No Product Can Erase Your Pores, But These 16 Primers Come Insanely Close

However, while the primer you choose can certainly help minimize your pores, Shenelle Mays Smith, a licensed aesthetician and film and TV makeup artist, notes skincare is the first step to minimizing the look of your pores. “One great way to minimize the look of enlarged pores is to use a product with AHAs and BHAs,” she tells us, adding these acids have what she calls “a retexturing effect” on the skin. She also recommends willow bark extract, a natural form of salicylic acid, as it helps keep your skin from becoming inflamed. If you’re prone to breakouts and looking for pore minimization, many primers (including a couple on our list) are infused with this powerhouse ingredient, so you get skincare and prep in one step.  

Speaking of skincare, we often hear silicones are a no-no for the skin. But Smith says they aren’t as big of a beauty faux pas as we think. “Silicone primers are generally considered safe on the skin and have conditioning and emollient properties which help lock hydration into the skin and prevent moisture loss,” she explains. “The silky and spreadable texture of silicones has made them popular in makeup products [and] silicone-based primers are better on oily skin, as the silicone creates a layer that keeps the oil from breaking through.” 

If the thought of silicone on your skin still gives your pause, don’t worry. There are many non-silicone primers to choose from that offer the results you’re after. Keep scrolling!