13 Best Expert-Approved Primers For Textured Skin To Minimize Pores – 2024
Cover your pores and give your skin a smooth, radiant finish that lasts all day.
Lorrie Pearson is a professional makeup artist who has been creating her signature natural makeup looks for 20+ years. She began her career working behind the cosmetics counter that helped her strengthen her skills in application.
Ms. Pearson received her esthetics license from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics where she taught skincare and makeup.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita 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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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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Primers are a great way to make your makeup look flawless. They help to keep the makeup effortless and long-lasting for your statement-making outings. But with textured skin, it is difficult to get even makeup with a generic primer. This is why you need the best primer for textured skin. These primers offer your skin exceptional results by creating a smooth canvas for applying a foundation. They fill the creases, spread evenly, hide pores, and tackle patches on dull skin. Such primers have lightweight formulae. They are also hydrating and nourishing to the skin. Primers for textured skin also help hide aging signs, mattify and hydrate the skin, and make you look fresh. Lorrie Pearson, a professional makeup artist with over 20 years of experience, says, “I also love how some primers for textured skin add a hint of radiance to the skin. It also adds a soft, beautiful glow to the face.”
If you find it difficult to choose a primer that would transform your textured skin, you are at the right place. This listicle contains the 13 best primers that would make your textured skin look flawless and beautiful! These primers are selected after going through the honest reviews from users online. Scroll down and pick one that you like the most!
In This Article
13 Best Primers For Textured Skin With Large Pores And Fine Lines
1. Best Lightweight Formula:TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer
Wish to get a salon-quality look with concealed pores and a smooth surface? Try this pore perfecting primer that will leave your skin flawless, beautiful, and spotless. It is a lightweight formula that offers even coverage and conceals pores, evens out complexion, and masks wrinkles. Infused with green tea extract, this primer is nourishing for the skin and rejuvenates it for long-lasting makeup. It also contains soluble collagen, which is responsible for leveling up skin moisture and enhancing skin elasticity. By simply applying a thin layer of this primer, you can create a perfect base in a few seconds. If you need further convincing about the product, check this YouTuber’s review out and know about a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Energizes skin
- Melting texture
- Acts as a makeup booster
- Infused with soluble collagen
Cons
- Some may find it greasy
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 1,983 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Travel-Friendly:bareMinerals Prime Time Original Foundation Primer
It is a huge task for people with oily skin to keep their skin oil-free and ready for makeup. Bareminerals brings to you this prime time foundation primer that keeps your skin looking fresh and healthy. From covering pores and fine lines to reducing excess oil, this skin-perfecting primer makes your skin makeup-ready, instantly. Loaded with vitamin C and plant extracts, the formula is nourishing for the skin. It glides evenly on the skin, covering uneven textures and rough patches perfectly well. The product feels smooth with no stickiness and so is a popular choice.
Pros
- No irritants
- Travel-friendly
- Soothes skin
- Free of preservatives
Cons
- Some may not like its runny consistency
3. Best Blendability:Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Primer
The POREfessional Pro Balm is designed to even out rough patches and fine lines. Elan Bongiorno, a celebrity makeup artist, often uses this primer on women who are over 40, to create a flawless base for makeup. It has a silky formula that reduces the appearance of pores and makes skin smoother than ever. The no oil formula is rare and effective. It helps in keeping your makeup locked for long durations. With the goodness of vitamin E, you can expect this makeup artist-approved primer to soothe and protect your skin. Apply this primer to clean, moisturized skin, and you will be amazed with the skin appearance that it provides.
