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10 Best Makeup Primer For Large Pores 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer - Mattifying Makeup Base Primer for Shine and Oil Control - Pore Minimizer, Smooths Wrinkles and Fine Lines – Long-Lasting Makeup Gripping Formula, 30g

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,487
Formulation
Finish
Longevity

Most important from
43463 reviews

Formulation
It’s a game-changer in my daily routine. The texture is lightweight and silky, making it a breeze to apply and it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on my skin.
Finish
It creates a beautifully even base that grips my makeup perfectly, keeping it looking fresh for hours without the need for touch-ups.
Longevity
My makeup stays put and looks fresh for hours—no touch-ups required!
Skin Sensitivity
The niacinamide and cica ingredients help soothe my sensitive skin and reduce redness, making my skin feel calm, refreshed, and noticeably smoother.

The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is designed to help those with large pores achieve a smooth, matte finish while also managing oil and shine. One of its standout features is its ability to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, making it a great choice for people looking to create a flawless base for their makeup. The formula is matte, ideal for both dry and oily skin types, indicating its versatility.

Additionally, it's made with high-quality Korean ingredients, such as luxurious pearl powder, and is cruelty-free, which is a plus for ethical consumers. The primer's long-lasting, makeup-gripping formula ensures that your makeup stays in place throughout the day, preventing oiliness and creasing, which is perfect for mature skin or those who wear makeup for extended periods.

The product's effectiveness in oil control and pore-filling properties might vary between individuals, particularly depending on their skin type and concerns. Some users with extremely oily skin might require an extra step to manage shine throughout the day. It's also important to follow the application instructions carefully to achieve the best results. This primer is a solid option for those seeking a pore-minimizing, mattifying base that enhances the longevity of their makeup.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,487
Formulation
Finish
Longevity

Most important from
43463 reviews

Formulation
It’s a game-changer in my daily routine. The texture is lightweight and silky, making it a breeze to apply and it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on my skin.
Finish
It creates a beautifully even base that grips my makeup perfectly, keeping it looking fresh for hours without the need for touch-ups.
Longevity
My makeup stays put and looks fresh for hours—no touch-ups required!
Skin Sensitivity
The niacinamide and cica ingredients help soothe my sensitive skin and reduce redness, making my skin feel calm, refreshed, and noticeably smoother.
#2

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Jumbo, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 2.5 oz

Rating
9.6
Formulation
Pore-Filling Properties
Oil Control

Most important from
33655 reviews

Formulation
Its gel-based, lightweight formula applies smoothly and absorbs quickly without any sticky or heavy residue.
Pore-Filling Properties
Creates a smooth, even canvas that blurs pores and fine lines, enhancing the overall makeup application.
Oil Control
Effectively controls excess oil, helping to keep the face shine-free for hours, even in hot and humid conditions.
Longevity
The primer delivers exceptional makeup hold, keeping makeup fresh and flawless throughout a long day and into the night.
Skin Sensitivity
Non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin, making it a gentle yet effective choice.

The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Jumbo is a gel-based, hydrating primer designed to smooth skin and help makeup stay put. Its clear, translucent formula works well on all skin types and tones, making it a versatile choice if you want a moisturizer and primer in one. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, it adds good hydration and leaves a natural, plump finish that feels lightweight rather than heavy.

When it comes to filling large pores, this primer doesn’t specifically target that concern with thick or pore-blurring ingredients, so if your main goal is to minimize the look of big pores, it might not provide a strong smoothing effect. For oil control, it’s more about hydration than mattifying, so those with very oily skin might find it less effective at keeping shine away throughout the day. The finish is natural and slightly glowy—not completely matte—so it suits those who prefer a fresh, dewy look. It grips makeup well and helps it last longer, but if you expect all-day heavy-duty oil control or pore coverage, you may need to layer it with other products.

It’s non-comedogenic and gentle enough for sensitive skin, which is a plus if you’re prone to breakouts. Cruelty-free and vegan, it’s a good ethical pick. This primer is a solid choice if you want hydration and makeup hold with a natural finish, but if your priority is strong pore-filling or oil control, you might want to explore primers made specifically for those needs.

