No Product Can Erase Your Pores, But These 16 Primers Come Super Close

I can vouch for this pore-minimising primer infused with plumping hyaluronic acid, calming green tea extract, and skin-protecting vitamin E. With all those skin-loving ingredients, you might think its ability to provide staying power and pore minimisation is limited. Not true! The gel formula helps absorb shine and smooth the pores without making skin feel tight or going too matte. 

Standout Customer Review: "This is such a nice project. I had never really been into primers before I purchased this because I have sensitive skin, and most primers cause me irritation. Not only does this primer not irritate my skin, but it delivered on its claims! I did notice [the] smoothing effect when using this primer and longevity to my makeup that isn't there without it. I also really appreciate that my skin never feels tight or dry despite [the primer] being oil-controlling. I'm very impressed and will continue to repurchase."

You can count on this cult-loved oil-free primer formulated with skin-protecting vitamins A and E to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores while it grips your makeup for a long-lasting finish.

Standout Customer Review: "The best primer on the planet! [It] applies like silk, making your skin flawless. I have tried so many primers on the market. This one does it all without agitating my skin or causing breakouts. You need [only] a tiny dot covering your entire face. [I] love how my makeup applies flawlessly and sheer. I do not recommend using this every day. I use it when I go out only."

If you want a product that can function as a primer, balm-to-powder setting powder over makeup, or a means to blot away excess oil throughout the day, this silica-infused option—from a brand that celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge love—is for you. Reviewers have mentioned using the stick over makeup can remove some of the pigment, but for me, taking a small brush to the stick and then gently dabbing in places where oil is peeking through helps keep my complexion products in place while the formula absorbs oil. 

Standout Customer Review: "Okay, so even though the reviews are confusing, I really do think this is an innovative and useful product for us oily girlies. I keep this in my bag to touch up my T-zone because I hate how wasteful blotting papers are, and the packaging on this is super eco-friendly. I absolutely see a difference! I removed a star because it does remove a bit of my makeup, but it's not too bad. I also love how it keeps my fingers AWAY from my skin, unlike blotting papers (which also absorb the oil from my hands)."

Formulated to minimise the appearance of pores and lines, this mattifying primer is ideal for use under makeup or on top post-application for a long-lasting, skin-blurring effect that also keeps shine at bay. Give the formula a few seconds to dry down before applying makeup. And for those with deeper skin tones, the beige colour of the formula might be off-putting, but the primer works well with all skin tones. 

Standout Customer Review: "I love this primer. It hides the fine lines on my forehead and blends smoothly over [the] pores. I wear it with powder to finish. It also goes great under a concealer to hide any under-eye darkness."

This noncomedogenic 24-hour foundation primer provides a blurring and mattifying finish that reduces the appearance of pores and blemishes and helps smooth the skin's texture on days when you're wearing foundation or going makeup-free. 

Standout Customer Review: "Wasn't sure what to expect but was happily surprised. Very lightweight, no transfer, blurs redness, and imperfections feels like you're wearing nothing. Even after a workout, it's dewy but not an oil slick."

This primer is aptly named considering it grips makeup to the skin while hydrating it with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, blue agave extract, and aloe water.

Standout Customer Review: "I love this primer, I've been using it about 5yrs now and it's perfect, I put it on let it sit and dry a bit then apply my makeup and perfect result every time, my pores are completely hidden and it gives a nice youthful glow!"

We can't talk pore-minimising primers without this talc- and oil-free fan favorite. Formulated with micro-spherical powders that give the skin a soft blur, this primer smoothes imperfections, minimises the look of pores and fine lines, and absorbs excess oil, providing a canvas for makeup that will last well beyond its application. 

Standout Customer Review: "I love this primer. It's my first time using a primer, and I can't believe it can make such a difference! It makes my skin looks flawless without or with foundation. It will definitely be a primary product of my makeup routine, and I recommend it to everyone!"

Pore-minimising priming with SPF 21? Yes, please! This water-based formula is enriched with a matte powder complex that hydrates for up to eight hours, absorbing excess sebum and creating a pore-smoothing base ready for long-wear, matte makeup application. And beyond creating an ideal canvas for makeup, with continued use, the primer helps improve skin's smoothness in four weeks. 