Pros
- Blends easily
- For all skin types
- Lightweight balm
- Translucent formula
Cons
- Might not suit those with oily and acne-prone skin
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 839 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
| TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer Best Lightweight Formula | bareMinerals Prime Time Original Foundation Primer Best Travel-Friendly | Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Primer Best Blendability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Dry | Oily, Combination, Dry | All |
| Dimensions | 1.7 x 1.7 x 4.3 inches | 1.7 x 1.7 x 4.3 inches | - |
| Weight | 1.06 Ounces | 1.06 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,983 | 4,491 | 839 |
| Price | $17 | $17.6 | $25 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free:jane iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer
When you have dehydrated skin and you just can’t seem to create that perfect, smooth makeup base, this is the product you need. It has the goodness of apples, royal jelly, and coconut alkanes that help maintain a radiant glow on your skin. It minimizes the appearance of pores, which otherwise stand in the way of creating a flawless makeup base. This unique, dermatologist-tested formula helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss, brightens skin, and adds a natural radiance. You can even attain a youthful appearance with the regular use of this ultra-hydrating primer.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Healthy for skin
- Gives a skin firming effect
- Helps create long-lasting makeup base
Cons
- Slightly expensive
5. Best Gluten-Free:Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer
This Age Smart perfecting primer from Dermalogica is a dream come true when it comes to prepping your skin for makeup and adding a slight tint of radiance. Made with soy protein, it feels like a velvety smooth cream that covers fine lines and reduces the visibility of pores. This 3-in-1 skin primer helps you tackle the signs of aging while offering UV protection. It acts as a makeup primer, sunscreen, and an anti-aging treatment. Infused with pearl powder and earth minerals, this primer helps your makeup last long and keeps up the skin’s firmness. The formula is buildable and can be worn alone or underneath makeup.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may not like its thick consistency
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,052 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
6. Best Long-Lasting Glow:Monica Ann Beauty Dual-Action Primer
The Monica Ann Beauty Dual-Action Primer is your one-stop solution for large pores, wrinkles, fine lines, uneven complexion, and rough patches. This unique formula contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid that work together in enhancing skin quality and inducing a youthful glow. Formulated to provide translucent matte coverage, this primer feels ultra soft and silky. This face primer has skincare ingredients that not just make your skin makeup routine ready, but also takes care of the skin and enhances its natural appearance. It serves as a perfectly blendable primer that spreads seamlessly under makeup and holds your makeup in place all day and night long.
Pros
- 24-hr staying power
- Lightweight formula
- Adds a long-lasting glow
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Suitable for combination skin
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Slightly strong fragrance
Did You Know?7. Best Moisturizing:bodyography Professional Cosmetics Foundation Primer
A makeup primer like this one enhances your skin’s appearance, neutralizes skin tone, and blurs pores. It uplifts the craft of makeup by providing a perfect makeup base for it to stand out. Several reviewers mentioned that this primer is ideal for rosacea as it eliminates redness. Infused with natural ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter, this primer tackles unwanted skin oils, and lends a beautiful matte shine. Ideal for all skin types, this formula has high-grade silicone, which makes it buildable and smoothes out uneven skin texture.
Pros
- Moisturizes
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Rejuvenates skin
Cons
- Some may find the consistency runny
"This primer lends my skin a silky finish. It fills my pores and creates a smooth base for my foundation. The formula softens the appearance of my fine lines. It gives my skin a dewy look. I can apply my makeup products seamlessly on my skin after using this primer. It never cakes up my base."
8. Best Shine-Free:Elizabeth Arden New York Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer
Have you ever heard that a primer can make your foundation look good? If not, use this primer and you’ll be telling people the same. It is the perfect primer that is infused with a triple blurring complex that minimizes the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines, and creates a blurring effect. Due to its silky, lightweight feel, it does not feel cakey and you get a smooth makeup base to make your foundation stand out. This oil-free primer has a balance of special emollients that enhance the skin texture and help you increase the longevity of your foundation. It keeps your makeup looking fresh while controlling shine with the help of its hollow silica beads. You may also mix it with your foundation if you want.
Pros
- Regulates skin moisture
- Keeps the skin shine-free
- Light-diffusing technology
- Non-comedogenic formula
Cons
- Expensive
9. Best Silky Soft Finish:Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer
When you wish to pull off the perfect look all night long, you surely need a powerful primer like this one from Urban Decay to keep your makeup in place. Owing to its weightlessness, long staying power, and silky-soft finish, it preps the skin for a smooth makeup base. If you have dry skin, this primer is ideal as it offers deep hydration qualities. It gives a beautiful sheen to your face while keeping it smooth through the night. By simply applying it all over the skin with a brush, sponge or fingertips, you can evenly blend the formula.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to use
- Ideal travel-size
Cons
- May not suit all skin tones
"This primer has a smooth viscosity. It applies seamlessly to my skin and smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles. The formula extends the wear time of my makeup and lends my skin a shiny finish. I like that it does not feel sticky. It also never clogs my pores."
