12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers Of 2024

The alternative to premium primers comes in the form of the best drugstore pore-minimizing primers. The best one for you of course may not be the best for another as you’ll need to make a choice based on your skin type and requirements. But of all the primers that can minimize pores so that your makeup doesn’t disappear before you are ready to wash it off, we have got the top 12 drugstore pore-minimizing primers for you in a list right here. Read on to know more, but before you start, here’s a quick tip by Makeup Artist Anastasiia Tomchenko, “It is important that the primer formula is compatible with the composition of the foundation that will be applied over it. For example, if the primer contains silicone, the foundation with oils is likely to apply unevenly or with streaks.”

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers

1. Best Moisturizing:Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

4.3

Image: Maybelline New York

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.98

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer is one of the top-rated drugstore primers that offer dual action, imparting moisturizing benefits while creating a smooth base for applying foundation, making the skin poreless and matte. This low-maintenance makeup primer keeps your skin moisturized all day while staying matte all the time with a radiant finish. It is suitable to get sheer, medium, or full coverage with any kind of foundation formula.

Pro Tip

Instead of swiping your face with the primer, apply in dots and gently push it into the skin using small patting motions. This ensures that primer actually fills the open pores without creating a layer over them.

2. Best Mattifying Effect:NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Blurring Primer

3.9

Image: Nyx Cosmetics

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.46

The NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Blurring Primer fades the appearance of pores while smoothening the skin and reducing shine. It suits all skin types and is enriched with vitamin E which helps improve skin health. The pore-filling primer formula has a mattifying effect that conceals pores and makes it effortless to apply foundation, concealer, and bronzer on the face. You may check this video that details a tester’s experience with the product for better understanding.

Pro Tip

Pat on a bit of silicone-based primer on the T-zone for a long-lasting oil-free look.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 13,328 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

3. Best Long-Lasting:Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer

4.2

Image: Touch In Sol

Now 6% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $17

The No Pore Blem Primer from Touch In Sol resolves the problem of uneven skin texture and enlarged pores. This lightweight primer offers a seamless finish as it aids in blurring pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. The formula is enriched with soluble collagen that repairs the skin barrier and improves elasticity to uplift saggy and dull skin. The primer contains green tea extracts that act as antioxidants to energize the skin and make it long-lasting. It also keeps a check on sebum production and smoothes uneven skin tone, texture, and complexion. This video details a reviewer’s experience with the product for more understanding.

Pro Tip

Apply your primer and then a thin layer of translucent powder before the foundation.This enables your makeup to stay in place all day.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 1,983 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

	Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer	NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Blurring Primer	Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	All	All	Oily, Combination, Dry
Dimensions	2.01 x 2.76 x 5.62 inches	0.8 x 1.9 x 4 inches	1.7 x 1.7 x 4.3 inches
Weight	2.08 Ounces	0.96 Ounces	1.06 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	56,466	13,328	1,983
Price	$6.98	$12.46	$17

4. Best Translucent:Benefit POREfessional Pore Primer

4.6

Image: Benefit

BUY ON AMAZON | $25

The Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Primer makes your skin satiny-smooth by reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores. Reviewers love this soft and translucent balm-like formula that works with or without makeup. This translucent pore-minimizing makeup primer contains the goodness of vitamin E and minerals to protect the skin. It suits all skin types.

Pro Tip

Wait for 2-3 minutes after applying your primer to let the product settle in, and then apply your other makeup products to avoid the cakey finish.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 839 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

5. Best Oil-Free:Covergirl Trublend Base Business Pore Minimizing Primer

4.3

Image: Covergirl

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.29

The Covergirl Trueblend Base Business Primer blurs the appearance of your enlarged pores. The lightweight texture of this formula creates a perfect, smooth canvas by covering skin imperfections. It prepares the skin for an even foundation layer and extends its wear. Many reviews on online forums have indicated that the primer mattifies excess shine and lasts a long time. It is oil- and fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types.

6. Best For Fine Lines:Ruby Kisses Pore Minimizing Face Primer

4.4

Image: Ruby Kisses

BUY ON AMAZON | $5.99

The Ruby Kisses Pore-Minimizing Face Primer is an affordable primer that makes your makeup look smooth and flawless. It has a moisturizing formula that makes your makeup last long without drying out your skin. This primer contains vitamin E that nourishes and hydrates the skin while reducing pores and fine lines.

7. Best For Glow:MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

4.3

Image: Milk Makeup

BUY ON AMAZON | $37.63

The statement-making MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer imparts a smooth base to your skin for better application of the makeup. Suitable for all skin types, this primer holds makeup for about 12 hours and locks the moisture in your skin. The primer is infused with blue agave extracts that create an invisible layer with a natural skin finish to ensure your makeup stays . The formula is also enriched with hemp-derived cannabis extracts and hyaluronic acid that hydrate and smoothen your skin while the aloe water and niacinamide minimize your pores and impart your skin a dewy and fresh glow. This makeup wear product is not tested on animals, which makes it an ideal option for ethically conscious makeup enthusiasts. If you are still unsure about this product, check this video review to make an informed buying decision.

