To ensure your makeup stays flawless from morning to night, it is crucial to possess the best primer for large pores. In addition to preparing your skin to receive and hold makeup, an exceptional makeup primer can offer hydration, absorb excess oil, minimize pores, or even provide a smoothing effect. These primers infuse your skin with a radiant glow, creating the perfect canvas for seamless makeup application. Just as a painter primes their canvas before painting, achieving a smooth and even base is an essential initial step in your makeup routine, and that's precisely what a makeup primer enables you to accomplish.

It’s no secret that we all have pores. Our findings show that, while some of us may have smaller pores, many of us have pores that are more noticeable, especially when covered with layers of makeup. Having larger pores is completely normal, but finding the right pore-minimizing primer can help make them appear less prominent by gently filling them in, creating a smoother texture. As per our expertise, these primers serve as the perfect base that provides a seamless canvas for makeup application – helping you achieve a flawless look every time!

Our contributor Dr. Chaudhry, UK board-certified Dermatologist shares the differences between a primer and a foundation for better coverage. He says, “A primer is applied before foundation to create a smooth canvas for makeup application. It helps makeup last longer and minimizes pores. Foundation, on the other hand, provides coverage and evens out skin tone. Both serve different purposes in your makeup routine.” He also suggests the basics to consider while choosing a prime, saying, “The choice between cream and liquid primers often comes down to personal preference and skin type. Cream primers might be better for dry skin, providing extra hydration, while liquid primers could work well for oily skin due to their lightweight texture. It's essential to choose a primer that suits your skin's needs and the foundation you're using.”

As per our expertise, these primers serve as the perfect base that provides a seamless canvas for makeup application – helping you achieve a flawless look every time!

• 1
  Best For Dry Skin

  e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

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The e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer is sure to be your new secret weapon for a flawless, hydrated complexion. This lightweight primer is a lifesaver for dry skin, delivering an instant burst of moisture that lasts all day. It is like a refreshing drink for your face! The silky-smooth formula glides on with ease, blurring imperfections and creating a smooth canvas for your makeup. Say goodbye to flaky patches and hello to a radiant glow. With this hydrating pore-reducing primer, your skin will feel refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the day.

2

Best Primer with Sun Protection

Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30

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While being formulated as a humble primer, this product by Dermalogica does a lot more! To begin with, it offers sun protection by employing active UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. To boot, it offers skin with antioxidant goodness, which safeguards your skin from several aggressors, while adding an extra layer of protection from the makeup you may apply. But on top of all, the feature that makes it great for large pores is that the product stimulates collagen production, which plays a vital role in filling gaps in the skin. Besides, you may feel free to skip applying a proper foundation as the pigments infused in this primer also help brighten your complexion.

3

Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer

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Your go-to partner for a shine-free, picture-perfect face, this primer by Rimmel is like a magical potion that keeps your skin matte and flawless all day long. It effortlessly refines and smooths your skin, minimizing the appearance of pores and creating a velvety-smooth base for your makeup. No more midday shine disasters! With this mattifying primer, you can bid farewell to unwanted oiliness and hello to a long-lasting, fresh-faced look. It's the perfect weapon in your makeup arsenal to slay any occasion, giving you the confidence to take on the world, one matte moment at a time!

4

Best Moisturizing Primer

jane iredale Smooth Affair Illuminating Glow Face Primer

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Ideal for skin types that are easily prone to inflammations or breakouts, this primer for large pores by Jane Iredale consists of soothing ingredients such as algae extracts that assuage the skin. The product not only creates a protective layer on your skin to shield it from makeup products but also replenishes it with oodles of moisture, so it feels supported and refreshed. To boot, the silicone infused in the primer seals in the goodness, ensuring your skin doesn’t feel dehydrated or tight. Plus, considering our delightful firsthand experience with it, we highly endorse this product. 

