What are the Best Primers for Large Pores in 2024?

Are you sick and tired of putting foundation or powder on your face and noticing your pores becoming more pronounced and accentuated? You’re probably thinking, “what’s the point of makeup if it can’t cover my skin imperfections?” The truth is if you want a face like a smooth canvas and you have large pores, you need to add an extra step to your makeup routine. 

If you’d like to blur imperfections, it’s time to say hello to a primer for large pores. A smoothing primer will help visibly reduce the size of your pores, add some hydration to your skin, and serve as a protective barrier between your epidermis and your foundation. Some of the best primers are enriched with vitamins E, C, hyaluronic acid, and SPF. We have selected 13 products in the review below, so you’re bound to find the best primer for large pores no matter your skin type and skin issues. Let’s get you acquainted!

Best Primers for Large Pores Reviews

1. Our Top Pick – The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer for large pores

$19.99

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Ordinary hardly needs an introduction, so for those of you looking for a cult primer, you have come to the right place! Its lightweight formula makes it ultra-easy to apply, leaving your face looking dewy and plump. The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer is perfect for applying around the eyes, getting rid of wrinkles, and creating a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. Its unique formula is free from alcohol, water, and oil, making it the perfect choice for combination and normal skin.

2.  Best Drugstore Primer for Large Pores – Bioderma – Sébium Pore Refiner Cream – Pore Refiner Cream

• Visibly tightens the appearance of pores & mattifies
• Refines look of skin texture
• Preserves skin radiance and can be used as a good make up base

$25.99

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do you have naturally oily or combination skin? Bioderma is the answer. This dermatological corrector will tighten your pores and improve uneven texture. The primer is boosted with silica powders and anti-reflective particles to help reduce shine. The result is a smooth texture and matte complexion with just a few dabs. The agaric acid and salicylic acid help restore radiance and shine through a gentle exfoliation of the face. This is a makeup primer often recommended and prescribed by pharmacists and dermatologists, so relax – your skin is safe trusting this product!

3. Best Primer for Mature Skin and Large Pores –  Honest Beauty Everything Primer Glow + 2HA Primer with Hyaluronic Acid

Sale

• New look, same great formula; packaging may vary
• Preps, brightens and hydrates your skin
• Fresh, healthy-looking complexion

$22.99 −$4.00 $18.99

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for a face primer with anti-aging benefits? Say hello to Honest Beauty! The Honest Beauty cosmetics is made specifically for mature skin with many powerful ingredients working together to fight aging and enlarged pores. This Honest Beauty Everything Primer will guarantee you a radiant glow! It's boosted with two different types of hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture and bind the different layers of skin for a plump appearance. The primer is infused with watermelon, apple, and lentil extracts for ultimate moisture. Did we mention it's also cruelty-free, vegan, dermatologically tested, AND recyclable? Oh, yeah, and it's great for all skin types! Thank you, Jessica Alba!

4. Best Primer for Acne Scars and Large Pores – NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Pore Filler Blurring Primer, Vegan Face Primer

• Pore Filler: Oil & talc free, this blurring primer with smoothing agents helps minimize the appearance of pores, kills shine & preps your complexion...
• 12 Hour Smooth Base: Conceal pores with this sleek, silky formula prior to applying your favorite foundations, concealers, powders or bronzer and...
• Face From Foundation To Finish: Complete your makeup look with our full line of face products to aid in color correction and coverage from concealer,...

$14.67

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We couldn't exclude NYX from our review – after all, this is a best-selling primer with rave reviews! The oil and talc-free formula is an ultimate pore filler boosted with Vitamin E, just the perfect ingredients for oily skin types. This professional makeup pore filler won't clog your pores and will leave your skin with a velvety texture and a mattifying effect. This primer is especially effective on acne scars – you know, the deep visible ones, not just light discoloration. The primer visibly fills in the gaps and evens out the skin. Don't believe me? Just read the five-star reviews underneath the product!

