10 Best Blurring Primers Of 2024, According To A Certified Cosmetologist

These primers will help you blur flaws and prep your skin for the perfect makeup look.

Reviewed by Danielle Wilkinson Brucklacher, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English)
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

The best blurring primer can help your foundation last longer and keep your makeup looking fresh and skin plump for hours. Blurring primers are vital for getting a beautifully smooth makeup appearance since they help you produce a flawless foundation base. These blurring primers blur fine lines, pores, and creases, which help balance out your skin tone. If you use these products, your skin will also be moisturized, nourished, and protected. We look at the top 10 blurring primers on the market right now in this article. Take a look at them and take your pick!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Oil-Free:Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur PrimerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Wrinkles: Anti-Wrinkle Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring PrimerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Non-Comedogenic: TULA Skincare Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing PrimerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Moisturizing: PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography PrimerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Chemical-Free:Cover FX Blurring Primer
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best Water-Based Formula: Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime PrimerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Pore-Blurring: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser PrimerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best With SPF:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face PrimerPrice on Amazon
Best Lightweight: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur PrimerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Light Coverage:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Pore Filler Blurring PrimerPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart

The 10 Best Blurring Primers That You Must Buy In 2024

1. Best Oil-Free:Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

4.6
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer Image: Smashbox

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer is a professional-grade oil-free blurring primer. This transparent primer gel blurs flaws and smoothens your skin, delivering an enhanced experience of makeup application, while nourishing it with vitamins A and E. This lightweight and oil-free, pore-minimizing formula protects your skin from stress and environmental damage with vitamins and peptides to give you a perfect base. It also reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines. This video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product.

Also Recommended By:Byrdie and Beautybay have also listed Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer in their top 10.[1]We Found the 18 Best Blurring Primers for Every Complexion. Byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/best-blurring-primer[2]7 OF THE BEST BLURRING PRIMERS. BeautyBay. https://www.beautybay.com/edited/best-blurring-primers/
Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 4 inches | Weight: 1 Ounces

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting
  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Talc-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • Watery formula

protip_icon Pro Tip
Follow your daily skin care routine before applying a blurring primer for optimal results.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 2,327 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

2. Best For Wrinkles:StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer

StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer is the best anti-wrinkle primer. It expertly fills and blurs the appearance of pores and deep lines instantly to prevent makeup from settling into them, helping you get that statement-making makeup look.
The pore-minimizing primer offers a range of enhanced features and comes with optical blurring microspheres, which diffuse light to blur imperfections and help extend your makeup’s wear time. This lightweight and breathable formula primes the skin for makeup.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 2.38 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.06 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Offers blue-light protection
  • Breathable formula
  • Reduces the look of wrinkles
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Does not get absorbed well
  • Expensive

3. Best Non-Comedogenic:TULA Skincare Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer

TULA Skincare Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer is not only a skin-soothing face primer but also can be a key to enhancing your timeless beauty. This radiance-enhancing, easy-to-carry primer is formulated with turmeric that reduces the appearance of redness. The chia seeds in the formula even out the skin tone. It also contains prebiotics and probiotics that keep the skin hydrated. The skin-loving ingredients in it smoothen your skin instantly. It locks in hydration and is suitable for oily, normal, combination, sensitive, and mature skin. This moisturizing primer releases glow particles that create a warm-toned and radiant base for your makeup. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.

Skin Type: All | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.47 x 1.46 x 1.38 inches; 2.08 Ounces

Pros

  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Lightweight
  • Reduces the appearance of redness
  • Evens out the skin tone
  • Suitable for blemish-prone skin
  • Scented

Cons

  • Has an orange tint

protip_icon Pro Tip
Do not use more than a pea-sized amount because an extra layer before makeup can lead to acne breakouts due to clogged pores.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 3,453 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
Best Oil-Free
StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer
Best For Wrinkles
TULA Skincare Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer
Best Non-Comedogenic
Skin Type All All All
Dimensions 4 x 5 x 4 inches 1.38 x 2.38 x 5 inches-
Weight 1 Ounces 1.06 Ounces-
Package Dimensions ‏-- ‎ 5.47 x 1.46 x 1.38 inches; 2.08 Ounces
Rating
Reviews2,3271,3003,453
Price$34.95$31.2$34.0

4. Best Moisturizing:PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer

PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer is a moisturizing primer with an expertly crafted formula that helps you achieve exceptional results. It is enriched with key ingredients like ginseng, green tea extracts, and vitamin B that boost the natural metabolism of your skin and help rejuvenate it. This skin-perfecting, blurring primer delivers moisture back to the skin and gives it a youthful appearance. It contains prismatic blurring micro-pearls that color-correct any flaws and give a shine-free finish to your skin. It also masks imperfections and boosts radiance to leave you with a perfect base to build on.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 1.4 x 4.8 inches | Weight: 1.68 Ounces.

