Primer, people, PRIMER!

[caperjess]

I have combination (oily/dry, but mostly oily) and acne-prone skin. I have enlarged pores on my cheeks which I would LOVE to have reduced with the perfect primer. Also, since my skin is oily/acne prone, it can't clog my pores and make my acne worse. So I need something that will help tone down the oiliness on my face and keep my makeup on all day long 🙂

[melissabt]

Hi Caperjess,

It looks like you have some great recommendations!

I also wanted to add that you should try the Make Up Forever All Mat. It will control your oil and help fill in any minor imperfections in the skin. The silky texture feels light on your skin and helps your make up stay on all day.

A second primer that I recommend is the Dr Brandt pores no more® pore refiner. It will temporarily fill in pores and fine lines and provides an even finish to the skin.

[tenngal]

I noticed that you already have your question marked as answered, but in case the product you decided on doesn't work out for you, I wanted to let you know about a fantastic primer for reducing the look of enlarged pores that won't break you out.

NARS Skin Smoothing Face Prep is a targeted primer for problem areas of the face, designed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores with just one application--and it really does work.  It fills in pores so they are invisible underneath makeup.  You can read more about it at:  http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P261210&categoryId=B70

I wish that I had seen your question sooner.

I hope this helps you as a backup plan. 🙂

[vernaajess]

I use actually use two primers, but because they both do different things. The Sephora brand Anti-Shine Primer is pretty good. This keeps my face less oily for hours. Then I use Stila's One Step Primer on top. This evens out my skin tone, reduces redness, and gives my face a softer feel. I leaves your face matte and your pores a bit smaller. But in my opinion, the One Step by itself isn't a very good oil controlling primer, that's why I have to double it.

[blytherayne]

I use Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer - go into Sephora and just feel it on your skin. Totally velvety and super lightweight. I can actually wear this after I've cleansed, toned and moisterized and I still look awesome with no foundation.

[beautyplz]

Hmmmm...I use the Shiseido primer with the Body Shop Tea Tree set (facewash,toner and lotion)

[jsikes1488]

Hmmm... i would try Bare Escentuals. I have HUGE pores on my nose and cheeks(right around my nose) and find that Bare Escentuals works amazing. It wont sink into your pores like a liquid. Just use a primer before hand to smooth skin and temporarily fill in pores so the makeup sits on top.

[nars112]

Hi!

I am the same skin type. Oily/dry/acne prone. 

I use the Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier as a makeup primer. It's is great. 

It minimizes oil through the day and has salicylic acid to help clear current breakouts and 

prevent old ones from coming. 

Also, look into using a Clarisonic brush for daily cleansing. It's a great help with oil and acne-prone skin.

It has cleaned up my acne!

[cakesters]

to tame oiliness i recommend using a mattifying primer or an oil free primer. Aim for a non-comedogenic one or a non-acnegenic also. try Dr. Brandts Pores No More. and i suggest that you gently exfoliate twice a week or use a dermabrassion system. like Clarisonic Mia or simply use masks twice a week also.

for pores i HIGHLY recommend Biore face strips for you cheeks!

a makeup finishing spray will help the power-staying effect as well!

[caperjess]

I have heard good things about Dr. Brandts, so I might just give that a try, too! I use the Biore strips every so often, and they do work, but make my skin sensitive so I can't use them often. Thanks for your suggestions! 🙂

[alexiis]

Tarte Clean Slate is a miracle product.

[sephoraaholic]

Rather than using a primer, try changing up your cleansing routine instead.

I had incredibly oily skin and flat acne. I started using Murad's Clarifying Cleanser (Item # 654228) with my Clarisonic Mia (Item # 1201904). The Clarisonic helps properly exfoliate my skin and the cleanser helps control oil and acne. Once I got my oil production and acne under control I found no need for primer or even foundation. I also use the Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 (Item # 1224740). There are other great light moisturizers by Murad that are perfect for oily prone skin. 

The Clarisonic is worth investing in. My skin has never looked better! The Murad products are worth investing in too. They last me a long time, a little goes a long way (especially with the cleanser).  

A bunch of the women at Sephora continued recommending products and giving me samples until I found what worked well for me. So, just keep searching until you find what you like. Sephora's return policy can come in handy sometimes! 

Good luck!  

[caperjess]

I am constantly changing up my skincare routine because I never find anything that works super well. I have a cleanser and exfoliant that seem to be really good for keeping the oil slicks at bay (for the most part). Thanks for your suggestions 🙂

[glamdoll · Accepted solution]

I hear ya. The best primers I have tried so far are Perfekt Skin Perfecting Makeup, and Urban Decay's Primer portion. Perfekt gives a beautiful smooth finish, but I like to finish with powder, and it's tough to put anything over it. However you can layer pretty much anything over the Urban Decay Primer. And they don't break me out like some other primers. Hope this helps!

[caperjess]

Thank you!! The next trip I make to Sephora I will definitely check out these products. I have the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and I love it, so maybe I will have luck with their other primer. Thanks again 🙂