What is the best primer for pores and wrinkles?

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Investing in the best primer for large pores is a good idea if you have large pores. A primer formulated for large pores forms a protective barrier between the makeup and skin and helps cover up fine lines, pores, and wrinkles.

The best primers contain squalene, vitamin E, vitamin C, calamine, hyaluronic acid, and natural ingredients such as Mediterranean algae and Padina Pavonica to help retain the skin’s moisture, reduce skin redness, and minimize the appearance of large pores. They also help make your face smooth and firm. Keep scrolling as we list the best primers for large pores and tell you how to choose the right product.

Types Of Primers

Primers can be categorized into four types.

1. Matte primers: These primers have a matte effect on the skin and are suitable for oily skin. They can prolong the foundation effect and form a barrier between makeup and skin, blurring marks and smoothening pores. The addition of silicone in these primers offers additional benefits.
2. Hydrating primers: These formulae are ideal for dry skin. They contain antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and soft.
3. Color-correcting primers: These primers are usually tinted and counteract underlying skin tones. For example, blue primers can balance yellow skin tones, while green primers can eliminate redness.
4. Blurring primers: If you have wrinkles and fine lines, these primers can provide a soothing effect and reduce aging signs.

Top Picks

Best Non-Greasy:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

Best Easy-To-Apply: e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

Best Lightweight: Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer

Best For Pores: Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer

Best Vegan: BestLand All Matte Pore Invisible Face Primer

Best Oil-Free: Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer

Best Hypoallergenic:Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Best Hydrating:Monica Ann Beauty Dual-Action Face Primer

Best Brightening: Latorice Face Makeup Primer

Best For Smooth Skin:Boots No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer

15 Best Primers For Large Pores

1. Best Non-Greasy:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.0

Price at the time of publication: $25.0

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Elizabeth Mott’s Thank Me Later face primer is a light, smooth formula that helps reduce fine lines and enlarged pores and enhances the makeup effect and keeps it longer. The non-greasy, silky-smooth formula has a matte effect and prevents shine. Furthermore, the primer controls excess oil, balances the complexion, and makes it brighter. The cruelty-free primer does not contain parabens and is water-proof and sweat-proof. Psst! The product has over 30,000 rave reviews on Amazon. Have a look at this review video to learn more about the primer for large pores.

• Prevents makeup crease
• Doesn’t need constant touch-ups
• Easy to remove with makeup remover
• Easy to apply

• May not be easy to remove
• May be less suitable for combination skin

2. Best Easy-To-Apply:e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

Price at the time of publication: $9.0

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If you are looking for a formula to conceal large pores on your face, choose this e.l.f primer. It is the perfect skin repair cream with a velvety, smooth texture. The easy-to-apply poreless putty primer can lock the makeup for a flawless makeup look. The squalene infused in it can keep the skin hydrated. It makes your makeup last all day long and protects the skin from moisture loss. The primer does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other chemicals and can provide nourishing, poreless, and smooth complexion to the skin. This primer has been reviewed by about 29,000 users on Amazon, and they have mentioned how it makes the skin look smooth and healthy. Check out this video to learn how this primer works on large pores.

Pros

• Suitable for all skin tones
• Provides the right balance between greasy and glowy
• Irritant-free
• Best for summers

Cons

• May be slightly drying
• May not offer great coverage

3. Best Lightweight:Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer

Price at the time of publication: $8.98

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Maybelline Facestudio Master Prime is a color-correcting primer that preps the face for makeup. The blurring formula reduces pigmentation and skin marks, while the water-soluble base with active ingredients can help reduce large pores and provide a refined appearance to the skin. The primer helps smooth out imperfections and fine lines, making your makeup last longer and giving you a non-greasy feel. You can use the lightweight, non-oily formula as a standalone primer or under foundation. Click this video link to learn about the efficacy of this primer.

