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Radiant flawless skin is every girl’s dream. But if you have oily skin and big pores, it might just stay as a dream. But don’t fret, you can still achieve that glass-like skin with the best primer for large pores.
Primers can smoothen out your rough skin, it can also make your pores appear smaller. All you need is to buy the most suitable primer for your skin type. And choosing the right brand may not be easy. There are tons of primers in the market, each promising to give you that youthful skin.
So we are reviewing the best brand so that you can pick the best choice for your skin.
Here is the List of 10 Best Primers for Large Pores:
- COLORESCIENCE (EVEN UP)
- SMASHBOX (Photo Finish)
- BENEFIT (POREfessional)
- NYX PORE FILLER
- JANE IREDALE (SMOOTH AFFAIR)
- HOURGLASS COSMETICS
- REVLON PHOTOREADY
- ELIZABETH ARDEN
- TOO FACED
- TIME BALM (Face Primer)
Best Primers for Large Pores: 10 Products Reviewed
Primers are of two types- silicone-based and water-based. We have gathered the best primers and we’ll help you choose the right product. And the best choice will mostly depend on your skin type. So keep reading and we’ll guide you through!
The best primer will make you look oh so natural!
1. COLORESCIENCE (EVEN UP)
It’s a full spectrum sunblock and primer in one!
Specs
- Has SPF 50
- Formulated to cover pigmentation and skin discoloration
This brand will even out your skin tone, cover large pores and dark spots, and provide protection from the sun. It’s one of its kind!
Use if as you would a liquid foundation to cover your entire face. And it matches your skin tone too. Though, it may be a bit thick. So you may use it after your favorite moisturizer to assist in spreading the product.
Pros
- Protects the skin from a broad spectrum of harmful UVA/UVB rays
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Covers up pores and brownish spots on the skin
- Makes your skin glow
- Looks natural
- Can cover broken capillaries
- Can be used on its own
- Feels light
- Makes skin soft and smooth
- Water-resistant for 40 minutes
Cons
- May not look nice on pale skin
- Some find the primer a bit thick
- Expensive
Why we love the product
It’s a pigment corrector, a full-spectrum sunblock, and a prime in one! You can also use it in place of your foundation.
We love how smooth and soft our skin became! We rarely come across a primer that has SPF 50, not to mention, it can protect you from a broad spectrum of harmful rays. Our skin was pampered, beautified, and protected at the same time! We don’t mind using this every day!
2. SMASHBOX (Photo Finish)
A clear gel that can cover up those large pores and set a good canvass for your makeup.
Specs
- Contains camellia Sinensis extract, grape seed extract, safflower, Kola seed extract, Vitamins A & E, and peptides
- Oil-free
- Silicone-based
- Comes in a clear gel formula
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It’s one of the best drugstore primers for large pores. It’s safe to use on any skin type but it works amazingly well on oily skin. No breakouts and no irritation whatsoever.
Pros
- No fragrance
- Works on all skin types
- Affordable
- Smooths out pitted scars and large pores
- Evens up the skin tone
- Looks natural
- Doesn’t cake up under your foundation
- Protects the skin from free radicals
- Vegan and cruelty- free
Cons
- The consistency is a bit runny
- Others find it greasy
Why we love the product
It stays for hours and hours! So your makeup will last for the entire night too. And it’s quite interesting that it’s a clear gel formula, but it can also cover skin blotches and give you an even skin tone. It’s a go-to brand of most oily skinned girls! And it’s one of the best drugstore primer for larger pores
3. BENEFIT (POREfessional)
MInimize your large pores and get a smooth and mattified skin with BENEFIT POREfessional
Specs
- Has a translucent formula
- Infused with Vitamin E
- Silicone-based
It has a translucent base that almost matches your skin tone. So you’re sure to get that oh so natural look. You won’t look like a ghost trying to cover up those pores! The mattified look simply looks stunning. It creates a perfect base to flawlessly apply your makeup.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Feels very light
- Makes skin silky and smooth
- Seems to shrink the size of the pores
- Has a nice light scent
- A little goes a long way
- Keeps your makeup in place
- Fills in pitted pores
- For a silicone-based primer, it doesn’t clog the pores and still works great on oily skin
- Can also be used on top of your makeup
- Looks natural
- Easily blends in with your skin
Cons
- Feels a bit wet on the skin. It’s more advisable to use with a foundation.
