Recently my friend asked me about the best drugstore primers to hide pores, I naturally directed her to the blog. But that original post is a couple of years old, so I decided to update it! Today I'm focusing on pores, and next week I'll focus on moisturizing primers. If there's an interest, I can share high-end primers as well! I'll be rating these on 1-5 scale, for effectiveness and lasting power.
I'll be reviewing these six primers from the drugstore.
This is what they look like out of the tube.
There's something about that perfect dollop of the Master Prime--love it.
Maybelline Master Primer Blur + Smooth
- $9.99
- White and creamy in texture
- Best for water-based formulas
- Hides pores but does not mattify well
- 3.5
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
- $6.99
- Clear in texture, reminds me of Smashbox's version but slicker
- Tradition silicone primer that is a supposed dupe for Porefessional, but on my skin, that is not the case.
- overall: 4
L'Oreal Miracle Blur
- $24.99
- Very thick "skin tone" primer that's creamy
- I like it best over makeup or on bare skin. It's what I use sometimes in my pictures to make my skin look flawless. A little goes a LONG way. It does break me out if I wear it continually, due to silica.
- There is an oil-free version of this and a Moisture Blur version.
- 4.5 for me, but most others have given this a 3. The price is ridiculous for a drugstore product.
L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher (Note: packaging has changed)
- $24.99--This has slightly more product than the Miracle Blur, although the MB has larger packaging.
- Creamy, "skin tone" texture
- This does a great job of blurring pores and is not as thick as the MB, BUT it separates so quickly. It isn't worth the price for that.
- 4 for performance, but 2 because it separates too quickly
Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer
Boots No 7 Photo Fix Wrinkle Filler and Primer- $19.99
- I got this at Target, but Walgreens has started selling Boots No 7 as well.
- creamy "skin tone" texture
- water-based but thick--I like this to help blur wrinkles
- 4
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The circled area is what you will see zoomed in over 500% in the collage below, showing the primers in action. |
Here is each product as worn on my skin with no makeup. This is a super-zoomed in image of my pores and freckles while smiling--the line you see is my nasolabial fold--between my nose and lip, as indicated in the previous picture.
Do you use a primer? Which one is your favorite?
Extra Elle:
- Got my roots done on Friday! I didn't have long since I had to go back to work, but my magical hair girl Marie made it happen!
- I've got a lot of deadlines due this week, so I'll be back Wednesday and Friday. There are over 2000 posts for you to catch up on! ;)
I've always heard great things about the Miracle Blur but the price has steered me away. The Maybelline sounds like the one to try! Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
I like mattifying primers, I am curious about the Makeup Forever primers, there are so many! I wonder if they are all as good as each other. I direct my friends to my blog too!
ReplyDeleteKiran | www.alittlekiran.co.uk
such a detailed post, I love it! Yes, please do a high end version of this as well. I am on the hunt for a new primer. Glad you got your hair did. Itsn't it such a great feeling!
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
This is extremely helpful in knowing which products work better than others when it comes to priming and hiding pores. I can't believe those loreal products are so pricey to be drugstore. If someones pending that much I think it might be better to just buy a higher end product.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried a drugstore primer, I always stick to high end ones, the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is my favourite. The Number 7 Primer sounds pretty good, though, I might try this one. xx
ReplyDelete113-things-to-say.blogspot.com
This is a great post! I've never tried any of the drugstore primers but after seeing how expensive some of them are, I know why! That Boots one sounds pretty good though! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
ReplyDeleteThe maybelline Baby Skin will forever be a favourite, roght after the Benefit's Pore Eraser. I don't use primer's that often, but when I do need extra power they just make my makeup distribute smoothly with longerlasting power
ReplyDeleteAllie | RainyAllie
To be honest I don't really use primers. I have vowed to change that, but so far haven't gotten around to it.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
that's awesome - the baby skin has been on my list and glad to know it's not too bad. especially for that price!
ReplyDeletexoxo cheshire kat
I've actually never tried a primer before but now this post is making me want to go pick some up from the drugstore!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
interesting review dear,thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletekisses
I don't wear foundation, so I never wear a primer {except for eyeshadow}, but my sister is obsessed with them. I can't believe how much L'Oreal is charging though - you may as well buy high-end! :/
ReplyDeletexx
I have to try the baby skin, I have been thinking about it for a while.
ReplyDeleteI don't use a primer, but I need to! I think I will pick up the Boots one on my next Target run!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the L'Oreal ones may be worth it, but they definitely are pricey for drugstore brands!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living
I've been nervous trying these with my weird skin... though I did buy the Elf Primer & it make my face SOOOO SOFT & smooth!! I only use it periodically because I'm afraid I'll turn into a break out mess - though it never has bothered me yet.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great comparison, Elle! I recently started using a Too Faced primer that I have been happy with. I have such dry skin, it really helps with hydration. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeletexo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
I need to try No 7 Photo Fix, sounds fabulous! Unfortunately Baby Skin did absolutely nothing for me, and made me even more oily. But I definitely want to try out No 7 <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
I recently got some Hard Candy primer at the drugstore and absolutely love it - it might be my favourite primer!
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
I only have NYX Angel Veil primer from the drugstore and I love it. I am searching for an illuminating primer from the drugstore, could you do a post on that?
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
I have heard raves about the No. 7. I always use photo finish but would love something less expensive. Great reviews and fun to see the comparisons. Happy Monday and yay to getting your roots done, feels so fresh!!
ReplyDeleteI don't use a primer right now but I think I need to start. I'd like to try the Baby Skin or the Boots no. 7 I think!
