Do poreless primers clog pores?

According to experts, it depends on your skin type. Acne-prone skin is more likely to have its pores clogged by primers, so we recommend you do a patch test first. “Acne-prone skin may find silicones such as dimethicone challenging if it's the main ingredient, although considered a noncomedogenic ingredient, low on the comedogenic scale,” says Khalek. She also recommends double-checking the ingredients for potential clogging agents. “It may be pore-clogging if it's overly emollient, with ingredients such as waxes, petroleum jelly, shea, or cocoa butter.”

What causes enlarged pores?

According to Dr. Carmen Castilla, M.D. , a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist, enlarged pores have four main causes: Oiliness of skin, age, sex, and genetics. “Pores are the passageway by which the sebaceous (oil) glands secrete sebum onto the skin to maintain skin moisturization,” she explains. “People who produce more sebum have oilier skin and, in general, larger pores.” She also adds that as we age, we lose the elasticity and collagen that supports the pore opening, allowing the pore to dilate. “The male hormone, testosterone, increases oil production as well,” she adds. “Due to this increased level of testosterone, men generally tend to have larger pores than women.”

Is it possible to shrink pores?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to shrink pores completely. “ Retinoids can theoretically help if used long term, but the results will be subtle,” Dr. Castilla says. “A series of laser treatments targeted to stimulate collagen production can be beneficial, too.”

The 9 Best Pore Minimizing Primers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Two women testing pore minimizing primers — Byrdie

TL;DR

Our top pick is the bareMinerals PRIME TIME Original PoreMinimizing Primer. Its hydrating gel formula sinks into the skin smoothly without leaving a cast or sitting on top of it, providing a silky finish. Our favorite mattifying primer is the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Primer due to its non-piling formula and filter-like finish.

Have you ever noticed tiny dots on your nose or around your cheeks? If you run your fingers across them and see that they feel smooth or gritty, there’s no need to worry. Those are your pores, tiny openings in the skin that release oil and sweat from the glands, helping to keep your skin clean and clear. While pores are necessary, enlarged or clogged pores are not. “Enlarged pores can be a roadblock to achieving a smooth porcelain skin texture under your makeup,” says celebrity & traveling makeup artist Cemia Khalek.

But that’s where primers come in to save the day. “Pore-minimizing primers fill in the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, creating a smooth canvas for foundation and makeup application,” says Khalek. We consulted dermatologists and tested 16 top formulas across a range of skin types to see which performed the best. Keep reading to discover which ones will help you achieve a flawless filter-like glow IRL.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

BareMinerals Pore Minimizing Primer at Amazon $19

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer at Amazon $10

Jump to Review

Best Mattifying:

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer at Sephora $15

Jump to Review

Best for Textured Skin:

Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer at Sephora $15

Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:

REFY Blur and Hydrate Oil-Control Face Primer at Sephora $34

Jump to Review

Best Satin Finish:

Tarte Smoothing Primer at Sephora $42

Jump to Review

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Primer at Amazon $54

Jump to Review

Best Smoothing:

SEPHORA COLLECTION Smooth + Blur Primer at Sephora $16

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Jump to Review

Best Overall

BareMinerals Pore Minimizing Primer

BareMinerals Prime Time Pore Minimizing Primer

PHOTO: Sephora

$19 at Amazon $19 at Sephora $31 at Target

What We Like

Provides a silk finish
Absorbs quickly
It may improve dry skin

What to Consider

The gel-like texture may clog pores for some.

Size: 1 oz | Key Ingredients: Buchu Leaf Extract | Finish: Matte | Base: Gel | Cruelty-Free: No

The bareMinerals PRIME TIME primer is one of our top picks for its hydrating formula and quick absorption. It evaporates into the skin seamlessly and doesn’t leave a greasy film or shine. It provides a clear and even canvas for foundation and makeup application and doesn’t create buildup with other products. It’s formulated with buchu leaf extract, which absorbs oil and minimizes the look of pores, agave tequilana leaf extract (also known as blue agave) that has antibacterial, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties, and citric acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that promotes exfoliation and skin cell turnover and is also a good source of antioxidants.

PHOTO: Byrdie / Kelsey Robins
PHOTO: Byrdie / Kelsey Robins

Kelsey, tester with combination skin: “The best feature from this primer was an improvement in my skin appearance. It claims to minimize pores, and I found that it did just that and more. My foundation lasted longer throughout the day, with a visible decrease in T-zone oil production. I noticed a substantial improvement in the appearance of these pores after using it.”

