Primed For Perfection: How Smashbox Is Reinventing The Pore-Blurring Game

Since 1996, Smashbox has been a backstage beauty staple, pioneering the primer category before it was even a thing. Now, nearly three decades later, the brand is once again shaking up the game with its newest launch: the Pore Vanishing Primer—a skincare-powered, makeup-loving multitasker that’s here to blur, smooth, and simplify.

We caught up with Smashbox’s Global Pro Lead Artist Lori Taylor Davis to get the inside scoop on how this next-gen primer is changing the complexion conversation. From the ingredient magic behind its silky feel to why it’s the summer must-have for flawless, shine-free skin, this is your ultimate backstage pass to better base makeup—one smooth swipe at a time. —Noa Nichol

Smashbox has been the authority in primers since 1996—how does the new Pore Vanishing Primer represent the next evolution in primer innovation?

As someone who’s been with Smashbox since the early days on set, I’ve seen firsthand how primers have evolved and how Smashbox has led that charge. The new Pore Vanishing Primer is the next step in that innovation. It takes everything we’ve learned about performance, wear, and texture-blurring and pushes it further. It’s powered by skincare, but delivers a true instant transformation by visibly minimizing pores and controlling oil throughout the day. It’s a new kind of multitasker for today’s beauty lover – perfect for those minimal makeup days, full-glam moments, everything in between.

What makes Pore Vanishing Primer different from other pore-blurring products on the market, and what inspired its creation?

What makes it special is the weightless texture and the way it melts into the skin – no heavy silicones, no pilling, no flat matte finish. It instantly smooths the skin while letting it breathe and move naturally. We created this because we kept hearing from artists and consumers in regards to the need for a primer that blurs pores, but that also feels like their skin. So we gave them both.

With such a diverse primer lineup, how do you guide customers to find the right primer for their unique skin type and lifestyle?

That’s one of the things I love most about Smashbox – there truly is a primer for everyone. Whether you’re oily, dry, reactive, or texture-prone, there’s a formula that will enhance your skin and your makeup. I always say to start with what your skin needs before you even think about foundation. Are you looking to boost hydration? Smooth texture? Controlled shine? Once you identify that, it’s easy to pair a primer that supports your goals and makes everything you put on top look better and last longer.

The Silkscreen Complex features in several of your primers—can you tell us more about this ingredient and its benefits for the skin barrier?

The Silkscreen Complex is like a built-in skin shield. It’s a blend of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, and vitamins that help protect, nourish, and balance the skin. So while it’s prepping your canvas for makeup, it’s also strengthening your skin barrier and helping defend against environmental aggressors. We use it in several of our primers because it speaks to that skin-care-meets-makeup ethos that’s really at the heart of our approach. It’s not just about how you look, it’s how your skin feels.

What’s the one Smashbox primer you’d recommend as a must-have for summer 2025—and why?

That’s a hard one, but if I had to pick just one, it’d honestly be Pore Vanishing Primer. Summer skin means heat, humidity, and shine, and this primer handles all of that while keeping your skin looking fresh and smooth. It grips makeup, vanishes the look of pores, and helps control oil without ever feeling heavy or cakey. It’s that filter-like finish, with real skincare benefits underneath.

Smashbox’s roots are in photography and studio makeup—how do your primers help consumers achieve that flawless, camera-ready look in real life?

Our primers were literally born out of a need on set. We needed something that would make skin look smoother on camera, help makeup last under hot lights, and keep shine at bay without killing the glow. That legacy still drives everything we do. Whether you’re taking selfies or just going about your day, Smashbox primers create that perfected base that feels invisible but makes a visible difference. They blur where you want it, boost where you need it and keep everything in place.

We love that Smashbox combines skincare and makeup—how important is that dual-functionality in today’s beauty landscape?

It’s everything. Today’s consumer is smart – they don’t want to layer 10 different products, and they expect makeup to do something. That’s why our primers have always had a skincare-first mindset. It’s not just about prepping your canvas, it’s about improving your skin with every wear. That hybrid functionality is baked into how we formulate, and it’s something we’ll continue to push forward. Our goal is to simplify routines without sacrificing performance.

If someone wants to build a flawless, long-wear routine from start to finish, what’s the ideal Smashbox primer pair-up with your complexion products?

After applying their favorite skin care, I’d start with Pore Vanishing Primer to give you that smooth, poreless and blurred base. Then pair it with Halo Glow Tinted Moisturizer for lightweight, buildable, and breathable coverage that’s perfect for the upcoming warmer months. For extra longevity, I love adding Always On Blurring Loose Setting Powder to lock it all in without looking cakey. That trio is a gold standard – it gives you real staying power, a blurred complexion – all with zero compromise on comfort or finish.