Whether you’re creating a no-makeup makeup look or going full glam, a great face primer is key. However, the type of primer you should use depends on your skin type and what finish you hope to achieve. For example, a hydrating shimmer-based primer is an excellent option for a dewy look. If you want to minimize the look of your pores and obtain a long-lasting finish, global lead pro makeup artist for Smashbox Cosmetics Lori Taylor Davis recommends a long-wearing, oil-absorbing formula above all others.
When selecting the best pore-minimizing primers for your skin, Davis recommends oil-free cream-to-powder formulas that offer at least eight hours of makeup control with noncomedogenic silica.
However, while the primer you choose can certainly help minimize your pores, Shenelle Mays-Smith, a licensed aesthetician and film-and-TV makeup artist, notes skincare is the first step to minimizing the look of your pores. “One great way to minimize the look of enlarged pores is to use a product with AHAs and BHAs,” she tells us, adding that these acids have what she calls “a retexturing effect” on the skin. She also recommends willow bark extract, a natural form of salicylic acid, as it helps keep your skin from becoming inflamed. If you’re prone to breakouts and looking for pore minimization, many primers (including a couple on our list) are infused with this powerhouse ingredient, so you get skincare and prep in one step.
Speaking of skincare, we often hear silicones are a no-no for the skin. But Smith says they aren’t as big of a beauty faux pas as we think. “Silicone primers are generally considered safe on the skin and have conditioning and emollient properties, which help lock hydration into the skin and prevent moisture loss,” she explains. “The silky and spreadable texture of silicones has made them popular in makeup products, [and] silicone-based primers are better on oily skin, as the silicone creates a layer that keeps the oil from breaking through.”
If the thought of silicone on your skin still gives you pause, don’t worry. There are many non-silicone primers to choose from that offer the results you’re after. Keep scrolling!
The Best Pore-Minimizing Primers
- Best Overall: Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer
- Best Moisturizing Formula: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Primer
- Best Drugstore: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Yves Saint Laurent NU Blotting Lotion Primer
- Best for Combo and Dry Skin: Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects Blurring Primer
Best for Minimizing Pores: Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer
Best Blurred Finish: Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
Best Soft-Matte Finish: Nudestix Blot & Blur Matte Stick
Best for Disguising Fine Lines: Benefit Cosmetics Benefit the Porefessional Face Primer
Best for Covering Blemishes: Dior Forever Velvet Veil Matte Primer
Best Moisturizing Formula: Milk Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
Best for Long-Lasting Wear: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer
Best Luxury Option: Clé de Peau Beauté Correcting Cream Veil Primer SPF 21
Best Drugstore Option: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Yves Saint Laurent NU Blotting Lotion Primer
Best for Mature Skin: Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
Best for Combo and Dry Skin: Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects Blurring Primer
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Source: WhoWhatWear
