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 Smashbox Pore Vanishing Primer is a solid choice if you're looking for a product that controls oil and reduces shine throughout the day. It effectively blurs pores and smooths skin texture without clogging pores, which is great for maintaining clear skin. Its oil-free gel formula creates a matte finish that helps keep makeup in place for up to 12 hours, so you can expect long-lasting wear without needing frequent touch-ups. The primer also includes Vitamin E, which offers a mild nourishing effect, adding a small skincare boost beyond just makeup prep.

Because it’s designed for all skin types and doesn’t leave a white cast, it should work well for most users, including those with oily or combination skin. On the downside, while it controls shine nicely, people with very dry skin might find the matte effect a bit drying, so a moisturizer beforehand could be needed. Additionally, the product comes in a small 1-ounce tube, which might require repurchasing more often if you use it daily.

This primer balances makeup performance with skincare benefits, making it a good pick for anyone wanting a smooth, shine-free base that helps makeup last.

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.