Disclosure: This post is written by Dr. Ashley Treesa Antony, Ph.D., the founder of this website. Every item on this list is carefully curated from her own experience or after thorough research. This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no added cost to you the website makes a small commission for every qualifying purchase through the affiliate links. Read the disclaimer policies to know more.
Makeup lovers with oily skin (like me!) know the struggle all too well. Throughout the day, the dreaded shine, smudging, and disappearing act of makeup can be frustrating. But fear not, for there’s a secret weapon that can revolutionize your makeup routine: the makeup primer for oily skin!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of makeup and uncover the best primer for oily skin in India to help you achieve a flawless, long-lasting makeup look.
Best Primer for Oily Skin in India:
Understanding Oily Skin
Before we dive into the specifics of makeup primers, let me share with you some characteristics of oily skin. Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum, leading to a shiny complexion, enlarged pores, and makeup that tends to slide off or break down more quickly. However, with the right techniques and products, you can successfully manage your oily skin and create a makeup look that lasts all day.
In an article on Expert Makeup Techniques that I read on Healthline suggests using makeup primer as the first step to get a smooth finish makeup look. Besides giving you a smooth canvas to work up your look, primer acts as a barrier between your skin and the makeup products, thus protecting it.
Best Primer for Oily Skin in India
Let’s explore the best primers for oily skin in India that can help you achieve a long-lasting, matte finish, even in hot and humid conditions.
Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer
The Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Matte Face Primer is truly a makeup artist’s dream for someone with oily skin like mine. This waterproof, brightening makeup base creates the perfect canvas for my makeup. Its silky blur formula instantly hides skin imperfections, softens blemishes, and minimizes the appearance of pores.
This primer ensures that my makeup stays put throughout the day, no matter how hectic things get. The cream texture is incredibly blendable, making it easy to achieve a color-true finish. I love using it under my makeup, but it also works well on its own over my moisturizer for an instant radiant look.
With the Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Matte Face Primer, I can say goodbye to makeup meltdowns and hello to a smooth, poreless complexion. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular makeup primers for oily skin in India.

Rs. 415 for 30 ml
| Pros | Cons |
| Gives uniform coverage Blurs pores Great for everyday use | Strong scent may not be liked by everyone |
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Finish
The Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer is another fantastic choice for those of us with normal to oily skin. This blurring primer minimizes the appearance of pores while providing long-lasting wear that can last up to 16 hours.
It’s formulated with mattifying minerals, helping me maintain shine control throughout the day. Plus, it offers SPF 20 protection, adding a layer of sun defense to my skincare routine. Applying it is simple—just use my fingers or a makeup brush to spread a thin layer evenly on my skin.
I love that I can wear this primer with or without a moisturizer, making it a versatile addition to my makeup routine. It helps me achieve a flawless, smooth, and dewy finish that stays fresh all day.

Rs. 420 for 30 ml
| Pros | Cons |
| Matte finish Makeup stays longer | Moisturizing effect may feel sticky on skin |
L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer
For those who need a primer that not only minimizes pores but also hydrates the skin, I highly recommend the L’Oreal Paris Smoothing Face Primer. This lightweight primer is excellent for hydrating my skin while reducing shine.
Designed to be used as a base under makeup, it creates a smooth surface for easy and long-lasting application. Formulated with a high concentration of elastomers for optimal filling and smoothing, it also contains soft powder for oil absorption. It’s non-greasy and easy to apply; I just use it all over my face and target areas with enlarged pores and excess oil.
Applying the L’Oreal Paris Smoothing Face Primer before my makeup routine helps extend the wear of my makeup, leaving me with a mattified finish and reduced shine.

Rs. 810 for 15 ml
| Pros | Cons |
| Blurs pores Matte finish Velvety feel to the skin | Pricy Texture may feel waxy |
Rimmel London Lasting Matte Primer
The Rimmel London Lasting Matte Primer has been a game-changer for my oily skin. This lightweight primer instantly mattifies my skin and creates a silky-smooth canvas for makeup application. Whether I wear it alone or under my makeup, it helps control shine for up to 9 hours, ensuring I look fresh all day long.
With a non-comedogenic formula, it won’t clog my pores, and I love the hydrating and breathable feel it provides. It blends effortlessly, resulting in smooth, flawless, and shine-free makeup application. I can achieve a velvety matte look that lasts with the help of this primer!

Rs. 335 for 30 ml
| Pros | Cons |
| Matte finish Non-comedogenic Controls oil and shine Lower price | None |
Wet n Wild Prime Focus The Impossible Primer
If you prefer silicone-free formulas, the Wet n Wild Prime Focus The Impossible Primer is another fantastic option. It offers the seamless application you’d expect from silicones while mattifying and moisturizing my skin and blurring the appearance of pores.
With the goodness of gooseberry and Jeju blossom extract, this primer provides both mattifying and hydrating benefits. I apply a thin layer over my sunscreen and under my makeup for a long-lasting effect. Plus, Wet n Wild is dermatologically tested, so I know their products are safe to use.