Best Budget

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

PHOTO: Ulta

$10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Ulta

What We Like

It’s wallet-friendly at just $10
Zero piling with other products
It extends the wear makeup

What to Consider

It has a thick consistency

Size: 0.74 oz | Key Ingredients: Squalane | Finish: Natural | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes

E.l.f. Cosmetics constantly drops amazing products, so we’re not surprised that this made the lineup. The putty primer went viral for its all-day wear and mattifying ability. The unique putty formula helps makeup stay in place without migrating, extends makeup wear without needing any touch-ups, and improves the look of smile lines. It has a tacky feel upon application but absorbs within 30 seconds and is almost undetectable on the skin.

PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie

Kelsey, tester with combination skin: “On initial application, the putty has a thicker quality. However, it transitioned into a lightweight and smooth texture. This allowed my foundation to glide over without impacting the overall appearance. My makeup stayed in place and did not migrate into my deeper smile lines.”

Best Mattifying

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$15 at Sephora $58 $15 at Target $58 at Ulta

What We Like

It mattifies without drying the skin
It's nonsticky
Blends very easily

What to Consider

It feels slightly heavy on the skin

Size: 0.75 oz | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Finish: Natural | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This iconic primer from Benefit has been a staple for years. Its unique Vaseline-like texture creates a veil-like canvas on the skin, aka the smoothest base for makeup. It doesn’t leave a film or a tint; though it's matte, it doesn’t dry out the skin or cling to dry patches. It blurs pores and reduces oil buildup for a clean, matte finish.

PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie

Katie, tester with normal to combination skin: “This primer blurs pores like nothing I've ever seen. It’s truly the best of the best. I found that my oil took a lot longer to peek through and that my makeup lasted all day, without settling into pores (because my pores were nowhere to be found!) It really kept my face looking flawless all day.”

Best for Textured Skin

Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer

Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer

PHOTO: Sephora

$15 at Sephora $28 $15 at Kohls.com View on Rarebeauty.com

What We Like

Provides a soft & silky finish
It's comfortable on the skin
It dries down quickly

What to Consider

It’s slightly pricey for the amount of product you get

Size: 0.94 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid | Finish: Matte | Base: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Selena Gomez hit the nail on the head with this primer from Rare Beauty. It fills virtually all pores, creating a soft, blurred look and a blank canvas that’s ready to be painted. The gel texture is lightweight and nonsticky and doesn’t leave a film. While there wasn’t much of a difference in fine lines and pores, our tester's makeup did last a lot longer than usual.

PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie

Gabriela, tester with combination skin: “It definitely left my face looking smoother and the pores more filled in without clogging them. I will say, in person, my pores looked way more filled in the camera. The iPhone camera does not do it justice.”

Best Hydrating

REFY Blur and Hydrate Oil-Control Face Primer

PHOTO: Refy

$34 at Sephora View on Refybeauty.com View on Myshopify.com

What We Like

Seals in moisture
Lightweight
May improve dry skin

What to Consider

The gel-like texture can feel a bit heavy on the skin

Size: 1.4 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid | Finish: Natural | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This primer from Refy provides ultimate hydration and is ideal for those with enlarged pores or combination skin. It feels lotion-like and has a gel texture that is noticeable and tacky on the skin, but it isn’t chalky and doesn’t leave a film. It smooths out the skin, creating a cool and comfortable canvas for makeup. Formulated with key hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, it moisturizes skin and replenishes cell moisture, as well as shea butter, which calms the skin and protects it from harsh temperatures. However, since it has so much moisture in it, it wasn't the best at masking oil.

PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie

Samantha, a tester with combination skin: “The hyaluronic acid in the product plumps up the skin as well, which helps with preventing the fine lines from soaking up the makeup. This product did a good job of helping my face put its best foot forward and helping my makeup do its job better as well. It's like a makeup preset.”

Best Satin Finish

Tarte Smoothing Primer

PHOTO: Sephora

$42 at Sephora $42 $30 at Ulta $42 at Kohls.com

What We Like

Provides cloud-like skin
It’s great for layering
Provides a soft matte finish

What to Consider

It isn’t the most hydrating

Size: 0.5 oz | Key Ingredients: Vitamins E and C, green bean extract | Finish: Natural | Base: Silicone | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This primer from Tarte provides a smooth canvas, ideal for layering makeup products. It worked well with cream blushes and bronzers and did not pill at all. However, the formula is slightly drying, so you’ll want to ensure your skin is hydrated before applying. The texture feels velvety, nonsticky, and not too thick. It’s slightly tacky to blend, but the grip is improved. It does settle into fine lines a bit, but overall still blurs the complexion.

PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie

Chelsea, a tester with combination sensitive skin: “This primer absolutely enhances the overall appearance of foundation, cream products, and powder products. It not only blurs out your complexion but helps your makeup last. This is honestly the first primer that I felt made a difference in my makeup finish.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Primer

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Protective Primer

PHOTO: Sephora

$54 at Amazon $24 at Sephora $54 at QVC

What We Like

Formulated to prevent clogged pores
Its smoothing & lightweight
It has hydrating properties

What to Consider

It leaves a slight white crust upon application

Size: 0.7 oz | Key Ingredients: Hadasei-3 | Finish: Natural | Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for a luxury primer that's ideal good for sensitive skin, Tatcha is your winner. It works well over acne and has hydrating ingredients, including silk powder, which blurs pores and minimizes shine, and Tadashi-3, a combination of superfoods, amino acids, and AHAs, all of which support the skin barrier and improve radiance. Though it leaves a slight crust on application, it helps control oil levels in the T-zone and prevents foundation from settling into fine lines.

PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie

Candice, a tester with combination skin: “It sits under makeup extremely well, without any pilling throughout the day. It fills in my pores beautifully, which makes it perfect for no-makeup days. I haven’t noticed any breakouts from this product on my sensitive and acne-prone skin, which makes this primer all that more of a standout.”

Best Smoothing

SEPHORA COLLECTION Smooth + Blur Primer

PHOTO: Sephora

$16 at Sephora

What We Like

Provides a smooth & natural finish
It improves blendability
It’s fragrance-free

What to Consider

It does peel when applied on top of a lotion base

Size: 1.01 oz | Key Ingredients: Gingko Extract | Finish: Natural| Base: Cream | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Sephora Collection has a wide range of affordable products that perform just as well as luxury items, if not better, like this primer. It performs best when applied alone and not on top of a moisturizer, though it will slightly flake and peel. It helps foundation and concealer blend for a seamless and flawless blur, while active ingredients, including gingko extract, improve moisture retention in the skin and reduce roughness. At the same time, vitamin E serves as an anti-inflammatory and moisturizer.

PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie

Ashley, a tester with combination and sensitive skin: “The primer does a better job expanding my makeup wear by several hours. There wasn’t a noticeable difference with my pores and fine lines, though it helps create a smooth texture. It gives my skin a soft finish and allows my under-eye formula, foundation, and concealer to blend effortlessly to create a natural look.”

Best Lightweight

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

PHOTO: Walgreens

View on Ulta $8 at Amazon $8 at Target

What We Like

It's lightweight & blendable
It eliminates pores
Provides an airbrushed finish

What to Consider

It does not control oil buildup well

Size: 0.67 oz | Key Ingredients: Bitter Cherry Extract | Finish: Matte/natural | Base: Silicone | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Maybelline Baby Skin primer blurs pores for a flawless appearance. It doesn't pill at all and feels smooth and moisturizing, just like lotion. It does not hold up as well against oil buildup throughout the day, but it does prevent makeup from settling into fine lines and reduces the appearance of texture.

PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Byrdie

Danielle, a tester with combination skin: “The primer definitely blends well under makeup and applies smoothly. It does not cause my makeup to be patchy or uneven, and I didn't notice any pilling as a result of using it. No breakouts from what I could tell. Overall, I'd definitely say that it eliminates pores, and the finish looks almost airbrushed.”

What to Look for in a Pore Minimizer Primer

Ingredients: “In general, it's important that this primer is skincare-based and created to prep the skin versus being infused with pigment/ foundation,” says Khalek. “The best primer will differ from person to person based on their skin type and preference. Overall, stick with a non comedogenic dermatologist-tested primer for best results.”
Skin Types: According to Khalek, identifying your skin type is key to picking the right primer. Skin type and texture will determine how well a primer performs, along with its ingredients. “For dry skin, use a hydrating primer. These are rich creams with slick textures that may have slip, grip, or tack to them to support the skin's need for moisture. Look for primers with hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin E, or jojoba oil to nourish the skin. Those with oily skin should consider primers that quickly dry down to work on controlling that oil.”
Formulas: There are different types of formulas for primers, including gel, silicone, and cream. However, Khalek says you want to select based on the ingredients. “Look for silicone-based ingredients that smooth and blur, such as dimethicone, silica, or cyclopentasiloxane, which aids with smoothing texture,” she says. “Unique ingredients such as upsalite that acts as a balancer to absorb sweat and oil while supporting hydration can be a game changer. Other oil-absorbing ingredients like charcoal, clay, witch hazel, and tea tree are powerhouse ingredients to consider, especially if you're oily in the porous areas of your face.”

