High-end makeup is a treat, but not everyone wants to drop $30+ on a single tube of primer every month.
But does a smaller budget mean you have to sacrifice that airbrushed, poreless finish? Absolutely not.
As someone who believes in champagne taste on a beer budget, I’ve scoured the aisles to bring you the top dupes for the iconic Benefit Porefessional that are very, very close.
These drugstore gems replicate that silky texture and blurring effect without breaking the bank.
Contents
Why is Benefit Porefessional so beloved?
Why the original is a cult favorite:
- Lightweight, silky balm texture that glides effortlessly.
- Instantly fills in large pores and fine lines and creates a smooth canvas for the base.
- Contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant known to fight free radicals.
- Translucent finish (with a slight tint that disappears) and oil-free, helping makeup last longer.
It’s a holy grail for many of us, especially those with textured skin. But if you’re ready to save some cash, let’s look at the contenders that give Benefit a run for its money.
Top Dupes for Benefit Porefessional Primer
Here’s the ultimate list of products that work just as hard as the high-end version.
1. NYX Pore Filler
The closest texture match
This is widely considered the OG dupe.
NYX is one of the most trusted drugstore brands for a reason. They deliver professional quality at a fraction of the cost.
Why it’s a great dupe: the texture is almost identical to Benefit’s. It has that same mousse-like consistency that feels velvety on the skin. It creates a barrier between your skin and your foundation, so your makeup doesn’t sink into your pores.
Pros
- Non-oily and non-greasy formula.
- Velvety, mousse-like texture (very similar to Benefit).
- Contains Vitamin E.
Cons
- Can crumble if you apply too much.
- The tube packaging can sometimes make it hard to get the last bit of product out.
2. e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
The viral sensation
You’ve likely seen this all over TikTok, and for good reason. While the Benefit primer is famous for its tube, this little tub has taken the drugstore world by storm as the ultimate pore-eraser.
Why it’s a great dupe: Unlike liquid primers, this is a solid balm texture (hence, putty) that warms up on your fingers. It physically fills in pores and imperfections much like spackle—but in a hydrating way, thanks to the added Squalane. It grips makeup incredibly well, preventing foundation from separating over the T-zone.
Pros
- Incredible gripping power for long-lasting wear
- Infused with Squalane for hydration (won’t dry you out)
- Smooth, velvety finish that rivals high-end luxury balms
Cons
- Tub packaging needs clean fingers or a spatula
- Can feel slightly heavier than a gel if you apply too thickly
3. Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer
Best for glass skin lovers and K-Beauty fans
Stepping into the world of Korean beauty, this primer is one of a kind.
It comes in a beautiful glass bottle with a pump, giving it a luxurious feel that rivals high-end brands.
Why it’s a great dupe: this formula is a hybrid—somewhere between a gel and a lotion—with a hint of pink tint. Smells faintly of roses (a lovely touch!). It’s infused with collagen to help with skin elasticity and green tea extract to soothe acne-prone skin. It doesn’t just fill pores but helps grip the makeup, too.
Pros
- Gel-like texture blends effortlessly.
- Contains skincare ingredients like collagen and green tea.
- Great packaging with a pump.
Cons
- Has a floral fragrance (might irritate sensitive noses).
- Slightly more slippery, so less is more!
4. Makeup Revolution Pore Blur Primer
The visual look-alike
Makeup Revolution is quite famous for duping high-end products, and they nailed it with this one.
If you squeezed this out next to the Benefit Porefessional, you might not be able to tell the difference.
Why it’s a great dupe: Like the Benefit original, this has that distinct peach-colored tint that helps to color-correct slightly while blurring imperfections. It dries down to a soft-matte finish, making it ideal for the T-zone or anyone battling mid-day shine. It fixes the texture of the skin just as well as the $36 version.
Pros
- Peach tint mimics Benefit’s color-correcting properties
- Dries down matte so it’s great for oily skin
- Very budget-friendly
Cons
- Can be drying on very dry skin types
- Smaller tube size
5. e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer
The budget king
e.l.f. consistently proves you don’t need to spend money to look good.
This cruelty-free and vegan option is already a staple in many makeup bags.
Why it’s a great dupe: This is a clear, silicone-based primer that feels incredibly slick. It’s excellent at preventing moisture loss, meaning your foundation won’t flake off halfway through the day. Rather than a dead-matte look, it gives a satin finish, giving you a bit of a glow from within. Plus, being PETA-certified makes it a guilt-free purchase.
Pros
- Lightweight and instantly smooths skin texture
- Satin finish looks natural
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- Some users report a slight chemical scent
- The pump packaging can sometimes get stuck
How To Choose The Right Primer For Your Skin Type
Every skin type is unique. Just because a primer is popular doesn’t mean it will work for your chemistry. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for you:
- Oily skin: Look for labels like “matte,” “poreless,” and “oil-control.” You want a thicker, silicone-based primer (like the NYX or Makeup Revolution options above) to fill pores and block sebum.
- Dry skin: Avoid heavy mattifiers that can cling to patches. Look for “hydrating,” “luminous,” or “creamy” textures. The Maybelline Baby Skin is great here as it doesn’t dry down too powdery.
- Mature skin: You want something that blurs but hydrates. Look for antioxidants and collagen (like in the Touch In Sol primer) to help plump the skin while smoothing fine lines.
- Sensitive skin: Be careful with fragrance! Always patch test. The e.l.f. Mineral Infused primer is often a safe bet as it keeps ingredients simple.
Tips For Long-Lasting Makeup
Using a dupe is step one, but application is everything. Here is how I get my drugstore makeup to look high-end all day:
- Warm it up: Squeeze a pea-sized amount of primer onto your fingers and rub them together to warm the product. This helps it melt into the skin rather than sitting on top.
- Press, don’t rub: When applying pore-filling primers, press or tap the product into your T-zone. Rubbing it around can cause it to ball up or pill.
- Wait a minute: Let your primer sit for at least 60 seconds before applying foundation. It needs time to set!
- Less is more: You don’t need to prime your whole face. Focus on the areas where your pores are visible (usually the nose and cheeks).
- Lock it in: Finish with a setting spray to melt the powders and liquids together.
Bottom line
You don’t need a luxury budget to get that luxury finish. Makeup is about amplifying your natural beauty, not stressing over the receipt.
By swapping the original for one of these best Benefit Porefessional Primer dupes, you get the same silky, pore-blurring magic without the guilt.
Whatever you choose from this list, your skin and your wallet will thank you.
So, which of these dupes are you adding to your cart? Or do you have a secret drugstore favorite I missed?
