What is a blurring primer?

Blurring primers are applied after skincare and before foundation. They contain specific ingredients to create the appearance of a more even texture and an overall beautiful complexion.

How do you apply a blur primer?

Using your fingers or a foundation brush, massage the primer onto your skin, being sure to cover your entire face, including your eyelids. You can follow up with a second layer on those particularly problematic areas, such as the T-zone, gently tapping a little extra product to help blur the look of pores.

Does primer fill in wrinkles?

Although each formulation of blurring primer will differ, the basic gist of the product is to help “fill in” any kind of unevenness—this includes both pores and fine lines—thus helping to create a smoother look.

The 18 Best Blurring Primers of 2023

Primer may or may not be part of your daily getting-ready routine. But if you want to optimize the effects of your makeup and ensure it lasts all day (or night), this step shouldn't be skipped. While there are many types of primers—from color-correcting to mattifying to illuminating—the blurring variety offers something most makeup-wearers are looking for.

"Blurring primer creates a soft-focus layer on the skin—literally blurring pores and imperfections and creating a smooth base for makeup," says celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty, adding that it also often extends the wear of your liquids, creams, and powders. That sounds like a win-win, if you ask us.

Here are some of the best blurring primers out there today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

DHC Velvet Skin Coat

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Best Budget:

Maybelline Prime Blur + Pore Minimize Primer

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Best Drugstore:

L'Oreal Paris Instant Skin Smoother at Walmart

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Best Splurge:

Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Airbrush Primer

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Best Pore-Minimizing:

Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer

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Best Solid:

Catrice Cosmetics Grip & Last Putty Primer at Amazon

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Best for T-Zone:

BLK/OPL Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer at Walmart

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Best for Oily Skin:

Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

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Best for Dry Skin:

Becca Cosmetics First Light Priming Filter at Amazon

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Best for Combination Skin:

Laura Mercier Blurring Primer

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust Byrdie

4.5

DHC Velvet Skin Coat, Mattifying Makeup Primer, Powder-Gel Formula, Minimizes look of pores, fine lines, and Imperfections, All skin types, Fragrance and Colorant Free, 0.52 oz. Net wt

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

Moisturizing
Absorbs excess oil
Fragrance-free

What We Don’t Like

Small amount

If we had to pick just one blurring primer to use until the end of time, we'd have to go with DHC's Velvet Skin Coat. The tube might be tiny, but it offers seriously impressive results. We're talking diffused skin, a reduced appearance of pores, filled-in fine lines, and a more even-toned complexion.

Containing silica and organic olive oil, the brilliant formula moisturizes and absorbs excess grease. The result? An ultra-smooth, semi-matte finish that allows all makeup products to glide on with ease while ensuring they stay put for hours.

Price at time of publish: $23

Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Prime Primer Makeup, Blur + Pore Minimize, 1 Fl Oz (1 Count)

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Non-greasy
Dermatologist-tested

What We Don’t Like

Strong scent

For babes on a budget, we recommend Maybelline Master Prime. The non-greasy, lightweight formula goes on super-smooth, blurs blemishes, camouflages pores, and preps your skin for a full face of glam.

Price at time of publish: $11

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen 1.18 fl oz

Walmart

View On Walmart View On CVS View On Ecosmetics.com

What We Like

Lightweight
Contains SPF
Can be worn alone

What We Don’t Like

Contains oxybenzone

L'Oreal Miracle Blur is on the pricier side for a drugstore primer, but it holds its own against the top-shelf stuff. The smooth, lightweight cream instantly diffuses the look of fine lines and pores, leaving you with a matte finish ready for makeup—extra points for the SPF 30.

Price at time of publish: $27

Hourglass

View on Ulta View On Sephora View On Hourglasscosmetics.com

What We Like

Absorbs excess oil
Air-tight pump
Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Contains PEGs

If the premium price tag is within your budget, you won't regret treating yourself to a bottle of Vanish primer. This translucent skin-blurring primer creates a smooth canvas, keeps shine in check, and delivers that airbrushed, soft-focus effect we all crave. Not only that, but it also lives up to its promises to extend your makeup wear.

