10 Best The Mattifying Primer 2026 in the United States

The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer stands out as a versatile mattifying primer suitable for all skin types, including both dry and oily. It excels in oil control and offers a matte finish that helps keep makeup looking fresh throughout the day. The inclusion of luxurious pearl powder lends a smooth texture, making it an excellent base for foundation and helping to minimize the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Its long-lasting formula ensures that makeup stays put from morning to night, which is particularly beneficial for those with mature skin seeking to avoid creasing and oiliness. Additionally, the primer's formulation includes skin-loving benefits and is cruelty-free, appealing to conscientious consumers.

However, some users may find that despite its many benefits, the primer may not provide sufficient hydration for those with extremely dry skin, and its mattifying effect might be too strong for those preferring a dewy finish. It's a strong contender for anyone looking to achieve a flawless, matte makeup look with added skincare benefits.

The Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer is a strong choice if you're looking to reduce shine and create a smooth matte base for your makeup. It works well for all skin types due to its lightweight, silicone-free gel formula that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. One of its standout features is the long-lasting hold—up to 12 hours—helping makeup stay put and crease-free throughout the day.

The primer effectively blurs pores and controls oil thanks to ingredients like niacinamide, which minimizes pore appearance, and lentil extract, which helps reduce shine. Additionally, bakuchiol smooths skin texture and moonstone calms the skin, giving it some gentle skincare benefits alongside makeup prep. The finish is soft-focus matte, which means it doesn't look flat or chalky but still keeps oiliness at bay.

Since it is a matte primer, if you have very dry skin, you might want to test it first because it could be a bit drying if your skin needs more moisture. Also, while it suits all skin types, those with extremely oily skin might want to layer it with other oil-control products for best results. This primer offers a clean, vegan formula that fits well for anyone wanting a natural matte look while improving skin texture and makeup longevity.

The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is designed to create a smooth, matte base that works well for those looking to control shine and reduce the appearance of pores. Its gel formula provides a soft-focus, translucent finish that blurs imperfections and fine lines, helping makeup look more even and last longer throughout the day. Because it absorbs oil effectively, it’s great for people with oily or combination skin who want to stay matte without looking dry or cakey.

The primer also evens out skin texture, which helps makeup apply more smoothly. An added bonus is that it’s free from many common irritants like parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and talc, plus it’s vegan and cruelty-free, making it a good choice for sensitive skin and those who prefer ethical beauty products.

However, while it helps control shine and minimize pores, it may not be as heavy-duty for extremely oily skin types or those needing intense pore treatment. Also, since it has a translucent coverage, it won’t add color correction if you’re looking to even out skin tone beyond texture. This primer suits users wanting a lightweight, oil-controlling base that enhances makeup durability and appearance without harsh ingredients.