Pros

• Offers full coverage
• Hydrating formula
• Provides natural-looking finish
• Blends well on the skin

Cons

• May be less suitable for enlarged pores
• May have a slightly thin consistency

4. Best For Pores:Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer

Price at the time of publication: $15.5

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Touch In Sol’s No Pore Blem primer is the perfect solution for covering large and open pores. The primer can instantly camouflage fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a flawless texture and evening out skin tone. It provides an excellent foundation for all-day makeup. The light and silky formula is rich in green tea extract that protects and energizes the skin. The primer contains soluble collagen to increase skin elasticity and moisture content while controlling sebum and acts as an invisible barrier to pollutants. The primer has received over 11,000 good reviews on Amazon.

Pros

• Free of talc and parabens
• Pump model to dispense a small amount
• Soft melting gel formula
• Provides a natural finish
• Provides intense hydration

Cons

• May have a slightly thick consistency
• Some may not like the smell

5. Best Vegan:BestLand All Matte Pore Invisible Face Primer

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The BestLand oil-free makeup primer helps create a smooth and even base to ensure your makeup stays put throughout the day. It has a refreshing texture and helps reduce the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines for a radiant finish. The formulation can protect the skin from external damage and keep it hydrated and moisturized. It offers medium coverage and keeps your makeup fixed and smudge-free for a translucent glow.

Pros

• Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
• Includes vitamins A, C, and E
• Helps control shine
• Suitable for all skin types, especially oily skin

Cons

• Quantity may not be sufficient
• Some may find it lighter than expected

6. Best Oil-Free:Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Face Primer

Price at the time of publication: $29.51

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Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional face primer is an oil-free formula that reduces the appearance of facial pores and fine lines. The translucent formula is a light balm that you can apply to the skin before foundation and makeup. It is infused with vitamin E to protect the skin from damage and is suitable for all skin types and complexions. Over 3,000 reviewers on Amazon have given a thumbs up to this primer for large pores.

Pros

• Has a mild fragrance
• A little goes a long way
• Can also be used as a stand-alone
• Travel-friendly palm-size tube

Cons

• May not last long
• May require frequent touch-ups if you have oily skin

7. Best Hypoallergenic:Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Price at the time of publication: $30.0

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Pores No More by Dr. Brandt is a skin-refining primer that instantly minimizes imperfections on the face and provides a clear, smooth canvas for makeup. The matte formula absorbs excess oil and reduces the shiny effect of the skin. The primer from Dr. Brandt Skincare is dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. It can reduce enlarged pores and blemishes.

Pros

• Ensures hassle-free application
• Doesn’t flake
• Suitable for all skin tones
• Doesn’t feel cakey

Cons

• May not be compatible with some makeup brushes
• May be smaller than expected

8. Best Hydrating:Monica Ann Beauty Dual-Action Face Primer

Price at the time of publication: $34.0

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Monica Ann’s Dual Action primer uses vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin and provide hydration to the face, giving it a healthy glow.  The makeup base can keep your look flawless all day long. It has a soft and silky texture, which helps smooth out imperfections on the skin. The foundation primer has a matte effect on the skin while minimizing the appearance of large pores. The anti-aging formula plumps the face and brightens it and does not contain sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

Pros

• Provides translucent matte finish
• Helps lock in moisture
• Balances skin tone
• Cruelty-free
• Oil-free, water-proof, and sweat-proof

Cons

• May be less suitable for sensitive skin
• May have a glittery shine

9. Best Brightening:Latorice Face Makeup Primer

4.4

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.99

Price at the time of publication: $19.99

Buy on Amazon

Latorice Face Makeup primer is the perfect makeup base for the face, helping conceal large pores, acne marks, and other skin imperfections. The primer can moisturize the skin, control excess sebum, and act as a concealer to cover wrinkles and fine lines. Rich in plant extracts, the primer can penetrate the skin deeply, prevent meltdowns, and keep the skin dry. It also helps repair blemishes and erythema and brightens a dull complexion. This natural product can be used on its own or under foundation powders or bronzers.

