Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Face Primer Mini

Let me just start saying that I know how much people love this primer and how highly rated it is, but I swear I have really good reasons for the 3 stars. Yes, this primer does its job pretty well evening out skin texture and hiding enlarged pores. The balmy and silky texture is great and it's really easy to apply. Well, sorta... In my case, I found out it's better to dab it on my skin, so it takes a little longer than usual, but that's okay. The two main reasons that made me rate it 3 stars are: 1) my skin is very oily, especially during the summer/spring. The matte effect of this primer only lasts 3-4 hours, depending on which foundation or CC cream I have on. That means that I either have to use blotting tissues, apply some powder on or redo most of my makeup; 2) ... MoreLet me just start saying that I know how much people love this primer and how highly rated it is, but I swear I have really good reasons for the 3 stars. Yes, this primer does its job pretty well evening out skin texture and hiding enlarged pores. The balmy and silky texture is great and it's really easy to apply. Well, sorta... In my case, I found out it's better to dab it on my skin, so it takes a little longer than usual, but that's okay. The two main reasons that made me rate it 3 stars are: 1) my skin is very oily, especially during the summer/spring. The matte effect of this primer only lasts 3-4 hours, depending on which foundation or CC cream I have on. That means that I either have to use blotting tissues, apply some powder on or redo most of my makeup; 2) due to the number of silicone ingredients in the formula, this primer causes me breakouts every time I use it. Every. Single. Time. The product is really good but it's just not worth it in my case, as you can see. I do recommend it though if you have dry to normal skin, maybe.

I am always on the hunt for the best makeup primer. I have a makeup stand full of them, and have tried more than I can count, but they always seem to fall short in one area or another. Sure, one may minimize pores, but it leaves my face a greasy mess. Another might control oil and shine, but my pores look the size of Europe, and my makeup cracks halfway through the day. I can never seem to get it just right. This year I bought myself a new winter coat at Macy's and scored $10 in money towards a future purchase. I decided to pamper myself and used it towards a "12 Days of Beauty" Advent Calendar, which I HIGHLY recommend buying. Included were 12 amazing makeup, hair, and skincare products. One of those items just so happened to be a really nice mini/sample size of ... MoreI am always on the hunt for the best makeup primer. I have a makeup stand full of them, and have tried more than I can count, but they always seem to fall short in one area or another. Sure, one may minimize pores, but it leaves my face a greasy mess. Another might control oil and shine, but my pores look the size of Europe, and my makeup cracks halfway through the day. I can never seem to get it just right. This year I bought myself a new winter coat at Macy's and scored $10 in money towards a future purchase. I decided to pamper myself and used it towards a "12 Days of Beauty" Advent Calendar, which I HIGHLY recommend buying. Included were 12 amazing makeup, hair, and skincare products. One of those items just so happened to be a really nice mini/sample size of benefit Cosmetic's the POREfessional Smoothing Pore Minimizing Primer. I had the opportunity to try this product one time before, but it was in a one-time-use, pouch-type of package and the product was clumpy, I think due to the heat outside. I don't think that it really worked up to it's full potential, because this is hands-down the BEST makeup primer that I have ever, ever used. I have tried more than 10+ kinds of primers too, and most of which the outcomes are documented here on Influenster. Starting with the packaging, I love EVERYTHING about this product. As always, benefit goes out of their way to give a great product presentation. The product comes in a triangular-shaped turquoise and beige tube with a black lid that screws off. The front of the tube has the product name written in giant white letters with a black outline, and "Pore Primer" stamped in red. There's a drawing of an old-fashioned, retro stewardess wearing a turquoise dress and hat, with a dark blue briefcase, gloves, and boots. The brand logo is written at the bottom center of the front in black, as well as is some product information on the back. The tube comes in a really nice box as well, that has the exact same colors, and the same graphics printed on the front. The sides of the box have product information as well as instructions written in black. The product itself is squeezed out of the tube, so you can be pretty exact and not waste a whole lot. It's a brownish/tan colored primer (they call it "translucent"?) that's a little thicker than most other makeup primers that I'm used to using. It has more the consistency of a thicker winter face cream, than it does a primer. It has a lovely floral scent to it that isn't overwhelming or overpowering in any way, but it is still definitely present. My skin would be considered combination that leans towards the oily side, and also tends to be on the sensitive side. The fragrance and dye in this product did not bother me at all. In fact, it did quite the opposite. It made my makeup look the best that it has had in a long, long time! It also kept the oil and shine under control all day long, well into the evening hours. I've been seriously struggling with some major issues with my pores being absolutely HUGE lately too, especially around my nose and cheeks. This primer totally erased all my worries and got rid of all the visible pores on my face for the entire day! Although this primer is thick, it is still lightweight and absorbs quickly and evenly into your skin. It does not feel sticky or tacky upon application nor does it feel greasy or oily. It doesn't take long to dry, and it feels moisturizing when you apply it. It also doesn't crack halfway through your day like a LOT of other primers. Your makeup will not look cakey if you use this product. I've noticed that when I use certain primers, no matter what I do my makeup looks super caked-on. Not the case with POREfessional. My makeup gets a beautiful matte finish when I use this primer and a gorgeous soft glow. I really can't stress it enough - my makeup looks magnificent when I use this stuff! What it is, is a primer that quickly minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin. Finish: Natural. Formulation: Cream. Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Dry, and Oily. Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under, or over makeup. This priming phenomenon is your quick fix solution for flawless-looking skin. POREfessional's translucent formula complements all skin tones to create a smooth canvas and mattify shine. The formula contains a Vitamin E derivative, which is known to protect skin from free radicals. I got the 0.1oz mini sample size of this product and have been able to do my makeup about 5 times now already, with more left in the tube! I was really surprised and SO happy! You get a lot more out of this little tube than you think! If you haven't already, I highly, highly recommend doing so. I have already made this product a staple in my beauty routine, and am planning on doing so on a permanent basis!

