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From satin to matte finishes, these primers helped our makeup go on flawlessly.
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Our favorite mattifying primer is theBenefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Primerdue to its non-piling formula and filter-like finish.
Have you ever noticed tiny dots on your nose or around your cheeks?
While pores are necessary, enlarged or clogged pores are not.
PHOTO: Sephora
But thats whereprimerscome in to save the day.
We consulted dermatologists andtested16 top formulas across a range of skin types to see which performed the best.
Keep reading to discover which ones will help you achieve a flawless filter-like glow IRL.
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It evaporates into the skin seamlessly and doesnt leave a greasy film or shine.
It provides a clear and even canvas for foundation and makeup system and doesnt create buildup with other products.
It claims to minimize pores, and I found it did that and more.
PHOTO: Ulta
My foundation lasted longer throughout the day, with a visible decrease in T-zone oil production.
I noticed a substantial improvement in the appearance of my pores after using it.
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Cosmetics constantly drops amazing products, so were not surprised that this made the lineup.
The putty primer wentviralfor its all-day wear and mattifying ability.
It has a tacky feel upon utility but absorbs within 30 seconds and is almost undetectable on the skin.
PHOTO: Nordstrom
Kelsey, tester with combination skin:On initial program, the putty has a thicker quality.
However, it transitioned into a lightweight and smooth texture.
This allowed my foundation to glide over without impacting the overall appearance.
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My makeup stayed in place and did not migrate into my deeper smile lines.
Its unique Vaseline-like texture creates a veil-like canvas on skin, aka the smoothest base for makeup.
Itblurs poresandreduces oil buildupfor a clean, matte finish.
PHOTO: Sephora
Katie, tester with normal to combination skin:This primer blurs pores like nothing I’ve ever seen.
Its truly the best of the best.
It kept my face looking flawless.
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The gel texture is lightweight and nonsticky and doesnt leave a film.
I will say, in person, my pores looked way more filled in the camera.
The iPhone camera does not do it justice.
PHOTO: Refy
It smooths out the skin, creating a cool and comfortable canvas for makeup.
It’s like a makeup preset.
It worked well withcream blushesandbronzersand did not pill at all.
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However, the formula is slightly drying, so youll want to ensure your skin is hydrated before applying.
The texture feels velvety, nonsticky, and not too thick.
Its slightly tacky to blend, but the grip is improved.
PHOTO: Sephora
It does settle into fine lines a bit, but overall, it still blurs the complexion.
It not only blurs out your complexion but also helps your makeup last.
This is the first primer I felt made a difference in my makeup finish.
PHOTO: Byrdie
It fills in my pores beautifully, which makes it perfect for no-makeup days.
At the same time, vitamin E serves as an anti-inflammatory and moisturizer.
There wasnt a noticeable difference with my pores and fine lines, though it helps create a smooth texture.
It doesn’t pill at all and feels smooth and moisturizing, just likelotion.
Danielle, a tester with combination skin:The primer definitely blends well under makeup and applies smoothly.
No breakouts from what I could tell.
Overall, I’d definitely say that it eliminates pores, and the finish looks almost airbrushed.
She also recommends double-checking the ingredients for potential clogging agents.
People who produce more sebum have oilier skin and, in general, larger pores.
The male hormone, testosterone, increases oil production as well, she adds.
Due to this increased level of testosterone, men generally tend to have larger pores than women.
Unfortunately, theres no way to shrink pores completely.
PHOTO: Sephora
Retinoidscan theoretically help if used long term, but the results will be subtle, Dr. Castilla says.
A series oflaser treatmentstargeted to stimulatecollagen productioncan be beneficial, too.
Why Trust Byrdie
Naosha Greggdiscovered her love for beauty during the pandemic.
PHOTO: Byrdie
It started with lipstick, then blush, then foundation, and now she is a full-fledged makeup lover.
She also looks at ingredients, especially since she has sensitive skin.
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Byrdie
PHOTO: Walgreens
PHOTO: Byrdie