10. Best Non-Comedogenic:Murad Hydration Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Primer
The Murad Invisiblur primer is a multifunctional product that shields your skin against the harmful rays of the sun, improves skin texture, and fights the signs of aging. It is a velvety smooth formula that blurs out pores and helps you attain fully-prepped skin for makeup. One of its unique features is that it can help your makeup last for 12 hours. Infused with mushroom peptides and soft-focus complex, this primer is literally invisible when gliding over the skin. Mushroom peptides are known for their anti-aging powers and enhance skin elasticity and resilience. The Soft-Focus Complex, on the other hand, works on pores, uneven skin tone and texture, and fine lines. This is one of the best primers for textured skin and offers a flawless complexion. It is also great for moisturizing the skin thoroughly.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- No mineral oil
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Slightly expensive
11. Best Hypoallergenic:THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence
This is a multifunctional skin primer. As the name suggests, it lends a beautiful sun-like glow to the face while prepping the skin for long-lasting makeup. The product is also great for keeping the skin moisturized. Infused with active ingredients like aloe leaf extract, althea rosea flower extract, African walnut oil, and niacinamide, the primer stands out as a super rejuvenating skin care product. It is tested for sensitivity and irritation and can be used by people with sensitive skin. This primer has even been tested to be safe for daily use under makeup. You can rely on this primer for brightening and skin correction along with sun protection as it contains SPF 30.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Hypoallergenic
- Thin consistency
- Adds a healthy glow
- Suits all skin types
Cons
- Some may not like the tint
12. Best For All Skin Types:L’Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer
Use the L’Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base Face Primer and achieve instant smooth skin. It is a silky, lightweight formula that glides beautifully on your skin, delivering a flawless matte finish. It minimizes the appearance of your pores, hides fine lines, and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. This dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic formula can be applied under makeup to extend its staying power or can be worn alone to achieve flawless skin on no-makeup days. You can also apply this primer on oily areas like t-zones and the chin, as the oil-control ingredients help to gain a beautiful mattifying shine.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-approved
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Thick consistency
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 8,534 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
13. Best Paraben-Free:Algenist Pore Corrector Anti-Aging Face Primer
When you wish to experiment with a new makeup product because you are sick and tired of your old products, you should immediately reach out for this one. Algenist’s Pore Corrector Anti-Ageing Primer is an all-time favorite primer for those who wish to not only conceal the signs of aging but also improve skin texture. This formula contains alguronic acid with 7 other powerful ingredients that help blur pores and fine lines. It has a silky formula that glides evenly all over the skin and reduces flakiness. The skin looks more youthful and supple with the regular use of this primer.
Pros
- No sulfates
- Paraben-free
- Improves skin tone
- Satin-soft finish
- Boosts the staying power of makeup
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Takes time to dry
"I love how lightweight this primer feels on my skin. It offers a satiny finish ideal for my dewy makeup looks. The nourishing formula absorbs excess sebum from my face and hydrates the skin. The formula blurs and softens the appearance of my pores and wrinkles."
So, these are the best primers for textured skin that you can use to pull off a picture perfect makeup look. Read the points given below to get help in choosing a better product.
How To Choose The Best Primer For Textured Skin?
- Quality
A good-quality primer has a blendable formula that evenly spreads on the skin and does not form any patches. It is always suggested to opt for a primer that is lightweight, thin, and settles well on the skin. Primers that offer seamless coverage are highly preferred for concealing enlarged pores and fine lines.
- Finish
The finish provided by a primer decides your entire makeup look. For example, oil-free mattifying primers give a soft finish. Primers with satin-silky finish tend to cover flaky areas on the face properly. These are highly suggested for dry skin.
- Skin type and ingredients
If you have oily skin, primers that do not contain oils are highly suggested. For those with dry skin, primers that contain hyaluronic acid for deep hydrating effect are considered good. If you are dealing with aging skin, always opt for a primer with ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, green tea extracts, and other botanical extracts that rejuvenate and protect the skin barrier. Such ingredients are nourishing for the skin and help in maintaining a youthful look. Always patch test the primer before using it to ensure it suits your skin.
