This is the most expensive primer I’ve ever bought, it is also hands down no contest the best primer I’ve ever bought. Piazza S, Martinelli G, Vrhovsek U, et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Acne Effects of Hamamelis virginiana Bark in Human Keratinocytes. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(6):1119. Published 2022 Jun 5. doi:10.3390/antiox11061119 Consider Your Individual Needs: Like any skincare product, choose your blurring primer based on your unique skin concerns. For example, if you’re oily and acne-prone, opt for a lightweight, water-based primer with non-comedogenic and blemish-fighting ingredients like Pixi Flawless & Poreless Primer. Conversely, if you’re dry or combination skinned, adding a blurring primer with hydrating and moisturizing benefits to your routine—like Charlotte Tilbury WONDERGLOW Instant Soft-Focus Beauty Flash—can help up those essential moisture levels while imparting its pore-minimizing magic.

Zamil DH, Khan RM, Braun TL, Nawas ZY. Dermatological uses of rice products: Trend or true?. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(11):6056-6060. doi:10.1111/jocd.15099 Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. Published 2017 Dec 27. doi:10.2147/CCID.S144180 Frattaruolo L, Carullo G, Brindisi M, Mazzotta S, Bellissimo L, Rago V, Curcio R, Dolce V, Aiello F, Cappello AR. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Flavanones from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) Leaf Phytocomplexes: Identification of Licoflavanone as a Modulator of NF-kB/MAPK Pathway. Antioxidants. 2019; 8(6):186. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8060186 I forgot to finish with setting spray another day and this held my makeup so well on its own I’m just going to use my setting spray for nights out or if I’m going from work straight to a restaurant or pub or something. Kafi R, Kwak HS, Schumacher WE, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612. doi:10.1001/archderm.143.5.606A few pumps rubbed onto my face after letting my moisturiser sit a few minutes and no word of a like it’s like massaging your face with the softest velvet you can imagine. My makeup grips to it perfectly and goes on so smoothly, I swear I look a good few years younger with this under my concealer and foundation, I skipped it one day in a rush and I could tell I didn’t look as smooth and done. Bains P, Kaur S. Silicone in Dermatology: An Update. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2023;16(1):14-20. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_204_22 The best blurring primer overall is the DHC Velvet Skin Coat on account of its pore-minimizing, blemish-diffusing, skin-enhancing effects that simultaneously mattify and moisturize. If you're on a budget, consider the Maybelline FaceStudio Master Prime, and if you can swing the steeper price, the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer is truly amazing. Schagen S. Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results. Cosmetics. 2017;4(2):16. doi: 10.3390/cosmetics4020016

Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB. Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use. Toxicol Res. 2015;31(2):105-136. doi:10.5487/TR.2015.31.2.105 Woodruff, A, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of a 2% salicylic acid cleanser for improvement of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Published 2013 April 1.

Curnow A, Owen SJ. An Evaluation of Root Phytochemicals Derived from Althea officinalis (Marshmallow) and Astragalus membranaceus as Potential Natural Components of UV Protecting Dermatological Formulations. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:7053897. doi:10.1155/2016/7053897 Mármol I, Sánchez-de-Diego C, Jiménez-Moreno N, Ancín-Azpilicueta C, Rodríguez-Yoldi MJ. Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(6):1137. Published 2017 May 25. doi:10.3390/ijms18061137 Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.

Zheng Y, Wan M, Chen H, et al. Clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of an antioxidant optimized 1.5% salicylic acid (SA) cream in the treatment of facial acne: an open, baseline-controlled clinical study. Skin Res Technol. 2013;19(2):125-130. doi:10.1111/srt.12022Suh S, Pham C, Smith J, Mesinkovska NA. The banned sunscreen ingredients and their impact on human health: a systematic review. Int J Dermatol. 2020;59(9):1033-1042. doi:10.1111/ijd.14824 Although each formulation of blurring primer will differ, the basic gist of the product is to help “fill in” any kind of unevenness—this includes both pores and fine lines—thus helping to create a smoother look. Bamford E, et al. Mesoporous magnesium carbonate for use in powder cosmetics. International journal of cosmetic science vol. 43,1 (2021): 57-67. doi:10.1111/ics.12670