Rs. 405 for 25 ml
| Pros | Cons |
| Silicon-free Has botanical extracts for moisturizing Vegan formula | May not spread evenly due to thicker texture |
Colorbar Perfect Match Primer
The Colorbar New Perfect Match Primer is an oil-free, non-comedogenic option that smooths and evens out my skin before makeup application. Enriched with vitamin E, this primer not only provides a flawless base but also moisturizes my skin and gives it a boost of antioxidants.
It’s versatile and suitable for all skin types, plus it’s dermatologically tested, ensuring its safety and effectiveness. To apply, I cleanse my face, dot the product over my face and neck, and then blend it well before applying my makeup.
Formulated without parabens, allergens, and fragrances, this primer is gentle on my skin. It helps me achieve a long-lasting and radiant makeup look!

Rs. 615 for 30 ml
| Pros | Cons |
| Non-comedogenic Contains Vitamin E Good blurring properties Cruelty-free | Sheer finish |
Renee Bollywood Filter Face Primer
For a velvety canvas that blurs fine lines, wrinkles, and pores, the Renee Bollywood Filter Face Primer is my go-to. Its non-greasy, lightweight formula feels comfortable on my skin, prolonging makeup wear without creasing or drying it out.
As a cruelty-free option, this primer works wonders on various skin types, keeping my skin soft, hydrated, and free from excess oil. It’s time to get that perfect and long-lasting makeup look with this fantastic primer!

Rs. 315 for 15 g
| Pros | Cons |
| Cruelty-free FDA approved Blurs pores and wrinkles | None |
Lotus Makeup Ecostay Insta-Smooth Perfecting Primer
The Lotus Makeup Ecostay Insta Smooth Perfecting Primer has been a fantastic addition to my makeup routine. Its gel-based, weightless formula helps my makeup stay on longer while evening out my skin tone and reducing the appearance of large pores and acne.
What I love most is that this non-comedogenic primer is safe for sensitive skin, offering a mattifying, oil-free finish that’s perfect for my oily skin. Enriched with vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to fight signs of aging and protect my skin from sun damage. Plus, knowing it’s 100% vegetarian makes it an ethical choice for me!

Rs. 455 for 30 g
| Pros | Cons |
| Non-comedogenic Contains Vitamin E Mattifying Vegetarian formulation | More quantity needed per application |
The Role of a Primer in Oily Skin Management
A primer plays a crucial role as a base for my foundation and other makeup products. Its primary purpose is to create a smooth canvas, blur imperfections, and prolong the wear of my makeup. For those of us with oily skin, a primer formulated specifically for oily skin provides additional benefits, such as controlling excess oil, minimizing the appearance of pores, and reducing shine throughout the day.
Choosing the Right Primer for Oily Skin
When selecting the best primer for oily skin in India, I keep the following factors in mind:
Lightweight and Breathable: Since oily skin tends to feel heavy under layers of products, I look for lightweight, breathable formulas that won’t add extra weight or suffocate my skin.
Oil-Free Formulas: I look for primers that are oil-free or labeled specifically for oily skin. These formulas are designed to control excess oil production without clogging pores.
Mattifying Effect: Opting for primers with a mattifying effect is key to combating shine. Ingredients like silica and kaolin clay work to absorb excess oil and leave my skin with a matte finish.
Pore-Minimizing Properties: I choose a primer that also minimizes the appearance of pores. Primers with silicone-based ingredients, such as dimethicone, help create a smoother, more even surface.
Primer Application Techniques
To make the most of my primer and achieve a flawless makeup look, I follow these application techniques:
Start with Clean Skin: I begin by thoroughly cleansing my face to remove any excess oil or dirt. Then, I apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate my skin without adding extra oil.
Apply the Primer: I take a small amount of primer and dot it across my face, paying extra attention to my T-zone or any areas prone to oiliness. Using clean fingertips or a makeup sponge, I gently blend the primer into my skin. I avoid rubbing vigorously to maintain a smooth surface.
Allow Time for Absorption: I give the primer a few minutes to set and fully absorb into my skin. This step is crucial for ensuring a seamless application of my foundation.
Proceed with Makeup: Once the primer has settled, I apply my foundation and other makeup products as usual. I notice that my foundation glides on more smoothly and adheres better to my skin, resulting in a longer-lasting makeup look.
Additional Primer Tips and Tricks for Oily Skin
To maximize the effectiveness of my primer and combat oily skin throughout the day, I consider the following tips:
Touch-Up with Powder: Throughout the day, if I notice any shine or oil breakthrough, I touch up with a bit of oil-absorbing powder, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, such as my forehead, nose, and chin.
Use Oil-Control Sheets: I keep oil-control sheets handy to blot away excess oil without disrupting my makeup. I gently press the sheet against my skin, particularly in the T-zone, to absorb oil and reduce shine.
Set with Powder: After applying my foundation, I set it with a light dusting of translucent powder. This step helps further mattify my skin and prolongs the wear of my makeup.
Avoid Heavy Moisturizers: While it’s important to hydrate my skin, I avoid heavy moisturizers that can contribute to excess oil production. I opt for oil-free or gel-based moisturizers that provide hydration without overwhelming my skin.
Conclusion
With the right primer tailored to oily skin, you can bid farewell to makeup meltdowns and enjoy a flawless, long-lasting makeup look. Remember to choose a primer designed for oily skin, follow the appropriate application techniques, and implement additional tips to control excess oil throughout the day. Embrace your beautiful, shine-free complexion and let your makeup shine – not your skin!
Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means, at no added cost to you, the marketing affiliate pays me a small commission for every purchase made through the links on this page. This helps me keep the blog up and running. Read my Disclaimer for more information.
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