Kayla Young
When you want to look your best, you just don’t focus on the tone of your skin. You have to consider the texture. Those who have big pores, fine lines, or acne marks know these textures may be difficult to hide, even with makeup.
However, by using a primer, you can improve the appearance of textured skin. Primers make your textured skin look smoother, and they make sure your makeup stays and doesn’t slide off easily.
They’re an integral part of any basic makeup kit.
There are many different kinds of primers available in the market and almost all manufacturers have their own version. However, if you are looking for the best primer for textured skin, then you should be getting the NYX Studio Perfect Primer.
Contents
Best Primer for Textured Skin
1. NYX Studio Perfect Primer
Key Points at a Glance
- Full coverage
- Silicone primer
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Available in 3 variants
- Finish: Matte
The Details
Make your skin appear smoother (while correcting uneven color too!) with the Nyx Studio Perfect Primer. This is the best primer for textured skin because it can effectively help improve your skin’s texture. Whether it is your pores, fine lines, wrinkles, or spots, it is a go-to product of many women.
This is a silicone primer and works well in covering up the uneven texture. It spreads easily on the face and feels silky smooth afterward. It also dries into a matte finish and at the same time, it helps control oil production to prevent your makeup from looking greasy.
This primer also comes in 3 variants; clear, green, and lavender. The clear is best for textured skin as it is made specifically to cover large pores and fine lines. The lavender variant can be used to help with uneven skin plus to balance out yellow undertones to brighten up the skin. The green one is good for those with textured skin plus redness.
It comes in a tube packaging with a twist-to-open cap. This makes it is easy to dispense the pea-sized amount of product you need for your face. The consistency feels like a gel or some describe it as petroleum jelly.
Considering its price and how effective it is in getting the job done, you’d get the best value out of your money. It may not be packed with additional ingredients to aid in hydration or other skin concerns but it works really well in making the skin silky smooth and ready for your foundation
- Studio Perfect Primer: Prep your...
- Smooth and Easy Application: Create a...
- Face From Foundation To Finish: Complete...
- Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe...
- Discover NYX Professional Makeup: Try...
2. Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Minimizer
Key Points at a Glance
- Silicone primer
- Oil-free formula
- Contains vitamin E
- Transparent formula
- Can be used alone
- Finish: Matte
The Details
Our second option is the Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Minimizer. Like our top contender above, this is also a silicone primer but is more expensive. The silicone content helps it effectively fill up nooks and crannies in the skin to make it smoother.
Plus, it also helps make the application smoother so you won’t feel any tugging while applying it on the skin.
This primer is oil-free and contains vitamin E that helps nourish the skin. It has a balmy texture and glides easily on the skin. Even if it appears to have a slightly beige color, this primer dries into a matte transparent finish.
The appearance of large pores and uneven skin texture is quickly improved upon the application of this product. However, like other silicone primers, once it is removed (see our article on makeup removers for more information), you’d still be able to see the large pores.
This product can be used on its own and either over or under makeup. This makes application versatile and reapplication possible even over makeup when needed. It has a slight citrus scent but it doesn’t linger and disappears after application.
Also, it is neatly packed in a tube and is small enough to fit your on-the-go makeup kit.
- Quickly minimize the appearance of pores and fine...
- Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or...
- The translucent formula contains a vitamin E...
- Compliments All Skin Tones.
3. Maybelline Facestudio Master Prime Primer
Key Points at a Glance
- Silicone primer
- Non-greasy and lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Water-soluble formula
- 5 Variants available
- Finish: Matte
The Details
You can achieve velvety smooth and flawless-looking skin without going over budget with the Maybelline Facestudio Master Primer. It is the most affordable of all the primers we’ve reviewed here but that doesn’t mean it’s not fully capable of providing you with a more even skin texture.
This primer may be affordable but it also works. It is a silicone primer that can be used against fine lines and larger pores. It doesn’t make pores disappear but it helps make them less visible. After using it, you can better smoothen out the appearance of the face by using makeup.
As a lightweight primer, it gets absorbed easily by the skin. Your skin will feel smooth to touch after application and it isn’t sticky at all. You also only need a small amount of product. There are 5 variants available and all of them help blur the skin for a smoother finish.
