How to Create a Smooth, Even Base on Textured Skin

Skin texture is a normal part of life, and we’re not going to pretend that everyone (even your favorite models and influencers) doesn’t have it. Large pores, lines, acne scars and breakouts can all give skin a textured appearance, but there are plenty of makeup products that can help minimize texture and give your skin a smoother, more even appearance. Here, we’re sharing the best primers, powders and foundations for textured skin, with a mix of luxury picks and options you can buy at the drugstore. 

The Best Makeup Primers for Textured Skin

L'Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer

This primer smooths large pores peeking through your makeup and actually improves skin’s texture overtime thanks to an exfoliating complex of AHAs, BHAs and LHAs. It gives skin an instant blurred effect and helps extend your makeup wear by up to 24 hours. 

NYX Professional Makeup Face Freezie Cooling Primer + Moisturizer

Cool down with this primer/moisturizer combo, which blurs pores and smooths texture all in one refreshing, moisturizing product. It has a sorbet-like texture that’s not only fun to apply, it leaves your skin looking glowy and refreshed with or without makeup on top. 

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

If you’re looking for a primer that soaks up oil and minimizes large pores without drying out your skin, try this multipurpose blurring balm. It can be applied alone or under makeup for a smoothing, soft matte effect, or on top of foundation to set shiny areas. It comes in a universal translucent shade shown below, as well as 10 sheer complexion shades that offer a light layer of coverage. 

The Best Foundations for Textured Skin

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

There’s a reason this drugstore foundation has reached holy grail status for so many makeup lovers. Its breathable, lightweight formula smooths pores and stops excess oil from shining through, and the under-$10 price tag makes it an instant repurchase. With a range of 40 shades, there are options to match any skin tone. 

IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40

This is a skincare-infused foundation that only makes your skin better with wear. Infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and green tea extract, it hydrates and gives skin an even, radiant glow. In just four weeks, it’s designed to improve the look of texture, visibly brighten bare skin and even out skin tone. It’s a medium-coverage foundation with a glowy finish and SPF built in for an added layer of protection. 

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation

Blur signs of texture, pores and discoloration with this velvety matte foundation. It looks flawless for up to 16 hours and provides medium coverage with a matte, lightweight finish. With ingredients like glycerin, matcha and niacinamide, it delivers on smoother, more even and hydrated skin.  

The Best Powders for Textured Skin

Maybelline New York SuperStay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation

You can apply this powder all over as a foundation, or use the puff it comes with to strategically set your face in oily areas. Either way, the soft matte formula resists water, sweat and transfer for up to 24 hours, making it a long-wearing staple. We love the lightweight feel of this powder and its instant blurring, oil-absorbing effect.

Dermablend Loose Setting Powder

For makeup that lasts all day and has a smooth, flawless finish, dust on a light layer of this setting powder. Available in three shades (Translucent, Cool Beige and Warm Saffron), it’s the ideal finishing touch for any skin tone and makeup look. 

Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Blurring Talc-Free Setting Powder

Reviewers can’t get enough of this powder’s silky, blurring finish — one calls it the “only powder” that doesn’t emphasize the wrinkles around her eyes and minimizes her pores. The packaging is refillable, and the formula comes in five shades: Translucent, Pink Bubble, Créme, Dune and Café.