How To Cover Up Textured Skin With A Primer?
- Clean your face properly and then moisturize.
- Take a decent amount of primer and apply it all over the skin.
- Blend the product properly with your fingers.
- Using circular motions, cover the textured areas and enlarged pores on the face.
- Apply foundation once the primer is dry.
Mistakes You Might Be Making While Applying Primer On Textured Skin
- Generally, people tend to apply a primer with their hands, which is actually the right way to use a primer. If you use a makeup brush or sponge to apply a primer, you might be applying it wrong.
- While moisturizing the skin is an essential part, people generally skip this step and head on to directly applying makeup after primer. Skipping moisturizer is surely not a wise decision.
- People tend to apply very little primer on the skin. This results in uneven blending of the product which definitely does not go well for long-lasting makeup.
- If you are someone who heads on to priming the face without cleansing, then you really need to stop doing it. Always clean your face with a good face wash before applying a primer or your face can be prone to acne or other skin issues.
Infographic: How To Use A Pore-Minimizing Primer On Textured Skin
Using a primer before applying makeup helps smoothen the appearance of pores, conceal textured skin, and create an even canvas for the rest of your makeup. Primers also keep makeup in place for a longer period. Some primers are specifically formulated to target the appearance of pores and can be applied directly before using a foundation or concealer. Check out the below infographic to learn how you can use a pore-minimizing primer on textured skin.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you want a smooth base for your makeup, primers are essential. But the regular primers do not work on textured skin. Hence, pick from the above list of the best primers for textured skin and add to your essential cosmetics bag for perfecting your makeup looks. They are the magic potions that help your makeup to last longer. They blur out the imperfections on the skin and help you to achieve a flawless glow with a dewy finish. For example, the TOUCH IN SOL No Pore Blem Primer smooths skin concerns like visible pores and blemishes, the Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Primer offers a flawless finish and long wear, and the Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer makes your makeup stay fresh and intact for longer periods. All the products mentioned in our list rejuvenate the skin and prepare it for makeup. Most of them are devoid of harsh chemicals and blend easily into the skin. Some of these expertly crafted primers also offer a skin firming effect while the others ensure a lasting glow. Consider factors like quality, ingredients, skin type, and finish before investing in a primer. Also, steer clear of products that have a runny consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use moisturizer instead of a primer?
You can use a moisturizer instead of a primer, though the role of a primer is different from that of a moisturizer.
Can I apply foundation on my face without using primer first?
Yes, you can directly apply foundation on your face without using primer first, but the result will not be as good as with a primer on.
How important is primer if you’re going to use a full face of makeup?
A primer is very important if you’re going to put on a full face of makeup. It blurs out pores which if not cared for, can make your makeup look patchy and uneven.
Does primer reduce texture?
Yes, smoothing primers reduce bumpy texture and the appearance of uneven skin tone. They soften fine lines and wrinkles, and cover acne scars.
What causes textured skin?
Textured skin is caused due to the buildup of dead skin cells. It can also happen due to acne scarring, aging signs, and pollution.
How can you get rid of textured skin?
You can get rid of textured skin by exfoliating your face two to three times a week. Also, use skin care products with vitamin C and other antioxidants that can clear your skin out. Make sure you are well-hydrated since water can keep your skin healthy and plump.
Can these primers be used for eyelids?
While you can use face primers for eyelids, eye primers are available online to manage the delicate skin around your eyes.
What is the best primer for textured skin with large pores?
The best primer for uneven skin or textured skin with large pores is the bareMinerals Prime Time Original Foundation Primer. This product soothes your skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores.
Can sunscreen cause textured skin?
Yes, sunscreens can cause textured skin. Wearing too much sunscreen can lead to congestion and breakouts on acne-prone skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Srijita De, is passionate about makeup and loves exploring makeup products that help create quintessential looks. She uses her fervent analytical skills to collate product lists that her readers can use daily. Here, she has compiled a list of the best primers for textured skin that provides a smooth base for foundation application. Chaitra has scrutinized many consumer reviews and makeup expert opinions to handpick the above mentioned products. These lightweight, hydrating primers mask pores and creases to help you get a perfect makeup look.
Read full bio of Lorrie Pearson
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Read full bio of Asmita De
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