Editor Tip: You can use it over foundation for subtle highlighting, too.
Key Ingredients: Micronized pearls, porcelain flower extract, jojoba seed oil | Who It’s Good for: People with dull skin | Finish: Radiant
Best for Large Pores: NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer
Why It’s Worth It: Shrinking the actual size of pores is impossible, but the Nyx Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer makes that seem like a reality as soon as it’s rubbed onto skin. The cashmere-soft cream acts like a veil over the skin, making it look crystal clear (even if you aren’t genetically blessed with “glass skin”).
Editor Tip: A little goes a long way, so start with a pea-sized amount.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, glycerin, dimethicone | Who It’s Good for: People who want to make pores (temporarily) disappear | Finish: Matte
Other Primers We Love:
Best for Deep Skin Tones: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
Why It’s Worth It: You’d be hard-pressed to find a group of people more obsessed with Rihanna than the Allure staff. The Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer is an oil-free, mattifying formula that smooths skin for a touchable, blurred skin effect. The universal Invispink shade works for all skin tones to instantly even out redness and skin texture, even before makeup.
Editor Tip: The peach-toned tint reduces any chalkiness.
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, vitamin E | Who It’s Good for: Everyone, but especially people with medium to deep skin tones | Finish: Matte
Best for Sensitive Skin: Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer
Why It’s Worth It: After slathering your face with moisturizer, reach for the beloved Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer. It leaves your skin looking intentionally dewy, plump, and seemingly poreless — just like a newborn baby’s. Its blend of silicones and polymers helps blur away pores in seconds and makes your foundation last even longer.
Editor Tip: It’s fragrance-free, making it great for sensitive skin types.