Why we love the product
It dramatically improved the texture of our skin. From pitted pores and scars to soft, smooth, and velvety skin! We only needed to use a small amount. This
4. NYX PORE FILLER
Get a natural matte finish that can minimize the appearance of your pores. It’s perfect for those with oily skin. Surely one of the best primers for large pores
Specs
- Has a matte finish
- Best for oily skin
- Infused with Vitamin E
- Oil and talc-free
- Has a tone tan
NYX Pore Filler can fill in the gaps of your large pores and pitted scars. Even if you have porous skin, it can glide smoothly and can fill in all the gaps. It lessens retouch sessions as the primer itself can last for the entire day.
Pros
- Doesn’t cause irritation or breakouts
- Gives an even and smooth finish
- Skin feels velvety smooth
- Doesn’t feel greasy
- Can be worn alone
- Doesn’t clog the pores
Cons
- The texture is a bit airy
- Expensive
Why we love the product
One of the best primers for oily skin. We love the natural matte finish it gives off and you can even go without your favorite foundation. It works well on its own.
The texture is a bit odd, you just have to work it into your hands first before applying the primer to your face. If you have oily skin, there’s a constant need to retouch your makeup as the oil starts to settle on your pores. Nyx Pore Filler soaks up the oil so it wouldn’t settle on your pores! No more oily skin the whole day!
5. JANE IREDALE (SMOOTH AFFAIR)
This brightener and primer duo can make your face a clean and glowing canvass.
Specs
- Infused with grapeseed extract, green, and white tea
- A duo of primer and brightener
The primer covers the pores while hydrating the skin while the brightener gives off a radiant finish. You might no longer need your foundation if you’ve got this duo pack! It even works well in very humid climate-it stays and place and never gets sticky.
Pros
- Provides full coverage for your large pores
- Doesn’t feel heavy or cakey
- Hydrates the skin
- Has a nice subtle scent
- This duo set can make your skin look dewy and healthy
- Works best on dry skin
- A little goes a long way
- Helps your makeup stay in place
- Allows for easier application of makeup
- Absorbs quickly
- Never feels greasy
- Gives a nice glow to mature skin
Cons
- Expensive
- May irritate sensitive skin
Why we love the product
We’re seriously thinking of ditching our foundation! This duo may be all we need to get that dewy and healthy finish.
The combination of green tea, grape seed extract, and white tea hydrates even very dry skin. We thought we’re using a moisturizer!
6. HOURGLASS COSMETICS
Formulated for oily skin, this primer helps conceal the pores and keeps your makeup in place.
Specs
- Best for oily skin, but can be used for all skin types
- Has SPF 15
- Silicone based
It’s a silicone-based product but doesn’t clog your pores. And if longevity is the name of the game, Mineral Veil is one of the top contenders. It helps your makeup last for 12-16 hours without caking up.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Doesn’t cake up
- Skin feels like silk
- Lasts for the whole day
- Feels light
- Can be worn alone for a ‘no makeup’ makeup look
- Doesn’t clog pores
- A little lasts a long way
- Helps set your makeup
- Conceals red skin
- Great for mature skin too
Cons
- Expensive
Why we love the product
Apart from hiding large pores, this primer evens out our blotchy skin! And it feels oh so light but lasts for the day. And if you want the no makeup look, this primer can be worn alone to get that effect. And if worn with a suitable foundation, expect your makeup to last for hours! That’s without needing to retouch for the night! Sounds economical and convenient, right?
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It also has SPF 15 so it’s ideal for mature skin. For a silicone-based primer, it’s amazing how it doesn’t clog the pores!
7. REVLON PHOTOREADY
A pink primer that can create a radiant look and photo-ready skin.
Specs
- Infused with brightening pearls and High Definition Filter technology
- Pink tinted
- Oil and talc-free
- Works on dry and oily skin
One of the best drugstore primers! It has been been a go-to brand of several women who want to get full coverage for their large pores without shelling too much money.
