Shoppers Say This Primer From Smashbox Makes Pores Disappear

Smashbox knows how to make a damn good primer; its Photo Finish Primer, which launched in the 90s, is among the most iconic formulas to grace the beauty sphere. InStyle testers deemed it among the best they tried, while others have compared it to an IRL filter. Pamela Anderson even donned the product in a recent brand campaign. 

I’ve yet to try it (I know, I know), but before I do, my large pores and I are beelining for its newer, lesser-known spin-off: the Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer. As of this month, it’s conveniently available for $42 at Amazon.

The pore-blurring primer is equally, if not more, impressive than its predecessor. It maintains the classic, velvety finish for which Smashbox primers are praised; plus, it controls oil and sweat and whittles the appearance of over-stretched pores, according to Amazon shoppers—more than 1,000 of whom have given the product a five-star rating.

Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer

The Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer is an imperfection-blurring complexion enhancer. Worn beneath foundation, it prevents makeup from settling into crevices and large pores. Moreover, it prolongs makeup weartime; in addition to gripping foundation, the primer nixes excess oiliness, in turn preventing makeup melt-off and unwanted shine. Smashbox’s velvety formula is practically weightless, making it ideal even in the soupy summer months. 

Not a daily makeup-wearer? The primer performs equally well sans a stitch of foundation. On bare skin, it still delivers pore-camouflaging, wrinkle-blurring perfection. (Photoshop? No, thanks.)

In fact, one reviewer said they “use it instead of foundation,” adding that it “makes pores invisible.” Another fan echoed similar sentiments, noting it “eliminates the need for foundation” entirely. Yet another shopper said their skin looks “like glass” post-use and keeps shine at bay. Finally, one reviewer said the product smoothed their eleven lines so effectively, their partner inquired whether they’d gotten Botox. Now that’s a good primer.

For smooth, seemingly poreless skin on demand, shop the Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer at Amazon, plus similar options, below.

E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer Flawless Finish Primer

DHC Velvet Skin Coat Mattifying Primer

Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Primer