NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer Oily Skin Review

 I sometimes see drugstore makeup getting a bad rap. There is still a string of thoughts that higher-end makeup is better than drugstore and you get better results. 

That is sometimes the case but not with this mattifying primer. I’ve been using high-end makeup primers from brands like Laura Geller and Smashbox for years. They’ve worked well but cost a lot of money.
That sent me on a mission to find a good cheaper but not cheap makeup primer for my oily skin.

Related read: 5 Best Oil Absorbing Makeup Primers For Oily Skin 

What I found and decided to try is the NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer.

(This post includes affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

About the NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer

When searching for some drugstore makeup primer options I came across this one from NYX. It had some good reviews so I decided to give it a try.

Plus, it has a lot of things that make it seem like a great option for oily skin. This NYX makeup primer claims to use oil-absorbing charcoal to provide all-day shine control and an ultra-matte finish.

Additionally, the primer is oil-free, lightweight, and has a gel consistency.

You can find the primer in so many different retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Ulta, and CVS.

How I use the NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer

Applying the NYX Shine Killer Mattifying primer is easy. It’s also pretty much the way I’d apply any makeup primer.

Per the website, the primer should be applied “to clean skin with fingertips. Take special care in applying to your t-zone and areas where your skin gets especially oily.”

I like to let the primer sit for a minute or two on my skin before applying my foundation. This is a pro tip that NYX recommends. The reason it allows the primer and mattifying barrier to set.

Related read: The Best Oily Skin Amazon Beauty Finds

Why I like the NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer

I like using makeup primers because they help give my makeup a nice smooth base to be applied to. Plus, makeup primers create a barrier for the skin acting as a buffer from outside elements. So I’ll even apply a makeup primer even when I don’t apply any makeup and decide to go bare-faced.

I’ve been using this NYX makeup primer for several months and it’s my favorite one right now. The gel formula makes this primer go on smoothly and I don’t feel it on my skin. That’s not always the case for mattifying skin and makeup products.

The one thing that initially threw me off was that the primer's color was black instead of clear. That’s because of the charcoal. The great thing is it dries translucent, nothing like its actual color.

When I apply the primer I can see my skin becoming matte. I also see my skin staying matte throughout the day as shown in this video. If I apply my makeup in the morning I typically start to shine up about noon and if I don’t blot, it’s even worse in the evening.

While I start to glow, it’s a natural-looking glow versus an oil slick on my face. And my makeup doesn’t look like it’s started to break up and disappear or slide off my face.

It pairs well with liquid and powder foundations which is great since I tend to bounce between both types. 

While I’ll still be trying out other makeup primers, the NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer is a keeper for me and is the one I plan to reach for most days. Especially when I’ll be wearing makeup all day, taking pictures, and on special occasions.

Shop the NYX Shine Killer Mattifying Primer