It’s light enough for summer.
I’ve often been skeptical of whether primers actually enhance, or simply add heaviness, to my makeup look; doubly so in the balmy summer months, when I become a makeup minimalist in search of a breezy skin feel. That said, sweating season also means more makeup melt-off—for which primer is the remedy. Covergirl, which has been proving its primer expertise since the 60s, has delivered with its latest formula: TruBlend Skin Enhancer Velvet Blur Primer. The product delivers makeup-gripping power with an airy, barely there feel, plus a side of pore-pummeling skincare in the mix.
Covergirl TruBlend Skin Enhancer Velvet Blur Primer
Orig. $13 $9 at Amazon
CoverGirl’s TruBlend Skin Enhancer is a plumping, pore-minimizing primer. Designed for all complexions, including dry and mature skin types, it softens and creates a smooth, even-toned base for foundation. Alternatively, the formula works on its own to create an imperfection-blurring, natural-looking finish on bare skin.
The formula shrinks the appearance of pores—in addition to fine lines and pigmentation—thanks in part to dimethicone, a form of silicone with unparalleled blurring power. In addition to the instant gratification factor, the primer actually improves skin in the long run, too.
For one, it contains anti-aging, smoothing ingredients, the likes of which you’d find in your favorite serums. Key among them is niacinamide, a water-soluble form of vitamin B known to whittle the appearance of large pores. Furthermore, niacinamide can reduce hyperpigmentation, and, in turn, impart a more even-toned complexion with continued use. As dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, M.D., previously told InStyle, the ingredient can “repair damages” responsible for uneven skin tone, fine lines, and sallowness.
A pea-sized dollop of the lightweight cream is sufficient to cover my entire face—which, in seconds, appears almost filtered and feels indistinguishable from actual satin. The pores on my nose, which are typically prominent, are significantly less visible, and my cheeks feel chinchilla-soft. Plus, the fine lines that often appear when my skin is dehydrated look plumped, and are primed for smooth, crease-free concealer application. As for its makeup-holding power: I wore the primer to an ultra-sweaty outdoor concert recently, and, to my delight, my makeup remained acceptably fresh-looking throughout the event. FWIW, I’d brought a tinted moisturizer in my purse in anticipation of having to reapply, but there were no touch-ups needed.
Shop the lightweight, skincare-spiked primer that all but erases pores, smooths fine lines, and holds makeup perfectly in place, even in the face of sweaty summer activities: The CoverGirl TruBlend Skin Enhancer Velvet Blur Primer. At $9, I’m stocking up—and shopping the brand’s other skincare-spiked primers, below.
TruBlend Skin Enhancer Cashmere Calm Primer
$13 at Amazon
TruBlend Skin Enhancer Sticky Grip Primer
$13 at Amazon