Tired of your makeup getting all cakey? Want a quick fix for the large pores on your skin that destroy your makeup every time you wear it? If you are someone who concurs with these questions, you need a proper base for your makeup.
This is where the miracle product – a primer comes in. Acting as a base for your makeup, the primer not only helps your makeup last for a long time but also gives it an awesome and flawless finish.
Primers work particularly well for people with oily skin as it blurs out the large pores, thereby almost negating the chances of sebum production – yes that thing which makes your skin feel all oily and you know what!
Now, for our ladies out there who are exploring and looking for options, worry thou not; because we have made a list of the ten best primers for oily skin in India with a detailed buying guide. Scroll down to learn how to get your makeup to look that tad bit elegant!
Table of Contents
What Exactly is a Makeup Primer?
For a person who wears makeup regularly, whether a full face heavy look or just the natural nude kind, primers work as a base on which the foundation rests. Primer creates a layer between the skin and the foundation allowing the makeup to sit and hold on to it for a longer period of time without getting cakey or greasy.
Why is Primer an Absolute Must-Have?
People with oily skin need a solution to the excess sebum secretion from the large pores on the face. A primer ensures that the sebum production is in control as it mattifies the surface and blurs out the pores.
This basically reduces the chance of oil secretion, thereby preventing fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, or acne. Apart from all this, a hydrating primer also doubles up as a moisturizer providing that extra radiance and a fresh no-makeup look.
So, never miss out on your primer routine, whether you like that minimal look or a full face extravagant contour!
Top 10 Best Primers For Oily Skin In India
1. L’Oréal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer
The L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer is one of the best products out there for oily skin and another amazing product from L’Oreal. If you are someone who has oily skin with sizable pores then, this product is perfect for you.
We have already established that we need to apply Primer on our face before makeup to protect our face from damage and give help the makeup settle better.
The L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Primer seals all the pores and helps smoothen your skin before you apply makeup. It also induces a matte-like finish on your face and makes it look beautiful and toned.
Although this product is a little expensive, it gets the job done pretty well. This lightweight and non-sticky formula does not leave your skin cakey or flakey and controls oil secretion.
The presence of silicone in the primer helps absorb residual oil from the makeup and facilitates the foundation to last longer on wrinkles, acne scars and fine lines.
Key Components – This fantastic product is made up of titanium dioxide, aluminium hydroxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, silica, crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, among others.
Pros
- Easy to use and ideal for people with sensitive skin
- Perfect for people with oily skin as it effectively absorbs and controls oil secretion.
- Non-waxy, non-creasy, and covers fine lines and pores.
- Mattifies the skin and brightens the complexion at the same time.
- Has a very long-lasting capacity for both primer and the makeup.
Cons
- Thick consistency is a big no no.
- Packaging can be a bit better.
- Expensive for its quantity.
- Not suitable for people with dry skin.
2. Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer
If you are looking for a lightweight Primer and safe for everyday use, then the Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer is a perfect choice. With its amazing waterproof formula, the Lakme primer easily lasts for around 6 – 7 hours.
Do you love that matte and shine-free velvet finish? Do you want a product that lasts long despite the quantity? Then this 30 g pack is sure to leave you surprised.
Even if you decide against wearing makeup, you can use this primer as it doubles up as a moisturizer and keeps the skin hydrated all day long. The product works wonders on acne spots and scarring.
It has a soft velvety texture and a pink tone, which is very easy to mix. Lastly, the Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer is an amazing product that helps you get rid of blemishes and makes sure that you can have flawless, oil-free skin the entire day.
So, if you want a product which is nominally priced and gives satisfactory results then this product can be an exciting alternative for you.
Key Components – This Lakme product contains zinc oxide, fragrance, crosspolymer, silica, mica, ammonium hydroxide, among others.
Pros
- Pink tone and a soft creamy texture which blends easily.
- Ideal for people with all types of skin.
- It gives a velvety matte finish and smoothens the skin.
- It is water-proof and lightweight.
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- Minimizes the fine lines and visibly reduces the appearance of the pores.
