sure that you have removed all the debris, dead cells and makeup from your face.

That’s so essential since your skin needs to breathe and not to store anything that can lead to clogging of the pores.

Using a proper toner is also one of the things that can help you cope with the problems. Only cleansing is far from enough for your particular skin type.

We recommend you to look for products that contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Rosehip Extract, Clay, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Dead Sea Minerals. This list can become much longer.

Fortunately, the market is abundant with products which possess the correct labeling. Thus, you can easily source out the cosmetics that is targeted on your condition.

Also, don’t forget about masks and exfoliators. Treating your skin thrice a week can aid in keeping it healthy and clean to prevent the unwanted shine.

Oily Skin and Proper Diet

Years ago, nutrition was only some vague term that many of us neglected. Research shows an indisputable correlation between the food we consume and our overall health and appearance.

Dairy products contain high levels of hormones. You don’t need further disruptions, so you might be surprised to see the improvements if you swipe these for a month.

To be honest, the moment when you start consuming them again will inevitably lead you back where you started.

But it is important to try and see for yourself. As we mentioned above, things work differently with people.

You have to take some time to see which causes the problems with your skin. Refined sugar is yet another enemy, as it spikes your blood sugar levels.

That leads to increased production of insulin, which encourages the cells to produce more oil. Every time you feel a craving, just substitute refined sugar goods for a more natural alternative.

Eating lots of mangos, berries and citrus fruit can help you deal with this issue. On the other hand, salt causes water retention.

Thus your cells are urged to increase the oil levels to combat dehydration. Avoiding alcohol and deeply fried food can also help to normalize the function of oil glands significantly.

Changing your diet requires much time, diligence and strong will. However, if you take the time to let things happen gradually, this isn’t some impossible mission.

We believe you can be surprised on how your skin reacts to even the tiniest healthy changes in your regimen.

Nevertheless, you don’t have to be alone in the battle with oily skin. The beauty industry is always there to help us.

That’s why we have compiled for you our list of the best drugstore primers for oily skin.

Product Reviews: Our Top Five Picks for the Best Drugstore Primer for Oily Skin

#1 - e.l.f. Studio mineral infused primer

The first product for our selection is the e.l.f. Studio mineral infused face primer. Cyclopentasiloxane is considered an emollient that functions to soft and smooth the skin.

It helps to keep the moisture locked in, while it doesn’t cool during evaporation. Cyclopentasiloxane also carries active antiperspirant compounds to the skin and hair.

By creating a thin protective layer, it can make the skin appear more velvety and less prone to interaction with the surrounding environment.

We also like that chances of irritation are kept to the minimum with this particular compound. However, research shows that it can be accumulated in the body over time.

If your skin is a combination between oily and sensitive, we do not recommend you this particular product. It may lead to breakouts.

After testing it, we think it might not hold on well in humidity. We encourage you to use it in cooler weather.

The next product for our compilation is the Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser. Stearyl Heptanoate is a skin conditioning agent that carries a minimal risk of irritation.

As to Caprylyl Glycol, its function highly resembles that of Stearyl Heptanoate. It is derived from a natural fatty acid that is found in the milk of some mammals.

It can also be derived from palm and coconut oils. It can preserve the product from the attacks of harmful bacteria with its antimicrobial properties.

Dimethicone is a type of silicone that can block the moisture from forming on the surface of the skin.

It creates a thin protective layer that contributes to a smooth texture. Mind that if you apply too much product, it might prevent your makeup from setting well.

We recommend you to use it sparingly and add a touch of powder to assist in staying on throughout the day. Also, we think it is best suited for younger skin.

The product that made it to our third position is the L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional.

The main thing that caused it not to spot our second position is that it requires much time and diligence to disperse it properly.

Despite that, we were impressed with the professional results after using this primer. It combines the potent Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, and Silica.

Both Cyclohexasiloxane and Dimethicone are types of Silicones. They are considered hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

They can help to protect the skin from environmental pollutants by creating a breathable barrier. Furthermore, they contribute to an ultra-silky texture of the skin without making it greasy.

After testing the product, we concluded that you must rub it in gently and carefully to make sure it sets well and even.

It is also essential to let it dry for about three to five minutes. The circular movement of applying it is also necessary to provide a proper distribution and seeping in of the product.

However, if you suffer from acne breakouts, we do not recommend you using this primer on a regular basis.

Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer is the fourth best drugstore primer for oily skin. We appreciated the Dimethicone which we found in its content.

Isododecane is another active ingredient. We like that it helps to spread the primer easily for an even coverage across the skin.

It is also highly effective in preventing the water evaporation. Another compound that we appreciate is the Silica.

It is a mineral, which is a combination of Silicon and Oxygen. It is found in many vegetables, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and onions.

Silica is used by every gland and every cell in our body. It can even help to battle acne since it increases the collagen production.

That leads to a healthy outer cell layer and visibly supple appearance. Despite the numerous benefits, we noticed that this primer might work better for the winter months.

We also encourage you to allow it to dry well. Otherwise, it tends to become cakey. If you are exposed to high temperatures, it might feel too heavy.

And the final product that succeeded to make it to our list is the Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Makeup.

Octinoxate is an organic compound which is a clear liquid, insoluble in water. It is often used in sunscreens since it has the ability to block the harmful UVB rays.

Furthermore, it is considered to bare a less risk of irritation compared to most of the rest sunscreen ingredients.

It is permitted by the FDA in formulations, as long as it doesn’t exceed 7.5 percent.

On another note, Octyldodecanol and Cyclohexasiloxane can help to make the skin satin smooth.The inclusion of Talc makes it possible for this product to absorb the moisture well while helping to prevent rashes.

We have to admit that we were pleased with the results after applying this primer. Anyways, we didn’t like that it contains both fragrance and parabens.

We would still recommend you to try it out but refrain from daily use, as it might not be beneficial for handling oily skin conditions in the long run.

The Bottom Line

We have presented to you our roundup of the best drugstore primer for oily skin. The winner for our compilation is the e.l.f. Studio mineral infused face primer.

We love this primer because we appreciate its formulation which combines the potent Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, and Silica.

We appreciated the way we felt upon applying it, and we believe it can help you maintain the quality looks of your makeup.

As always, we have tested and evaluated all the products that made through our selection process.

We chose them based on their effectiveness in keeping the greasy shine at bay, their active ingredients, and our overall impressions after using them.

Even though the oily skin type requires diligent care and proper treatment, we believe you can feel confident with your appearance.

Just remember that this condition isn’t irreversible and you can handle it by attaining a complete beauty regimen and balanced diet.