Top 13 Best Primers for Large Pores

Our final primer on our list will control oils to help create an even skin tone. But that’s not all – it prolongs makeup wear and creates a smooth skin texture. Wondering what it might be? Probably not, if you read the title. Enter: Dr. Brandt pores no more PORE REFINER PRIMER! Are you trying to combat dullness? You have chosen the right product. This dermatological tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free primer is boosted with red clover flower extract famous for its anti-inflammatory qualities. The salicylic acid inside helps unclog your pores and show off your radiant skin to the world! It’s great as a makeup primer, or if you’re after a natural makeup-free look, you can wear it on its own!

FAQ

How does a pore minimizing primer actually work?

Most primers for large pores include an oil-controlling formula with hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid, which work to blur wrinkles and add moisture to your skin. This makes your pores appear smaller. Some pore minimizing primers use minuscule particles and powders to reflect light away from your skin, resulting in a skin-smoothing effect.

It’s important to add a small disclaimer here – pore minimizing primers will never solve your pore issue completely. Large pores, caused either by your genes or as a result of acne, can be fixed through various procedures slowly in time, such as micro-needling or laser therapy. So when you’re applying makeup primers for large pores, do keep in mind they are a temporary solution and won’t permanently erase imperfections.

We have about 5 million pores on our bodies, and those on our faces aren’t even half of them. When choosing to fixate on these skin “imperfections,” let’s not forget that, at the end of the day, pores are just glorified hair follicles!

How to choose a minimizing primer?

One of the most important things to look for in a pore reducing primer is SPF protection. UV light activates the matrix metalloproteinase, which damages the supportive collagen in our skin. This is also why many people complain about their pores getting larger with age. Always look for a primer for large pores with SPF protection as a preventative strategy.

Another thing to consider is your skin type. It’s important to buy cosmetics according to your individual skin type – that amazing primer your friend uses may make her skin fabulous, but it might not work for you. Here is what to look for according to your skin type:

Oily Skin 

The best recommendation for people with oily skin is mattifying primers. These won’t add additional moisture to your face, and you won’t feel a “heaviness” when you apply. Many people with oily skin worry that using a primer or moisturizer will accentuate or increase the oiliness of their skin. However, if you choose a matte finish primer, you won’t experience that effect. Washing your face once a day with a cleanser also helps clean your large pores, which makes them appear smaller.

Normal Skin

Mattifying primers won’t really work for you if you have normal skin. They’ll only dry up your skin, so instead, look for a lightweight formula with a dewy effect.

Dry Skin 

If you have dry skin you should look for a primer with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. A mattifying primer will only dry your skin further, especially when putting makeup on top. To boost your skin’s hydration, use a daily moisturizing cream to add to your beauty routine and prep the skin for the day ahead. The primer will then work as a topping-up agent, maintaining hydration throughout the day.

Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

We have included some excellent primers for allergy-prone skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin on our list. The general rule to remember is to buy dermatologically tested primers and skincare products, often ones sold in pharmacies. La Roche Posay, Bioderma, and The Ordinary are safe brands to use that dermatologists recommend. However, always check with your dermatologist if you’re introducing a new skincare element to your routine, especially during acne treatments. 

Finally, I’ll give you my secret weapon when choosing makeup for my acne-prone skin: CosDNA. I always check the ingredients inside my makeup products on this website to see if any of them could irritate my skin. They have an extensive gallery of products. There’s rarely anything I can’t find on there! You can thank me later!

How to use a minimizing primer?

Minimizing primers should be used on a clean face, preferably after your daily cream has set. Apply a pea-sized amount of minimizing primer on your skin, starting at your nose and spreading away towards your cheeks. Repeat until you have gone over every part of your face where the foundation will go, like your chin and forehead. You’re now ready for your foundation!

Why do some people have large pores?

There are several reasons why some people have larger pores than others. The most common reason is genetic – people born with oily skin are likely to have large pores. Oily skin requires a larger pore opening, so the excess oil can be released.

Another reason for large pores is aging. When we age, we produce less collagen, and the pre-existing collagen inside our skin loosens. Suddenly, our skin isn’t as firm, and we notice our pores have become larger than before. 

Lastly, exposure to the sun is another reason for large pores. Sun damage, also referred to as photoaging, only becomes visible when it’s too late. We all like to have fun in the sun and get the trendy golden tan of our dreams, but exposing our skin to harmful UV rays is the worst way to treat it. Consider switching from sunbathing to tanning lotions if you like a brown sugar tan. We can recommend some of the best indoor tanning lotions and explain why they’re a safer bet in comparison to sunbathing.

One More Thing

We carefully selected makeup and skincare brands for this article. Dermatologists would recommend most of the products we chose. We made this choice because we know skincare is not a joke, and we strive to be as informed as possible. This is true for all subjects we write about, so if you have any comments or would like to share your experience with any of the mentioned products, feel free to leave a comment below! 

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I hope you enjoyed our guide on the best primer for large pores, and I hope to catch you again soon!

Best Selling Primer for Large Pores

Last update on 2022-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API