10 Best The Mattifying Primer 2025 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 e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer offers several notable strengths, making it a strong contender for those seeking a mattifying primer. It is designed to deliver a smooth, flawless base for long-lasting makeup, which is a key feature for anyone looking to keep their makeup intact throughout the day. The inclusion of Tea Tree and Vitamins A and E provides additional skincare benefits, potentially helping to restore and nourish the skin while you wear it. This primer also leaves a matte finish, which is ideal for those with oily skin or those who prefer a non-shiny look.

It is compatible with all skin types, though its oil-controlling properties are particularly beneficial for oily and combination skin. The product's light coverage and moisturizing benefits add to its appeal, making it comfortable for everyday use. Additionally, it is vegan and cruelty-free, which aligns with the values of many conscious consumers.

On the downside, while it aims to minimize pores, users with very large or deep-set pores might not find it as effective as other more specialized pore-minimizing products. The texture is creamy, which might not suit those who prefer a more gel-like consistency. This primer is a good choice for those looking to achieve a matte, smooth finish with added skincare benefits, especially if they value vegan and cruelty-free products.

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Marshmellow Smoothing Primer stands out with its multi-functional benefits, claiming to smooth, soften, hydrate, soothe, even tone, minimize texture, blur lines, and add a soft focus finish. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for various skin types. The marshmallow root extract is a notable ingredient, contributing to its soothing and smoothing properties.

As a mattifying primer, it might not be the best for those specifically looking for oil control and pore minimizing effects, which are critical for oily skin types. The primer focuses more on hydration and a soft, smooth finish, which could be better suited for normal to dry skin types. Users with particularly oily skin might find that it doesn't control shine as effectively despite its all-day wear promise.

The product's cruelty-free and vegan attributes, along with its additional skincare benefits, make it a good option for those seeking a more ethical and multi-tasking primer. However, if oil control and pore minimizing are your top priorities, you might need to pair it with other products or consider alternatives.