No Product Can Erase Your Pores, But These 16 Primers Come Super Close (2024)

Rare Beauty

Pore Diffusing Primer Always an Optimist Collection

I can vouch for this pore-minimizing primer infused with plumping hyaluronic acid, calming green tea extract, and skin-protecting vitamin E. With all those skin-loving ingredients, you might think its ability to provide staying power and pore minimization is limited. Not true! The gel formula helps absorb shine and smooth the pores without making skin feel tight or going too matte.

Customer Review: "This is such a nice project. I had never really been into primers before I purchased this because I have sensitive skin, and most primers cause me irritation. Not only does this primer not irritate my skin, but it delivered on its claims! Idid notice [the] smoothing effect when using this primer and longevity to my makeup that isn't there without it. I also really appreciate that my skin never feels tight or dry despite [the primer] being oil-controlling. I'm very impressed and will continue to repurchase."

Smashbox

Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer

You can count on this cult-loved oil-free primer formulated with skin-protecting vitamins A and E to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores while it grips your makeup for a long-lasting finish.

Customer Review:"The best primer on the planet! [It] applies like silk, making your skin flawless. I have tried so many primers on the market. This one does it all without agitating my skin or causing breakouts. You need [only] a tiny dot covering your entire face. [I] love how my makeup applies flawlessly and sheer. I do not recommend using this every day. I use it when I go out only."

Nudestix

Blot & Blur Matte Stick

If you want a product that canfunction as a primer, balm-to-powder setting powder over makeup, or a means to blot away excess oil throughout the day, this silica-infused option—from a brand that celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge love—is for you. Reviewers have mentioned using the stick over makeup can remove some of the pigment, but for me, taking a small brush to the stick and then gently dabbing in places where oil is peeking through helps keep my complexion products in place while the formula absorbs oil.

Customer Review:"Okay, so even though the reviews are confusing, I really do think this is an innovative and useful product for us oily girlies. I keep this in my bag to touch up my T-zone because I hate how wasteful blotting papers are, and the packaging on this is super eco-friendly. I absolutely see a difference! I removed a star because it does remove a bit of my makeup, but it's not too bad. I also love how it keeps my fingers AWAY from my skin, unlike blotting papers (which also absorb the oil from my hands)."

Benefit Cosmetics

Benefit the Porefessional Face Primer

Formulated to minimize the appearance of pores and lines, this mattifying primer is ideal for use under makeup or on top post-application for a long-lasting, skin-blurring effect that also keeps shine at bay. Give the formula a few seconds to dry down before applying makeup. And for those with deeper skin tones, the beige color of the formula might be off-putting, but the primer works well with all skin tones.

Customer Review:"I love this primer. It hides the fine lines on my forehead and blends smoothly over [the] pores. I wear it with powder to finish. It also goes great under a concealer to hide any under-eye darkness."

Dior

Forever Velvet Veil Matte Primer

This noncomedogenic 24-hour foundation primer provides a blurring and mattifying finish that reduces the appearance of pores and blemishes and helps smooth the skin's texture on days when you're wearing foundation orgoingmakeup-free.

Customer Review:"Wasn't sure what to expect but was happily surprised. Very lightweight, no transfer, blurs redness, and imperfections feels like you're wearing nothing. Even after a workout, it's dewy but not an oil slick."

Milk

Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide

This primer is aptly named considering it grips makeup to the skin while hydrating it with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, blue agave extract, and aloe water.

Customer Review:"I love this primer, I've been using it about 5yrs now and it's perfect, I put it on let it sit and dry a bit then apply my makeup and perfect result every time, my pores are completely hidden and it gives a nice youthful glow!"

Hourglass

Vanish Airbrush Primer

We can't talk pore-minimizing primers without this talc- and oil-free fan favorite. Formulated with microspherical powders that give the skin a soft blur, this primer smoothes imperfections, minimizes the look of pores and fine lines, and absorbs excess oil, providing a canvas for makeup that will last well beyond its application.

Customer Review:"I love this primer. It's my first time using a primer, and I can't believe it can make such a difference! It makes my skin looks flawless without or with foundation. It will definitely be a primary product of my makeup routine, and I recommend it to everyone!"

Clé De Peau Beauté

Correcting Cream Veil Primer SPF 21

Pore-minimizing priming with SPF 21? Yes, please! This water-based formula is enriched with a matte powder complex that hydrates for up to eight hours, absorbing excess sebum and creating a pore-smoothing base ready for long-wear, matte makeup application. And beyond creating an ideal canvas for makeup, with continued use, the primer helps improve skin's smoothness in four weeks.

