If you are always thinking about how big your pores are, then you know the struggle is real when it's time to doll yourself up for the day. Rather than making piece with the obvious holes on your cheeks, there are easy ways to minimize your pores before putting on makeup. I personally have always had to fight with big pores on my cheeks and nose, but I never really noticed them because of my minimalist makeup routine. After this year though I started getting into foundation and BeautyBlenders and all that other fun stuff, and noticed how they stuck out when I brushed on foundation and played with powder. It was a total battle.
You put on your expensive, miracle-performing foundation and concealer, follow all the YouTube gurus' tips and tricks, and your cheeks still look like they're masquerading as kitchen sponges. Even worse is when those pore-prone spots become cakey thanks to the product build-up that's trying to mask the problem to begin with. It's very frustrating indeed.
So how does one work around it? Ahead three different makeup artists sound off on how to best fix your pore problem with makeup, listing everything from pore-specific creams to DIY masks. Tackle the problem head on!
Image: Unsplash (1)
1
Avoid Mineral Oils & Look For Witch Hazel
Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner, $15, Amazon
Since pore size is genetically determined, you can't actually make your pores smaller, but you can soften their appearance. "Keeping your pores clear is the best way to make them appear smaller," says Justine Losoya, one of the key makeup artists on NBC's Chicago. "During the day stick with noncomedogenic moisturizers and makeup, and avoid products that contain heavy ingredients like mineral oils. At night make sure you are cleansing your face before bed, using a toner that contains witch hazel, and using a proper nighttime moisturizer."
If you're looking for a recommendation, Losoya advises giving Mario Badescu's skin care line a try.
2
Get Hydrated
ban.do Work It Out Lattice Water Bottle, $20, Amazon
Drinking water is necessary throughout the day, but even more so if you're battling big pores. "One thing to keep in mind is pores will expand if the skin is dehydrated. Your body will call for more oil to be pumped to the surface of your skin (since our bodies don't produce water, oil is sent) if your skin is parched," Losoya explains. So make sure to be constantly sipping away.
3
Shop For Pore Products That Are Specific To Your Skin Type
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone, $20, Nordstrom
It's not enough to just snag any pore product off the shelf — you have to make sure the formula caters to your skin type if you want it to do its job properly. Janet Debris, a makeup stylist and special-effect artist, shares with Bustle a few great options.
"A few great products that you can use are: MAC's Prep + Prime Skin Smoother (if you have drier skin), MAC's Skin Refine Zone (if you have more oily skin), and also Clinique's Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector, which is great for both skin types," Debris recommends. These pore smoothers are great because they are made to "fill"'in your pores and minimize their appearance.
MAC Prep + Prime Smoother, $27, Nordstrom; Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector, $21, Sephora
4
Apply The Product Only To Your Problem Areas
Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector, $21, Sephora
Rather than rubbing the product all over your face like a lotion, it's best to use the formula only on your problem areas. That way you save a lot of product and tackle only the spots that most need your attention.
"You apply the product after moisturizing, only focusing on the problem areas. After you can start applying your foundation and continue with your regular makeup routine," Debris explains. The result will be a more air brushed complexion.
5
Press Powder Into Your Pores
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $23, Sephora
To minimize the appearance of your pores, a great tip is to press makeup into them to act as a filler. "Oldest trick in the book is taking loose powder with a powder puff or brush, and then pressing the powder into the skin in an upright angle so you're physically pushing powder into the pores to fill them. It also sets your makeup at the same time," Losoya explains.
By filling in the holes with powder, they don't appear as obvious once your face is done.
6
You Can Also Do The Same Trick With Foundation
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Liquid Foundation, $10, Amazon
You can also do the same pressing trick with foundation — but you have to make sure you choose the right formula. "Using a foundation to press into your pores is a great trick, but it won't work will all foundations. Using a buildable foundation is what you would need to use to actually get the results you're looking for, and that will also last all day," Debris explains.
With other foundations, it may look great once you apply it, but your foundation will eventually start wearing off in those areas. "Foundations that are bulidable are made to be layered. So, apply one layer and press into your pores, wait for it to set, and apply another layer up until you get your desired look," Debris explains.
Just make sure to wash your face properly by the end of the night, or else this can actually make your pore situation worse.
7
Try Facial Spray Primers To Create Barriers
Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Control, $11, Amazon
When makeup falls into your enlarged pores but doesn't fill them completely (hence the "pressing" trick mentioned previously,) the pore can seem more obvious. So a good way to combat that problem is to create a barrier between your skin and makeup with a primer spray.
"Using facial spray primers will help reduce the appearance of pores," Losoya explains. "Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray Oil Control and Caudalie Beauty Elixir are two of my favorites. After moisturizing I spray a mist of either of these sprays and let it settle before applying makeup. Sometimes I'll start doing eye makeup and spray another layer, and as that one sets I complete my eye makeup before starting on my base."
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, $16, Amazon
8
Look For Makeup Products With Silicone
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother, $27, Nordstrom
If you look for primers, foundation, and powders with silicone, the ingredient will help to fill your pores and make them appear smaller when you put on makeup. "Silicone creates a breathable barrier between your skin and the world," Andrea Whittle, a makeup artist at KARMA Salon with 20 years experience, shares in an email to Bustle. "It holds in moisture, keeps out oil, and gives a soft focus look when the light bounces off of it."
If you're not sure where to start, Whittle recommends trying Prep + Prime Skin Smoother.
9
Look For "Soft Focus Blur" Powders
MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, $23, Nordstrom
Another great option to mask your pores is to use a powder with a soft focus blur. "These powders have basically a 'pretty filter' feature to them," Debris shares. "It's applied right after you are finished with your makeup, and it will add an immediate 'blur' effect to your skin, blurring any texture ( i.e pores, fine lines, acne scars.)" Adding that on as your last layer should help get your pore problem under control.
10
Focus On Matte Finish Foundation
MAC Matchmaster Foundation, $33, Nordstrom
Makeup that will help blur out the appearance of large pores are any matte finish foundations, so try and skip the dewier formulas. "I'm a fan of MAC Matchmaster foundation because it gives great coverage and still looks like a blurry version of your skin," Whittle recommends. "Layer that over a silicone based primer (I love MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother,) and you have a soft focus finish and zero pores." By focusing on matte foundations, you'll get better results.
11
Try Vitamin C + Citrus Concoctions
Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque, $46, Amazon
If you're looking for a more natural remedy to help with your pores, focus on products with Vitamin C or citrus. Things like lemon cleansers and citrus masks can help to tighten your pores temporarily and help hide their appearance.
"If the kitchen beautician in you wants to DIY, try putting OJ directly on the skin, or dissolve Vitamin C tablets into purified water with a little witch hazel to spritz over the skin," Whittle recommends. It's worth a shot!
If you have an issue with your pores when you finish your face, try utilizing some of these tips. They just might fix your problem!
Images: Amazon (6); MAC (4); Clinique (1); Unsplash (1)
