12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (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.”

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Moisturizing:Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best Mattifying Effect:NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Blurring PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting:Touch In Sol No Pore Blem PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best Translucent:Benefit POREfessional Pore PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best Oil-Free:Covergirl Trublend Base Business Pore Minimizing PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best For Fine Lines:Ruby Kisses Pore Minimizing Face PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best For Glow:MILK Makeup Hydro Grip PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best For Smooth Skin:Dr. Brandt Pore Refiner PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best Vegan:Milani Prime Perfection Face PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy:Radiant Complex Face PrimerPrice on Amazon

In This Article

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers

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

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4.3

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (6) Image: Maybelline New York

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.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1 x 2.76 x 5.62 inches | Weight: 0.71 Ounces

Pros

  • Non-greasy
  • Matte effects
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Sheer to full coverage
  • Lightweight
  • Blendable

Cons

  • Unusual consistency

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (7) 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.


Related: 21 Best Makeup Primers For Long-Lasting Makeup – Top Picks Of 2024

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

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3.9

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (13) Image: Nyx Cosmetics

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.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 1.9 x 4 inches | Weight: 0.96 Ounces

Pros

  • Prevents shine
  • For all skin types
  • Matte finish
  • Smooth application
  • Light coverage

Cons

  • Thick and greasy

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (14) Pro Tip

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


12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (15)

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 13,328 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

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

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4.2

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (21) Image: Touch In Sol

Now 6% Off

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.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 1.7 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Silky texture
  • Seamless application
  • Enhances the staying power of makeup
  • Repairing formula

Cons

  • Strong scent
  • May not suit oily skin

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (22) 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.


Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Blurring Primer

Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer

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
Reviews56,46613,3281,983
Price$6.98$12.46$17

4. Best Translucent:Benefit POREfessional Pore Primer

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4.6

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (32) Image: Benefit

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.

Skin Type: All

Pros

  • For all skin types
  • Smooth texture
  • Lightweight
  • Easy application
  • Non-oily

Cons

  • May causes breakouts

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (33) 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.


12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (34)

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 839 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

Related: 13 Best Expert-Approved Primers For Textured Skin To Minimize Pores – 2024

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

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4.3

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (40) Image: Covergirl

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.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 0.75 x 1.62 x 4.33 inches | Weight: 1.25 Ounces.

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Affordable
  • No greasy residue
  • Oil-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Chalky

My Personal Experience

"This primer gives me a silky finish. I try to apply it gently for at least two minutes before applying my foundation to give it some time to settle. It covers blemishes and imparts a subtle glow."


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

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4.4

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (46) Image: Ruby Kisses

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.

Skin Type: Dry

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Easy application
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"I like the soft and silky finish this primer gives me. It blends well with my foundation and does not form a cakey appearance. I enhances my overall makeup look and gives me a flawless complexion."


7. Best For Glow:MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

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4.3

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (52) Image: Milk Makeup

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.

Skin Type: All,Dry Skin,Sensitive

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Long-wearing
  • Cruelty-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Oil-free.
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • Expensive

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.”

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (53)

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 289 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

Related: 11 Best Cruelty-Free Primers Of 2024, According To Expert Reviews

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

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4.5

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (59) Image: Dr. Brandt Skincare

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.

Skin Type: oily;combination | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 15.2 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Lightweight
  • Provides full coverage
  • Value for money
  • Synthetic fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalates-free

Cons

  • Waters down

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (60)

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 1,181 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

9. Best Vegan:Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer

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4

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.

Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 2.13 x 0.9 x 4 inches | Weight: 0.7 Ounces

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Blendable
  • Multipurpose
  • Oil-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell

10. Best Non-Greasy:Radiant Complex Face Primer

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.

Skin Type: Oily

Pros

  • Mattifying
  • Waterproof
  • Long-lasting
  • No cracking or peeling
  • For all skin types
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Drying

11. Best Coverage:Revlon PhotoReady Pore Reducing Primer

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4.2

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.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.51 x 1.51 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 Ounces

Pros

  • For all skin types
  • Oil-controlling formula
  • Matte finish
  • Easy application
  • Smooth texture

Cons

  • May not suit sensitive skin

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

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4.5

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (84) Image: No7 Beauty

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.

Skin Type: Oily,Oily Skin | Product Dimensions: 0.98 x 1.57 x 4.25 inches | Weight: 0.32 Ounces

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Long-lasting
  • Oil-free
  • Shine-control formula

Cons

  • Not optimum coverage

My Personal Experience

"This primer makes my skin smoother. I like how it covers lines and blemishes. It also creates a great base for my other makeup products. I feel like it refreshes my skin."


*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

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.

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (85)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

A primer preps your skin for easier application of makeup and aids in making the makeup stay longer by minimizing imperfections. But sometimes, the skin may have many pores, making the makeup look unattractive or unsmooth. The Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer is an affordable option with buildable coverage, while the MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Primer has smooth coverage with a dewy finish. The No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimising Primer offers matte coverage and protection from harmful UV rays. The mentioned pore-minimizing drugstore primers conceal the pores making them less visible. These non-greasy, lightweight, and blendable skin care primers provide an effortless look and even keep the skin hydrated. All of this goodness is within a budget! Now you can go ahead and say no to primers that burn through your budget but offer incomplete pore coverage!

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

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (87)

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. In 2020, Anastasiia...read full bio

12 Best Drugstore Pore Minimizing Primers, As Per An Expert – 2024 (2024)

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