- A small dab of the product is more than sufficient
Cons
- Does not conceal the acne spots or blemishes effectively
- Since the primer does not have a moisturizing ingredient, it dries out the skin.
3. Colorbar New Perfect Match Primer
The New Perfect Match Primer from Colorbar is an amazing product for people who have oily skin and want to hide or mask the redness or blemishes on their faces.
It has a paraben-free formula that is completely safe and can be used on all skin types. Once applied, it fills up the pores on your skin and gives you a satin-like finish. This product is compatible and easy to use with almost all types of foundation.
The product is filled with the goodness of Vitamin E, which hydrates your skin and does not let it go dry. It also has antioxidants, which help eliminate dead skin and make your skin healthier and softer.
This is an amazing alternative for those people who have oily skin and want something light for their skin. Lastly, the product is inexpensive and is highly recommended for people who want a hassle-free makeup routine.
Key Components – The Colorbar primer consists of Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Isododecane, among others.
Pros
- Free of paraben and budget-friendly
- Gives a silky smooth and satin finish to the skin
- Visibly tones down the redness and blemishes
- Provides a subtle glow which lasts very long
- Tested by dermatologists
- Spreads very easily and blurs out the pores.
Cons
- Not suited for people with dry skin.
- Does not completely cover the large pores
4. Blue Heaven Studio Perfection Primer
From India comes the brand Blue Heaven, which makes many amazing, reliable, and pocket-friendly products. You must have heard your mom singing praises in its favor.
The Blue Heaven Studio Perfection Primer has a light-weight formula and gives you a studio-like look after you apply it. All you need to do is apply the primer after properly moisturizing your skin, ten minutes before you apply the foundation, and you are good to go.
Once applied, it lasts for hours and makes your makeup look fresh even after a long time. It is oil-free, which ultimately makes it non-greasy. You won’t have to worry about sweating as the product is very airy in nature and texture.
It is also enriched with the goodness of Vitamin E and silicones, which nourish your skin to provide it with a glowing and hydrated look. This is a pocket-friendly product ideal for all skin types, thereby making it the go-to product for women in India.
Key Components – The Blue Heaven primer is made up of vitamin E, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl, Propylparaben, Capric Caprylic Triglyceride, among others.
Pros
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic.
- Non-greasy texture which seeps easily in the skin.
- Lasts for about 4 to 5 hours easily.
- Provides an even and smooth finish
- Suited for all types of skin.
- The product is travel-friendly and highly affordable.
Cons
- Contains parabens
- Not ideal for professional heavy makeup
5. Nyx Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer
From Los Angeles, California, we have the Nyx Professional Makeup Studio Primer, offering great quality in a decent range. The primer has a gel-like formula that is easily absorbed in the pores of your skin to provide you with that perfect, even finish.
Once applied, it is light and gives you a satin-like texture on top of your face. This product is an amazing alternative for people who have oily skin. The silicone present in the product prevents acne or pimples and adds radiance to the skin.
The Nyx Professional Makeup Studio Primer is available in three colors/shades – Lavender, Green, and Clear. So you have options for all skin types and tones (Check out our buying guide for info on which color serves what purpose).
All you need to do is to apply this primer before you apply your foundation or a BB cream and you will instantly see and “feel” the difference. This product is perfect for summers as it does not let the skin become oily or sweaty.
If you are someone who has oily skin and wants a primer that does not accelerate the growth of sweat, then this is a great choice for you.
Sure, the Nyx primer is a bit on the costlier side, but boy, does it offer the quality for its price! So, if you are someone who is willing to spend a few extra bucks and wants a product that is flagship, then close your eyes and trust your instinct.
Key Components – The Nyx primer contains silica, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, manganese violet, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, chromium oxide greens, among others.
Pros
- Eliminates the shine due to oil secretion
- It does not clog the pores, hence no worry of breakouts
- It comes in a variety of shades
- Quickly absorbs in the skin to provide it a radiant and vibrant glow.
