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What are the best primers for large pores and acne scars? Every woman loves clear youthful skin but those large pores and acne might make that difficult. However, this is where primers come in. Primers are excellent for textured skin and can help to reduce the appearance of pores and acne. Here are the best primers for large pores and acne scars at a glance.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Rimmel, Stay Matte Primer and Stay Matte Setting Spray
| 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Large Pores  | Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
| 9.4 | Check On Amazon |
Best Hydrating Primer  | Cruelty-Free Matte Makeup Base Primer for Face
| 9.3 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Uneven Skin Texture  | Murad Hydration Invisiblur Perfecting Shield
| 9.3 | Check On Amazon |
Best Budget Primer  | e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer Natural Matte Finish
| 9.2 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Wrinkles  | Mattifying Makeup Primer, Powder-Gel Formula
| 9.1 | Check On Amazon |
Best Pore Concealer  | Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pro Balm Face Primer
| 9 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Acne Prone Skin  | 9 | Check On Amazon | |
Best For Dry Skin  | Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
| 8.9 | Check On Amazon |
Best For Combination Skin  | tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer 30 mL
| 8.7 | Check On Amazon |
Large pores and acne scars are often caused by the increased size of oil glands and oil production.
A primer comes in as the ultimate game-changer when trying to hide any blemishes on the skin. Primers form a protective barrier between the skin and makeup, which is why it’s essential.
The first defense your skin needs to help covert pores and a fine line is a primer and it happens to be on the frontline. If you have acne, then it is likely you are going to get pores. Large pores and acne scars are common for oily skin hence you need a healthy skincare routine to keep them at bay.
A primer with the correct formulation will create the perfect base for your makeup and help it last longer. If you have troubled skin, there are specific primers to look out for.
So without further ado, keep scrolling for the best primers for large pores and acne scars.
Categories Of Primers And It’s Benefits
Makeup can be your best friend when dealing with acne and pores. At the same time, it might be easy to cover up hyperpigmentation and dark spots with a great concealer and foundation. You might need the help of the best primers for acne scars and large pores.
With a primer, you can get smoothness and coverage all day. To enable you to understand primers better, here are the types of primers.
1. Hydrating primers
This is the ideal primer to go for if you have dry skin. Hydrating primers contain antioxidants and hyaluronic acid that help keep your skin soft and hydrated.
2. Mattifying primer
This type of primer is suitable for oily skin, and it’s just what acne-prone skin needs. It is your go-to if you are trying to prolong the effect of your foundation and form a barrier between makeup and skin. It helps smoothen pores and blurring marks as well.
3. Color-correcting primers
This primer is designed for tinting and counteracting underlying skin tone. For example, blue primers can help offset sallows or yellow tones, and green primers can eliminate redness.
4. Blurring primers
This is the ideal primer if you have wrinkles and fine lines. These primers can help reduce the signs of aging and provide a soothing effect.
15 Best Primers For Large Pores And Acne Scars
Battling deep pores and acne scars can be really difficult. Although you can’t permanently change your pore size you can shrink them or make them less visible. If your foundation gets cakey or your makeup starts to fade, it can easily expose your wrinkles and pores, then you definitely need a primer. Hence here are some of the best primers from Amazon.
1. Rimmel Stay Matte Primer- Best Overall
Choosing a primer for large pores and acne scars requires careful analysis. Hence after careful consideration, Rimmel Stay Matte primer has been chosen as the best overall. This face primer helps control the excess production of oil on your skin. This is one of the best primers to invest in, it helps control shine for up to 8 hours.
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer comes with a setting stray that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or heavy. This primer will help minimize the appearance f large pores and you can have an even flawless look all day.
Oily skin can be quite frustrating however with this primer, you can easily have it under control. It can be used alone to smoothen dark circles and provide smooth skin or wear as a velvety base to prolong the wear of your foundation.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Gives your skin up to eight hours of shine control
- Can be used alone and under foundation to make it last longer
- Compact packaging to make it ideal for traveling
- Lightweight formula
- Minimizes the appearances of pores and ance scars.
What We’d Change:
- Not for all skin types.
2. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer- Best Hydrating Primer
Matte primer is the ideal primer for keeping your skin hydrated and preps your skin for your skincare regimen and before the application of makeup to make sure everything is locked in.