Pros

  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Offers a youthful appearance
  • Masks imperfections
  • Boosts radiance
  • Rejuvenates the skin
  • Improves the skin’s natural metabolism
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • None

5. Best Chemical-Free:Cover FX Blurring Primer

The Cover FX Blurring Primer is a silky and lightweight formula that blurs the appearance of pores and aging signs and offers a soft-focus effect. It is also packed with wrinkles and line-smoothing properties. It is enriched with key ingredients like Butterfly Lavender and vitamin E that smoothen fine lines and combat free radicals. You can apply this vegan primer alone and under makeup as a retouching balm to achieve a flawless and picture-perfect finish.

Skin Type: Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 5 inches | Weight: 2.08 Ounces.

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Talc-free
  • No synthetic fragrances
  • Gluten-free
  • Mineral oil-free

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
If you have oily skin, use a gel-based cleanser and lightweight, matte moisturizer before applying this blurring primer.

6. Best Water-Based Formula:Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer

4.3
Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Primer Image: Maybelline New York

Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Prime Primer is a dermatologist-tested primer that has received numerous positive reviews from users who have tried and tested it. The pore-minimizing primer is formulated with a water-soluble base and active ingredients that blur imperfections and smoothen fine lines. This weightless primer has earned its place on the must-buy list of people seeking a product that can control oil, prevent sun damage, and even out the skin tone without leaving a greasy feeling.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 0.74 x 1.85 x 4.78 inches | Weight: 1.45 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Water-based
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Smoothens fine lines
  • Blurs imperfections
  • Non-oily
  • Does not clog pores
  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • May cause breakouts
  • Chemical smell

7. Best Pore-Blurring:Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

4.3
Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer – Clear Image: Maybelline New York

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer is considered the best pore-blurring primer according to numerous positive reviews. It smoothens your skin instantly and erases the look of pores, leaving your skin with a soft luminous matte finish. Its lightweight and the breathable formula blends easily within seconds and is suitable for all skin types. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review and discover how this product can contribute to your enhanced beauty.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1 x 2.76 x 5.62 inches | Weight: 0.71 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Offers sheer-to-medium coverage
  • Easy to blendable
  • Blurs pores
  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Smoothens the skin
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • l Oily formula
  • l Sticks in pores

8. Best With SPF:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

4.3
Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Blurring Face Primer Image: Elizabeth Mott

The sweatproof Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is a K-beauty formulation that is ideal for all skin types and for all ages.This mattifying primer is made from natural, key ingredients like shea butter that restore lost moisture and antioxidant-rich plant extracts that soothe the skin. It is a skin-brightening primer that offers sun protection with its SPF 30. The lightweight formula consists of smoothing agents, which create a smooth canvas for the makeup and brighten the skin tone. This smoothing primer also minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and dark spots to give you a flawless base.

Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Combats excess oiliness
  • Softens the appearance
  • Semi-matte finish
  • SPF 30
  • No white cast
  • Hydrating
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • None

9. Best Lightweight:Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer

4.7
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer Image: Yves Saint Laurent

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer is a lightweight and transparent gel. It uses advanced technology that helps reduce visible pores and even out fine lines. Its line-filling, extra-light formula makes this primer comfortable to wear. This pore-minimizing primer enables the light to come through and render a smooth and luminous complexion.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 4.33 x 4.72 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Conceals visible pores
  • Evens out fine lines
  • Imparts a luminous glow

Cons

  • Expensive

My Personal Experience

"This primer leaves a soft and healthy glow post-application. It is also quite long-lasting and holds my makeup intact for long hours. The formula is quite versatile and works with various makeup products and consistencies."


10. Best Light Coverage:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Pore Filler Blurring Primer

3.9

The pore filling primer from NYX Professional Makeup has a blurring formula that covers pores, diminishes fine lines, and smoothens the skin surface for a seamless makeup base. This mattifying primer is enriched with vitamin E that hydrates the skin deeply while smoothening agents in it reduce shine, blur imperfections, eliminate the look of the fine lines, and enhance complexion. The lightweight, texture-smoothing formula absorbs quickly without drying out the skin and helps extend your makeup wear. The lightweight formula is breathable and gives a perfect makeup base that lasts for up to 12 hours.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 1.9 x 4 inches | Weight: 0.96 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Hydrating
  • Easily blendable
  • Absorbs easily
  • Matte effect
  • Light coverage
  • Long-lasting
  • Oil-free
  • Talc-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • May crease on mature skin

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 13,328 great reviews on Amazon.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

This was our list of highly-rated primers for you to get a flawless base and extend your makeup wear. It is easy to blur dark spots, under-eye dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and other blemishes on the skin. As primer is the very first layer that we apply on the skin before applying other make-up products, you have to select the right blurring primer that can suit your skin type and offer you desired results. Opt for a drugstore primer or high-end primer based on your budget. Here is a buying guide that you can refer to before purchasing blurring primers.

Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing Blurring Primers

  • Key Ingredients

You can select blurring primers that are lightweight and include moisturizing ingredients such as organic olive oil, vitamin C, Vitamin E, kaolin, witch hazel, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, and soybean extract. Make sure to always buy oil-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, talc-free, artificial fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, gluten-free, and cruelty-free primers.

  • Formula

There are a variety of formulas available in blurring primers. If you have sensitive skin, you must go with gel-based face primers as these primers work with all skin type. For dry skin, you must choose cream-based primers that are rich in moisture and have a velvet finish. If you have open pores then you specifically use pore-filling primers. For acne-prone skin, go with silicone-free and water-based face primers. Face primers with an anti-aging formula function similarly to regular primers with the added benefit of being more effective on mature skin.

  • Skin Type

You must select the blurring primer according to your skin type and requirements. For oily and acne-prone skin, you can go with a lightweight and water-based primer. It should be non-comedogenic and must include blemish-fighting, key ingredients. If you have dry or combination skin, then choose a blurring primer that is rich in hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to boost your skin’s moisture level and improve its texture.

If you are above 40 and have mature skin, you must choose a good quality blurring primer with hyaluronic acid. It will work smoothly on your fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and patchiness.

  • Color Correction

Choose a blurring primer that contains color-correcting pigments to neutralize any unwanted pigmentation and level out your skin tone. With a color-correcting blurring primer, you can also blur your pores and cater to your under-eye discoloration. You just have to mix and match the color-correcting primers as necessary. However, this may require you to follow expert application techniques such as the ones suggested by professional makeup artists to get an even finish. So, take your time to blend the product properly.

Infographic: The Right Way To Use A Primer In Your Makeup Routine

A primer is what you need to add that touch of perfection to your makeup. From keeping your makeup crease-free and long-lasting to making your face appear absolutely flawless, a primer can do it all. This is why you won’t want to miss this step in your makeup routine. The infographic below will help you understand how to use this versatile product the right way. Check it out!

The Right Way To Use A Primer In Your Makeup Routine (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Skin imperfections like uneven skin tones and acne spots are common in every skin type. The best blurring primers listed above help hide uneven skin textures and open pores and prepare the skin for a flawless makeup look. They act as a smooth base for the foundation so that you get a makeup look that needs no touch-ups. Some of these products help in boosting collagen production and nourish the skin, and others blur the appearance of fine lines and creases. The Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer is infused with vitamins E and A to help resist environmental damage, the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer offers a luminous matte finish, and the Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer is suitable for all skin types and ages and comes with UV protection. These blurring products are lightweight, cruelty-free, and vegan. However, it’s worth noting that some products may cause breakouts, hence do thorough research and check the ingredients before buying. Check out the product reviews to select the best blurring primers that suit your skin type.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a blurring primer work?

A blurring primer reduces the appearance of large pores and blurs them. Also, such primers blend out fine lines and impart a flawless finish to your face.

How do you use pore blurring primers?

Dab a light layer of primer on the center of your face with your finger, then apply it to the rest of the face. Let the primer dry for a few minutes, and then apply the foundation.

Should primer go on before or after moisturizer?

A primer should be applied after the moisturizer. Moisturizer hydrates your skin and preps it for makeup.

How long should you wait to apply primer after moisturizer?

The thickness of the moisturizer determines the time it will take to absorb into the skin. Usually, moisturizers take roughly one minute to completely absorb into the skin, so apply a primer after 60-90 seconds.

Do you apply foundation immediately after primer?

No. Primers with thin textures usually take two to three minutes to dry. So, apply the foundation once your primer completely dries. However, primers with thicker consistency will take longer to get absorbed.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She loves to explore various products used in makeup to bring the top picks for the readers. After thorough research and reading many customer reviews online, she curated this list of the best blurring primers. The shortlisted primers are a valuable addition to your makeup regime, and they make the foundation last longer. These also give you a smooth makeup look and are non-comedogenic.


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