- The product is lightweight with a handy nozzle
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
6. Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Blur Primer
Maybelline is another trendy and reputed brand from New York. It is known to make many cosmetic products of high quality and grade. The Maybelline Face Studio Prime Blur Primer is no exception!
Best suited for oily skin, this wonderful product does not become greasy or sticky after applying it. Active in visibly reducing the dark spots and skin issues, the product is very lightweight and feels like a feather. It is oil-free and helps in fighting acne by getting rid of the residue and preventing the skin from looking dull.
Dermatologically tested, the Maybelline Face Studio Primer is safe and can be used every day without the fear of any skin problems. On top of that, it also smoothens your skin and lasts up to 8 hours without fading away.
This cream-based primer is on the expensive side of the spectrum but it certainly gets the job done without causing any side effects. Now just stop thinking so much and just go ahead and get it girl.
Key Components – The Maybelline primer is composed of aqua/water, boron nitride, glycerin, caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol, citric acid, among others.
Pros
- Lightweight and completely blurs the pores.
- Non-comedogenic and prevents sebum production.
- It is good even for people with allergy-prone and sensitive skin.
- Long-lasting, at least for 8 hours.
- Travel-friendly with a sturdy packaging
Cons
- Not effective on fine lines
- A bit costly
7. Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer
Revlon is a very old and trusted brand trusted by many across the whole world. The Revlon Photoready Eye Primer is another gem of a product from the Revlon family. It is light-weight and helps in not only toning the face but also the area under your eyes.
If you are someone who has the problem of dark circles, then this will surely take care of it. It has a gel-like consistency that evenly spreads under the eyes and renders it with a natural glow after you apply it. The product is also free from synthetic materials such as oil, parabens, and added fragrance.
Filled with the HD filter technology that harnesses light, now you don’t have to worry about perfect lighting to click the perfect selfie. You can use it as a concealer if you are not looking to go for full makeup.
The Revlon Photoready Eye Primer is an expensive product as it is also used for professional makeup. It is preferred, and the go-to brand by many reputed makeup artists is used by professionals worldwide.
Key Components – This amazing Revlon primer consists of aqua, silica, glycerin, dimethicone, isodecyl, methyl, tocopherol, among others.
Pros
- Oil, talc, fragrance, paraben-free
- Travel-friendly exuberant packaging
- Ideal for professional heavy makeup
- It doubles up as a concealer and an under eye primer.
- Locks in the makeup, therefore not allowing it to move anywhere.
Cons
- Very costly
8. Huda Beauty Illuminating Foundation Primer
If you are someone who has normal skin and wants a product that is good for everyday use then and is not very expensive, the Huda Beauty Illuminating Foundation Primer should be your pick.
It has a gel-like texture, which makes it really easy to spread. Once applied, the product is really lightweight and seeps inside your pores very easily. It does so without making the skin look cakey or flakey. You can easily achieve that perfect matte finish on your face with this.
Another factor which makes it a sought after product is its price. The Huda Beauty Illuminating Foundation Primer is relatively cheap. Being cheap does not imply that it is ineffective. It gets the job done without compromising on the quality.
Lastly, this primer has the capability to last long and does not wash away easily. The Huda Beauty Primer is a great alternative for women who want a product for daily use leaning on the budget-friendly side. And we, of course, are in love with those beautiful Huda Beauty lipsticks. Aren’t we? So, why not give a chance to their primers!
Pros
- Lasts for an overwhelming 24 hours.
- Waterproof and steam proof
- Amazing for daily use
- Absorbs and readily removes excess oil from the skin
Cons
- Nothing significant
9. Belora Paris Prime Naturelle Hydrating Primer
If you are very much into natural and vegan products, then the Belora Paris Prime Naturelle Hydrating Primer should be your pick. Perfect for people with both oily and dry skin, this amazing product doubles up as an excellent moisturizer.
Formulated with an amazing oil-free formula, not only does this printer provide a shine-free base for heavy makeup, but it also ensures that the foundation does not get cakey.
