I swear by Smashbox’s Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Makeup Primer, which minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. It creates a matte filter-like finish for a smooth and even makeup base, and costs $16 on Amazon.

Think of it as the Instagram Paris filter in a bottle.

In March, I did a complete 180 on my makeup routine. I had accidentally taken a picture of my face up close and was shocked to see how textured my skin was—my foundation and concealer had completely sunken into my fine lines and crater-like pores. I immediately researched ways to get a better base under my makeup, and remembered I’d had a tube of Smashbox’s Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Makeup Primer lying around. 

I had low expectations, but I put it to the test. Upon immediate application, my skin felt baby-soft and silky smooth; it blurred my pores and fine lines and was a game changer for my beauty routine. Seven months later, I refuse to start my makeup routine with anything else.

Smashbox the Original Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Makeup Primer

$16 at Amazon

The Smashbox primer, also named one of InStyle’s best primers for oily skin, is formulated with vitamin E to fight against skin-damaging environmental factors while moisturizing the skin. It also includes vitamin A, which has a number of skin-improving benefits, including minimizing the size of pores, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and evening the skin complexion. It has a gel consistency that applies smoothly and has a mattifying finish that’s great for those with an oilier complexion. 

I start by following my usual skincare routine, making sure my skin is moisturized. I then apply the primer to areas more susceptible to creasing and folding, like my cheeks, under-eyes, forehead, and chin (a little goes a long way). I wait about 15 seconds for it to set before going in with my skin tints and foundations. 

Not only does it create an even base for my makeup, but it also extends the life of my makeup while I’m out and about. Now, I can go a full 12 hours with minimal makeup movement—without it, my makeup would start to sink into my pores and folds within the first two hours.

Even if I decide to go without makeup, I love that the Smashbox Primer leaves me with a matte finish. In the summer heat, I’m prone to oil buildup in my T-zone, and this primer nips that in the bud. It calms redness, blurs the pores on and around my nose, and reduces the visibility of my hyperpigmentation—it’s basically the Instagram Paris filter IRL.

Shop Smashbox’s Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Makeup Primer for $16 on Amazon, along with more of my favorite makeup primers below. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Makeup Primer 

$16 at Amazon

E.l.f. Power Grip Primer

$10 at Amazon

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

$38 at Amazon