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 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 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.