The best part about this is its varied and herbal ingredient list, including green tea and grape seed. To top it all, it also has the goodness of hyaluronic acid and vitamins.
This primer works amazingly to keep the skin hydrated and help the makeup last long. Although a bit on the expensive side, in comparison to the wonderful things it offers, the price is totally justified.
Pros
- The primer does not contain SLS, parabens, sulfates, or mineral oils.
- Does not have a drying effect on the skin.
- Made with natural ingredients that are cruelty-free.
- Provides instant shine and glow and helps in blurring out enlarged pores.
- Suited for people with sensitive skin as well.
Cons
- Nothing significant
10. Lotus Ecostay Insta Smooth Perfecting Primer
The last product on our list comes from the brand Lotus, which is one of the key players in the mid-range skincare, personal care, and cosmetic market.
The Lotus Ecostay Insta Smooth Perfecting Primer is a great alternative for people with oily skin as it has an oil-free formulation. It also efficiently blurs out the pores while mattifying the skin.
Not only for our young girls, but this product works amazingly for ladies who have started to show signs of aging. You will notice a visible reduction in the fine lines and wrinkles after application.
To top it up, the Vitamin E present in its formulation gets rid of all the signs of aging with regular usage in the longer run.
Pros
- Effectively blurs the pores present on the cheek.
- It is lightweight with nice consistency.
- Non-greasy and non-sticky.
- Makes the skin smooth.
Cons
- Not great for people with super dry skin.
Buying Guide
The skin is probably the most sensitive part of the human body and especially the facial skin. Therefore, any product that you will be using on your face on a regular basis should be chosen with the utmost care.
So if you have oily skin and are on the lookout to get a primer for yourself, given below is a list of things you have to keep in your mind.
Why do you want a primer?
A primer is available in a variety of textures and forms – gel, cream, powder, etc. Now when selecting a primer for yourself, ask the right questions – why do you want it, what your makeup focus is, what your beauty goals are, and then finalize on a product.
Nature of the Primer
There are different primers for specific needs and problems that, according to their nature, provide treatment. Again, question if you need to treat acne spots, hide fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark circles, or just as a smooth base for your makeup? Once you have the answer, you can get the right product accordingly.
Different Colors for Different Purpose
You can’t possibly pick the first thing you see in the store just because it looked trendy and cool. It will do more harm than good. Primers come in a variety of colors, and each and every single color serves an entirely different purpose.
The primers with a green tint or the ones which are yellow are excellent to maintain uniform, spotless skin. The ones coming in lavender or peach shades are amazing for people with brighter skin who don’t have many spots.
Salicylic Acid Primers are Fantastic for Oily Skin
Salicylic is one such element that people with oily skin must have in their skincare routine as it is amazing for treating acne and visibly reducing scarring. Primers with salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin reduce inflammation, acne and provide a moisturizing and healing effect.
Foundation and Primer Should Never Conflict
A critical aspect of purchasing a primer is its compatibility with your foundation. If you get yourself a primer that conflicts with the foundation that you use, your makeup will look cakey and thick.
What “conflict” actually means is that the primer and foundation should have equal amounts of water and oil content. If the two don’t blend pretty well, it will create an uneven and patchy tone.
Go for a Primer that Lasts Long
Yes, there are many products in the market that won’t cost you much. But do you think it’s worth it, spending less money only to get something which you will run through within a few weeks just because you have to re-apply it again?
No, it is not. That way, you’ll probably end up spending more money than usual, not to mention the bad effects that it can have on your skin. Always invest in a product that stays on for a long time as such products do not compromise quality.
Final Words
Makeup products require in-depth research before you get them for yourself. Picking up the wrong thing can result in allergies and what not!
There is literally no point in putting so much time and effort into makeup, which will get cakey, greasy, and run down the “sweat” within a matter of minutes. Primers, especially the good ones, go a long way toward achieving that professional and flawless, no-makeup look.
Our article provides you a detailed guide with a list of the best primers for oily skin in India. So without any further ado, go on and get working on your dream look ASAP!