ReplyDeleteAmazing review!!
ReplyDeletexx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: KNIT ON KNIT SPRING LOOK!
I like Benefit POREfessional. I don't think my friends read my blog either. Ha ha. Xx
ReplyDelete♥ Carly's Beauty Blog ♥
I swear you can read my mind! I've been looking for an inexpensive pore filling primer. I love Porefessional, but I don't like the price tag. The NYX pore filler is good as well, but I wanted to try something new. I picked up the elf pore primer and I love it. I really blurred the look of my pores and was on sale for $3 at Target. I've been curious about the L'Oreal ones, but never picked them up because of the price. Now I know to skip on them!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried many of these. I have tried the Baby Skin which I wasn't a fan of and I currently use the Maybelline Master Prime. I love that primer even though it doesn't hide my pores 100% I feel like it does make my makeup go on smoother and makes my skin look more flawless. I think it does help my skin look matte somewhat but I also think the foundation I use has more to do with that. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI have really been in love with the No7 products lately, I'll have to look at this one. I do have some larger pores in my T-zone area.
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
Haha I love your response to your friends when they ask for beauty advice! All of those sound like great primers, and I can't wait to see what suggestions you have for some moisturizing primers!
ReplyDeleteThis is so helpful! I have been thinking of switching my primer once it's all gone. The close up pictures of your face are super helpful for me because I am looking for pore minimizing. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've only ever used the Miracle Blur because I got a free trial size of it with some other purchase I made at some point. And I have really liked it. After reading this post I feel confident about repurchasing! :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't really do makeup, I always, always love your reviews but you do so much work and really show the product! My hat is off to you!
ReplyDeleteThe Adored Life
Thank you for this!! I would love the high end version as well!
ReplyDeletewww.maggiealamode.com
I have such a hard time with primers. I use the benefit Porefessional primer and that's that only one that hasn't broke out my skin. I swear everyone I've tried had caused breaks outs. And I don't even use the professional because of pores lol! I'd love to see s post in highend primers too because I'm always looking for a new one to try that I don't think I'll bother my skin
ReplyDeleteI don't use primer as often as I probably should. Some of them do make me break out. I do have the Master Prime, and I like it. I should use it more!
ReplyDeleteI used smash box primer.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/
I should try these. Maybe one day I'll pick one up.
ReplyDeleteholy moly l'oreal's prices are ridiculous. i have heard good things about the first two but as of right now, i don't use a primer. i want to though, i just get super overwhelmed whenever i look to buy one, haha. i do have the elf one and a rimmel stay matte one, but i don't love or hate either.
ReplyDeleteI always forget to use primer when applying makeup. Good to know about these drugstore brand and than L'Oreal one has a crazy price tag especially if people typically rate it a 3/5.
ReplyDelete$24.99 for a drugstore primer?!?!?! At that price, you are almost at Smashbox or MUF or whichever luxury brand you prefer! Ouch! I received a Covergirl primer for oily skin in my last Allure box and I am still on the fence on if I like it or not. It seems to be just ok for me. I haven't tried any that you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while, but I really liked the L'Oreal Miracle Blur when I used it :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried any of the ones you listed. I mostly use my YSL and MAC primers. But I'm digging the close-ups you added with the list. Nicely done, Elle!
ReplyDeleteI need all the blurring I can get, so that Miracle Blur will be something I'm gonna try for sure:D
ReplyDeleteI have primers, since I am a kind of novelty junkie, or was, but in the end I don't use any. I wanted to know about the L'Oreal ones, but now I see they are not for me (due to silica) and Milani is not for sensitive skins, so I will pass. But I loved your review, they were really helpful! I will save some money, I love reviews when I see I shouldn't buy this or that, thank you!
ReplyDeleteDenisesPlanet.com
I recently started using Maybelline's Instant Pore Eraser and I like it so far! Great list of primers Elle!
ReplyDeleteI love the two Maybelline primers, I use them interchangeably!
ReplyDeletexx, A Little Dose of Makeup
Love that you went into detail about everything. I always appreciate that. I haven't tried any of these. I swear by Dr. Brandt's Pores No More (but it's so pricey!) I also love the Porefessional.
ReplyDeletePS - My friends don't read my blog either...but they sure do ask questions all the time. Ugh.
Yesss- great review! I need a drugstore primer to add to my arsenal, but I can't believe the $25 price tag of some of these!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Funny, I am preparing a post just like this at the moment- only I am doing the cruelty free versions. Haven´t tried the Boots one yet. Added to my list! Thank you for this awesome comparison Elle. xoxo, Sissi www.beauty4free2u.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. I always wonder about drug store primers! I hear you on the friends. I always get calls to tell me what is in whatever recipe. I'm like duh, search my blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing these! I tend to be lazy about primer but makeup definitely lasts longer when I do. I'm currently using Veil Cosmetics Sunset Light which I love.
ReplyDeleteI am usually too lazy to use primer, but this is helpful if I decide to actually put some effort. I haven't tried these yet, although I've heard about the baby soft before. You may have posted about them before, but do you know if the ELF primers are any good?
ReplyDeleteI've used the Master Primer before and I really liked it!
ReplyDeletexo,
Angela
Such great reviews, thank you! How do you think they stack up to porefessional from benefit?
ReplyDeletexx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Awesome post...! I do use a primer - the Laura Mercier Radiant! I love it! And what the... $25 for primer from the drugstore? Highway robbery!!
ReplyDeleteI used to use the Porefessional by Benefit but it made my skin so oily. I haven't really found one yet I liked.
ReplyDelete