Pros

• Gentle and hypoallergenic
• Minimizes redness
• Protect the skin from sun’s harmful rays
• Evens out the complexion

Cons

• May leave a white cast
• May be slightly greasy

10. Best For Smooth Skin:Boots No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer

Price at the time of publication: $18.99

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The Airbrush Away primer is a formula that instantly gives you a smooth skin texture by covering the skin’s pores and flaws. It creates a perfect, even canvas for all-day makeup, absorbs quickly, and creates a perfect base for your foundation. The primer forms an effective barrier on the facial skin, protecting the skin from UV rays and reducing greasiness.

Pros

• Doesn’t leave residue
• Blends effortlessly
• Travel-friendly tube
• Mild consistency

Cons

• May be slightly greasy
• Some may find the smell overpowering

11. Best Easy-To-Apply:Vue De Pulang Blur Stick Makeup Primer

Price at the time of publication: $11.89

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Vue De Pulang primer is a pore minimizer mainly formulated for use in the eye area. It is rich in calamine and is suitable for oily and sensitive skin. The primer stick can soothe acne-prone skin and is made of high-quality ingredients. The eye shadow primer can form a poreless base for eye makeup and is easy to carry. The blur stick makes it easy to apply and reduces wastage.

Pros

• Controls sebum without causing dryness
• Tones-up and calms your skin
• Safe for acne-prone skin
• Secure lid makes it travel-friendly

Cons

• May be slightly cakey
• May have a slightly waxy consistency

12. Best Matte Formula:First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Pores Be Gone Matte Primer

Price at the time of publication: $15.0

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First Aid Beauty’s Hello Fab Pore Be Gone primer is an oil-free, matte formula rich in fig extract and salicylic acid. The non-comedogenic formula improves the skin texture and instantly blurs imperfections or pores on the face, providing a smooth complexion. The formula is rich in nutrients to nourish the skin and control sebum and forms a protective barrier between the skin and the makeup. The primer also has antibacterial properties and optical diffusers to provide a soft, matte appearance. It does not contain parabens, mineral oils, artificial additives, nuts, gluten, and alcohol.

Pros

• Safe for sensitive skin
• Free of lanolin and artificial fragrances
• Lasts long
• Ideal for a no-makeup look
• Provides intense moisturization

Cons

• May not be great for oily skin

13. Best Moisturizing:Elemis Pro-Collagen Insta-Smooth Primer

Price at the time of publication: $78.0

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Elemis Insta-Smooth primer helps cover fine lines and wrinkles. The ultra-firming skincare reduces the appearance of large pores and makes the face firmer and smoother. The primer, formulated with a cryo-firming complex, cryo-extracted brown algae, and Italian glacial water, acts as a base for makeup and lasts long. These ingredients firm the skin and have a cooling effect. Mediterranean algae and Padina Pavonica keep the skin moisturized and strengthen its moisture barrier. Marine extracts help give the face an immediate and flawless appearance.

Pros

• Doesn’t leave any residue
• Enhances skin’s elasticity
• Easy to apply
• Convenient travel-friendly tube

Cons

• May contain added fragrance

14. Best Humidity-Proof:Beautyblender The Leveler Pore Minimizing Makeup Primer

Price at the time of publication: $41.95

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Beautyblender’s makeup primer is a smoothing primer with a vegan formula rich in high-performance silicone, which helps lock the skin’s moisture and forms a humidity-proof barrier. The lightweight formula with a light to medium color reduces shine, helps the makeup last longer, and does not cause acne. The non-comedogenic formula helps minimize redness, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. The primer provides hydration and is an excellent base for your foundation and concealer.

Pros

• Streak-free application
• Paraben-, SLS-, cruelty-, and gluten-free
• Glides smoothly over the skin
• Suitable for oily, normal, and combination skin

Cons

• May be slightly greasy
• May be less suitable for enlarged pores

15. Best For Redness:CCPT Makeup Base Primer

Price at the time of publication: $19.99

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CCPT primer is a makeup base that can be used under the foundation to obtain a smooth canvas feel.  The pore minimizer is suitable for all skin types and helps conceal fine lines, wrinkles, and other facial blemishes. It is rich in Deep Sea Pearl powder and hyaluronic acid, which relieve skin redness and irritation and keep the skin moisturized and nourished. The primer comes in three colors to suit your skin tone. The lightweight formula glides smoothly on the skin and makes it soft. It adds radiance to makeup and gives a unified, matte finish to the face. 

Pros

• Suitable for acne-prone skin
• Easy-to-use pump
• Evens out the skin tone
• Travel-friendly bottle

Cons

• May leave a white residue
• May have a slightly thick consistency

How To Choose The Right Primer For Large Pores?

When choosing a primer for large pores, keep the following points in mind.

1. Skin type: The primers are largely based on your skin type.

• If your skin is oily, choose a matte primer. This helps control and absorb excess oil secretion and prevents the skin from looking shiny.
• If your skin is dry, the primer must have hydrating and moisturizing properties. A primer with a light creamy texture keeps the skin nourished.
• For normal skin, an illuminating formula with a dewy effect may be the right choice. A matte primer may make your skin look dull. A pore-minimizing formula can provide an excellent base for foundation and concealer.
• For combination skin, you need a primer to control sebum while keeping the dry skin moisturized. It is best to choose a neutral primer or buy a primer with a matte and a hydrating formula. You can buy a primer with a matte formula to control shine and a primer with a hydrating formula to moisturize the skin.
• For mature and aging skin, use a primer rich in antioxidants. It can cover fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores. It can also moisturize your skin and lock makeup.

1. Skin problems: Primers are available in different colors to help you deal with various skin discoloration problems. However, when choosing a primer to conceal pores, it is best to look for a pore minimizer primer.

1. Anti-Sweat/heat-resistant: If youdo not want your makeup to flow on your face, choose a heat-resistant and anti-sweat primer.

1. SPF factor: SPF primers can provide extra protection for the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Facial primers not only help you create a perfect canvas for your makeup but also minimizes large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. They can even out skin tone and balance discoloration. Choose a primer from our list of the 15 best primers for large pores to protect your skin from enlarged pores, acne scars, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag, our skincare and makeup enthusiast, has a knack for researching and reviewing the best makeup products available in the market. A good primer is an essential product for any makeup lover to achieve the desired results, and therefore, Poulami has shortlisted the best primers for large pores. She has also explained the different types of primers and the features of each product based on user reviews to help you pick the right primer for your skin type.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a primer that fills in pores?

All the primers listed above are formulated to blur large pores and give your skin a smooth texture. You may select one that suits your skin type.

2. How do I minimize my pores before makeup?

Here are a few ways that may help reduce large pores before applying pore-reducing primer.
Clean your face with face wash and lukewarm water.
Exfoliate once a week with a BHA-based peel.

3. What do primers do?

Primers essentially even out the skin’s surface by covering the pores. They allow you to apply foundation and achieve a smooth and professional finesse. It also eases the application process of the remaining makeup and doesn’t allow it to budge easily.

4. Why do I have large pores on my face?

Some of the most common reasons for large pores are

• High sebum excretion
• Large hair follicle size
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Acne
• Sun damage
• Oily skin
• Using non-comedogenic makeup (1)

5. Are silicone-based primers ok to use?

Silicone-based primers are good options if you have an oily skin tone and are not allergic to silicone. Due to their density, they effectively cover fine lines and large pores.

6. What if I notice pilling or rolling when I use a primer?

Keep these pointers in mind to prevent makeup from pilling or rolling off.

• Never use a water-based foundation after applying an oil-based primer, and vice-versa.
• Use a silicone-based foundation if using a silicone primer.
• Cleanse or exfoliate before using a primer to remove dead skin cells.
• Allow your moisturizer and sunscreen to dry or absorb completely before using a primer.

These are some of the best primers for large pores offering multiple benefits. They are versatile and create the perfect canvas for your makeup while minimizing the appearance of large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. The options listed here have been curated to blur imperfections and give you a more radiant, youthful look. Some of them can even help you improve the texture of your skin and improve discoloration. Before buying, make sure you study the ingredients carefully so it doesn’t affect your skin.

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