We’re human beings, and most of the time, that doesn’t involve flawless skin, and that’s ok. It’s normal, and we should embrace it. My skin has a few pimples here and there, accentuated dark circles under the eyes, and a few fine wrinkles since I’m in my 30s.
But, I’m learning to accept and love all these imperfections. Meanwhile, I still have moments or days when I want to look my best, and makeup helps me achieve that.
Instead of creating a smeared look, you should use the best primers and products you can afford that will make you become the best version of yourself. Today, I’ll talk about how to find the best blurring primers, present some of the best on the market, and offer you some helpful advice on correctly applying a primer.
Bottom Line Up Front
Blurring primers should be lightweight and offer you a natural look. If the primer overwhelms your skin, you should opt for another product. My skin is thin and sensitive. I have a few pimples around the forehead and chin areas. Hence, my T area tends to get oily. I also have some clogged pores and dark under-eye circles. Therefore, my ideal blurring primer would be lightweight, featuring a gel texture but also delivering a medium concealing effect.
I would always read the label to see what the formula consists of in terms of high-quality and hypoallergenic ingredients. Price is something I would consider as well. Finding the perfect blurring primer has a lot to do with your skin color and type and the foundation you want to apply on top of the primer.
Regarding my favorite blurring primer, I would choose Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas since it best suits my combo skin. My cheeks are dry, while my T area is oily. And this blurring primer helps me control sebum production. Moreover, it’s lightweight, being water-based.
Instantly create a smooth, soft-focus matte effect that has a lightweight blurred finish with Pure Canvas Primer Blurring. Minimize the appearance of pores and skin imperfections.
How to Find the Best Blurring Primer – Tips to Consider
I love blurring primers since they fix my enlarged pores. With these makeup items, I can easily create a thin layer of protection all over my face. Then, when my face becomes smooth, I can apply foundation, setting powders, and other makeup items to complete my appearance.
Here are some fantastic guidelines when selecting the best blurring primer you can afford.
1. Lightweight Texture
Different primers come with different consistencies. Some are more lightweight, while others feel heavier on your skin. I would personally choose a good-covering primer with a lightweight texture. That way, I can conceal my skin imperfections without clogging or overwhelming my pores. Light blurring primers, as well as mattifying products, are also great if you have oily skin.
You should use hydrating blurring primers that feature a creamy texture for dry skin. There are also pore-filling primers that I’m afraid might clog my skin and lead to acne breakouts. So, I guess I’ll stick to medium-coverage yet airy primers.
2. Covering Power
While primers aren’t a must when you do your makeup, I recommend them if you want to achieve a smooth and flawless result. But, the product’s covering power varies based on your skin type and needs. For example, does your skin look even?
Are you only dealing with minor issues, such as tiny pimples here and there? Or do you struggle with more severe problems like acne, dermatitis, etc.?
3. Long-Lasting
Typically, we all want to wear long-lasting makeup. While mattifying primers last longer, those with dewy finishes might not last as long, especially if you’re prone to oily skin. Moreover, oil-based primers nourish and hydrate your face, but they don’t last very long, mainly if your T area generates more sebum.
Choosing one that genuinely suits your skin’s unique needs is more important than buying a long-lasting primer. For instance, the ideal choice for mature skin is a nourishing and filling primer, whereas the perfect primer for me needs to suit my sensitive skin. In addition, I prefer one that’s fragrance-free and resistant to sweat or humidity. These are the ones that last the longest.
4. Smoothing Effect
That’s the main characteristic of a good primer, to smooth and even out your large pores and pimples while also concealing red spots and under-eye circles. Then, your face becomes a blank smooth canvas prepped for the other makeup items you plan on using.
While some blurring primers also provide moisturizing effects, that’s not what they’re about. Instead, they must prepare your face for the foundation, powders, and other further products. I love blurring primers more than other primer types because they blur out imperfections and make me look flawless.
5. List of Ingredients
This is essential to me since I have sensitive and acne-prone skin. So, I always avoid paraben-based primers that contain too many oils or artificial ingredients. There are certain concepts or words that you must look for when buying a blurring primer:
- Sweat-resistant – if you want a durable primer.
- Non-comedogenic – This primer is gentle on your sensitive skin and prevents acne and pimples. It’s my favorite kind. Non-comedogenic primers contain salicylic acid, so look for that specific compound when purchasing this makeup item.
- UV protection – I would recommend applying a blurring primer with SPF, especially during summer.
- Eyelid primers have different formulations preventing your eye makeup from creasing.
- Vegan and cruelty-free – If possible, you should look for blurring primers that aren’t tested on animals and feature vegan formulations.
