Which Benefit Primer Is Best For Me?
Benefit primers: the holy grail for many makeup enthusiasts?
There’s no denying their popularity with a primer sold every 8 seconds globally. But what sets them apart? Extensive research and personal testing reveal their secret: a transformative effect on the skin, visibly minimising pores and refining texture. Ready to discover your perfect primer match? Let’s dive in.
Skip To:
- Discover the primers
- Best for oily skin
- Best for textured skin
- Best for dehydrated, dry or mature skin
- FAQs
Discover The Primers
Porefessional primer was launched back in 2010, and now, over a decade later, the range has expanded to help everyone with pores reach their skin goals. Completely non-comedogenic and centred around smoothing skin, there’s a pore primer for everyone.
- Benefit Matte Primer was launched in 2024 and helps to keep skin shine-free with its mattifying skincare benefits.
- Benefit Pore Primer is the original primer in the collection and helps to smooth skin and soften the appearance of pores.
- Benefit Lite Primer launched in 2022 to offer those a more lightweight, water-based primer option.
Now discontinued:
- Benefit Porefessional Pearl Primer
- Benefit Porefessional Hydrate Primer
Best For Oily Skin
Porefessional Matte Primer
Important to know:
- Silicone-based
- Non-comedogenic
- Translucent, no colour or tint.
- Natural matte finish
- Cream to soft balm texture
- Smudge-proof and sweat-proof
The finished result of this primer reminds me of the iconic Dr Feel Good without the pilling. You would think it’s water-based from its lightweight cream formula, but it’s not. It’s soft, shine-free and does a great job at evening out skin texture and creating an even canvas that oil can’t creep through.
It’s also infused with oil-balancing and skin-refining ingredients. A combination of smoothing niacinamide and shine-absorbing rose hip extract keep oil at bay, whilst mineral powders blur the look of pores for a more unified complexion, with or without makeup.
Note that this primer is not oil-free as it contains dimethicone, which is used to give the primer its soft, smooth texture.
Best For Textured Skin
Porefessional Original
Important to know:
- Silicone-based
- Non-comedogenic
- Apricot tint that blends out transparent.
- Natural matte finish
- Soft balm texture
Benefit’s Porefessional is a beloved primer that visibly minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines. Its silky, lightweight texture effortlessly glides onto the skin, creating a smooth, flawless canvas for makeup application.
This cult-classic formula extends makeup wear by preventing it from settling into pores for a long-lasting, even finish. Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, Porefessional offers gentle protective and hydrating benefits while priming your complexion.
Note that this primer is not oil-free as it contains dimethicone, which is used to give the primer its soft, smooth texture.
Best For Dehydrated, Dry or Mature Skin
Porefessional Lite
Important to know:
- Water-based
- Non-comedogenic
- Pink tint that blends transparent
- Natural finish
- Soft texture
You’d expect this to be silicone-based from its soft balm texture, but it’s the only water-based (73%) primer in the benefit collection. Note: it contains silica.
It’s the lightest finish and feel when compared to the matte and original versions, but it also helps to blur pores and keep your base soft, smooth and even.
Note that this primer is not oil-free as it contains Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, a castor oil derivative used as an emollient to hydrate the skin.
FAQ
1. Which Benefit primer is best for sensitive skin?
Benefit The POREfessional Lite Primer is the top choice for sensitive skin among the three options.
Here’s why:
- Fewer potential irritants: This primer contains fewer potentially irritating ingredients than the other two options.
- Soothing ingredients: Glycerin and tocopherol (vitamin E) are included for their hydrating and soothing properties.
Factors to Consider
- While The POREfessional Lite Primer seems the best option, it’s important to remember that individual skin sensitivities vary greatly. Some people may react to ingredients that others tolerate well.
- Fragrance: Both The POREfessional Matte Primer and The POREfessional Pore Primer contain fragrance (Parfum), which can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Patch Testing: It’s always advisable to patch test any new skincare product, including primers, before applying it to your face. - Consider looking for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic primer if you have very sensitive skin.
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