Price at time of publish: $56

4.7

Nordstrom

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Lightweight
Long-lasting
Absorbs excess oil

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

It's only been five years since Benefit launched The POREfessional, but this best-selling blurring primer has quickly become one of the most beloved beauty products on the market. Byrdie Associate General Editor Lindsey Metrus is a devotee, thanks to its "inimitable pore-blurring capabilities."

Price at time of publish: $14 for .25 oz

Catrice | Grip & Last Putty Primer with Applicator | Non-comedogenic & Vegan | Made Without Gluten, Oil, Parabens & Alcohol

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Lightweight
Non-comedogenic

What We Don’t Like

Can be hard to spread

Bhatty is a fan of this putty-style primer. "It goes from solid to cream and melts transparently into the skin, creating a blurring and smoothing effect while also feeling light," she tells Byrdie. "Makeup applied on top appears more even and flawless, and this primer extends the wear."

Price at time of publish: $9

Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer

Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Oil-free formula
Absorbs excess oil

What We Don’t Like

Small amount

You don't necessarily need to apply primer on your entire face. If you're only looking to smooth or mattify your T-zone, Black Opal's oil-absorbing, shine-controlling gel formula is your best bet.

Price at time of publish: $10

4.8

Earn 225 reward points when purchasing this product as a rewards member*

Dermstore

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Applies smooth
Absorbs excess oil
Doesn't pill for flake on skin

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

I Reviewed Dr. Brandt's Pore Refiner Primer and It's Like Photoshop in a Bottle

Dr. Brandt's blurring primer earned an impressive 4.8 out of 5 overall score from our home tester, who said it goes on smoothly, controls shine, and minimizes the look of pores on her oily skin. She also liked that it helped her makeup last longer.

Price at time of publish: $45

Becca First Light Priming Filter By Becca for Women - 1 Oz Primer , natural

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Macy's

What We Like

Hydrating
Dewy finish
Neutralizes discoloration

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

Becca First Light was a hit with our home tester and remains a favorite among Byrdie editors. The skin-quenching formula hydrates to prevent cracking and pilling, then neutralizes discoloration and leaves you with an exquisitely dewy complexion. Its enhancing effects are great even without makeup.

Price at time of publish: $39

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Hydrating
Absorbs excess oil
Long-lasting

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Formulated to hydrate and plump while controlling shine and mattifying, Laura Mercier's Pure Canvas is a blessing for combination skin. And get this: The blurring, soft-focus effects last for a whopping 16 hours.

Price at time of publish: $42

Pixi

View On Amazon View On Pixibeauty.com View On Walgreens

What We Like

Helps prevent breakouts
Soothes inflammation
Oil-free formula

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs

For those prone to breakouts, Pixi is where it's at. In addition to minimizing the look of pores and diffusing blemishes, this multi-tasking primer calls on salicylic acid to keep pimples at bay and soybean extract to soothe inflammation.

Price at time of publish: $29

Line BlurFectorâ¢ Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer

StriVectin

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Fills in fine lines
Lightweight
Applies smooth

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Contains synthetic fragrance

StriVectin's take on blurring primer fills in fine lines, diffuses the look of wrinkles, softens blemishes, preps skin for foundation, and promises to extend your makeup wear. In the brand's clinical trial, 100 percent of users noticed smoother skin, and about 95 percent said it prevented their makeup from settling into creases.

Price at time of publish: $39

Peter Thomas Roth | Skin to Die For No-Filter Mattifying Primer & Complexion Perfector | Universal Tint for All Skin Tones, Blurs and Helps Reduce the Look of Pores

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Beautybay.com

What We Like

Absorbs excess oil
Ongoing skin benefits
Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

Reviewers note the product can separate

Formulated for all skin types and tones, this advanced primer leans on a powerful complex to instantly blur blemishes, diminish the look of pores, diffuse fine lines, and absorb shine. It creates a mattified makeup canvas, and thanks to the brand's Disa-Pore 20 and Evermat technologies, you can count on increasingly less visible pores with regular use.

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Fentybeauty.com View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Oil-free formula
Absorbs quickly
Dries sheer

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs
Contains synthetic fragrance

Unlike many other mattifying primers, Fenty Pro Filt'r contains hyaluronic acid to provide lightweight hydration and a comfortable feel. We also like that the Invisipink finish goes on sheer, absorbs quickly, and enhances all skin tones. The soft-focus blurring effect is pretty impressive too.