6. Types of Primers
I love mattifying primers since my face can get oily, and I’m not too fond of shine. But, you could also opt for hydrating primers if your skin is dry or even illuminating alternatives if you want to add shine. Mattifying primers usually contain silicone. The ones I prefer the most are those that help me avoid looking cakey and those with a gel texture.
The perfect choice for dry skin is a primer based on an oil blend and other nourishing ingredients. These primers offer dewy finishes. If you want a shimmery effect and boost radiance, you should buy an illuminating primer. In contrast, issues such as depigmentation or uneven tan lines can be concealed with a color-correcting primer.
Finally, blurring primers are today’s focus, and I will detail them in the sections below. These are used to achieve flawless and even skin. It’s like applying a social media filter to your selfie. I’ve always suffered from under-eye dark circles, and this type of primer helps me cover those. You can also conceal red and dark spots, pimples, hyperpigmentation, and many other issues with blurring primers.
I love both mattifying and blurring primers. My dream product would be a hybrid of these two primer types.
Finding the Best Blurring Primers – My Top 7 Choices
Selection Criteria:
I’ve chosen the following primers focusing on their overall value. In other words, I’ve considered their prices, ingredients, effectiveness, and popularity. I tried to include a wide range of different blurring primers that can suit several skin types.
1. Best Affordable Option – Sephora Smooth & Blur
This Sephora primer does what I want it to: it blurs and smooths out skin imperfections, leaving my face even and ready for the foundation. In addition, it contains two excellent ingredients: vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties, and Ginkgo Biloba extract, which moisturizes your face.
After applying this blurring primer, I don’t worry about having an uneven face texture. Moreover, it makes my foundation last longer. I love its silky consistency that offers a natural finish. I’m a loyal Sephora customer and would use this primer again. Another aspect I appreciate about this product is that it’s free of mineral oil and parabens.
A silky makeup primer that gives a soft-focused, blurred effect to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Pros
- Great at concealing enlarged pores.
- Vegan formula.
- Affordable.
- Fantastic for my sensitive skin and hypoallergenic.
- Fragrance-free.
- Sustainable packaging.
- Lightweight texture.
- Formulated to protect your skin from pollutants.
Cons
- It sinks into my skin too quickly.
- I have to apply only a tiny amount of primer. Otherwise, my foundation can look blotchy.
2. Best Clean Formula – Milk Pore Eclipse Primer
I like the Pore Eclipse primer due to its mattifying effects. I have oily skin on my forehead, nose, and chin, so I love makeup products and primers that help me control those areas. It’s formulated with lentil extract, which reduces shine. This primer lasts up to eight hours and is highly versatile and suitable for oily, normal, and mixed skin.
I like its creamy yet lightweight texture and nourishing oil blend.
Never worry about makeup slipping during your active days - Keeps makeup locked on for up to 12 hours! Lentil extract is included to keep the shine away.
Pros
- Minimizes pores.
- Controls oily skin.
- It makes my face even and smooth.
- Clean and vegan formula.
- Cruelty-free.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- Expensive.
- You must apply it on top of your moisturizing cream to achieve optimal results.
- It has fragrance.
3. Best SPF Blurring Primer – Thank Me Later Primer
The Thank Me Later primer has incredible blurring effects and comes with sun protection. I love how well it reduces pores while concealing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s suitable for all ages and makes my face as smooth as velvet. It contains many ingredients I like, such as green tea extract, cucumber, and Shea butter. In addition, this primer is certified by Leaping Bunny as a cruelty-free product.
Prep your skin for lasting makeup application while protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Pros
- Highly versatile – great for all skin types and ages.
- SPF UV protection.
- High-quality ingredients.
- Cruelty-free.
- Illuminates my face.
Cons
- Its fragrance is too strong for my taste.
- It can become a bit oily after a while.
4. Best for Combo Skin – Pure Canvas Primer by Laura Mercier
This Laura Mercier blurring primer is expensive, but it’s my favorite. I love that it’s formulated with premium and safe ingredients. Moreover, it lasts long on my skin, keeping my foundation locked into place. It’s a versatile product that works well on numerous skin types. I’m a fan of water-based makeup products since they are lightweight on my face.
This primer contains glycerin which has outstanding moisturizing properties, and microalgae, which improves your skin’s texture.
Instantly create a smooth, soft-focus matte effect that has a lightweight blurred finish with Pure Canvas Primer Blurring. Minimize the appearance of pores and skin imperfections.
Pros
- Lightweight and water-based.
- Long-lasting.
- Sulfate-free.
- Silicone-free.
- Reduces pores and hydrates your skin.
Cons
- This primer might make your makeup look a bit cakey if you have dry skin.