Pros
- Not greasy or oily
- Hydrates the skin
- A little goes a long way
- Doesn’t have any fragrance
- Covers large pores
- Lessens the redness of the skin
- Doesn’t feel heavy
- Affordable
- Light enough for daily use
- Doesn’t crease or cake
- Looks natural
Cons
- Difficult to get the product out of the dispenser
- Not recommended for sensitive skin
- The pump system could have been better
Why we love the product
It’s a pink primer that can correct sallow undertones on the skin while concealing large pores! We got flawless, photo-ready skin! And we love how it feels so light and looks oh so natural. You can even wear them every day. It’s a top contender for the best drugstore primer for oily skin and large pores
8. ELIZABETH ARDEN
Flawless Start can set your foundation while covering up large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Specs
- Infused with Light Diffusing Technology and Triple Blurring Complex
- Recommended for dry skin
- Has a velvety nude tint
- Leaves a matte finish
It soaks up in the skin just fine and will not clog your pores. Also, this primer lasts for hours and you just need to use a small amount. The consistency is quite thick you just need a pea-size amount to cover your entire face, the neck may be included!
Pros
- Covers large pores
- Hydrates dry skin
- Doesn’t feel oily
- Helps keep your makeup stay
- Feels smooth on the skin
- Also works for combination skin too
- Covers fine lines and wrinkles
- Doesn’t feel greasy or sticky
- Looks great even with no makeup
- Doesn’t leave any residue
Cons
- Expensive
- Can cause breakouts for those with sensitive skin
- The consistency might be quite thick for some
Why we love the product
It’s not silicone-based yet it helped our makeup lasts for more than 10 hours and feels smooth. It’s a perfect base for your foundation and can even be worn daily.
It left our skin looking oh so radiant, dewy, and bright. The hydration score of this primer is one of the best.
9. TOO FACED
Hydrates your skin and can coverage spots and pores with retinol infused primer. This is one of the best primers for large pores on our list.
Specs
- Infused with Camellia oil, mulberry extract, Vitamins A & C, UVA, and retinol
Infused with nature’s anti-ageing compounds, Primed and Poreless can keep your age spots at bay too. Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals and retinol minimizes the appearance of large pores. It creates a sheer and smooth canvass on where you can apply your makeup!
Pros
- Easily glides on the skin
- Makes makeup last longer
- Adds a glowy finish to your skin
- The color of the cream matches the skin tone
- Hydrates the skin
- Has a pleasant subtle scent
- Can be worn alone too
- Covers fine lines and wrinkles too
- Has natural anti-aging essence
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Makes your bronzer pop out more
Cons
- You need to use a bit more of the product to get full coverage
- Expensive for its worth
- Feels a bit greasy
Why we love the product
Look like you had an air-bush session with this tube! It provides full coverage for scars, pores, wrinkles, and fine lines. And it makes your skin so supple and smooth. It’s easier to apply your favorite foundation or bronzer and it stays in place for hours too. It keeps the color of your makeup longer so you’d get that nice bronzer sparkling all night!
10. TIME BALM (Face Primer)
Time Balm is very rich in nutrients that can nourish the skin, cover large pores, and keep aging spots at bay.
Specs
- Infused with antioxidants and herbal essences
- Contains castor oil, ivy leaf and stem extract, Vitamins A, C, & E, allantoin, bioflavonoids, and retinyl palmitate
- Silicone-based
- Unscented
- Has a translucent formula
It’s a go-to brand of women with mature skin! It hydrates the skin rather well and makes it supple and smooth. It can be worn alone and your skin would still look perfectly radiant and bright.
Pros
- Can be worn under makeup or alone
- Helps reduce fine lines
- The nutrients hydrate the skin
- Paraben-free
- Works great for mature skin
- Doesn’t dry the skin
- Helps keep your makeup stay in place
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Doesn’t feel greasy or oily
- Helps with skin inflammation
- Protects skin from free radicals
Cons
- Tends to cake up
- Expensive for its price, it comes in a very small tube.
Why we love the product
It feels light and its translucent formula blends well with almost any type of makeup. It’s rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and all the good stuff. That’s why it felt so soft on the skin. It even feels a lot like baby powder and gives a nice matte finish on the cheeks.
Even if it’s silicone-based, we didn’t feel any clogging on the pores. It also covers age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines! That’s why it’s a must-have for those with mature skin and large pores.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Primer for Large Pores
With a lot of primers brands, you can feel like a kid lost in a candy store. See our simple buying guide to help you pick the right primer for you.
