Best Primers for Large Pores

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Best Primers for Large Pores

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How to Choose the Best Primer for Large Pores

No matter how good your foundation is, sometimes you need a little help to get that smooth, flawless look you’re going for. If you have large pores, it’s not always easy to do. That’s why using a primer for large pores is so important. We researched some of the best products out there to help you find the one best suited for your skin type. Before we get to our top picks, let’s take a look at some of the main things you should know.

Best Primers for Large Pores

Skin Type: Most of these products are made for any skin type but if you have special concerns about your skin, you’re in luck. We included a variety of products that cover oily, aging, dry, and sensitive skin specifically.

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Package Size: These primers all come in small sizes around one-ounce. That may not seem like a lot but keep in mind that you don’t need to use much with each application. A little really does go a long way.

How to Choose the Best Primer for Large Pores

Paraben-Free: Parabens used to be commonly used as a preservative in beauty products but there has been research that suggests they may cause hormonal disruptions and have a link to cancer. All but one of these products is paraben-free.

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Use: There are a few different ways to use primer. Most of them can be used alone or under makeup and several of them can be used over makeup as well. We found a nice mix so you have plenty of options.

Best Primers for Large Pores

Color: While a lot of these products look like they have some color to them, they all blend into your skin. Some of them are translucent and add a bit of shimmer while others are transparent.

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Organic: We know that going organic is important to a lot of people so we made sure we included some great organic options for you. There are a couple of awesome organic products as well as vegan-friendly options.

Top 10 Products

Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at our reviews. If you don’t have a lot of time, start at the top of our list with our top and budget picks. That will give you a good idea about the variety available. Keep reading if you can, though. These products are all really unique and you never know which one will be the right one for you. Are you ready? Let’s get started.

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Primer

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Primer
Our top pick is the best primer for large pores we found in our research, Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Primer. This balm works to reduce the appearance of pores as well as fine lines to give you the smoothest possible skin. It’s a translucent formula that compliments all skin tones and doesn’t contain any oil. There are a few ways to use this primer. Use it in the morning by applying a thin layer after you’ve moisturized. Wait a few seconds then apply makeup as usual. You can also use it throughout the day when pores reappear. Just pat delicately over your T-zone over your makeup and blend. Remember, a little goes a long way with this toner so don’t worry, the small 0.75-ounce tube should last a while.
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Revlon PhotoReady Primer

Revlon PhotoReady Primer
You might be surprised to know that there’s actually a great drugstore primer for large pores. It’s our budget pick, Revlon PhotoReady Primer. Not only does it instantly minimize the appearance of pores but it also includes silica mattifiers so your skin doesn’t look shiny. There are brightening pearls that illuminate the skin and even out skin tone as well as special high definition filter technology to reflect and diffuse light. Overall, this toner gives your skin a flawless, airbrushed look and softens any imperfections. It creates an ideal black canvas to apply your makeup in the morning or you can wear it on its own for a fresh-faced way to start the day. This formula is appropriate for all skin types and a really good choice for oily skin.
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Dr. Brandt Pores No More

Dr. Brandt Pores No More
Our next pick for the best makeup primer for large pores is Dr. Brandt Pores No More. This formula minimizes the look of pores and mattifies shine to blur the appearance of fine lines and other imperfections. This is a good choice for oily skin because it really helps absorb the excess and gives your skin a matte, shine-free look. It’s resistant to sweat and humidity as well and is versatile enough to be worn over or under makeup or on its own. The silky formula glides on smooth and leaves behind an untinted, powder-like finish. A little goes a long way so this one-ounce tube should last a while. Use it at the end of your morning skin routine before you apply your makeup and apply throughout the day as needed.
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Monica Ann Beauty Primer

Monica Ann Beauty Primer
Monica Ann Beauty Primer is our next pick for best face primer for large pores. This formula contains Vitamin C to help brighten skin and hyaluronic acid for hydration. The translucent, matte coverage is a good match for any skin type and it can be work on its own or under makeup. Application is really easy and you only need a little bit. The silky smooth texture easily glides over your skin and provides quick results. One thing we really like about this primer is the packaging. The easy to use pump dispenses just the right amount of product for each application so you can make this one-ounce bottle last as long as possible. That’s not all, this formula doesn’t contain any parabens, sulfates, or phthalates and is cruelty-free and made in the USA.
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Thank Me Later Primer

