No Product Can Erase Your Pores, But These 12 Primers Come Super Close

I can vouch for this pore-minimizing 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 minimization is limited. Not true! The gel formula helps absorb shine and smooth the pores without making skin feel tight or going too matte. 

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.

Pros: Oil-free, reduces the appearance of fine lines, creates a blurring finish

Cons: Small amount of product

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, a 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 such as 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. 

Pros: Blots excess oil on the skin, creates a soft matte finish

Cons: Not as long-lasting

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 minimize 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. For those with deeper skin tones, the color of the formula might be off-putting, but the primer works well with all skin tones. 

Pros: Formulated to minimize pores, long-lasting blurring effect, matte finish

Cons: May be too drying to some skin types

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. 

Pros: Noncomedogenic, blurring and mattifying effect

Cons: Expensive

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.

Pros: Hydrating formula, noncomedogenic, great for sensitive skin

Cons: Has a tacky feel to it

Customer Review: "I love this primer, I've been using it about 5 [years] 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 about pore-minimizing primers without this talc- and oil-free fan favorite. Formulated with microspherical powders that give the skin a soft blur, this primer smoothes imperfections, minimizes the look of pores and fine lines, and absorbs excess oil, providing a canvas for makeup that will last well beyond its application. 

Pros: Oil-free, minimizes the look of pores, absorbs excess oil

Cons: Expensive

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-minimizing 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-wearing, matte makeup application. Beyond creating an ideal canvas for makeup, the primer helps improve skin's smoothness in four weeks with continued use. 

Pros: Contains SPF 21, matte finish, absorbs excess oil

Cons: Expensive

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 Cle 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. Plus, it's only $8. 

Pros: Affordable, noncomedogenic, lightweight, blurs the appearance of pores

Cons: Tends to rub off easily

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."

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 minimizes the look of pores without depleting the skin of moisture. You can use this as a mattifying base to control shine.

Pros: Contains acne-fighting salicylic acid, reduces shine, minimizes the appearance of pores

Cons: May be too much for dry skin types

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!"

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 minimization and the smoothing of fine lines.

Pros: Noncomedogenic, infused with silk extract to hydrate skin, helps makeup last longer

Cons: Powder formula may be too drying for some skin types

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 gel-to-powder primer made with the brand's proprietary Color Grip Technology bonds to makeup, controls excess oil, keeps unwanted shine away, and ensures makeup stays put all day long.

Pros: Controls excess oil, blurs the appearance of pores, doesn't slide throughout the day, contains SPF 37

Cons: None

Customer Review: "With rosacea and sensitive skin, it can be hard to find primers that are actually matte and don't irritate my skin and actually go on SMOOTH. This one is so smooth, and [I] love the feeling of it on my face, and makeup looks even and smooth."