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5. Best Drugstore Option – Age Perfect Blurring Primer by L’Oreal Paris
I like this L’Oreal blurring primer because it’s infused with caring serum. As a result, it conceals your pores while reducing the appearance of fine lines. Moreover, this makeup product boosts your face’s radiance. I love how this primer feels and looks since it makes my facial skin incredibly flattering. Another thing I like about it is its versatility. I can easily use it on its own or pair it with my foundation.
Age Perfect by L'Oreal Paris blurring face Primer is infused with a caring serum and features a universal rosy formula.
Pros
- Improves your skin’s appearance.
- Reduces pores.
- Smooths out fine lines.
- It offers a soft-focus finish.
- Softens your skin long-term.
Cons
- If you don’t use it often, its texture changes and become watery.
- It might flake if you apply too much.
6. Best for Plumping – Plump Right Back Primer by NYX
This NYX primer has an amazing formula enriched with minerals, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid. It’s a great combo that will improve your overall complexion if used regularly. I love its serum-like texture and the way it blurs the fine lines around my mouth and eyes. Another perk is its quick absorption. My face feels like I’m not wearing any product at all.
The plumping face primer grips makeup for all-day wear and keeps your look fresh and glowy (never oily).
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Plumps up your face, giving you a youthful look.
- Moisturizing.
- Corrects fine lines.
- Supercharged formula.
- Works excellent on numerous skin types.
Cons
- It might not be suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.
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7. Best for Redness – Face Studio Primer by Maybelline
Talking about impeccable blurring effects made me think of this following product. This Maybelline primer provides that even and airbrushed appearance, reducing pores. It feels lightweight on my skin and helps me apply foundation a lot easier.
It’s excellent for uneven skin surfaces and makes your makeup last longer without smudging. I love that it’s non-oily since I can’t stand greasy products. It has a lightweight consistency and works effectively on my skin types and tones.
Maybelline's skin-perfecting face primers are formulated with a water-soluble base and active ingredients that refine the look and feel of skin for makeup that lasts all day.
Pros
- It’s hypoallergenic.
- Tested by dermatologists.
- Great at concealing red spots.
- Airy texture.
- Non-oily.
- Very easy to apply.
Cons
- I would’ve liked it to have boosted coverage. It doesn’t conceal more prominent wrinkles and bigger pimples.
- If your skin is prone to excess sebum, this product might make it oily and cause breakouts.
FAQs
Question: What’s the Best Way to Use Blurring Primers?
Answer: I’ve seen a common mistake that many people make when applying a blurring primer. They spread the product all over their face instead of just covering those areas they want to conceal. Secondly, you should always wait for a couple of minutes until the primer dries and sinks into your skin before applying makeup.
Another important tip is to purchase a primer suitable for your skin type and color but also matches the consistency and shade of your foundation. Otherwise, these two products will clash. Finally, to avoid a cakey finish, you should choose a buildable product and only use a small amount initially.
Question: What Are the Benefits of Blurring Primers?
Answer: With a high-quality blurring primer, your skin becomes smoother. Primers are the ideal base on which you can apply the rest of the makeup. Moreover, most of the primers I know and tested will allow your skin to breathe by not clogging your pores. That’s why it’s best to choose non-comedogenic primers. Also, I would always go for a product that reduces redness and has a decent covering power without being overwhelming.
Question: Should Your Primer Be Waterproof?
Answer: Not all primer formulas are waterproof. However, waterproof is different from water-resistant, sweat-resistant, or smudge-proof. And, yes, it should be waterproof if that’s what you want or need. For instance, waterproof primers last longer if you plan to wear them during rainy or hot summer days or when you attend a night-long event that involves dancing and partying.
The Road to Flawless Skin Goes Through the Best Blurring Primer
I only started using blurring primers a couple of years ago, and since then, I have never looked back. Before that, I used to apply a moisturizing cream on my face before all the other makeup products. But, there’s a massive difference between a regular cream and face primer.
I recommend you buy a good-quality primer that contains safe ingredients, one that’s long-lasting and smudge-proof. But, most importantly, a blurring primer should meet your skin’s unique needs. For instance, my favorite kind is a lightweight one with medium coverage that helps me control sebum production and mattifies my skin.
Of all the products I’ve mentioned today, my favorite is Laura Mercier Pure Canvas because it’s water-based and long-lasting.
Instantly create a smooth, soft-focus matte effect that has a lightweight blurred finish with Pure Canvas Primer Blurring. Minimize the appearance of pores and skin imperfections.
Other Useful Reads
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- How to Find the Best Pore Minimizing Primer
- How to Find the Best Blurring Primer: Top 7 Choices to Consider - April 13, 2023
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