I have been using this face primer since forever because I have lots of scars on my cheeks and large pores on my nose. For oily skin this is the holy grail product. It is not shiny at all, gives you a matte velvety finish to work with. My skin has now been on a dryer side, but I can still use it. Just make sure you hydrate your skin well before applying this primer. This primer definitely reduces the appearance of scarring and large pores for a flawless makeup look. I got the jumbo size that will lasts me a long time.

I’ve always been a fan of Benefit Cosmetics. This skin primer is a game changer in my makeup routine. It’s silky, lightweight formula glides effortlessly onto my skin creating a smooth canvas that makes my foundation application a breeze. But the true magic lies in its pore minimizing power. It visibly reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, offering an even and flawless complexion that looks and feels so natural. It doesn’t feel sticky or tacky upon application nor does it feel greasy or oily. It doesn’t take long to dry and it feels very moisturizing when you apply it. It doesn’t make my makeup look caky nor does it crack after a few hours wear under my eyes or around my nose. It also doesn’t pill up when applying my concealer or foundation. My makeup gets ... MoreI’ve always been a fan of Benefit Cosmetics. This skin primer is a game changer in my makeup routine. It’s silky, lightweight formula glides effortlessly onto my skin creating a smooth canvas that makes my foundation application a breeze. But the true magic lies in its pore minimizing power. It visibly reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, offering an even and flawless complexion that looks and feels so natural. It doesn’t feel sticky or tacky upon application nor does it feel greasy or oily. It doesn’t take long to dry and it feels very moisturizing when you apply it. It doesn’t make my makeup look caky nor does it crack after a few hours wear under my eyes or around my nose. It also doesn’t pill up when applying my concealer or foundation. My makeup gets a super matte finish and it stay put all day long. My makeup looks fantastic when I use this stuff I just can’t stress that enough. POREfessional Translucent formula complements all skin tones to create a smooth canvas and a mattifying shine. The formula also contains Vitamin E derivatives which are known to protect the skin from free radicals. If you have tried it I strongly recommend you do. It’s not just a primer, it’s the key to unlocking a flawless photo ready complexion. A tube of this at Ulta is around $34 dollars but will last you a while. It really is an amazing game changing primer.