Makeup Artist, Anastasiia Tomchenko, advises, “To achieve a more natural finish, try mixing your silicone-free primer with your foundation. This combination will provide a smoother and more even texture when applied to the skin. Additionally, if the primer contains reflective particles, it can create a radiant effect, giving your skin a glowing appearance from within.”

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 289 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

8. Best For Smooth Skin:Dr. Brandt Pore Refiner Primer

4.5

Image: Dr. Brandt Skincare

BUY ON AMAZON | $30.0

The expertly crafted Dr. Brandt Pore Refiner Primer refines and reduces the size of your pores and is favorable for oily to combination skin. It is a lightweight formula that reduces the appearance of fine lines to create a smooth and flawless canvas for makeup. Oil-absorbing spheres of the primer like tea tree oil, and red clover flower extracts mattify oilier skin and diffuse light to reduce the appearance of the pores, and the salicylic acid gently exfoliates the dead skin cells to reduce oil build-up and smoothens your skin. Suitable for all skin types, the pore-refining primer can be used alone, before makeup, or over the makeup for touch up.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 1,181 great reviews on Amazon.

9. Best Vegan:Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer

4

Image: Milani

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.95

The Prime Perfection Face Primer by the celebrity-endorsed brand Milani has a lightweight and blendable formula that prepares your skin, maintains skin moisturization, and adds to the longevity of your makeup. This versatile primer is suitable to be worn under foundations, concealers, powders, and creams. It hydrates the skin and blurs pores and fine lines to reveal soft and smooth skin for an all-day flawless finish.

10. Best Non-Greasy:Radiant Complex Face Primer

4.2

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.95

The Radiant Complex Face Primer is a professional quality primer that immediately mattifies the skin while creating a smooth canvas for makeup. It erases wrinkles, pores, fine lines, and blemishes and helps in fading sunspots. Its oil-free formula balances the skin, smoothing and brightening it, while improving hydration levels to prevent the chipping or peeling of makeup. This waterproof and non-greasy skincare primer is suitable for acne-prone skin. Many reviewers have noted that it adds a flawless finish to your makeup for radiant skin.

11. Best Coverage:Revlon PhotoReady Pore Reducing Primer

4.2

Now 24% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.99

Revlon’s PhotoReady Pore Reducing Primer instantly minimizes the appearance of pores to give a smooth base for your makeup. It contains rosy pearlescence deposits, moisturizing beads, and botanical extracts to keep skin soft and moisturized throughout the day. It works for all skin types, providing light to medium coverage. It contains silica mattifiers that prevent excess sebum production and control oil on the skin.

12. Best Uv Protection:No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimising Primer

4.5

Image: No7 Beauty

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.99

This primer has an oil-free formula that gives you a smooth base for your makeup and increases its staying power. It also creates a protective barrier to shield your skin from environmental toxins like pollution, haze, and UV rays. Reviews have indicated that it increases the staying power of makeup so that it can last up to 12 long hours.

Infographic: Ingredients To Look For In A Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primer

Enlarged pores can make your makeup appear streaky and patchy. A drugstore pore minimizing primer fixes this issue and offers a smooth and silky finish. However, deciding which primer is suitable for your skin and finding the best primer with pore-tightening ingredients is challenging. Check out the infographic below to learn about the ingredients to consider when choosing a primer for your skin.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pore minimizing primer have to match your skin tone?

Yes, just like a regular primer, a pore-minimizing primer should match your skin tone. It should fade discoloration and diminish spots and redness while smoothing your skin texture.

Can a pore minimizing primer be placed over a moisturizer on the face?

Yes. Apply a moisturizer to hydrate your face, and use a pore-minimizing primer to even out your skin tone so that your makeup stays on for longer. Moisturizer is the last step of the skin care routine while a primer is the first step of the makeup routine.

Is pore minimizer appropriate for teens’ use?

Yes. A pore minimizer can reduce the chances of getting acne.

What’s the best for shrinking pores?

Always wash your face and keep it moisturized. Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week and choose water-based products to keep your face hydrated because oil-based products may cause breakouts and clogged pores. Always remove makeup at night and wear sunscreen when you are outdoors.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Baishali Bhattacharya is a certified consultant in makeup techniques. She brings you this list of the best drugstore pore minimizing primers after analyzing numerous user reviews and product listings and understanding each product’s efficiency, advantages, and constituents. She has also prepared a buying guide and mentioned the pros and cons of each product to help you choose the right one.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Anastasiia TomchenkoProfessional Makeup Artist & Hairstylist

 

Anastasiia is a highly accomplished makeup artist and hairstylist with a career spanning over 15 years. She has worked on photoshoots for international magazines and as a makeup artist on television. She has also prepared celebrities for various social events and models for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, ensuring they shine on the red carpet and the runway.

Read full bio of Anastasiia Tomchenko

Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya

Srijita DeCommerce Writer

Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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