This is formulated for all skin types and claims to contain high-quality ingredients to give your large pores and acne relief. This is also long-lasting so you won’t need constant touch-ups.
This is specifically designed to enliven the appearance of your skin and even your skin tone. Large pores and acne scars can be quite a challenge but this can help control oil production. It is perfect for minimizing scars and pores.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Locks in makeup while keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day
- Help maintain your natural skin glow
- Last for a very long time so you don’t need touch ups
- Delivers an immediate, smooth effect on the skin.
- It balances your complexion and reduces enlarged pores.
What We’d Change:
- None that we can find.
3. Smashbox Smooth Finish Primer- Best For Large Pores
Smashbox might be able to give you that smooths skin while allowing your makeup to sit nicely.
This primer is suitable for all skin types and it’s exactly what you need to hide minor imperfections such as acne scars and blemishes. It is also best if you need to wear your makeup for a very long time. This is the right formula that checks all the boxes.
This primer will not only help control oil but also help minimize large pores. It gives your skin a nice lift, however, this should not be used in large quantities on oily skin.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Helps with smooth makeup application and shrinks pore size
- Ideal for all skin types
- Controls oil for up to 8 hours
- Cruelty and Paraben-free.
What We’d Change:
- It might roll off an oily skin type if used in excess.
4. DHC Velvet Skin Coat Primer- Best For Wrinkles
DHC Velvet Skin Coat Primer might be able to give you the clear smooth skin you want.
This primer doesn’t have to be used under your foundation alone, it can be used on your natural skin and any area of concern. Only a little of this primer is needed especially if you have dry skin.
It glides on your skin really easily and one of the reasons it is worth buying is that it nourishes and protects your skin from free radicals.
This primer is sure to help minimize acne scars and large pores. It can also be used to relieve dry skin and against environmental stress. You don’t need a specific time of the day to apply but if you want you can follow your regular skincare routine.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Can be used to hide scars on the hands and neck
- Dries out quickly
- Apply before foundation or wear alone for a clear natural skin
- Powdery gel texture that is easy to use and works for all skin types.
- Protects and nourishes your skin against free radicals.
What We’d Change:
- It doesn’t last the whole day
- It might take a while to get results on dry skin.
5. e.l.f Hydrating Face Primer- Best Budget Primer
You need a face primer, and if you need one that is inexpensive and quality, e.l.f hydrating face primer is where you need to look.
This face primer helps boost your makeup every time you use it. This face primer also happens to be great for minimizing wrinkles and fine lines. With this primer, you can definitely reduce the inflammation on your skin.
This primer contains grapeseed oil, which reduces skin inflammation and one of the reasons it is well-embraced is that it is vegan and cruelty-free.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Best budget
- Helps minimize acne scars while keeping the skin hydrated
- Gives your makeup a smooth and long-lasting effect
- Helps nourish your skin everytime you use it.
What We’d Change:
- The oily residue it leaves on your skin.
6. Benefits Cosmetics POREfessional Primer- Best Pore Concealer
What We Like About This Primer:
- Quickly minimizes pores and give you smooth look
- Complements all skin tones
- Lightweight balm that gives silk skin
- Excellent for oily skin and light pores
- Keeps makeup looking fresh for a long time.
What We’d Change:
- Expensive
- It contains silicones which is likely to cause breakouts on sensitive skin.
You need a primer that will eliminate excess oil production and keep your skin looking healthy and glowing.
This primer is formulated with high-quality ingredients that are known to keep makeup matte and smooth all day. This primer comes in form of a balm hence it happens to be a bit thick but it’s an investment worth it.
The texture of this primer helps moisturize your skin and it’s not oily which makes it ideal for oily skin. This primer is lightly tinted but it can help you cover up those large pores without irritating your skin.
7. Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum- Best For Uneven Skin Texture
We all need a primer that works on all skin types and this is sure to do that. This primer contains skin-beneficial ingredients that can help improve your skin texture. This primer is not just for large pores but can also help get rid of wrinkles and fine lines.
This comes in form of a transparent gel that glides easily on skin without clogging it however experts recommend using a toner to exfoliate regularly to ensure it does not peel flaky skin.