Customer Review:"I bought this primer a few years ago, and have been using it ever since. It is creamy and does well under my Cle de Peau foundation. It has a light, fresh scent. I use it after my skin routine (serum, eye cream, etc.) and before foundation. Love it!"

Maybelline New York

Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

This noncomedogenic, fragrance-free drugstore buy offers a lightweight makeup primer that blurs pores and smooths skin instantly—and it's only $8.

Customer Review:"I am a guy using only primer with no makeup to light makeup. This primer blurs my pores and mattes my face (not in a dry way). I am not a big fan of spending lots of money on these things, so this keeps me below budget. My confidence level goes up before a night out."

Lancôme

Priming Serum 24 Hour Hydrating Solid Smoothing Primer

Starring hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this skin-loving primer can be worn under makeup and for no-makeup days. It visibly blurs and minimizes pores while keeping the skin hydrated. Plus, a little goes a long way! Only a pea-size amount is needed to get all the pore-minimizing, makeup-gripping benefits.

Customer Review:"This has to be one of the best primers I've ever tried. I absolutely LOVE the way it makes my skin look. It adds hydration that literally lasts for 24 hours. When I wash my face in the morning, I can still see the effects. My skin looks better the day after. It smooths, brightens, and minimizes my pores. I don't think I'll ever go without it. I've had this primer for a few days and have been wearing it every day ever since."

Yves Saint Laurent

NU Blotting Lotion Primer

For acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can be a great help for keeping breakouts at bay. In this case, YSL has crafted a gel formula infused with salicylic acid and limonette extract that reduces shine and minimizes the look of pores, all without depleting the skin of moisture. You can use this as a mattifying baseto control shine.

Customer Review:"So wonderful, so lightweight, [and] so easy to apply. You don't need much, and it's so beautifully effective! I was amazed that it worked so well! I used to always carry blotting papers with me before purchase[ing this], and always needed them to touch up during the day. Now everything is much different! So much easier! Every day is oil-free all day with no touch-ups needed at all!"

Milk Makeup

Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer

Made with 90% natural ingredients, this noncomedogenic, silicone-free cream primer is made with pore-minimizing niacinamide, bakuchiol to smooth skin texture and even skin tone, and lentil extract to help reduce shine, all packaged in a recyclable tube.

Customer Review:"The product performs as advertised. Pores are moderately blurred, and skin is extra matte after several hours. If matte skin is your primary goal, this is a good option."

Tatcha

The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

This noncomedogenic, dermatologist-tested makeup-perfecting primer infused with silk extracts can be used for the face, eyes, and lips and is an excellent choice for anyone with mature skin who wants the staying power of a primer with pore-minimization and the smoothing of fine lines.

Customer Review:"I have pretty good skin for my age—79—but for a truly flawless, absolutely natural look, this is unbeatable. I also use liquid silk for quick daily use."

Thrive Causemetics

Filtered Effects Blurring Primer

Dermatologist- and allergy-tested, this gel-to-powder primer made with the brand's proprietary Color Grip Technology bonds to makeup, controls excess oil, keeps unwanted shine away, and ensures makeup stays put all day long.

Customer Review:"With rosacea and sensitive skin, it can be hard to find primers that are actually matte and don't irritate my skin and actually go on SMOOTH. This one is so smooth, and [I] love the feeling of it on my face, and makeup looks even and smooth."

Black Radiance

Matte & Poreless Face Primer

Black Radiance has been in my makeup bag since I was a teenager. This oil-free, fragrance-free formula with a $6 price tag not only mattifies but also smoothes and minimizes the appearance of pores.

Customer Review:"I love this primer. Not only is it cheap, but it also leaves your face looking smooth and not greasy. I love it!!! Highly recommended!"

Supergoop!

100% Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40

You either love mineral sunscreens or you don't. Many say they offer a finish sans a white cast, but they miss the mark. If you do enjoy a mineral option, this one from Supergoop! works well as a primer, boasts SPF 40 to protect the skin, and gives skin a mattifying, poreless finish. Reviewers note the formula can pill, so let it dry down on the skin before applying complexion products. Taking that extra time can often prevent pilling. I say this from experience!

Customer Review:"I purchased the Supergoop Matte sunscreen for my upcoming cruise to Mexico. I will say I'm very impressed by the matte finish. It doesn't have a prominent white cast by itself, and it looks great underneath foundation too."