The 8 Best Primers for Combination Skin, According to Makeup Artists
Sephora / Glossier / Byrdie
Reviewed by Ashley Rebecca
Depending on the formula, primers—which, as the name suggests, prime your face for seamless makeup application—can add moisture, smooth texture, and control oil. But if you're a member of the combination skin type family, it can be challenging to choose a primer, as products tend to cater to hyper-specific needs rather than multiple ones. Moisturizing products may be too heavy for some spots and not moisturizing enough in others, while oil-absorbing products may work effectively in some areas (aka your T-zone) and end up over-drying the skin in others.
Luckily, plenty of primers on the market have mastered the art of adapting to your skin and helping you achieve the look you want—whether it be glowy, matte, or blurred. To make shopping easier, we tapped celebrity makeup artists to offer up their favorites.
Ahead, find the eight best makeup primers for combination skin, according to makeup artists.
Meet The Experts
Daniela Gozlan is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Camila Cabello, Candice Swanepoel, and Lily Aldridge.
Tobi Henney is a bi-coastal makeup artist who previously served as the L'Oréal Paris makeup director for Australia. Her client roster includes Ashley Graham, Barbara Palvin, and Charlotte Lawrence.
Suzy Gerstein is the NYC-based makeup artist for actress Christine Taylor.
Kelli Bartlett is an NYC-based makeup artist. Currently, she is the VP of Education & Experience at Ever/Body. She previously served as the artistic director of Glamsquad.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($58)
"It's an oil-free primer with a silky finish that minimizes the appearance of pores, fine wrinkles, and redness. It repels water to help your makeup stay longer," says makeup artist Daniela Gozlan. The primer also helps your foundation glide on easily and has SPF 15, making it an especially helpful beauty must-have for summer.
Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner
Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner ($26)
"I love this brand, and especially this product in particular. It takes the shine away, and your pores actually appear smaller," says Gozlan. "It's a must-have for combination skin as an overall primer—makeup no longer appears clogged or goopy as it evens out the texture of your skin. It creates a canvas that looks smooth all over."
MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine Control Primer
MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine Control Primer ($35)
"If your combination skin is on the oilier side, I’d opt for MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine Control Primer, as it will keep the shine at bay," celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney says. Plus, this primer has the added benefit of delivering an all-day reduction in the appearance of pores and texture.
Related: The 7 Best MAC Products, According to MAC Senior Artists
Glossier Priming Moisturizer
Glossier Priming Moisturizer ($24)
"If we're not being too technical, this Glossier moisturizer, while not exclusively billed as a primer is great under makeup. I love using it through the T-zone and patting the rich version over drier areas that tend to be on the perimeter of the face. Both dry down to a beautiful soft matte finish," explains Suzy Gerstein, makeup artist to actress Christine Taylor.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream ($67)
"This isn't technically a primer, but I think it's the absolute best way to prime skin before makeup. I love this cream because it's both hydrating and balancing and gives skin a beautiful, smooth finish. It's my go-to for all skin types all year round. It's really a kitchen sink moisturizer that works as a primer," says makeup artist Kelli Bartlett.
Lanc?me La Base Pro Primer
Lanc?me La Base Pro Primer ($42)
"This is really amazing for people with large, oily pores, as it has the most divine silky finish. Use an Artis Elite Mirror Oval 6 Brush ($60) to smooth over the T-zone and over the center and apple of your cheeks," says Bartlett.
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer ($37)
"Primers are problem solvers, and generally, I like to cocktail them. Mix Make Up For Ever's Hydrating ($39) and Mattifying ($39) primers to really tailor the finish based on the oil and moisture balance of your skin. This concoction is best for extreme combination skin," explains Bartlett.
Mehron Velvet Finish Primer
Mehron Velvet Finish Primer ($20)
"This is a must-have in my kit! This clear, oil-absorbing formula leaves the skin smooth, matte, and velvety," says Gozlan. "It's packed with vitamins, antioxidants, aloe vera, and emollients, so it helps to leave the skin looking flawless all day while allowing the makeup stay way longer on the skin,"
Up Next: The 9 Best Pore Minimizing Primers of 2023
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