I’ve Tried 20+ Primers, but None Blur My Skin Like This One From a Pamela Anderson-Used Brand

Foundation is only as smooth as the canvas on which it’s applied. Unfortunately, as my fine lines and pores have become more prominent with age, makeup cakes and settles into crevices more readily. A few years ago, I began experimenting with makeup primers that promise to enhance the smoothness and wear time of anything I layer on top. Smashbox is a brand known for its makeup-priming formulas. Used by the likes of Pamela Anderson, it’s yet to disappoint me. I’ve tried most of its offerings, but its latest launch, the aptly-named Pore Vanishing Primer, has impressed me most.

Look of the Day

The Look of the Day is an imperfection-blurring base for foundation. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, filling in oversized pores to yield a smooth canvas. The formula has a satin finish and mattifying effect, which works wonders for controlling excess shine in the sweaty months of spring and summer. 

In addition to its flawless finish, the formula grips foundation to prevent midday meltoff. Before trying this primer, I used to need to touch up my makeup most afternoons. I’ve found little to no need to do so since incorporating Smashbox’s latest formula into my routine. I’ve even tested it in a sweaty workout class. Even then, my makeup remained almost perfectly intact afterward. 

Where many primers feel occlusive (due to silicone-rich formulas), Smashbox’s Pore Vanishing Primer feels ultra-light on the skin. Incidentally, I’ve slept in the product twice (accidentally!), and have yet to suffer the breakouts that other formulas have caused me. 

The soft-matte, satiny finish paired with the imperfection-blurring benefits make the formula a win for minimalist makeup days, too. Like a filter in a tube, it’s my secret to elevating my barefaced skin in a snap. On days I do Ive Perfected Invisible Makeup With This Smoothing Tint From a Julia Roberts-Used Brand.

For a smoothing, line-blurring makeup base with pore-pummeling powers, shop the Look of the Day Where many primers feel occlusive due to silicone-rich formulas.

The Original Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Makeup Primer

Photo Finish Illuminate Glow Makeup Primer

Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer