This is the first time I'm using a primer so cannot compare to other brands. What I can say is that this primer really helps with shine control compared to not using any primer. I have oily skin and even wearing a dry-touch sunscreen, matte foundation and powder, my skin starts to shine in just 3-4 hours. This primer holds it for 7-8 hours and even at the end of the day my face doesn't look nearly as oily as it used to. I'm using it every day, even when I won't wear any make-up. As for their claim of pore minimizing, I haven't felt a significant difference.