How We Tested Pore Minimizing Primers

To bring you the best pore minimizing primers, we vigorously tested them in the real world following a specific methodology.

Pore Minimizer Primers Tested: 16
Testing Period: 29 days of testing
Methodology: We tested various pore-minimizing primers over the course of a month. Testers recorded their results based on application, finish, feel, and performance. Testers incorporated the primers into their everyday makeup routines and recorded their experience throughout the day. Results were based on the pore visibility, comfortability, and oil buildup.
Factors Considered: Application, staying-power, finish, and feel

FAQ

Do poreless primers clog pores?

According to experts, it depends on your skin type. Acne-prone skin is more likely to have its pores clogged by primers, so we recommend you do a patch test first. “Acne-prone skin may find silicones such as dimethicone challenging if it's the main ingredient, although considered a noncomedogenic ingredient, low on the comedogenic scale,” says Khalek. She also recommends double-checking the ingredients for potential clogging agents. “It may be pore-clogging if it's overly emollient, with ingredients such as waxes, petroleum jelly, shea, or cocoa butter.”
What causes enlarged pores?

According to Dr. Carmen Castilla, M.D., a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist, enlarged pores have four main causes: Oiliness of skin, age, sex, and genetics. “Pores are the passageway by which the sebaceous (oil) glands secrete sebum onto the skin to maintain skin moisturization,” she explains. “People who produce more sebum have oilier skin and, in general, larger pores.” She also adds that as we age, we lose the elasticity and collagen that supports the pore opening, allowing the pore to dilate. “The male hormone, testosterone, increases oil production as well,” she adds. “Due to this increased level of testosterone, men generally tend to have larger pores than women.”
Is it possible to shrink pores?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to shrink pores completely. “Retinoids can theoretically help if used long term, but the results will be subtle,” Dr. Castilla says. “A series of laser treatments targeted to stimulate collagen production can be beneficial, too.”

Meet Our Experts

Dr. Carmen Castilla, M.D., is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist based in Manhattan, NY. She specializes in personalized treatment plans in both cosmetic and medical dermatology.
Cemia Khalek is a professional traveling makeup artist from Denver, Colorado. Khalek specializes in SFX, commercial, and bridal looks with over 13 years of experience. She previously served as the lead artist at MAC & Sephora makeup stores.

Why Trust Byrdie

Náosha Gregg discovered her love for beauty during the pandemic. It started with lipstick, then blush, then foundation, and now she is a full-fledged makeup lover. She has tested dozens of primers to achieve the perfect blurred look as someone who struggles with pores and texture around her nose and cheeks. When evaluating a beauty product, she looks for four things: quality, texture, performance, and price. She also looks at ingredients, especially since she has sensitive skin.

Edited by Shauna Beni-Haynes

In This Article

Best Overall

BareMinerals Pore Minimizing Primer

Best Budget

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

Best Mattifying

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer

Best for Textured Skin

Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer

Best Hydrating

REFY Blur and Hydrate Oil-Control Face Primer

Best Satin Finish

Tarte Smoothing Primer

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Primer

Best Smoothing

SEPHORA COLLECTION Smooth + Blur Primer

Best Lightweight

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Related Stories

The 9 Best Pore Minimizing Primers With Blurring Effects, According to Testers

In This Article

Best Overall

BareMinerals Pore Minimizing Primer

Best Budget

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

Best Mattifying

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer

Best for Textured Skin

Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer

Best Hydrating

REFY Blur and Hydrate Oil-Control Face Primer

Best Satin Finish

Tarte Smoothing Primer

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Primer

Best Smoothing

SEPHORA COLLECTION Smooth + Blur Primer

Best Lightweight

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

What to Look for in a Pore Minimizer Primer

How We Tested Pore Minimizing Primers

Meet Our Experts

Why Trust Byrdie

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