Additionally, this primer comes in broad-spectrum SPF 30 PA that makes sure you won’t get sunburn during the day.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Helps fight visible signs of aging and restore skin shine
- Consistency feel and lightweight formula
- Restores skin elasticity
- Cleans and exfoliates the skin
- Non-comedogenic hence it doesn’t clog pores.
What We’d Change:
- Might peel flakey skin
- It clings to dry skin so you might need to exfoliate regularly to avoid that.
8. Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer- Best For Combination Skin
The waterproof formulation of this primer is sure to help keep large pores and acne at bay. It is infused with an abundance of botanical extracts to provide your skin with moisture, keep it hydrated, and soothe it.
Tarte Poreless Mattifying primer might be what you need to reduce the pores on your face and it gives your skin a fantastic boost before applying makeup.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Help eliminate large pores and resurfaces uneven skin tone
- Nutrient-rich formula enriched with botanical extracts for instant hydration.
- Lasts up to 12 hours
- Waterproof mattifying formula.
What We’d Change:
- The botanical extract might irritate sensitive skin.
9. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer- Best For Dry Skin
You definitely need a primer that watches out for your skin. This is not just meant to minimize acne scars and large pores but it is also enriched with mineral SPF that offers all-day sun protection.
It is long-lasting which is perfect if you plan to wear makeup all day. This primer has a lightweight texture hence it won’t clog pores and will rather help blur wrinkles and fine lines.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Perfect base for long lasting makeup application
- Enriched with SPF 15 sun protection
- Oil free fomula with a soft silky texture for tightening pores
- Minimize large pores, wrinkles, and fine lines.
What We’d Change:
- Too much is need for a single application
- The bottle packaging isn’t user-friendly.
10. Tatcha The Silk Canvas Perfecting Primer- Best For Acne Prone Skin
This primer is formulated to help minimize clog pores and breakouts. This primer can also help strengthen the skin barrier against future damages. It can be used to repair immediate damages on your skin, you just need to apply it to the affected area.
Tacha The Silk Canvas is infused with silk extracts and silk powder which are both going to give you skin smooth as silk.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Nourishes the skin and diminishes the look of pores
- Compact packaging that makes it ideal for traveling
- Ideal for all skin types
- It contains ingredients that give radiant skin.
What We’d Change:
- It’s abit expensive.
11. Too Faced Primed & Peachy Primer- Best For Oily Skin
To improve your makeup wearability, you do need this primer. Too Faced Primed & Peachy Primer is ideal for both oily and dry skin which makes it perfect for combination skin as well.
This poreless primer has a thick texture that helps your foundation stay throughout the day. It is specifically made to be used under makeup and it gradually banishes pores.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Works for dry, oily, and combination skin
- Helps balance the excess oil production
- Leaves the skin firmer and well hydrated
- Virtually erases pores and blemishes.
What We’d Change:
- The ivy extract in it might be irritating to sensitive skin types.
12. Boots No7Airbrush Away Radiance Boosting Primer- Best Rated Primer
Boots No7 Airbrush primer has been around for quite some time and it helps keep your skin moisturized while also providing you a smooth base to apply foundation. This is not sticky or tacky which makes it ideal for any skin type.
This primer would give you makeup that is sure to last throughout the day and only a small amount of it is required.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Leaves your skin feeling smooth all day
- It makes your skin look healthier flawless like an airbrush finish.
- It creates a skin-perfecting base for you to apply foundation.
What We’d Change:
- It does nothing to control shine.
13. Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer- Best For Fine Lines
Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer is one of the highly-rated primers you want to add to your skincare routine.
This product can help solve the issues of large pores and acne scars with ease. It can be used conveniently without weighing your skin down. This formula contains soluble collagen to help keep your skin’s moisture level and elasticity intact.
This primer is a Korean beauty product and customers’ review claims it does exactly what it says. No Pore Blem primer is not just effective but quite affordable as well. It is sure going to give you the smooth calm look you want in no time.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Contains green tea extract to energize and protect your skin
- Infused with soluble collagen for skin elasticity and moisture
- Provides seamless coverage all through the skin
- Creates an invisible barrier to outside elements
- Long lasting.
What We’d Change:
- Contains a bit of silicone, so might irritate sensitive skin.