The Benefit POREfessional Primer is a must-have for a flawless complexion. This lightweight, oil-free formula minimizes pores and fine lines instantly, leaving a silky, matte finish that controls shine all day—ideal for oily and combination skin. It excels as a makeup base, ensuring smoother application and longer-lasting foundation. A little goes a long way, and the subtle fresh scent enhances the application experience. I recommend if you want a higher end primer (which is why it’s a 4) but if you’re on a budget definitely go for elf putty primer.

Better than expected!

It goes on fairly matte and helps my liquid foundation stay on considerably longer than it usually would. As a bonus it also helps to somewhat (but not entirely) fill in the dreaded pores on my cheeks and nose, something that no other primer I've used so far, has been able to do. No breakouts or sensitivity to this either. Will repurchase. ~ My Top 5 Beauty Must-Have list ~1. Hair Loss Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Hair Oil2. Shampoo: 'Sephora Collection' - Deep Cleaning Shampoo3. Face Mask: ‘Peter Thomas Roth’ – Pumpkin Enzyme Mask4. Pigmentation/Anti-Aging Serum: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Facial Serum5. Face Scrub: ‘Sisley' - Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream

Fail-safe pore-blurring product - just too pricey

I've been using the OG professional for quite some time now and it actually does what it claims (yes, Benefit have a history of gimmicky products that are *aesthetic* and *cute* that aren't very effective). Are there dupes out there for less? Probably. Almost certainly. But I haven't had time to search out and, like most people, I'm not keen on buying new products all the time in the *hope* that they work out for me, when they don't (resulting in clutter and wasted money). If you find a dupe, I'd say that Porefessional is good but absolutely not worth the exorbitant price tag, it's a joke in this economy.That being said, this actually hides away the pores so well without moving or being excessively greasy. I have combo skin, so tried the "Lite" version (in the ... MoreI've been using the OG professional for quite some time now and it actually does what it claims (yes, Benefit have a history of gimmicky products that are *aesthetic* and *cute* that aren't very effective). Are there dupes out there for less? Probably. Almost certainly. But I haven't had time to search out and, like most people, I'm not keen on buying new products all the time in the *hope* that they work out for me, when they don't (resulting in clutter and wasted money). If you find a dupe, I'd say that Porefessional is good but absolutely not worth the exorbitant price tag, it's a joke in this economy.That being said, this actually hides away the pores so well without moving or being excessively greasy. I have combo skin, so tried the "Lite" version (in the blue packaging - the OG one comes in a teal package). The light literally made no difference at all toy pores. It was like I hadn't put anything on at all - read: ineffective. I always prefer lighter formulations, hut, alas, it wasn't meant to be.A little goes a long way for this, so, unless you're using makeup frequently (which I don't), or in large volumes, a mini travel size works well (yes, the mini is also exorbitantly priced). Blends seamlessly into skin with nothing else on so can be worn alone. Possibly under skincare? Or over? Haven't figured that one out yet. Worth a play in store and trial it on the skin for a few hours if you're on the fence.

Love this primer

I am an older woman who has a tendency to have dry skin around my eyes and other places on my face. And I have to use eye cream and moisturizer daily. And as a result I have had a hard time finding a primer that didn't add extra oil where I didn't need it. Most primers that I have tried are either too Matte or to greasy. So I asked an associate from Sephora for a recommendation on a good primer and told her my issue. She suggested this product. I had used a pore primer in this line years ago. Before I had mature skin. Lol! And it was something that I wasn't a fan of. The reason being it was a Matte finish. And I didn't want that look. I wanted a softer and smoother look. So I wasn't sure what was going to happen with this primer. She put some on the back of her hand ... MoreI am an older woman who has a tendency to have dry skin around my eyes and other places on my face. And I have to use eye cream and moisturizer daily. And as a result I have had a hard time finding a primer that didn't add extra oil where I didn't need it. Most primers that I have tried are either too Matte or to greasy. So I asked an associate from Sephora for a recommendation on a good primer and told her my issue. She suggested this product. I had used a pore primer in this line years ago. Before I had mature skin. Lol! And it was something that I wasn't a fan of. The reason being it was a Matte finish. And I didn't want that look. I wanted a softer and smoother look. So I wasn't sure what was going to happen with this primer. She put some on the back of her hand and it was silky and smooth looking. So I gave it a try! And I am so glad that I did!! This primer is absolutely the best primer I have ever used. And at my age I've tried quite a few. It keeps me from having my face makeup crease in my fine lines. It leaves my skin looking smooth and satin looking. Without my skin looking oily which is what I wanted. So this is my new Staple I'm my make-up routine. It keeps my skin from creasing in my fine lines and doesn't leave me looking cakey or dull! So if you are looking for a face primer that will help you to keep your face looking it's best. Then I would definitely give this a try! I'm sure you will love it as much as I do! So give it a try if you have been debating on purchasing it or not.