1. Skin type
Using a primer that’s not meant for your skin type can do more harm than good. That’s why skincare products, primers included must be used as per your skin type. If you don’t know your skin type yet, keep reading.
- Dry skin
You need a hydrating primer that will moisturize your skin. It should be hydrating enough but should never be too oily. Otherwise, it can result in ghastly oily patches on your skin.
- Oily skin
An oil-free product is ideal for your oily skin. It should be able to control grease and reduce large pores. When you have oily skin, you normally have enlarged pores. You’ll also need a primer that has a matte finish.
- Combination skin
Some parts of your skin may be oily, while there may be dry patches too. This is referred to as combination skin. So you need a neutral primer that won’t aggravate the oil on your face. It should also be hydrating enough to heal your dry patches.
- Mature skin
Mature skin tends to have fine lines and wrinkles. Mature skin needs a lot of TLC since it tends to be drier. It also needs to have lots of nourishment that can delay the signs of aging. Your primer should have this effect.
2. Skin problems
Do you have acne? Or perhaps scars from old pimples? You need a primer that has ingredients that can help deal with these skin issues.
3. Frequency of usage
How often do you plan to wear a primer? Daily? Or weekly?
If you’re going to use a primer daily, make sure that it has a light formulation. It also should have nourishing ingredients. Heavy primers, on the other hand, can be used occasionally.
5. Silicone free formulation
You don’t want primers that are too harsh and heavy. Go for silicone-free products. Silicone laden primers tend to be heavier and harsher on the skin.
6. SPF protection
A primer with an SPF can give you protection from the harsh ultraviolet rays. Even when inside, your skin can still be exposed to these UV rays with the lights and all. So it’s essential to use a primer with SPF. So that you don’t have to put on an additional layer of cream.
7. Cost and budget
While you want premium brands, your budget might not agree with you. On the other hand, do not just buy a primer because it’s cheap. You have to search for an affordable yet quality primer.
8. Reputable Brand
As much as possible, look for reputable brands. This will ensure that your skin is in safe hands. But that doesn’t mean that you have to just pick one from the rack, it also helps to do research. Online reviews can help too.
What Causes Large Pores?
Large pores can make our skin look unbecoming. And there are several reasons why your pores may seem larger.
1. Skin type and genes
Your genes dictate your skin type. And if you have oily skin, you’re likely to get larger pores too. Your sebum gland will produce an excess amount of oil. And this excess oil can clog your pores and make it seem larger.
2. Extreme temperatures
A too hot or too cold temperature can both lead to larger pores. If the temperature is hot and humid, your oily skin tends to produce more oil. And this can clog your pores and make it larger.
Excess cold, on the other hand, can suck out all the oil from your face. And this will compel your body to produce more. And your body will produce an excess amount of sebum to make up for the loss. And this can make your skin oily.
3. Gender
Men tend to have oilier skin than women. That’s why men’s skincare products are very different from women’s. The male hormones often stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
4. Age
As you get older, your skin loses elasticity. And as your skin loses elasticity, it becomes clogged with dirt and oil. And this can result in larger pores.
5. Race
Ethnicity seems to affect your body’s production of oils. And this can make your pores larger. African American seem to have the oiliest skin. Though the larger pores may not seem to be too apparent because of the darker skin.
Benefits of Best Primer for Large Pores
Why use primers? Check out the benefits of primers. And you’ll surely buy one after reading this.
1. Hides wrinkles and fine lines
Primers can fill out the small holes on your skin. Thus, it can even out the texture of your skin. Some brands have blurring complexes that can hide fine lines effectively. Additionally, the right combination of foundation and primers can create an airbrushed finish.
2. Great for oily skin
If you have oily skin, a primer with a matte finish can prevent excess oil from ruining your makeup.
3. Great base for makeup
Primers can help your makeup stay for hours. It also makes your makeup last longer too. So you don’t need to retouch more often.
9 Ways to Get Rid of Large Pores
Some people are born with larger pores. You can blame your forefathers for that, but you can’t change the size of your pores!
So what do you have to do? These hacks won’t necessarily decrease the size of your pores but it can make the pores seem smaller and prevent it from getting bigger. Yes, you surely can choose one of the primers from our best primers for large pores list.
Your large pores can increase in size further if you’ll not adopt a healthy skincare routine! So let’s see how we could prevent that from happening!