5. Best Primer for Acne-Prone Skin and Large Pores – La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Anti-Aging Face Primer

• Anti-aging face primer with SPF provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection
• Oil-absorbing mattifying texture
• A powerful antioxidant complex to help protect skin from free radicals caused by UV rays
• Visibly smooths and blurs fine lines, wrinkles and pores for an even complexion and younger-looking skin
• Formulated and rigorously tested for skin tolerance, even on sensitive skin

 

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Okay, time for a serious chat – do you have acne-prone and sensitive skin? Are you quite reluctant to try new products simply because your skin breaks out? I totally get you. I'm the same. But La Roche-Posay is a brand I vouch for ever since my dermatologist introduced me to it. The entire brand focuses on creating products for sensitive skin, and many doctors trust and recommend their products. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Anti-Aging Face Primer will absorb excess oil, visibly blur large pores, and smoothen out thin lines. You're not only fixing imperfections. You're giving your skin the sun protection it needs without clogging your pores with harmful ingredients. I'm 100% certain your dermatologist will approve!

6. Best Vegаn Primer for Large Pores – bareMinerals Escentuals Combo Control Milky Face Primer

Do you have combined skin and an oily T-zone? The bareMinerals Combo Control Primer is perfect for controlling excess oil and leaving you with a milky-smooth result. Worried it might clog pores? The ultra-lightweight noncomedogenic formula won't contribute to breakouts, so sensitive skin types can benefit from this product too! To top it all off, the bareMinerals primer is made with a vegan formula. It's fragrance-free, SLS-free, and cruelty-free! So much goodness in one simple product!

7. Best 2-in-1 Primer for Large Pores – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Booster Primer & Serum

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Glow Booster moisturizing serum-to-primer hybrid to leave skin hydrated
• Infused with purified Hyaluronic Acid to provide instant hydration
• This priming serum completes the look of your skin with a glowing finish
• Non-greasy formula is designed to make skin appear more plump and energized
• Primer bridges the gap from skincare to makeup, preparing the skin before makeup application

 

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Are you looking for a primer and serum combo? The silky formula of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Primer and Serum is designed to instantly energize your skin and give it the hydration it deserves! Wear it as a glow booster with no makeup on, or use its hydrating qualities under your foundation and bronzer for a smooth complexion. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost will visibly decrease the appearance of large pores. The translucent formula mixed with hyaluronic acid is perfect for everyday use at home. It's a pore-blem solver!

8. Best Primer for Oily Skin and Large Pores – Pore and Shine Control Primer by NARS for Women

It has an innovative formula that minimizes the appearance of pores and mattifies the skin all day long thanks to the blurring powders it contains and also prolongs and enhances the look of makeup.

 

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If you're a fan of NARS, you're in luck! They have an excellent matte primer for oily skin. NARS's Pore and Shine Control Primer will oversee oil production through its African whitewood, oleanolic, and peptide formula. The lotion-like texture efficiently controls shine and keeps your fancy makeup in place! Don't worry. This matte primer won't clog your pores – it uses a noncomedogenic formula. It's also oil-free and paraben-free and won't feel like you just added a heavy layer of moisturizer to your face. Thank you NARS!

9. Best Value Primer for Large Pores – Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

• Features a lightweight, fragrance-free and breathable formula that can be worn alone or with your moisturizer
• Non-comedogenic clear face makeup primer preps for makeup application and leaves skin moisturized for an all-day light feel
• Blurs pores in an instant leaving the skin with a smooth and matte finish for a polished baby-soft skin

$29.52

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer will be a wonderful choice for those looking for a budget solution. Designed as a no-hassle primer, it's easy to apply and noncomedogenic. The ultra-lightweight formula creates a smooth and moisturized skin texture with a matte finish. Wear it with or without makeup, and you're guaranteed to look fresh and hydrated with less visible pores. It's currently on Amazon's #1 Best Seller list, and for many, it's the best pore minimizing primer. They call it baby skin for a reason!

10. Best Budget Primer for Large Pores – Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer

• Shine control for up to 8 hours
• Pore minimizer
• Hydrating feel
• Smoothes skin
• Oil-free; non-greasy feel
• Lightweight texture

 

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Speaking of money-saving brands, you can't go wrong with Rimmel. Whenever I'm in between jobs or low on money, I turn to Rimmel to fill in the gaps in my makeup collection. Not many people talk about how expensive makeup can be. Once your skin is used to the good stuff, slapping on а cheap alternative can cause breakouts or dry skin, depending on your skin type. But I've never had this experience when switching to Rimmel. So if you're looking for a cheap face primer to minimize the appearance of large pores, allow me to introduce you to the Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer! Its oil-free formula won't leave your face feeling greasy and heavy – quite the opposite. Expect shine control and hydration for the next eight hours of your day!

