I’ve spent years chasing a flawless makeup base, and Benefit’s The POREfessional Primer is my ultimate find.
This silky balm blurs pores and fine lines, giving you a smooth canvas for makeup or a polished bare face.
At ~$32 for 22ml, it’s a worthy splurge.
In this review, I’ll share my real-world experience, break down pros and cons, compare it to other brands, and give maintenance tips to keep it fresh.
You’ll see why this primer is a game-changer—grab it for picture-perfect skin!
My Experience with The POREfessional Primer
I first got my hands on The POREfessional Primer after noticing my foundation settling into my visible pores.
With my combination skin—oily T-zone, drier cheeks—I needed something to smooth things out.
I squeezed a pea-sized amount from the sleek 22ml tube and patted it onto my clean, moisturized face, focusing on my nose and forehead.
The peachy, velvety balm melted into my skin, instantly blurring my pores like a real-life filter.
I layered my liquid foundation over it, and my makeup looked airbrushed, staying fresh through a humid 8-hour workday.
On weekends, I skipped foundation entirely, using just the primer for a matte, even complexion that felt lightweight.
During a summer festival, it kept my makeup intact despite sweat and heat, though I noticed slight pilling when I applied too much.
The subtle citrus scent was refreshing but faded quickly.
One hiccup: my drier cheeks felt tight without extra moisturizer.
You’ll love how it transforms your skin’s texture, but go light to avoid any slip.
What Makes The POREfessional Primer Stand Out
Benefit Cosmetics, a San Francisco brand since 1976, is all about fun, high-performing makeup.
The POREfessional, launched in 2010, became a cult favorite for its pore-minimizing magic.
This silicone-based primer, packed with vitamin E for antioxidant protection, smooths fine lines and pores while locking makeup in place.
The 22ml tube, priced at ~$32, is compact and travel-friendly, with a translucent finish that works for all skin tones.
I adore the playful, retro packaging, but the price feels steep for the size.
You’ll appreciate its versatility for full glam or minimalist looks, though sensitive skin might need caution.
How I Use The POREfessional in My Routine
Every morning, I start with a cleansed, lightly moisturized face and dab a tiny amount of POREfessional onto my T-zone and cheeks.
I blend with my fingertips, focusing on pore-heavy areas, and it creates a silky base in seconds.
Under foundation, it keeps my makeup flawless for hours, even in sticky weather.
On no-makeup days, I use it solo for a smooth, matte look that rivals a light foundation.
For touch-ups, I pat it gently over makeup to refresh my T-zone without smudging.
You’ll find it’s a lifesaver for shine control, but apply sparingly for best results.
Key Features of The POREfessional Primer
The POREfessional’s silicone-based formula, with ingredients like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone, fills pores and fine lines for a soft-focus effect.
Vitamin E offers antioxidant benefits, while the oil-free, translucent finish suits every skin tone.
The 22ml tube is portable, and a small dot covers your face.
I love how it glides on, creating a velvety texture, but overdoing it can lead to pilling.
Its matte finish tames oil, though the faint citrus fragrance might not suit everyone.
You’ll enjoy its smoothing power, but sensitive skin may react to silicones.
Pros of The POREfessional Primer:
- Pore-blurring magic: Hides visible pores for a flawless base.
- Long-lasting hold: Keeps makeup fresh for 6-8 hours.
- Versatile use: Works alone, under, or over makeup.
- Lightweight feel: Barely noticeable when applied correctly.
- Oil-free formula: Controls shine for oily skin.
- Silky texture: Blends effortlessly with fingertips.
- Universal fit: Translucent finish suits all skin tones.
- Antioxidant protection: Vitamin E shields against free radicals.
- Travel-ready: Compact 22ml tube fits any bag.
- Trusted reputation: A staple in makeup artist kits.
Cons of The POREfessional Primer:
- Pricey cost: ~$32 for 22ml feels steep for regular use.
- Silicone base: May irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Pilling risk: Over-application can cause makeup to clump.
- Fragrance issue: Citrus scent may bother sensitive noses.
- Small quantity: Daily use empties the tube quickly.
- Not hydrating: Can feel tight on dry skin.
- Temporary effect: Doesn’t permanently reduce pore size.
- Touch-up challenge: Can disrupt makeup if applied heavily.
- No coverage: Doesn’t conceal redness or blemishes.
- Clogging potential: Some users report breakouts.
I’m hooked on The POREfessional’s ability to blur my pores and keep my makeup locked in.
It’s perfect for oily skin days, but the price and silicone sensitivity might give you pause.
You’ll love it for a polished look, but test it first if your skin’s finicky.
Maintenance Tips for The POREfessional Primer
- Store upright: Keep the tube vertical to avoid leaks.
- Wipe applicator: Clean the tip after use to prevent buildup.
- Close tightly: Secure the cap to stop the formula from drying.