14. Dr Brandt Pores No More Refiner Primer- Regulates Oil Production
This is the perfect primer for oily and combination skin types. No More Pores refiner primer is another primer that has been around for a while. It is loved for essential ingredients that hydrate your skin without irritating it.
This primer blurs the line of imperfection and helps reduce shine as well.
The tube is portable so you can easily have it carried around for easy touch-ups.
What We Like About This Primer:
- Helps blur the lines of fine lines and pores
- Absorbs excess oil and restores shine
- Regulates oil production and microspheres
- Comes in a travel-friendly size.
What We’d Change:
- Not for all skin types
- Expensive.
15. Elemis Pro Collagen Insta Smooth Primer- Best Value
Elemis Pro-Collagen Primer might be what you need to deliver that instant smoothness to your skin.
This hydrating primer is not just for getting rid of large pores and acne scars but has an intense firming effect as well. This primer is not just to be used as a base for foundation but used naturally to restore wrinkled skin.
This product is formulated with ingredients that will not only hydrate your skin but also create an instant cooling sensation for patchy and sensitive skin types.
How To Choose The Best Primer to Remedy Acne Scars
And help you take care of the large pores on your face.
Choosing a primer that is specifically made for acne scars and large pores is not as complex as it sounds. Many brands claim to provide you with the best primer, but understanding one that is best for your skin type is important.
When choosing a primer, you need to keep things in mind below.
1. Skin Type
Your skin type is going to play an important role. Your skin type is very important when choosing a primer cause you need one that can give you full coverage. If you have oily skin, you need a mattifying and oil-controlling primer. Dry skin needs primers that keep hydrated. Primers are specifically designed for different skin types, so check for one that works for your skin type.
2. Ingredients
Each product has its own product formulation. A primer has to contain beneficial ingredients especially if you plan to use it for clearing large pores and acne scars. Choose primers that contain essential ingredients such as collagen, Vitamin A, C, and E. All ingredients must be oil-free and noncomedogenic. Watch out for ones that contain ingredients that can irritate your skin as well.
3. Anti-Sweat/ Heat Resistance
You need to make sure you are choosing a waterproof primer and heat resistance so you don’t have makeup flooding on your face. A primer goes under your skin before makeup and it can ruin the makeup if it’s not heat resistant.
FAQs
Does primer help with acne scars?
Primer is an essential makeup product that is not just for covering up blemishes but can also help your acne scar look less prominent. Primers can help put finishing touches to makeup while making your face oil-free and smooth.
Can I use primer on bare skin?
Yes, some primers are formulated to be used on your bare skin. It is not just need to be used as a base for your foundation but can be used on bare skin to even your skin texture making it look smooth and erasing acne scars as well.
Can enlarged pores be reduced?
You can’t shrink enlarged pores but yes they can be reduced. You can make them appear smaller with natural remedies and the right skincare routine.
How do I get rid of acne holes on my face?
Acne scars will not go away on their own and are likely to become more pronounced with age as your skin loses collagen. There are products formulated to help minimize the appearance of acne holes on your face.
Does primer help with pores?
Yes, the right primer can help minimize those annoying pores. Primers are not just for a smooth look but also a beauty standard that helps keep pores at bay.
How much primer do I need per application?
Only a pea size of primer is needed per application, and too much can cause your foundation to pill or clump. It doesn’t matter if it’s gel or cream, you only need a pea size on your entire face.
Can I use 2 primers at the same time?
Wearing 2 primers at the same time can help address lots of skin issues. Using more than one primer ensures your makeup lasts through anything. However, ensure using 2 primers won’t clog your skin before using them.
What comes first sunscreen or primer?
Sunscreen should come first to get your skin prepped against the sun. A good sunscreen is the first place to start before applying your primer.
Do you need a primer if you use sunscreen?
Sunscreen is quite important and you should let it dry before applying primer. To avoid sunburn, your face should be covered with a generous amount of sunscreen while primers are made for different purposes.
Final Thoughts
Using a primer can come in really handy for large pores and acne scars. Primers can help absorb excess oil and help conceal imperfections. There are several options in the market, so we have narrowed down the options for you.
The primers listed above help you set a flawless base for your makeup and improve the texture of your skin.
Our top favorite primer is the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer. This is perfect for all skin types and provides a smooth and helps clear large pores and acne scars. In conclusion, choose a primer that best works for your skin texture.
