Best Primer Oil (review) in 2020

Last Updated on October 2, 2020 by Leanne Perilly

Primer oils are lightweight oil-based products designed to hydrate the skin in preparation for base layers of makeup, such as foundation and concealer. It is common for many makeup lovers to skip this crucial step in their makeup routine, however, this is perhaps one of the most essential products for prepping the skin prior to makeup application. Their use alone provides a dewy, supple surface to the skin for natural no-makeup days, in addition to providing a moisturising layer for smooth, flawless makeup application. These primers ultimately produce an airbrushed finish to the face, concealing prominent pores and blemishes, all while preventing clogged pores.

Best primer oil

Best Primer Oil Buyers Guide 

When comparing primer oils currently on the market, it is important to consider the most important characteristics of a good primer:

• Highly moisturising and hydrating
• Non pore-clogging
• Blurs pores and imperfections
• Not drying

The primers discussed here all demonstrate these qualities, each with additional unique benefits. These products vary in terms of price, customer reviews and overall quality, and it is important to consider these features when choosing the primer oil best suited to your particular skin type.

Different primer oils are suited to different functions and consumers. Some are more suitable for dry skin, some for oily or acne-prone skin, and some produce either dewy or mattified finishes. Additionally, some may provide extra hydration, while others provide more of a drier, gel-like base for makeup. It is crucial to decide upon the primer best applicable for your individual skin type.

Recurring best features

The following points are some of the best recurring features of the products mentioned above: 

Moisturising and hydrating – all primer oils have varying degrees of hydration and moisturising capabilities. Some are designed to lock-in moisture, to maintain the suppleness and plumpness of the skin, while others are designed to sit atop the skin’s surface, providing a protective, but breathable, barrier against excess oil production and accumulation. 

Matte or dewy finish – some primers are designed to provide a dewy, sleek finish to the skin, whereas others aim to mattify the surface of the skin. Which primer to choose generally depends on your personal preference – some prefer the wet look, while others prefer a more simple, plain base for further makeup application. Neither feature is inherently right or wrong, but instead relies on the desired look you are trying to achieve. 

Blurs pores and imperfections – When looking to purchase a primer, it is first important to ask whether a particular brand will perform as you want it to. Primers are generally used to fill and blur prominent imperfections, such as redness, scarring or pores. With regards to the products mentioned in this article, each of the primers offers this feature.

Fragrance free – another important feature of primers to consider is their fragrance. It has been suggested that products comprising a strong scent are often less sensitive on the skin, sometimes capable of causing irritation on damaged or broken areas of skin.

When considering which primer to buy, this is important to weigh-up. If your skin is particularly robust and you have a well-defined skin routine, trading an expensive primer for a less expensive primer which features a fragrance may work for you. However, this may not apply for those with more sensitive skin types.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The following questions are commonly asked regarding primer oils:

Are primer oils an essential step of any makeup routine?
Many makeup lovers question whether primer oils are an essential step for makeup application. Their use provides a noticeable difference in the longevity and overall complexion of a makeup look. In their absence, makeup can appear patchy and dry overtime, with many products beginning to wear-off after several hours.

With primer use, makeup (particularly foundation) will stay in place for the majority of the day, with little need for regular touch-ups. It has been said that makeup with a primer base can last between 12-16 hours, whereas this reduces to approximately 5 hours in its absence.

So while primer oils are not inherently essential to achieve a makeup look, they are key to maintaining that desired look for longer periods of time.

Are primer oils good for the skin?
Many consumers question whether a primer’s high oil-content has difficulty absorbing into the skin. The ingredients they contain are often a combination of rose, lavender, and raspberry seed oils. These have vastly different properties from many of the oils we handle in everyday life. Those contained within primers are absorbed into the skin more rapidly, without leaving behind a slippery residue, making them suitable for providing a smooth, sleek base for foundation application. 

That being said, it can be difficult for primer oils to perfect the balance between maintaining hydration while also avoiding sitting on the surface of the skin for longer than necessary. It is important to determine your specific skin type, to allow you to buy the primer best suited to your skin (ie. some oil-based products have different functions and roles in skincare).

Summary

Primer oils are a useful step for all makeup routines – whether you are aiming to achieve a natural, or a dramatic evening look. Not only is primer oil a particularly crucial step, its application is also seemingly simple and affordable, with the majority available at a price between £8 – £40.

Inbuilt with a range of beneficial skincare ingredients, primer oils can change a makeup look from drab to fab, by taking just an extra 2 minutes out of your day. There are a range of primer oils available for all skin types, meaning people facing all sorts of skin difficulties (acne, wrinkles, fine lines, discolouration, scarring) could benefit from their use.

The products listed here provide a good starting point to improving these skin struggles. With both day and night application, anyone’s skin can be glowing with these products.