I actually don't have anything against my pores. I can see them clearly without the help of a magnifying mirror, and I'm not mad at it. But I will say that it can feel like my makeup doesn't look as fresh as it could when my foundation or concealer sinks into my pores. And that's why I'm a firm believer in smoothing and pore-filling makeup primers. Because even though it can be difficult to see what certain types of primers actually do for your skin and makeup, the pore-filling kinds give clear and immediate results. (Hello, smooth skin.)
Not to mention that smoothing and blurring primers are some of the few that can be worn alone for benefits without needing to finish it off with foundation. Unlike color-correcting primers and illuminating primers that may need to be topped off with foundation to blend and tone down the effects, smoothing primers can be swept on before running out the door for a blurred complexion. And because it only takes a couple of seconds to apply, this type of primer is pretty much the ultimate five-minute makeup product. So whether you want to wear 'em alone or under makeup, here are 15 pore-filling primers that will instantly give you a totally smooth base:
1. Smashbox
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer, $39, Sephora
Oily ladies will love this primer that not only fills pores but also mattifies and controls shine for up to eight hours.
2. L'Oreal Paris
L'Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base, $10, Amazon
This lightweight and non-comedogenic primer minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines for an instantly smooth-looking complexion.
3. Tarte
Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer, $32, Sephora
This mattifying primer also fills in pores for a smooth and shine-free finish.
4. YSL
YSL Touche Eclat Blur Perfector, $55, Sephora
Take your pore-perfecting on the road with this blurring compact that's perfect for on-the-go touchups.
5. Peter Thomas Roth
Peter Thomas Roth Pore Putty, $38, Nordstrom
With regular use, this pore-filling primer delivers temporary, long-term benefits that reduce the look of pore size and shape.
6. Milani
Milani Prime Shield Mattifying + Pore-Minimizing Face Primer, $10, Amazon
Soften the appearance of pores and fine lines while creating a smooth canvas for makeup with this mattifying primer.
7. Make Up For Ever
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer, $37, Sephora
Skin will practically look resurfaced with this silky, smoothing primer.
8. The Estee Edit
The Estee Edit Pore Vanishing Stick, $20, Sephora
Run this handy stick over your skin to instantly fill your pores and smooth your complexion.
9. Dr. Brandt
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer, $45, Sephora
Prevent makeup from settling in and clogging your pores with this primer that acts as an invisible barrier.
10. Clarins
Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, $39, Sephora
Use this primer alone, under makeup, or even mix it in with your foundation to smooth the appearance of fine lines and pores.
11. Pixi
Pixi by Petra Flawless & Poreless Primer, $18, Target
Prolong the life of your makeup while minimizing shine and pores with this primer that utilizes willow bark and salicylic acid for long-term benefits.
12. It Cosmetics
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Primer, $38, Sephora
Developed with plastic surgeons and containing powerful ingredients like clay and collagen, this weightless primer creates a smooth barrier so makeup glides on effortlessly without sinking into pores.
13. Too Faced
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer, $30, Sephora
This vitamin and retinol-packed primer was made to banish the look of pores under powders and give an airbrushed finish.
14. NYX
NYX Pore Filler Primer, $10, Amazon
Fill your pores with vitamin E instead of makeup with this oil-free primer.
15. Benefit
benefit The POREfessional Face Primer, $31, Sephora
This pore-filler is a classic. Smooth it on to quickly reduce the appearance of lines and pores while protecting from free radicals.
So you can be all like: "Pores? What pores?"