11. Best Luxurious Primer for Large Pores – LANCOME by Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer Smoothing Effect

• Oil-free, it absorbs quickly allowing for effortless makeup application. Eyeshadow and blush blend seamlessly, while face powder and foundation stay all-day.
• From a nude makeup to a smokey eye look, La Base Pro works well no matter what the occasion. It enables long-lasting color payoff, with a professional makeup finish.
• Suitable for all skin types, it is good for normal to oily skin, combination to dry skin.

 

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If you're looking for an elegant solution to conceal large pores, you won't go wrong choosing Lancome. The Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer is specifically designed for long-lasting makeup results. Whether you're preparing to apply powder, foundation, or spreading the primer around your eyes, it will work well no matter the occasion. Are you aiming for the real-life “airbrushed look” that's so popular on filters nowadays? Lancome will make it possible. You're probably worried that your skin type won't be able to take it, but you're in luck! This mattifying primer for large pores is suitable for all skin types, with its oil-free and silky-smooth formula.

12. Best Primer for Combination Skin and Large Pores – Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base Primer

Sale

• SAMPLE SIZE. Marked not for sale.
• Sample before buying full size.
• If you want full size, do not purchase this sample size

$16.48 −$0.80 $15.68

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bobbi Brown, vitamin-enriched, Fase Base Primer is excellent for oily, normal, and combination skin. The face primer is perfect for dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, and oiliness while leaving your skin cushioned and moisturized. Its advanced formula uses shea butter combined with vitamins B, C, and E, and antioxidants to help battle and protect against city pollution. Keep in mind this primer is not fragrance-free, so you'll notice a scent of geranium and grapefruit. Life could be worse.

When you open the face base primer, you'll notice it has a thick and luxurious texture. If you were to try and flip the product on its head, it would stay inside instead of streaking out, which means it will last you a very long time. That's why I recommend you start with a small size, especially when you're trying out a new product. That way, if you don't like it (although that's highly doubtful), you won't feel like you lose out on a lot of money. Many YouTube makeup gurus vouch for this product, so we couldn't help but add it to our list!

13. Best NonComedogenic Primer for Large Pores – Dr. Brandt Pores No More PORE REFINER PRIMER

• Instantly and over time* minimizes the appearance of pores, diffuses lines, and imperfections. *Individual results may vary.
• Absorbs excess oil and mattifies shine.
• Creates a smooth, flawless finish with or without makeup.

 

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Our final primer on our list will control oils to help create an even skin tone. But that's not all – it prolongs makeup wear and creates a smooth skin texture. Wondering what it might be? Probably not, if you read the title. Enter: Dr. Brandt pores no more PORE REFINER PRIMER! Are you trying to combat dullness? You have chosen the right product. This dermatological tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free primer is boosted with red clover flower extract famous for its anti-inflammatory qualities. The salicylic acid inside helps unclog your pores and show off your radiant skin to the world! It's great as a makeup primer, or if you're after a natural makeup-free look, you can wear it on its own!

FAQ

How does a pore minimizing primer actually work?

Most primers for large pores include an oil-controlling formula with hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid, which work to blur wrinkles and add moisture to your skin. This makes your pores appear smaller. Some pore minimizing primers use minuscule particles and powders to reflect light away from your skin, resulting in a skin-smoothing effect.

It's important to add a small disclaimer here – pore minimizing primers will never solve your pore issue completely. Large pores, caused either by your genes or as a result of acne, can be fixed through various procedures slowly in time, such as micro-needling or laser therapy. So when you’re applying makeup primers for large pores, do keep in mind they are a temporary solution and won't permanently erase imperfections.

We have about 5 million pores on our bodies, and those on our faces aren't even half of them. When choosing to fixate on these skin “imperfections,” let's not forget that, at the end of the day, pores are just glorified hair follicles!