Standout Customer Review: "I bought this primer a few years ago, and have been using it ever since. It is creamy and does well under my Clé de Peau foundation. It has a light, fresh scent. I use it after my skin routine (serum, eye cream, etc.) and before foundation. Love it!"

This noncomedogenic, fragrance-free drugstore buy offers a lightweight makeup primer that blurs pores and smooths skin instantly—and it's only £9. 

Standout Customer Review: "I am a guy using only primer with no makeup to light makeup. This primer blurs my pores and mattes my face (not in a dry way). I am not a big fan of spending lots of money on these things, so this keeps me below budget. My confidence level goes up before a night out."

Starring hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this skin-loving primer can be worn under makeup and for no-makeup days. It visibly blurs and minimises pores while keeping the skin hydrated. Plus, a little goes a long way! Only a pea-size amount is needed to get all the pore-minimising, makeup-gripping benefits.

Standout Customer Review: "This has to be one of the best primers I've ever tried. I absolutely LOVE the way it makes my skin look. It adds hydration that literally lasts for 24 hours. When I wash my face in the morning, I can still see the effects. My skin looks better the day after. It smooths, brightens, and minimises my pores. I don't think I'll ever go without it. I've had this primer for a few days and have been wearing it every day ever since."

For acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can be a great help for keeping breakouts at bay. In this case, YSL has crafted a gel formula infused with salicylic acid and limonette extract that reduces shine and minimises the look of pores, all without depleting the skin of moisture. You can use this as a mattifying base to control shine.

Standout Customer Review: "So wonderful, so lightweight, [and] so easy to apply. You don't need much, and it's so beautifully effective! I was amazed that it worked so well! I used to always carry blotting papers with me before purchase[ing this], and always needed them to touch up during the day. Now everything is much different! So much easier! Every day is oil-free all day with no touch-ups needed at all!"

Made with 90% natural ingredients, this noncomedogenic, silicone-free cream primer is made with pore-minimising niacinamide, bakuchiol to smooth skin texture and even skin tone, and lentil extract to help reduce shine, all packaged in a recyclable tube.

Standout Customer Review: "The product performs as advertised. Pores are moderately blurred, and skin is extra matte after several hours. If matte skin is your primary goal, this is a good option."

This noncomedogenic, dermatologist-tested makeup-perfecting primer infused with silk extracts can be used for the face, eyes, and lips and is an excellent choice for anyone with mature skin who wants the staying power of a primer with pore-minimisation and the smoothing of fine lines.

Standout Customer Review: "I have pretty good skin for my age—79—but for a truly flawless, absolutely natural look, this is unbeatable. I also use liquid silk for quick daily use."

Dermatologist- and allergy-tested, this water-balm formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to soak up extra oils without drying the skin. This will allow makeup to look blurred and last longer preventing any flaking.

Standout Customer Review: "Love the Clinique pore defying primer! It gives my makeup the flawless base i love, whilst feeling super hydrating and brightening! A must try!!"

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Made with Vita Rose Extract, Evanescent Oils and TexturePerfect™ technology, this primer aims to create a glowy but flawless veil over the skin for a velvet finish. This is meant to be used under foundation, but many reviewers claim it works just as well on it's own for those looking for poreless, makeup-free skin.

Standout Customer Review: "Great blurring, it has a matte finish and I prefer a more glowing / dewy finish so I mix it with the Brightening primer to get the perfect primer :) I haven't tested with foundation yet just been using it on it's own and stays on all day. Fabulous product for mature skin."

You either love mineral sunscreens or you don't. Many say they offer a finish sans a white cast, but they miss the mark. If you do enjoy a mineral option, this one from Supergoop! works well as a primer, boasts SPF 40 to protect the skin, and gives skin a mattifying, poreless finish. Reviewers note the formula can pill, so let it dry down on the skin before applying complexion products. Taking that extra time can often prevent pilling. I say this from experience!

Standout Customer Review: "I purchased the Supergoop Matte sunscreen for my upcoming cruise to Mexico. I will say I'm very impressed by the matte finish. It doesn't have a prominent white cast by itself, and it looks great underneath foundation too."