- Use sparingly: A small dot stretches far to save product.
- Keep cool: Store away from heat to maintain consistency.
- Patch test first: Check for reactions due to silicones or fragrance.
- Moisturize well: Apply over hydrated skin to prevent tightness.
- Blend quickly: Smooth evenly to avoid pilling or streaks.
- Check expiry: Use within 12 months for peak performance.
- Pair smartly: Use with silicone-based makeup for compatibility.
I keep my POREfessional in a cool drawer and use just a dab to make it last.
Cleaning the applicator keeps it hygienic, and I always moisturize first to avoid dryness.
You’ll want to store it carefully and use a light hand to maximize its life.
Comparison with Other Brands
- Benefit Vs. e.l.f.
I tried e.l.f.’s Poreless Putty Primer (~$9) as a budget alternative, and it smoothed my pores decently but felt denser than POREfessional.
The thicker texture highlighted dry patches on my cheeks, unlike Benefit’s lightweight balm.
e.l.f. didn’t extend makeup wear as long, fading after 4-5 hours, and lacked vitamin E.
Benefit’s silky finish feels more refined for daily use.
You’ll choose e.l.f. for its low price, but Benefit wins for smoother application and longevity.
- Benefit Vs. NYX
NYX’s Pore Filler (~$14) is another silicone-based primer I tested.
It blurred pores but left a slightly greasy residue on my oily T-zone, unlike POREfessional’s matte finish.
NYX’s formula felt less luxurious and didn’t hold makeup as well, with my foundation slipping after 5 hours.
Benefit’s lightweight texture and universal tone outshine NYX.
You’ll pick NYX for a cheaper option, but Benefit’s performance is unmatched.
- Benefit Vs. Smashbox
Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer (~$39) is a high-end silicone primer I used for a long event.
It kept my makeup flawless for 8+ hours, slightly outlasting POREfessional.
However, Smashbox’s heavier feel wasn’t ideal for bare-skin days, while Benefit’s versatility shone.
Smashbox’s thicker formula also felt less breathable.
You’ll go for Smashbox for special occasions, Benefit for daily ease.
- Benefit Vs. Tula
Tula’s Face Filter Primer (~$38) offers a radiant finish, contrasting POREfessional’s matte effect.
I tested Tula on a humid day, and its hydrating formula felt better on my dry cheeks but didn’t blur pores as effectively.
Tula’s glowy look wasn’t ideal for my oily zones.
You’ll choose Tula for dewy skin, Benefit for pore control and matte results.
Performance Across Skin Types
On my combination skin, POREfessional excels at taming my oily T-zone, keeping shine under control for hours.
My drier cheeks need extra moisturizer, as the primer can feel tight without it.
Friends with normal skin rave about its smoothing effect, but those with very dry skin find it less comfortable.
In humid conditions, it holds up well, though I reapply lightly by evening.
You’ll love it for oily or combo skin, but dry skin requires hydration first.
Build Quality and Ingredients
The POREfessional’s 22ml tube is sleek and sturdy, with a retro vibe that’s unmistakably Benefit.
Its silicone-based formula, featuring cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone, creates a velvety canvas, but phenoxyethanol and fragrance might irritate sensitive skin.
Vitamin E adds antioxidant protection, and the translucent finish flatters all tones.
I’ve had no breakouts, but some users report clogged pores.
The citrus scent is subtle and fades fast.
You’ll trust its durability but wish for a larger size for the price.
Who Should Buy The POREfessional
This primer is ideal for oily or combination skin types craving a matte, pore-blurred finish.
I’d recommend it for busy folks needing makeup that lasts or a smooth no-makeup look.
It’s perfect for urban lifestyles but less suited for very dry skin or fragrance sensitivities.
If you want a polished complexion with minimal effort, you’ll be obsessed.
Safety and Precautions
Always patch-test, as silicones or fragrance may cause irritation.
Apply over well-moisturized skin to avoid dryness.
Use a light hand to prevent pilling or makeup slip.
Store in a cool, dry place to preserve the formula.
Pair with silicone-based makeup to avoid separation.
You’ll keep your skin happy with careful use and prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it’s excellent for blurring pores and extending makeup wear, especially for oily skin, though sensitive skin should test it.
It’s best for oily or combination skin needing pore minimization and a matte finish, less ideal for dry skin.
It’s silicone-based, with dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane, delivering a smooth, matte effect.
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, moisturized skin, pat onto problem areas, and blend with fingertips, under or over makeup.
Final Thoughts
The POREfessional has transformed my makeup game with its pore-blurring, long-lasting magic.
At ~$32, it’s a worthy investment for flawless skin, whether you’re going full glam or bare-faced.
Its silky texture and matte finish make it a daily essential.
You’ll love how it smooths your complexion effortlessly—add it to your routine today!