Thank Me Later Primer
The best foundation primer for large pores and oily or combination skin we found is this Thank Me Later Primer. Not only does it help minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores, but it also keeps your face shine-free without drying. That’s not all, it’s also waterproof and will last all day so there’s no reason to reapply. You can wear it alone, under makeup to set a look that will last all day, or over your makeup when necessary. It comes out of the tube pink but goes on clear so it’s a good match for any skin tone. This formula is paraben free, cruelty-free, and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy, contact the manufacturer and they’ll give you a refund, no questions asked.
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smashbox Photo Finish Primer

smashbox Photo Finish Primer
Our next pick for a great makeup primer for large pores is this Photo Finish Primer from smashbox. This is a good choice for all skin types but works particularly well with oily and combination skin. You can wear this primer alone or under makeup, especially cream or liquid foundation. This formula is oil-free and mattifying, blurring flaws and reducing the appearance of pores. It also controls oil production for up to eight hours. This primer comes in a one-ounce tube. While it might appear to have a light tan tint in the tube, it’s translucent when it goes on your skin. This formula contains no parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, oils, fragrances, or talc. A little goes a long way with this formula so this might seem like a small tube but it will last a while.
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Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer
Maybelline Baby Skin Primer is our next pick for skin primer for large pores. It goes on your skin like a moisturizer, blurs your pores, and creates a matte finish. It looks great on its own or it can be worn under makeup. One great thing about this formula is that it’s lightweight and breathable so you can hardly tell you’re wearing it. This primer has a slightly pink tint right out of the tube but goes on translucent so it’s a good match for any skin tone. Plus, it’s made by Maybelline, one of the most well-known and trusted drug store makeup brands. This is actually a two-pack of 0.67-ounce tubes so it should last awhile. Keep one at home and one in your makeup bag for after work touchups.
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Bellezza Secreto Makeup Primer

Bellezza Secreto Makeup Primer
Bellezza Secreto Makeup Primer is another good primer for large pores. If you’ve been waiting for an organic option, you should check this one out. It’s a unique gel formula that creates a perfect base for your foundation. Plus, it’s waterproof and actually lasts between eight and twelve hours. Another awesome thing about this primer is that it’s enriched with vitamins and antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, and E that are actually good for your skin. It moisturizes in addition to smoothing pores and other imperfections. It’s great for any skin type and can be used daily without fear of clogging your pores. This non-greasy formula uses high-quality organic ingredients and is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and made in the USA. If you have sensitive skin, this one is a great one to try.
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touch In SOL No Pore Blem Primer

Next is touch In SOL No Pore Blem Primer, a formula that leaves skin looking flawless and glowing. It’s a great primer when used alone or you can use it under your makeup for a seamless look. The lightweight formula helps minimize pores and is infused with green tea extract to protect and energize your skin as well as collagen to help moisturize. When used as part of your daily skincare routine, this primer should be applied after your moisturizer but before you apply any makeup. It has a slight pink hue right out of the bottle but goes on transparent so it’s good for any skin tone. The bottle holds a little more than an ounce or product but a little really goes a long way.
Next is touch In SOL No Pore Blem Primer, a formula that leaves skin looking flawless and glowing. It’s a great primer when used alone or you can use it under your makeup for a seamless look. The lightweight formula helps minimize pores and is infused with green tea extract to protect and energize your skin as well as collagen to help moisturize. When used as part of your daily skincare routine, this primer should be applied after your moisturizer but before you apply any makeup. It has a slight pink hue right out of the bottle but goes on transparent so it’s good for any skin tone. The bottle holds a little more than an ounce or product but a little really goes a long way.
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Better'n Ur Skin Mineral Primer

Last but not least in our best makeup primer for large pores review is Better'n Ur Skin Mineral Primer. This is another great organic option that smooths pores and imperfections and moisturizes. And get this, it’s made without any chemicals. All ingredients are organic and botanical plus it’s paraben free,  fragrance-free, and vegan-friendly. It’s gentle enough for any skin type so whether you have sensitive, aging, oily, or combination skin, this one will work wonders for you. This one-ounce bottle has an easy-to-use pump dispenser to give you the right amount of product for each application. That’s not all, it’s made in the USA and 100% guaranteed. You can use it on its own as a primer and moisturizer to smooth out your skin or wear it under your foundation for a smooth, flawless look.
Last but not least in our best makeup primer for large pores review is Better'n Ur Skin Mineral Primer. This is another great organic option that smooths pores and imperfections and moisturizes. And get this, it’s made without any chemicals. All ingredients are organic and botanical plus it’s paraben free, fragrance-free, and vegan-friendly. It’s gentle enough for any skin type so whether you have sensitive, aging, oily, or combination skin, this one will work wonders for you. This one-ounce bottle has an easy-to-use pump dispenser to give you the right amount of product for each application. That’s not all, it’s made in the USA and 100% guaranteed. You can use it on its own as a primer and moisturizer to smooth out your skin or wear it under your foundation for a smooth, flawless look.
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About the Author

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Jennifer Trimbee

Expert Researcher and Writer

Jennifer Trimbee, a lead researcher and writer at GeekWrapped, is an expert writer with many years of experience. Jennifer writes about technology, sports, outdoor, and gear products.

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Article last updated on:

September 29, 2019

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TOP PICK

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Primer

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