Price at time of publish: $34

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Tartecosmetics.com

What We Like

Hydrating
Vegan
Provides antioxidant protection

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs
Contains synthetic fragrance

Prefer a dewy skin finish? Tarte Sea Quench is your guy. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and marine extracts to plump and hydrate your skin, then smooths fine lines, evens out your complexion, and diffuses blemishes.

Price at time of publish: $34

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Hydrating
Can be worn alone
Paraben-free

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Contains synthetic fragrance

Wonderglow takes a skincare-first approach to makeup primer. It plumps, hydrates, and smooths fine lines with hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil, and peptides, then calls on light-diffusing pigments to blur blemishes and create a radiant, soft-focus effect.

Price at time of publish: $59

4.7

Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Trailblazer product
Lightweight
Provides antioxidant protection

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Smashbox was among the first brands to offer a makeup primer. Launching in the year 2000, Photo Finish was not only the tipping point for this beauty category but remains one of the best formulas for diffusing blemishes and creating a smooth canvas.

Price at time of publish: $38

Mented

View On Mentedcosmetics.com

What We Like

Travel-friendly
Blends easily
Absorbs excess oil

What We Don’t Like

Small amount

This pocket-sized primer stick from Mented is ideal for travel and on-the-go use. The solid formula goes on smooth, blends easily, controls shine and does a stellar job of blurring blemishes with a soft-focus effect.

Price at time of publish: $28

Final Verdict

The best blurring primer overall is the DHC Velvet Skin Coat on account of its pore-minimizing, blemish-diffusing, skin-enhancing effects that simultaneously mattify and moisturize. If you're on a budget, consider the Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime, and if you can swing the steeper price, the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is truly amazing.

Meet the Expert

Kirin Bhatty is a bi-coastal makeup artist. She works with celebrities through A-Frame Agency and is an ambassador for Catrice Cosmetics.

What to Look For in a Blurring Primer

Consider Your Individual Needs

Like any skincare product, choose your blurring primer based on your unique skin concerns. For example, if you’re oily and acne-prone, opt for a lightweight, water-based primer with non-comedogenic and blemish-fighting ingredients. Conversely, if you’re dry or combination, adding a blurring primer with hydrating and moisturizing benefits to your routine can help up those essential moisture levels while imparting its pore-minimizing magic.

Color Correction

If you’re looking to address more than just pores (think under-eye discoloration or a general sallowness to your skin), opt for a blurring primer that contains color-correcting pigments to offset any unwelcome hues and even out skin tone. Mix and match where required.

Skincare Benefits

While a great many of today’s top blurring primers are one-trick ponies in that they perform the simple function of blurring blemishes, a growing number of options now include myriad skincare ingredients, from vitamin C to probiotics, for an added boost to your skincare routine.

Mixability

With blurring primers, it’s all about versatility. You’ll find a lot of the products we mention below can be applied either as a separate step after your skincare and before your makeup or blended with your foundation to add a specific benefit, from extra pore-smoothing to a matte finish.

FAQ

What is a blurring primer?

Blurring primers are applied after skincare and before foundation. They contain specific ingredients to create the appearance of a more even texture and an overall beautiful complexion.
How do you apply a blur primer?

Using your fingers or a foundation brush, massage the primer onto your skin, being sure to cover your entire face, including your eyelids. You can follow up with a second layer on those particularly problematic areas, such as the T-zone, gently tapping a little extra product to help blur the look of pores.
Does primer fill in wrinkles?

Although each formulation of blurring primer will differ, the basic gist of the product is to help “fill in” any kind of unevenness—this includes both pores and fine lines—thus helping to create a smoother look.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance beauty writer with substantial experience in the eCommerce space. For this article, she interviewed a makeup artist who offered product recommendations and insight into the uses and benefits of blurring primer. Before landing on the final selections, she looked at nearly 100 products, combed through formulations, and referenced scholarly journals when checking ingredient lists. From the above list, Theresa has personally tried DHC, Hourglass, Smashbox, Charlotte Tilbury, Tarte, Laura Mercier, Benefit, and Maybelline.

The 10 Best Face Primers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.