The modern lifestyle is hectic, and it feels like you’re always on the go. You never seem to have enough time to do everything, but one thing you shouldn’t neglect is your appearance. Your makeup ritual is that part of the day when you get ready to face the world, and so you shouldn’t take any shortcuts. After cleansing, there’s a small step before applying makeup that will make a huge difference. It’s called a primer.

Putting on primer only takes a few seconds, but the benefits are substantial. Not only will it prolong your makeup look, but it will also hide some of your skin’s imperfections. One of those flaws, enlarged pores, is associated with sebum overproduction. However, this problem isn’t limited to people with oily skin only. Mature or stressed skin experiences decreased elasticity which also makes pores more obvious.

Sadly, it isn’t possible to get rid of oversized pores completely. Nevertheless, there are ways to minimize their appearance. A quick fix is to use a priBenefit The POREfessional Face Primermer that works best for large pores.

What is the Best Primer for Large Pores?

Not all skin primers are created equal. Use the wrong one and it could exacerbate your issues. In this article, we’ll present the most effective products we’ve found to smooth out your skin’s texture. With just a few swipes, you’ll have a flawless canvas on which to apply your makeup.

  Product Size Key Benefit Price  
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser 20 mL (0.67 fl oz) tube Antioxidants from bitter cherry extract $6.00 Buy on Amazon
Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer 7.5 mL (0.25 oz), 22 mL (0.74 mL), 44 mL (1.5 fl oz) tube Antioxidants from vitamin E $17.30 for 7.5 mL Buy on Amazon
Petite Maison Pore Minimizer 12 mL (0.40 fl oz) tube Infused with pink pomelo and clover extract $9.37 Buy on Amazon
Touch in Sol No PoreBlem Primer 30 mL (1.01 oz) pump bottle Enhanced with green tea extract and collagen $14.99 Buy on Amazon
Nyx Professional Makeup Pore Killer Primer 20 mL (0.67 fl oz) tube Best for reducing deep and large pores $9.78 Buy on Amazon
e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer 0.74 oz tub Packed with skin-nourishing ingredients $8.00 Buy on Amazon
Smashbox Photo Finish Minimize Pores Primer 30 mL (1.0 fl oz) tube Water-resistant for longer wear $36.00 Buy on Amazon
Covergirl Trublend Base Business Pore Minimizing Skin Primer 30 mL (1.0 fl oz) tube Long-lasting, weightless feel $8.34 Buy on Amazon
Revlon PhotoReady Pore Reducing Primer 27 mL (0.91 fl oz) pump bottle Mimics photo filters $9.65 Buy on Amazon

1. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser is an excellent choice for all skin types. A thin layer of this translucent gel will, as the name says, make your face as smooth as a baby’s bottom. It goes on like a moisturizer but leaves your skin with a soft matte finish. It contains silica to blur the pores, as well as bitter cherry extract to protect your skin against signs of premature aging like fine lines and age spots.

2. Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer

The POREfessional Face Primer by Benefit is a lightweight balm that you can wear on its own or under your foundation. This product is oil-free, so it won’t cause breakouts even if your skin type is oily. The translucent cream complements any skin tone and produces a matte finish. It’s enriched with tocopheryl acetate, a vitamin E derivative, to shield you from free radicals that can damage the skin.

3. Petite Maison Pore Minimizer

The eye-catching retro packaging of Petite Maison Pore Minimizer is too cute for words, but inside it, there’s a product that packs quite a punch. Pink pomelo is rich in vitamin C that helps brighten scars and dark spots. Clover extract soothes inflammation caused by eczema or psoriasis. This moisturizing primer also contains glycerin for soft and supple skin. Regular use nourishes your skin while reducing your pores.

4. Touch in Sol No PoreBlem Primer

If dewy “glass skin” is the look you’re going for, try Touch in Sol No PoreBlem Primer. Inspired by the K-beauty trend, this soft pink primer fills in pores and fine lines with a transparent gel. It’s made with green tea extract that reduces sebum production and rejuvenates your skin cells. It also has soluble collagen to create an invisible barrier against environmental aggressors. The result is refreshed and even-toned skin.

5. Nyx Professional Makeup Pore Killer Primer

Nyx Pore Killer Primer is a melting balm that’s best used as a spot treatment on the areas you need it most. Apply it with a dabbing motion and watch those pesky imperfections disappear. It dries into a powdery finish that blends seamlessly with your skin tone. It can even cover deep scars caused by cystic acne. One reviewer gushed, “It gave me my confidence back. I use very little foundation now and my skin looks amazing.”

6. e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

The velvety-smooth e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer is currently the number one primer in America, and no wonder. Not only does it erase your pores and grip your makeup for hours, but it also feeds your skin with a mix of healthy ingredients. Squalane keeps skin hydrated and youthful-looking, while green tea extract calms redness. Rice bran is added for its anti-aging properties. With all these benefits, this primer definitely gets our vote as the best value for money.

7. Smashbox Photo Finish Minimize Pores Primer

Professional makeup artists swear by Smashbox products, and their Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer is one of the top must-haves. It’s a mattifying gel that instantly blurs the appearance of pores and controls shine without drying your skin. To keep oil at bay, it uses silica that has absorbent qualities. This sweat- and humidity-resistant primer will keep your makeup looking fresh for up to eight hours.

8. Covergirl Trublend Base Business Pore Minimizing Skin Primer

Covergirl offers seven different primers to address everyone’s specific needs. To deal with enlarged pores, grab the TruBlend Base Business Pore Minimizing Skin Primer in the purple and white tube. It softens your skin while it hides imperfections. There’s a little color correction thrown in, too. Makeup glides on easily and stays put, although it doesn’t really lessen oil production. For that, we recommend the mattifying primer in the gray tube.

9. Revlon PhotoReady Pore Reducing Primer

For the perfect selfie, use Revlon PhotoReady Pore Reducing Primer before putting on your makeup. It’s formulated with Revlon’s proprietary High-Definition Filter technology to capture the light and make your complexion smooth as silk. Just a few dots around your face will mattify and erase your pores effortlessly. You’ll always be ready for an impromptu photo sesh.

Say Goodbye to Large Pores

Enlarged pores can make your skin look rough and dull. To even out the texture, use a skin primer that’s specially formulated to diminish their appearance. And for the best results, let the primer dry before layering on your foundation. That extra step is worth the trouble, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.