Nothing’s more frustrating than putting on a full face of foundation, only to see that your pores are even more noticeable. Unfortunately, we all know pores can make or break the best makeup application! And while we can’t completely eradicate pores from our faces, the right primers can be complete game-changers when it comes to your improving both your makeup routine & finished look!
You see, the right primer will not only make for easier makeup application, but it can also magically minimize pores and improve the texture of your skin for an almost filter-like, smooth makeup look.
Today, I’m going to share with all of you Beauties the five best, tried-tested, and expert-approved primers for large pores! Our mission: To make those troublesome pores virtually disappear and help you achieve a flawless complexion with makeup.
So without further ado, Let’s get to it, shall we? 🙂
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What You Should Look For In A Makeup Primer If You Have Large Pores…
Before we jump in… As a makeup artist, I can undoubtedly attest to the fact that the most effective primers for concealing large pores will need to have a few key properties…
First, they’re able to fill in or blur the appearance of large pores, creating a smooth canvas for your foundation.
Secondly, the best primers for minimizing pores are long-wearing. This ensures your makeup stays in place all day (or night) long, without sliding off or settling into enlarged pores.
Third, they tend to be lightweight, which is particularly important if you’re planning to wear a primer daily or have oily skin.
And fourth, they’re compatible with your specific skin type.
- If you have oily skin, that means something oil-free or non-comedogenic, possibly mattifying, and that helps to control excess oil & shine. Both of which can make one’s pores look more noticeable.
- For combination skin, that also means something oil-free or non-comedogenic. Additionally, you might want to opt for something mattifying for your t-zone area, and just spot treat with your primer there.
- While it may surprise some, it is very much possible to have large pores with dry skin. So if you happen to have dry skin, you’ll want to look into primers that help with hydration while additionally hiding your pores. Look for a primer that contains Hyaluronic Acid or Vitamin E.
Now that you know what to look for in a primer for large pores let’s take a closer look at the best products on the market.
1) Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer
Click Here To See More About This Primer
Looking for a smoother than smooth makeup application??! You just met your new BFF! This long-wearing primer from Benefit Cosmetics minimizes the appearance of both pores and fine lines, giving you the absolute best of both worlds if you happen to be 30 and up!! It goes on clear (translucent), so it can work for all skin types, leaving you with a fabulous matte finish.
Most importantly, it contains Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone, which both happen to be silicones. Why is this important? Silicone-based primers will smooth out your complexion, blur imperfections, and, best yet, fill in your pores!
- Works for combination, oily, normal, and dry skin types
- Oil-free & non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pore!
- Comes in a lightweight mattifying cream formula
- Contains silicones & antioxidants (Vitamins C & E) to help fight free radical damage. Free radicals cause a breakdown of collagen & elastin, which in turn causes our pores to widen, becoming more evident as we age.
- Can be used alone, before makeup, or after makeup application.
2) Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer
Click Here To See More About This Primer
If you want a primer that both instantly and over time tackles those pesky pores while also providing some serious excess oil control, Dr. Brandt’s Pores No More Primer is an excellent choice! Best yet, it mattifies the skin for a shine-free look and has light-diffusing properties that minimize the look of fine lines.
Though this primer is not oil-free, it is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and it does contain Salicylic Acid, a powerful skincare ingredient that exfoliates and unclogs pores. It’s also formulated with Red Clover Flower Extract, which helps reduce the size of your pores over time. And if you’re wondering if it also contains silicones for filling in & blurring those pores….yes, it does! Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, and a few others were thrown in for good measure!
- It’s suitable for all skin types… But it works best with oily, combination, or normal skin types.
- Dermatologist-tested & hypoallergenic (making it also suitable for sensitive skin)
- Comes in a lightweight cream formula with a matte finish
- Contains silicones, Salicylic Acid, and Red Clover Flower Extract
- It has a subtle tint; however, the tint becomes invisible after application.
- Can be worn alone (for days when you want a more natural look), applied before makeup, or used after makeup application (for on-the-go touchups if you ever need them)!
- Gluten-free
3) Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
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You can achieve a flawless complexion like no other with this lightweight, oil-free primer from Hourglass! What sets it apart from the other primers on our list is that it not only reduces the look of pores, lines, and other imperfections but it evens out any redness in your skin tone and provides daily sun protection.
This primer is most loved for its smooth, silky texture that makes application a breeze! Unlike the other best picks in our list so far, it does, however, only go on before your makeup. I’ll also add this is a great option if you suffer from rosacea, as it will even out your skin tone beautifully!
- Works great for all skin types (even acne-prone & sensitive skin)
- Weightless cream formula with a natural finish
- Oil-free, offers SPF 15 protection, and contains silicones
- Comes out white but blends out to clear
- Long-lasting and repels water, so you can expect awesome makeup staying power, particularly when it’s hot out and you want it to stay fresh-looking!
- Goes on before makeup application
- Vegan, Cruelty-free, & Gluten-free
Wait…Before You Keep Scrolling…
When it comes to makeup, knowing what’s right for your skin vs. what’s not can be challenging. Most women find themselves walking down the makeup aisles wholly overwhelmed and not 100% confident about what to buy, what colors will look best on them, what formulas are best for their skin type, or, most importantly, how to use their makeup products to achieve a flawless face!