Okay primer with some shortcomings

Id rate it 3.5 stars if i could. I will admit that i havent used many other primers, as i bought a few of these for half off so im trying to get through these bottles first before moving on to other primers i have. I do feel like it minimizes my pores, so on days where i dont feel like using full makeup i will still use the primer. It does feel a little greasy, but my biggest con with the primer is that it pills sooooo much. Ive tried just about every technique you can to apply it and, no matter what, it always seems to pill. Sometimes worse than other times. When i wakeup in the AM first thing i do is brush my teeth and do my skincare routine, then have my coffee, etc. before coming back to do my makeup. So i definitely let some time elapse between applying my skin ... MoreId rate it 3.5 stars if i could. I will admit that i havent used many other primers, as i bought a few of these for half off so im trying to get through these bottles first before moving on to other primers i have. I do feel like it minimizes my pores, so on days where i dont feel like using full makeup i will still use the primer. It does feel a little greasy, but my biggest con with the primer is that it pills sooooo much. Ive tried just about every technique you can to apply it and, no matter what, it always seems to pill. Sometimes worse than other times. When i wakeup in the AM first thing i do is brush my teeth and do my skincare routine, then have my coffee, etc. before coming back to do my makeup. So i definitely let some time elapse between applying my skin care products and the primer. I dont have oily skin, and my skincare products are pretty much settled in by the time i apply the primer. Nonetheless, there are definitely times where it pills so bad that it basically wipes off my foundation and i have to apply more to the area, which is frustrating, and reblend. I've noticied it doesn't pill with concealer. I have tried other benefit primers, such as the lite version, and not had this issue. Everyone's skin is different, and im sure not everyone experiences the pilling, so id say its worrh a try, as it does have its pros too, like minimizing pores. So if youre hesitiant to purchase maybe give it a shot and if it doesn't work for you return it, get a refund, and try another primer.

stapled.

I immediately bought the mega size as soon as I used the sample size I received free with the purchase of some cologne. This product is amazing. I love the feel, the mild scent (I do not think it is fragranced, but it has a scent to it), and its staying power! It does exactly as advertised and wears incredibly well over my moisturizer and under my makeup. I have comically large pores and this primer mattifies and smooths my skin's texture so well that I can go without foundation on my natural, low-maintenance days without feeling as if I look like I gave up in the morning lol. I also have found that I can go without a setting powder when wearing makeup over this.Minus 1 star because:1. I avoid my entire eye area as I have extreme crepiness and this product really ... MoreI immediately bought the mega size as soon as I used the sample size I received free with the purchase of some cologne. This product is amazing. I love the feel, the mild scent (I do not think it is fragranced, but it has a scent to it), and its staying power! It does exactly as advertised and wears incredibly well over my moisturizer and under my makeup. I have comically large pores and this primer mattifies and smooths my skin's texture so well that I can go without foundation on my natural, low-maintenance days without feeling as if I look like I gave up in the morning lol. I also have found that I can go without a setting powder when wearing makeup over this.Minus 1 star because:1. I avoid my entire eye area as I have extreme crepiness and this product really exagerates that i.e. hellllooo creases, crinkles, and cake-eye! Granted, there is no product or primer I have found that actually works in this problem area for me, but still.and 2. the price for the amount of product I need to use is a l i t t l e much. I do not shy from price tags for product that is worth it, and this is definitely worth it, but I'm not sure if you could call the 'value' size a real value.. I expect value sizes to last AT LEAST 3 mos but at the rate I am using it, I'm not so sure. I do layer this product (twice) and I do use it about 4-5 times a week. It'll probably last me about 6-8 weeks. Still not bad, but worth noting. I will buy again and again!