Rating
9.6
Formulation
Pore-Filling Properties
Oil Control

Most important from
33655 reviews

Formulation
Its gel-based, lightweight formula applies smoothly and absorbs quickly without any sticky or heavy residue.
Pore-Filling Properties
Creates a smooth, even canvas that blurs pores and fine lines, enhancing the overall makeup application.
Oil Control
Effectively controls excess oil, helping to keep the face shine-free for hours, even in hot and humid conditions.
Longevity
The primer delivers exceptional makeup hold, keeping makeup fresh and flawless throughout a long day and into the night.
Skin Sensitivity
Non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin, making it a gentle yet effective choice.
#3

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Makeup Primer | Vitamin E + Oil Free, Travel Size, 0.34 Fl Oz

Rating
9.4
Formulation
Pore-Filling Properties
Finish

Most important from
2894 reviews

Formulation
The texture is so lightweight and easy to apply, making my skin look naturally polished without needing any extra products.
Pore-Filling Properties
Provides a smooth surface to apply foundation flawlessly.
Finish
It instantly smooths out fine lines and gives my face a beautiful matte yet hydrated look.
Skin Sensitivity
My skin feels super soft after application.

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Makeup Primer is designed to smooth and blur the appearance of pores and fine lines effectively. Its gel formulation is lightweight and oil-free, which is beneficial for those with oily skin and helps in controlling excess oil.

The primer acts as a barrier to protect the skin from environmental pollutants, which is a thoughtful addition for daily use. It promises to make makeup look better and last longer, which is crucial for a primer.

The finish it provides is smooth and natural, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it is vegan and cruelty-free.

Rating
9.4
Formulation
Pore-Filling Properties
Finish

Most important from
2894 reviews

Formulation
The texture is so lightweight and easy to apply, making my skin look naturally polished without needing any extra products.
Pore-Filling Properties
Provides a smooth surface to apply foundation flawlessly.
Finish
It instantly smooths out fine lines and gives my face a beautiful matte yet hydrated look.
Skin Sensitivity
My skin feels super soft after application.

Buying Guide for the Best Makeup Primer For Large Pores

Choosing the right makeup primer for large pores can make a significant difference in how your makeup looks and lasts throughout the day. A primer acts as a base for your foundation, helping to smooth out the skin's surface, minimize the appearance of pores, and control oil. When selecting a primer, it's important to consider your skin type, the specific concerns you have, and the finish you desire. Here are some key specifications to look for and how to choose the best one for you.
FormulationThe formulation of a primer refers to its texture and consistency, which can range from gel, cream, to silicone-based. This is important because different formulations work better for different skin types. Gel and water-based primers are typically lighter and more suitable for oily or combination skin, as they help control shine without clogging pores. Cream-based primers are often more hydrating and work well for dry skin. Silicone-based primers are excellent for filling in large pores and creating a smooth surface, making them a popular choice for those with visible pores. To pick the right one, consider your skin type and how your skin reacts to different textures.
Pore-Filling PropertiesPore-filling properties refer to the primer's ability to minimize the appearance of pores by filling them in. This is crucial for those with large pores as it helps create a smoother canvas for foundation application. Primers with high pore-filling properties often contain ingredients like silicones that can effectively blur and smooth the skin. If you have large pores, look for primers that specifically mention pore-minimizing or blurring effects. Test a small amount on your skin to see how well it fills in your pores before committing to a full-size product.
Oil ControlOil control is the primer's ability to manage excess oil production throughout the day. This is particularly important for those with oily skin or large pores, as excess oil can make pores appear larger and cause makeup to break down. Primers with oil-controlling properties often contain ingredients like salicylic acid or mattifying agents that help keep the skin matte and reduce shine. If you struggle with oily skin, choose a primer that offers long-lasting oil control to keep your makeup looking fresh and your pores less noticeable.
FinishThe finish of a primer refers to the final look it gives your skin, such as matte, dewy, or natural. This is important because it affects the overall appearance of your makeup. A matte finish is ideal for those with oily skin or large pores, as it helps to reduce shine and make pores less visible. A dewy finish can add a healthy glow but may not be suitable for oily skin as it can enhance the appearance of pores. A natural finish offers a balance between matte and dewy, providing a subtle glow without emphasizing pores. Choose a finish that complements your skin type and the look you want to achieve.
LongevityLongevity refers to how long the primer helps your makeup stay in place. This is important because a good primer should extend the wear of your foundation and prevent it from settling into pores or fine lines. Primers with long-lasting properties often contain ingredients that help adhere makeup to the skin and resist sweat and oil. If you need your makeup to last all day, look for primers that promise extended wear and test their performance under different conditions to ensure they meet your needs.
Skin SensitivitySkin sensitivity refers to how your skin reacts to different ingredients in the primer. This is important because some primers contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin or cause breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, look for primers that are labeled as hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free from common irritants like fragrance, alcohol, and parabens. Always patch test a new primer on a small area of your skin to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse reactions before applying it to your entire face.

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