1. Washing of face
So how often do you need to wash your face? Regular washing twice a day seems to be most beneficial.
- Morning – washing your face in the morning removes all the sebum that has accumulated in your sleep. And this creates a clean canvas on where you would apply your makeup.
- Evening- getting rid of all the oil, dirt, and products on your face before you sleep is a must. The build-up of oil, dirt, and makeup will clog your pores.
2. Use only warm water
Avoid using hot water to wash your face. Contrary to popular belief, washing your face with hot water can make your pores seem bigger. And it can also cause skin irritation or scalding.
3. Use water-based and non-comedogenic cleansers and makeup
Water-based products are less likely to clog your pores and irritate your skin. Since these products are oil-free, you’re not adding more fuel to your already oily skin.
4. Gentle exfoliation
Exfoliation removes the buildup of excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. This will make your pores look smaller. But go easy on the scrubs! Exfoliate twice a week. Too much sloughing can make your skin dry and this can also make your pores look bigger.
And use exfoliants and scrubs that are free from harmful chemicals. You can open up your cupboard and most likely, you’ll find something for your skin! It’s safer and relatively cheaper too.
5. Moisturize
Moisturize at least twice a day using non-comedogenic products. Oily skin is a culprit for large pores, so is dry skin! I
If your skin gets too dry, it signals your body to produce more sebum than necessary.
6. Use sunscreen whenever you’re out
The harmful UV rays of the sun can breakdown collagen faster than you could catch the next bus. Apart from premature aging, wrinkles, and fine lines, UV rays cause larger pores.
So never skimp on the sunscreen! You can also wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to add more protection to your skin. We can’t afford to lose that collagen!
7. Get your daily dose of water
Yes, drinking 6-8 glasses of water can help minimize large pores. It’ll improve your complexion and make sure that your skin is hydrated. As we’ve mentioned before, dry skin can also make your pores look larger, so bottoms up!
8. Eat a healthy diet
That saturated fat from your deep-fried chicken can take a toll on your pores! Saturated fat or animal fats can inflame the pores of the skin. When it’s inflamed, it looks larger. Fried foods are pro-inflammatory foods so better slow down on the chips.
Apart from oil, sugar seems to have the same effect too. Time to ditch the donuts!
So what should you eat? Anti-inflammatory foods can prevent breakouts and larger pores. So get ready to fill up your plate with food with these nutrients:
- Vitamin C ( citrus fruits, kale, broccoli, and spinach)
- Polyphenols (green and white tea)
- Zinc (squash, spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms)
- Selenium ( chia seeds and flax seeds)
9. And of course! Wear a primer before you apply your makeup
Getting the best primer for oily skin and large pores can make your skin a clear and clean canvass for your foundation!
FAQs:
Do primers minimize pores?
Most primers don’t necessarily make the size of the pores smaller, but it conceals and makes it seem smaller. But some products can shrink your pores- retinol may help decrease the size of the pores.
Is a liquid or powder foundation better on large pores?
Powder foundations are more suitable for women with larger pores. Liquid foundations are more oil-based, it can make your skin oilier and can clog your pores. And liquid ones are more light-reflecting, this can make your pores look bigger.
Does a primer make pores bigger?
Most silicone-based primers can clog the pores. These products may hide your big pores. But it leaves behind a residue and the product build-up will clog your pores. But there are silicone-based primers that work well for oily skin and won’t clog your pores. Some of these brands are SMASHBOX (Photo Finish) and Benefit POREfessional.
Can I use primer by itself?
Yes! In some instances where you just want to don a ‘no-makeup’ makeup look, the best primers for large pores can give you that radiant and smooth finish.
Is primer bad for the skin?
If you’re using primers that have harmful ingredients, yes it can be harmful to your skin. It can cause irritation and breakouts which can make the pores larger too.
Is it okay to use primer without foundation?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine. If you’re going to get a primer suitable for your skin, oftentimes a primer will suffice for daily wear.
Conclusion
Oily skin and large pores can make you look like you haven’t taken a bath. And no matter how thick your foundation is, oily skin can ruin your makeup. You don’t need to put on a heavy layer of foundation. Instead, what you need is the best primer for large pores.
Pick from our best list and you’ll soon be on your way to achieving flawlessly smooth skin.