Depending on what you need, you can choose a specific variant to moisturize skin, blur imperfections, even skin tone, control oil, or protect against UV. It is also fragrance-free. This primer is meant to be used under your makeup.
- Blurs skin imperfections and smooths...
- Primes skin for even makeup application...
- Weightless, water-based formula,...
- Apply all over face before foundation or...
4. Tula Probiotic Face Filter
Key Points at a Glance
- Buildable formula
- Has powerful probiotics and superfoods
- Hydrates the skin
- Helps with redness
- Cruelty-free
The Details
When you want to blur out your pores plus but add moisture to your face, then get the Tula Probiotic Face Filter. This primer is packed with various powerful probiotics and superfoods like chia seeds, turmeric, and licorice. These added ingredients help improve the skin tone, reduce redness, and add glow to the skin.
The probiotics are responsible for helping moisture to be retained on the skin. The consistency of this primer is a bit more liquid than most silicone primers. That helps it spread more evenly and it also makes it lightweight.
This radiant primer also has “glow particles” that will make you look sun-kissed. Even if it is quite runny, you can build it up so you can add more if you think you need more glow. This will not only improve your skin texture but your skin tone as well.
The primer is packaged in a tube container but instead of squeezing the product out of the tube, there is a pump conveniently placed at the bottom. This pump makes it easier to squeeze the product plus it prevents any contamination, making it more hygienic.
- TULA & PROBIOTIC EXTRACTS: We combine...
- INSTANTLY SMOOTH: The look of uneven...
- BLURRING EFFECT: Golden, light-infused...
- SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Perfect for...
- WORRY-FREE RETURN POLICY: Try TULA...
5. Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer
Key Points at a Glance
- Silicone-free primer
- Moisturizing formula
- Fragrance-free
- Lasts for 24 hours
- Great for sensitive skin
The Details
Silicone primers work really well at improving skin texture but if you don’t prefer using products with silicone, you can always get this Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer. It’s a great primer for those who have sensitive skin because it is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. That makes it less irritating to the skin.
Unlike other primers that feel instantly smooth after application, this feels sticky to the touch. However, you don’t have to worry because this stickiness helps with the makeup grip. It makes your makeup last for up to 24 hours.
Apart from helping the makeup stick to your face, it also acts as an instant moisturizer. There are ingredients in the formula that will help keep your skin hydrated. Plus, it also acts as a tightening mask. This will also help tighten or blur the pores so they are less obvious. When the skin is tightened, the fine lines and bigger pores are made less visible too. You can really feel it tightens after application.
This comes in a pump bottle and the cap can be turned to lock the pump so you don’t accidentally dispense the product. After application, you should wait for about 30 seconds for the product to be absorbed by the skin before applying makeup.
- clear jelly primer makeup absorbs to a...
- Cruelty Free
- Lightweight
- sticky jelly texture grips onto makeup...
- 3 products in 1: makeup gripper, instant...
Primer for Textured Skin: Buyer’s Guide
Those who want to make their skin look smoother should buy a primer for textured skin. This kind of primer is suitable for those who have larger pores, fine lines, acne marks, or uneven skin texture. Note that some bleaching creams for acne scars work miracles!
Most of these primers contain silicone, which helps make the skin texture more even and smooth. It helps lessen the appearance of pores and other unwanted textures. With it, plus the makeup you use, your skin will look flawless.
These primers are also great for those who have oily to normal skin types. The primer acts as a layer between the skin and the makeup. With it, your makeup sticks better and doesn’t slide off.
These primers also contain ingredients that can keep your skin’s natural oils under control for longer-lasting makeup.
Important Features to Consider
Silicone vs Non-silicone
Most of the primers created to help even out textured skin have silicone as an ingredient. Although silicone is approved by the FDA as safe for topical use, there are still some people who do not like to apply it often on their skin.
The reason why silicone is used in most primers is due to its ability to fill up the nooks and crannies on the skin, which leaves the skin smoother. This smoother surface produced with a silicone primer also makes it more compatible with silicone-based foundation.
However, you should remember that there are still some water-based primers that contain silicone. The only difference is that they contain less silicone than the others. If you really don’t want to use silicone on your face, then stick with products that say they are silicone-free.
Additional Ingredients
The main function of primers is to help make up to adhere to your face while making it smoother and even textured. Different brands have different formulas and they may add additional ingredients to further improve their formulation.
If you have textured plus dry skin, you may want to look for products with ingredients that moisturize the skin. Additional ingredients make the product multipurpose but that could also mean that the price would be higher as compared to other primers.
If you have enough budget for those with additional ingredients and you feel like your skin needs them, then go ahead and buy them. On the other hand, you can also just choose to leave your skin issues dealt with by your skincare products. The choice of purchasing those with additional ingredients is a personal preference and not entirely necessary.
Thick vs Thin Consistency
Most primers are balmy in texture due to the silica content. These may be thicker in consistency but could easily be spread all over the face. Balmy and silicone-based primers are mostly thick. On the other hand, water-based ones are more watery.
When you are dealing with those with a thicker consistency, remember that a little goes a long way. Usually, you only need a pea-sized product to cover the face. Some people love thicker consistency because they feel like it provides better coverage. On the other hand, some love the thinner consistency of water-based primers because it easily spreads. It is also buildable so if you think you need more, you can add more.
Packaging And Dispensing
One of the things that you should also consider is how the product is packaged and dispensed. Most primers will just come in a simple tube that you squeeze to dispense products. This is perfectly fine as it does get the job done.
However, there are better packaging options. There are some that have a built-in pump. Those with built-in pumps are better because it is less likely for the products inside to get contaminated. It is more difficult for dirt to get inside the bottle with the pumps. This is a better option for those who have sensitive skin or those who want to make sure the products they use are hygienic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these primers be used for eyelids?
Most of the products listed here can be used all over the face and that includes the eyelids. Some find that they work well with eye makeup however, there are also others who say that it’s too thick. The best thing to do is to have an eye primer, which is specifically formulated to go over the eyelids. Eye primers help eyeshadows stick and better show their color.
Other Products We Looked At:
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
This silicone primer from the ordinary is another good option if you are looking for silicone primers. You get 30 fl oz per tube and it boasts its formula that contains advanced adaptive silicones. This can be used alone or under your makeup and it also has a matte finish.
Many customers love this product because of how easy it is to spread on the face. Once it is applied, the skin also feels smooth and is ready for your foundation. Some love that it is on the thinner consistency side because of the spreadability. However, some find that the consistency is a bit diluted so you’d have to use more of it.
Key Points at a Glance
- Hydrating formula
- Matte finish
- Non-greasy
bareMinerals Original Prime Time Foundation Primer
No products found.Another primer we reviewed is the bareMinerals Original Prime Time Foundation Primer. Although this primer is also good and does the job of improving makeup adherence and hiding some pores, there are more affordable products that do a good job as well.
What is great about this product is the ingredient list. It contains additional antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, it doesn’t contain any preservatives as well. The added ingredients may be the reason why this is more expensive than other primers. Overall, this is also a good primer but just beware of fakes because there are some out there.
Key Points at a Glance
- Comes in a pump bottle
- Contains antioxidants and vitamins
- Free of preservatives
No products found.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Blurring your pores and having a smoother skin texture is possible with the help of this primer. It is a primer with an oil-free formula and the consistency feels gel-like. It is fragrance-free and it comes in a tube packaging.
Apart from containing silicone, it also has some good ingredients in it like grape seed extract, green tea extract and safflower seed extract. These additional products help with moisture and they also have anti-inflammatory properties. Such additions in the formulation make this primer a more expensive one as compared to the rest.
Key Points at a Glance
- Transparent formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free product
Conclusion
The best primer for textured skin should be able to produce smooth and flawless-looking skin. Although pores won’t magically disappear, primers can help blur them out so that they won’t be as noticeable. From all the products we’ve reviewed, we chose the NYX Studio Perfect Primer as the best because it works and is affordable. There are also variants that target additional skin concerns other than skin texture.
The Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Minimizer comes in a close second because it is also effective at improving the texture of the skin but is just a bit more expensive than the first. Lastly, budget-conscious shoppers would love the Maybelline Facestudio Master Prime Primer as it is the most affordable one but it also does a decent job at covering the pores and evening out skin texture.