5

Best Lightweight Finish

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

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Experience the magic of the e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, this little pot of goodness works wonders in blurring out pores and creating a smooth, velvety canvas for your makeup. It's best described as Photoshop for your face, erasing all signs of imperfections with a single swipe. The buttery-soft texture melts into your skin, giving you a natural, airbrushed finish that lasts all day. Say goodbye to visible pores and hello to a picture-perfect complexion with the silky finish of this primer for large pores.

6

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer for Long-Lasting Makeup

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It’s hard not to fall in love with the Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer – the ultimate partner for long-lasting, vibrant eye makeup! This little gem is a game-changer, ensuring your eyeshadow stays put all day without creasing or fading. The lightweight formula glides on effortlessly, creating a smooth, velvety base that intensifies the pigmentation of your eyeshadows. It's like a magnet for color! With this eye primer, you can bid farewell to smudged, lackluster eye looks and hello to a mesmerizing gaze that demands attention. Thank us later because your eyes are about to steal the spotlight!

7

Best Blurring Effect

TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer

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Bid adieu to enlarged, visible pores with the TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer! This miracle worker is here to give you a flawless, airbrushed complexion. The lightweight formula can be applied effortlessly, blurring out imperfections and creating a smooth canvas for your makeup. With this primer, pores become a thing of the past. Its velvety texture keeps your skin looking matte and shine-free all day long. Your makeup will stay put with no caking or fading. Prepare for a poreless, picture-perfect finish.

8

TULA Skin Care Face Filter Blurring and Moisturizing Primer

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A one-step product to achieve that coveted “I woke up like this” glow – the TULA Skin Care Face Filter Blurring and Moisturizing Primer. This little beauty in a bottle is packed with magic. It blurs imperfections, minimizes the appearance of pores, and gives your skin a dewy, radiant finish. Welcome your new best friend for flawless selfies! The lightweight formula goes on smoothly, creating a soft-focus effect that enhances your natural beauty. Plus, it's enriched with nourishing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated all day long.

9

Best for Oily Skin

Mally Beauty Poreless Face Defender

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The Mally Beauty Poreless Face Defender will be your ultimate protection against visible pores and shine! It works like a charm, blurring out imperfections and giving your skin a perfected airbrushed finish. The unique, lightweight formula mattifies your skin and keeps excess oil at bay. Say goodbye to midday touch-ups! With the Face Defender, your makeup stays intact, fresh, and shine-free all day long. It's like having your personal beauty bodyguard. Don't let pores and shine ruin your day, let this pore-blurring primer come to the rescue!

10

Best Splurge Buy

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, Plain

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This iconic primer by Smashbox is like a photo filter for your face, creating a smooth and flawless canvas for your makeup. Its lightweight formula effortlessly blurs imperfections, minimizes the appearance of pores, and evens out your skin tone. It gives your bare skin a filtered appearance that is simply stunning. Not only does it flawlessly enhance your makeup, but it also makes it look like it was professionally applied. The staying powder is nothing short of excellent. This pore-minimizing primer keeps your skin composed and flawless from morning meetings to post-work drinks, ensuring your glam stays intact and ready for an afterparty.

11

Best Long-Lasting Formula

Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup

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Get ready to grip every flawless makeup look with Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer! This innovative jelly primer is a game-changer for dry skin. It creates the perfect canvas for your makeup, providing an instant grip that keeps it in place all day long. The lightweight, jelly-like texture imparts a hydrated and nourished feeling to the skin. It blurs imperfections and fine lines, giving you a flawless complexion. With this pore-filling primer, your makeup stays put and looks fresh from morning to night.

12

Best For Fine Lines

StriVectin Line BlurFector™ Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer

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With a bit of help from the StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer, get ready to eliminate those pesky wrinkles. As the perfect primer for developing smoother, younger-looking skin, this one works like magic by immediately making wrinkles and fine lines appear less noticeable, providing a smooth surface for your makeup application. The thin, lightweight product applies smoothly and blurs flaws while leaving a matte finish that lasts all day. With prolonged use, this primer also helps to enhance firmness and promotes smoother skin texture. Now you can wave goodbye to creased makeup and fine lines and graciously welcome a gorgeously refined complexion.

