8 mattifying primers for velvety, grease-proof coverage that'll last

Give your face the best possible chance at staying fresh all day by kicking off your base routine with this Gucci gem. We know it seems like a lot to spend on a product you can't technically see on your face (it goes on totally transparent), but trust us, with the salicylic acid and bamboo power formula, you'll see the smoothing, mattifying effects even if you can't see the formula.

$82 at Sephora

Offering pore-minimising magic at its finest, this mattifying cream primer manages to fill 'gaps' (AKA ridges and enlarged pores), creating a flawlessly smooth canvas that's prepped and ready for coverage. The best bit is that it's powered by botanical emollients that allow it to protect the skin barrier, balancing shine without damaging or draining skin of the good kind of moisture.

$89 at Sephora

File this one under 'a damn bargain'. A blurring and balancing buy able to cloak pores and evict any excess oil that still clocks in at under $20 is always a winner in our book. In fact, the only thing you'll be losing with this formula is said excess shine. If you need a quick, bargain-friendly fix, this one's your winner!

Was $20.99, now $17.49 at Chemist Warehouse

This formula calls in the balancing benefits of optical matte-blur technology, filtering out pores and fine lines as it works its wizardry. It won't dry your skin out by any means, either; it also features a nourishing blend of nutrient-rich botanicals to rid skin of shine but not hydration. It's a beautiful balmy blend that feels more like a mask than a classic primer going on, which is a nice sensory treat too!

$47 at Sephora

You might not think hyaluronic acid would be the hero you'd be searching for in a quest to mop up oil, but this option is all about building a barrier between your skin and your makeup, stopping oil from seeping through to the other side and sabotaging your makeup game. Its blurring effects are brilliant too; let's just say the phrase 'flawless finish' is tossed around often by fans of the formula (us). And yes, it costs $109, but can you really put a price tag on flawless skin?

$109 at Amazon

Think balancing but not chalky; the oil-controlling effects of this purifying, perfecting primer are both obvious and instant. Designed to bookmark your base routine, a coat of it pre-makeup will prep the face perfectly, whilst a top-up post-foundation will lock your look in and ensure absolutely no oil will be wreaking havoc as the hours pass.

$65 at Sephora

This baby is Benefit's number-one selling face primer for good reason. Known and loved for its smoothing superpowers, it instantly minimises the look of pores and fine lines and blurs imperfections for silky-soft, smoother-than-smooth skin. Of course, it also helps makeup apply evenly and stay put all day long.

Starting from $27 at Myer

The Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer not only plumps and smooths the surface texture of your skin, but also provides essential hydration. Infused with ultra-fine pearls, this primer effortlessly reflects light, resulting in an instantly even tone. Plus, its water-based formula makes it incredibly lightweight and perfect for those with oily skin.

$49 at Sephora