This is why I created my makeup ebook, The Ultimate Makeup Beginners & Beyond Bundle, to help women (beginners & up) understand all of these vital things and more!! If you’re ready to step into the wonderful world of makeup and learn how to upgrade your makeup skills, you can click here to learn all about it!
4) Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer
Click Here To See More About This Primer
Now, this primer is a relative newcomer on the makeup scene compared to the others on this list. However, it deserves a definite mention due to its multi-tasking benefits of hydration while simultaneously minimizing pores! It’s both mattifying & hydrating!!!
So if you’re someone who happens to struggle with dry skin in addition to enlarged pores, this primer is your best bet!
You can expect less visible pores and fine lines due to its blurring capabilities, with a shine-free makeup look that stays put and lasts you all day long.
- Suitable for dry, normal, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types
- Dermatologist-tested & non-comedogenic
- Lightweight gel formula that melts in absorbs quickly, & ends up giving you a natural matte finish
- Contains silicones (for a blurring effect), Hyaluronic Acid (good for dry skin), Vitamin E (an antioxidant that fights free radical damage), and Green Tea Extract (for soothing & calming the skin)
- Can be used alone or applied before your makeup
- Vegan & Cruelty-free
5) Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
Click Here To See More About This Primer
In terms of primers that have been around for years and always deliver when it comes to pores, this cult favorite from Smashbox is a winner! And if you’ve been searching for something that’s incredibly long-wearing, this one takes the cake!
It was originally created with Hollywood stars and on-set makeup artistry in mind. You see, it was formulated to make the actor’s makeup last longer and look better! So, if you’re ready for your closeup, look no further! This bad boy will instantly smooth out lines and pores and lock your makeup down for hours upon hours!
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight, clear gel formula in a natural finish (semi-matte)
- Oil-free… Contains silicones and antioxidants (Vitamins A & E)
- Can be worn alone, applied before makeup, or after application
- Vegan & Cruelty-free
FAQ/ Common Questions About Pores & Primers
What do primers actually do?
Primers create a sort of barrier between your skin and your makeup and come with quite a few benefits to boot! A primer will create a smooth base onto which you apply your other makeup products, which makes application easier. Additionally, you can expect your makeup to last longer and your products to adhere better to your skin after using a primer.
Lastly, primers can help address the skincare concerns preventing you from getting the flawless look you want. You’ll find primers that help reduce shine (for oily skin), minimize pores & other texture issues, and that color correct to even out one’s skin tone.
How do I apply a primer to my face?
Take a small amount, and using either a foundation brush or your fingers, you want to apply it gently to your face. You want to start at the center of your face and then move outward. With silicone primers, it’s better if you pat or dab it on rather than rub it in.
PRO Tip: If you notice enlarged pores only on some areas of your face, you can try applying your primer to just those areas, as opposed to your full face.
Why do I have large pores on my face?
Everything from the unfortunate byproduct of aging skin to genetics to your sebaceous glands and UV rays can cause larger-looking pores.
To learn more about the causes and get both makeup and skincare solutions to help, check out our article: How To Minimize Pores On Face: 11 Easy Ways That Work Like A Charm!
Are silicone-based primers ok to use?
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding silicone in the beauty world, from hair to makeup. A common rumor floating around is that silicone primers block and clog pores. However, silicone does not clog pores; in fact, it’s non-comedogenic.
But since it does make a barrier on the skin, if you’re not diligent with your skincare routine, you may get breakouts. The reason?? The barrier can trap dead skin cells, dirt, etc., which could ultimately result in acne in those with acne-prone skin.
This is why it’s important to wash your face before applying your makeup in the morning and at the end of your day. But you should be doing this anyway if you wear makeup, whether wearing a silicone-based primer or not.
Now, if you are deadset against primers with silicone for addressing your pores, the next best thing would be to try The POREfessional Lite Water-Based Pore Primer. Instead of being silicone-based, it’s water-based, and it uses powders in its formulation to blur the look of pores. It’s long-wearing and non-comedogenic.
What if I notice pilling or rolling when I use a primer?
First, if you notice pilling, crumbling, or rolling once you apply your foundation on top of your primer, they could either be incompatible or you didn’t wait long enough for your primer to dry.
Generally, it’s best to use a primer that has silicones with a silicone-based foundation. When shopping online, go to the ingredients page of your foundation product. Look at the first few ingredients. If you see any word that ends in “cone” or “oxane,” then it has silicones.
Apply your primer and wait to allow it time to dry completely (roughly a minute or more). Then proceed with your other products. Additionally, try patting your primer in and see if that helps.
The Wrap-Up!
Large pores can be a real pain, but with the right primer, they’ll no longer stand in the way of you achieving flawless makeup, Beauties! All of the primers in this list are known for minimizing pores, lines, and wrinkles.
But I also included a few that have bonus skincare ingredients to help address additional skin issues you may have. From fighting free radicals to soothing redness, controlling oil, and adding hydration, any other concerns you have should be covered!
So what are you waiting for? Give one of these primers a try for yourself and see how it transforms your makeup game and finished look!
Related Articles:
- Beginner Makeup For The Everyday Woman: Easy Getting Started Guide
- The Best Guide to Women’s Essential Skincare Tips
- The Biggest Skin & Beauty Mistake You May Be Making With Your Face
- Basic Makeup Tips & Tricks: 30 Need-To-Knows For Beginners
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