13

Best Overall

ETUDE Face Blur Smoothing Base Primer

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The ETUDE Face Blur Smoothing Base Primer is a K-beauty fan favorite and now we know why. This multi-tasking primer is here to blur away imperfections and give your skin a soft-focus effect. Its silky texture creates a seamless canvas for your makeup. This elixir works wonders in minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines while providing a boost of hydration to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant. Adding UV protection helps shield your skin from harmful sun rays. So, it’s time to include this in your routine!

14

PHOERA Primer Face Foundation Primers

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This multi-tasking primer by PHOERA is a pro when it comes to providing a smooth and even base that enhances the performance of your foundation and concealer. It blurs out imperfections and minimizes the appearance of pesky pores. The moisturizing properties keep your skin ultra-hydrated, ensuring a fresh and radiant complexion, and making it easier to blend makeup. It makes sure your makeup stays in place all day, resisting sweat and oil for a flawless finish. Get ready to rock a picture-perfect look that lasts through all seasons!

The above-mentioned best primers for large pores provide the easiest way to achieve a flawless base. Below are some tips to help you find your perfect match.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best primers for large pores. You can use the following advice to make an informed choice.

Pore-Minimizing Formulation: Look for primers specifically designed to minimize the appearance of pores. These primers often have a lightweight, silicone-based formula that helps fill in and smooth out the pores, creating a more even texture. The variety of specific formulations to reduce the look of pores is ever-growing, leaving us spoilt for choice.

Oil-Control Properties: Opt for a primer with oil-absorbing properties, especially if you have oily skin. This will help control excess oil production throughout the day, reducing the chances of your makeup sliding off or your pores becoming more visible.

Mattifying Effect: If you struggle with shine or an oily T-zone, choose a primer with a mattifying finish. These primers will help keep your skin matte and shine-free, providing a smooth canvas for makeup application.

Non-Comedogenic and Breathable: To prevent pore clogging and breakouts, select a primer labeled as non-comedogenic. This means that it won't clog your pores, allowing your skin to breathe under all the makeup, while also keeping the pores clear.

Skin-Nourishing Ingredients: Look for primers that contain skincare ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid. These ingredients can help refine the skin's texture, reduce pore size, and clarify the complexion over time. They’re also hero ingredients that fight acne and sebum production.

Remember, everyone's skin is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect primer for your large pores.

Using a primer for large pores can help create a smoother canvas for makeup application. Follow these steps to use a primer for large pores effectively.

Step 1: Begin by ensuring your face is clean and moisturized before applying primer. This allows the primer to work effectively. 

Step 2: Once you have chosen a primer designed explicitly for pore-minimizing and blurring effects, take a pea-sized amount of primer and dot it on the areas with large pores or uneven texture. Concentrate on the often oily T-zone or other areas of concern. 

Step 3: Using your fingertips or a makeup brush, blend the primer onto the skin in circular motions, focusing on pressing it into the pores for better coverage. 

Step 4: Give the primer a few minutes to set and adhere to the skin, creating a smooth base for foundation or other makeup products. 

Step 5: Once the primer has been set, proceed with applying your foundation or other makeup products as usual. 

The primer helps create a more even surface and prolongs the wear of your makeup. 

By following these simple steps, you can effectively use a primer for large pores to achieve a smoother complexion and improve the longevity of your makeup.

Primers do not actually shrink the size of pores, but they can temporarily camouflage them, especially when formulated with silicone. Additionally, pore-minimizing primers have a subtle blurring effect, allowing makeup to go on more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a flawless complexion. The best primer for large pores combines blurring, oil-absorbing, and clarifying ingredients to establish a flawless foundation for face makeup or foundation, preventing it from sliding around. Even without a layer of makeup, it effectively maintains a matte, shine-free appearance for hours while keeping pores free from excess oil and buildup.

Contributor: Dr. Chaudhry, UK board-certified Dermatologist, Scandinavian Biolabs