How to choose a minimizing primer?

One of the most important things to look for in a pore reducing primer is SPF protection. UV light activates the matrix metalloproteinase, which damages the supportive collagen in our skin. This is also why many people complain about their pores getting larger with age. Always look for a primer for large pores with SPF protection as a preventative strategy.

Another thing to consider is your skin type. It's important to buy cosmetics according to your individual skin type – that amazing primer your friend uses may make her skin fabulous, but it might not work for you. Here is what to look for according to your skin type:

Oily Skin 

The best recommendation for people with oily skin is mattifying primers. These won't add additional moisture to your face, and you won't feel a “heaviness” when you apply. Many people with oily skin worry that using a primer or moisturizer will accentuate or increase the oiliness of their skin. However, if you choose a matte finish primer, you won't experience that effect. Washing your face once a day with a cleanser also helps clean your large pores, which makes them appear smaller.

Normal Skin

Mattifying primers won't really work for you if you have normal skin. They'll only dry up your skin, so instead, look for a lightweight formula with a dewy effect.

Dry Skin 

If you have dry skin you should look for a primer with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. A mattifying primer will only dry your skin further, especially when putting makeup on top. To boost your skin’s hydration, use a daily moisturizing cream to add to your beauty routine and prep the skin for the day ahead. The primer will then work as a topping-up agent, maintaining hydration throughout the day.

Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

We have included some excellent primers for allergy-prone skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin on our list. The general rule to remember is to buy dermatologically tested primers and skincare products, often ones sold in pharmacies. La Roche Posay, Bioderma, and The Ordinary are safe brands to use that dermatologists recommend. However, always check with your dermatologist if you're introducing a new skincare element to your routine, especially during acne treatments. 

Finally, I'll give you my secret weapon when choosing makeup for my acne-prone skin: CosDNA. I always check the ingredients inside my makeup products on this website to see if any of them could irritate my skin. They have an extensive gallery of products. There's rarely anything I can't find on there! You can thank me later!

How to use a minimizing primer?

Minimizing primers should be used on a clean face, preferably after your daily cream has set. Apply a pea-sized amount of minimizing primer on your skin, starting at your nose and spreading away towards your cheeks. Repeat until you have gone over every part of your face where the foundation will go, like your chin and forehead. You're now ready for your foundation!

Why do some people have large pores?

There are several reasons why some people have larger pores than others. The most common reason is genetic – people born with oily skin are likely to have large pores. Oily skin requires a larger pore opening, so the excess oil can be released.

Another reason for large pores is aging. When we age, we produce less collagen, and the pre-existing collagen inside our skin loosens. Suddenly, our skin isn’t as firm, and we notice our pores have become larger than before. 

Lastly, exposure to the sun is another reason for large pores. Sun damage, also referred to as photoaging, only becomes visible when it’s too late. We all like to have fun in the sun and get the trendy golden tan of our dreams, but exposing our skin to harmful UV rays is the worst way to treat it. Consider switching from sunbathing to tanning lotions if you like a brown sugar tan. We can recommend some of the best indoor tanning lotions and explain why they’re a safer bet in comparison to sunbathing.

One More Thing

We carefully selected makeup and skincare brands for this article. Dermatologists would recommend most of the products we chose. We made this choice because we know skincare is not a joke, and we strive to be as informed as possible. This is true for all subjects we write about, so if you have any comments or would like to share your experience with any of the mentioned products, feel free to leave a comment below! 

Meanwhile, allow me to recommend some similar stories! If this is your first time here, or if you have been part of the IFB audience for a while, I think you’ll find the following articles to your liking:

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I hope you enjoyed our guide on the best primer for large pores, and I hope to catch you again soon!

Best Selling Primer for Large Pores

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer, Restoring Makeup Primer For A Flawless, Smooth Canvas,...	$7.83	Buy on Amazon
2		TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer, 1.01 fl.oz(30ml) - Face Makeup Primer, Big Pores...	$17.00	Buy on Amazon
3		e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, Silky, Skin-Perfecting, Lightweight, Long Lasting,...	$10.00	Buy on Amazon
4		Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pro Balm Face Primer Pore Minimizer .75 Ounce	$26.94	Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API