The Acne Series: PRIMERS
- jennysmithmattfeldt
- Dec 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 10
It is possible to smooth breakouts and scars under makeup without clogging your pores
By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published December 5, 2024
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and brands I genuinely love and trust!
The Acne Series is your ultimate guide to navigating acne with confidence and grace. As someone who’s been through the trenches of cystic acne, and come out stronger on the other side. I know how tough it can be, both physically and emotionally. That’s why I’ve poured my personal experience, hours of research, and hard-earned insights into this collection. From must-have products and proven techniques to debunked myths and insider tips, this series is all about helping my acne-prone girlies tackle skincare, makeup, & more! You’re not alone in this journey, and I promise, it gets better.
Primers are a double-edged sword for acneic skin. You can cover the redness of a breakout with makeup pretty easily but the difference in texture can be noticeable which is where a good smoothing primer comes in. To achieve smooth makeup over active acne or scars, a good primer is essential to prep the skin and fill in texture differences. The challenge lies in the fact that most effective primers are packed with comedogenic ingredients, like silicones and oils, that can clog pores and trigger new breakouts.
After years of battling and finally healing my cystic acne (not to mention the endless hours and dollars spent), I now face the problem of addressing scars while trying to avoid products that risk undoing my hard work. It's a frustrating balance to find so I've done the research so you don't have to, I want you to be able to trust your products without fear of harming your skin. Of course, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so always patch-test products before committing to using them on your entire face.
Benefit The POREfessional Primer
The POREfessional primer is a cult classic for a reason, this is the OG matte, texture blurring primer. If your skin isn't prone to acne this is an amazing product but unfortunately for those with acneic skin this primer isn't noncomedogenic (meaning it contains pore clogging ingredients) so skip this one.
NYX Pore Filler Primer
The NYX Pore Filler primer is a budget-friendly dupe for Benefit’s POREfessional. It’s soft, mattifying, and does a great job blurring texture. Unfortunately, like its high-end counterpart it contains pore-clogging ingredients, so it’s a pass from me.
The Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer feels so luxurious. Its hydrating gel consistency leaves your skin feeling cushiony and plumped, making it a fantastic choice for those with dry skin. While it does a great job of blurring pores and adding hydration, it’s not quite thick enough to smooth over my acne scars.
The Supergoop Matte Screen is a perfect blend of sunscreen and primer. Its soft, mattifying, and non-comedogenic formula makes it my top pick in this series. I’m all about makeup that offers skincare benefits, and SPF is a non-negotiable when dealing with acne. Many acne treatments make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and as breakouts heal they’re often prone to hyperpigmentation, those dark red marks that linger long after the acne is gone. This product helps protect and prevent, making it a must-have in my routine.
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer
The Tarte Timeless Primer offers a beautifully soft, blurring effect that’s hard to resist. Tarte is a brand that rarely misses when it comes to skin products, I will always be a Shape Tape fan, but I’m a bit pickier when it comes to primers since they’re the first layer directly on your skin. Unfortunately, this product contains comedogenic oils making it less than ideal for acne-prone skin. Another consideration is hygiene; since this primer comes in a pot that you dip into, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria, a common acne trigger. While it’s effective, it’s not the best fit for those battling breakouts.
e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
The e.l.f. Putty Primer is a solid dupe for the Tarte primer, with similar texture and packaging. Like the Tarte version, it has its pros and cons, it’s thick and grippy, which makes it great for long-wear makeup, but the packaging still leaves it a bit unhygienic. Using a clean finger or a tool can help maintain hygiene if you do want to give it a try. While it’s labeled non-comedogenic I personally haven’t had the best luck with e.l.f. products on my skin, but everyone’s skin reacts differently, so it could work well for you!
Tula has been one of my go-to brands since the start of my skin-healing journey, and their Blurring & Hydrating Primer is no exception. True to its name, it delivers a gorgeous glow while blurring pores and fine lines, perfect for makeup that’s also great for your skin. This primer is on the thinner side, so while it may not be ideal for dramatic scars, it’s a fantastic option for those with noticeable pores, dry, or mature skin. It’s my second pick of the series, and I can’t say enough good things about this brand, love, love, love!
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