Primers hold the all-important role of acting as the bridging step between your skin care routine and the first step in your makeup application.
Therefore, it’s important to choose a formula that will elevate the work of your serums while prepping your base for a seamless foundation application.
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And for skin types that are naturally oily or acne-prone, primers that include shine-controlling and breakout-fighting ingredients are non-negotiable.
So to soothe current congestion and prevent future breakouts, these are the best-performing primers for acne-prone skin.
Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner

The Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner is the perfect makeup primer for skin that’s on the oilier side. It features a natural astringent action, leaving pores tightened and skin shine-free.
Want to know more? Read Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner reviews here…
jane iredale Absence Oil Control Primer

For a perfectly smooth surface that eliminates shine and controls sebum, jane iredale’s primer acts as an inflammation-reducing and oil-free barrier between the skin and makeup.
“I have reaally oily skin around my t-zone. i applyed it were i knew i was going to get oily durung the day. it worked fabulosly it reduced the shine from the oils and i looked flawless thrught the day.” – lucyrmcdonald
Want to know more? Read jane iredale Absence Oil Control Primer reviews here…
The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser

Formulated from tea tree oil, The Body Shop’s mattifying primer helps to combat problematic skin and leave you with a smoother and more refined-looking complexion.
“This primer is a great base to use under makeup. It goes well with use of the rest of The Body Shop’s Tea Tree range. It sets a nice, even canvas to apply makeup onto. Pores are definitely minimized, and skin is turned matte.” – Beccaduncan23
Want to know more? Read The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser reviews here…
Lancôme La Base Pro Primer

A favourite among makeup artists, this oil-free makeup primer will leave your skin looking smooth and radiant for hours. It’s formulated with Elasto-Smooth™ technology, which works to refine the skin’s texture and visibly reduce the appearance of imperfections.
Want to know more? Read Lancôme La Base Pro Primer reviews here…
IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better Primer+ Oil Free

Hydrate and heal skin while extending the wear of your makeup with this dermatologist-formulated find. Plus, with long-term use, you can enjoy the benefit of refined pores.
Available at Sephora, $61
hourglass mineral is the best for oil acne skin
I haven't seen or tried these products before.
I believe I've tried 2 of the primers
I’ve never tried any of these. Thankfully acne isn’t an issue for me.
Some great Primers above now that they make so many different Primers for different Skin Conditions. It makes it easier to get something that suits You.
I find the Benefit one is super reliable – not sure if it's oil free but it does keep makeup in place perfectly all day and I have naturally oily skin.
I don't have acne but like an oil free primer in summer. Haven't tried any above, but I would love Lancome, Jane Iredale or IT.
I have never worn primer might be the first time to try it.
I haven't tried any of these products before but would be interested in the Lancôme La Base Pro Primer.
I haven't used any of those and I don't usually use primers. If I had to choose one to try from the above I would probably pick the IT Cosmetics one.
I'd give The Body Shop's Tea Tree Pore Minimiser a try if I had acne prone skin.
Good recommendations
I would say hourglass primer will do
Great options!
I'd happily use any one of these. My go to is the Bobbi Brown Face Base.
bioderma and body shop are great
I dont have acne issues but I do have combo skin so something that isnt greasy is a must. I have my supply of NYX Primers that seem to be working well.
Needed some of these when I had acne as a teenager.
I prefer powders.
Good one, **onlyoni.** My thoughts exactly.
I’ve always like the Napoleon Perdis primer.
I've never used a primer before, thanks for all the suggestions.
I swear by the Benefit primer, but the Jane Iredale one looks good too.
Can't say I've tried any of these. Good article
I used to buy a specific primer but I find that a lot of skincare can act in the same way. My daughter has started wearing makeup and uses primers that are oil free and gel /balm based to help soothe skin and provide a nice canvas
No makeup on me these days!
I like Jane Iredale. But I've not used this primer. I use the Stila one step correct. I get hormonal breakouts. Nothing can make any difference to that though.
I don't have oily skin – or acne, thank goodness
Nice recommendations for those who need
Spam below – 2 count.
BH, please remove.
I think the above is spam!
Based on past use, I'm not a primer fan but maybe I just haven't met the right one yet.
b
Lancome make some gorgeous produicts
I occasionally use a primer. When I do, I use the Australis one from Priceline
Thanks for the info
The Benefit one is good. I'm currently using one from Too Faced.
Haven't tried these ones myself. I prefer a hydrating primer
I tend to go for products that claim to not block the pores. I have naturally oily T zone and pimple-prone skin so I've tended to go towards products like that.
iv used the body shop tea tree, dont really rate it, but keen to try Bioderma
Fortunately I've never had acne but good ideas for those who need special skincare.
Good to know