You may not be able to shrink the size of your pores, but you can make them disappear (temporarily). Yep, learning how to hide your pores with makeup is a total game-changer.
The size of your pores is mostly based on genetics, so there’s little you can do about that. However, with some minor adjustments to your skin care routine and a touch of makeup magic, you can make those tiny hollows in your skin a lot less visible… if only for a little while.
We spoke to Carol Mackie, Senior Artist for M.A.C Cosmetics, to discover how to pick the best makeup for large pores and what techniques we should be using to make them vanish before your eyes.
How to hide your pores with makeup
Exfoliation is everything
“Choosing skin care that’s not suitable for your skin type is the most common ‘mistake’ that people make,” explains Carol. If you have large pores, you need to use products specifically designed to help to prime and smooth the skin. This will create a smooth base for makeup to glide over and make your pores look smaller. The truth is that making your pores less visible begins long before you start your makeup routine.
Your skin needs a deep clean to remove surface dryness and unclog pores. If your pores are bigger than you’d like, exfoliation is key. A mechanical exfoliator such as a natural sea sponge or a cleansing brush will clean out your pores and smooth your skin before you apply your makeup.
If you have oily skin — most people with large pores do — it’s also a good idea to use a face mask once a week. Look for one that aims to remove impurities and tighten pores.
bh loves: FOREO LUNA 2 Oily Skin ($279 at Look Fantastic) and Skin Republic AHA 2-Step Face Mask ($9.99 at Chemist Warehouse)
Prep your skin
Cleansing and moisturising with the right products can make a big difference to the size of your pores. Preparing your skin by washing your face with a cleanser that’s designed for oily or combination skin types will keep your pores clean and unclogged. After cleansing, always moisturise with a light, hydrating formula. “By not prepping the skin before applying makeup, foundation will sit and eventuate in pores appearing bigger,” says Carol.
Look for a cleanser that will thoroughly clean the skin and remove all traces of oil, dirt and makeup. For your moisturiser, a hydrating gel formula is a lightweight option that’s perfect for oily, acne-prone skin types.
bh loves: Minenssey Purifying Deep Cleansing Foam ($38 at minenssey.com) and Garnier Green Labs Canna-B Pore Perfecting Clay Cleanser ($12.99 at Chemist Warehouse)
Primer is your best friend
This is where the real pore vanishing magic happens. A pore-minimising primer will work wonders to create a smooth canvas for your foundation. “[Find] a velvety skin-perfecting primer that instantly fills in fine lines and wrinkles and can also be applied under or over the top of foundation to literally create a smoothing filter on the face,” suggests Carol.
With the right primer, you’ll be practically pore-free in seconds!
bh loves: M.A.C Mineralize Timecheck Lotion ($69 at maccosmetics.com.au) and Kylie’s Professional Mineral Goddess Foundation Primer ($60 at kylies.com.au)
Choose the right foundation
After you’ve applied your primer, you’re ready to put on your foundation. But if you want to pull a disappearing act on your pores, using the right formula is crucial. “Selecting the right type of foundation, concealer, and powder can make such a difference,” adds Carol.
Look for a formula that has oil-controlling properties, as it will also minimise the appearance of pores, refine skin and blur imperfections. It’s also important to choose creamy or powder formulas. “Frosted, illuminating products tend to sit in the pores making them appear more open than they actually are,” explains Carol. A creamy foundation with medium to full coverage will give you flawless coverage that covers those pesky pores all day long.
bh loves: MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 ($55 at maccosmetics.com.au) and Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup ($57 at clinique.com.au)
Main image credit: Getty
Did you find these tips helpful? How do you hide your pores with makeup?
Primer is a lifesaver! I’ve noticed my pores have changed quite a lot in the last few years and I definitely need a different kind of primer now. Always worth a refresh as you age.
I’ve never used primer before. I really need to look into it more and find the right one for me.
I agree that primer makes a big difference.
Great tips!
I just found yesterday that dermalogica make a sprtiz toner that is designed and formulated just especially for big pores.
Ooww I need it!
Yeah I saw this too! I wonder if it’s any good
That’s good to know. Thanks Clearcrystalwater.
I have always used a toner and found I don’t have a problem with enlarged pores –
I use a light reflecting primer and it seems to at least minimise the appearance.
Which one do you use? This sounds great for people with shiny skin like me
I use The Ordinary primer . It gives the most incredibly smooth base and it’s not overly expensive.
I noticed my pores appeared much smaller after I got my Dermasonic+ Cleansing Device – I was shocked at the difference this made. Using a toner is also vital. Mineral powder makeup also creates a smooth-looking base – I love NbN.
Interesting. It must be working for you Misfortune8. That’s great.
good on you Misfortune8 sounds like a good process
better loook at reviews
I reckon that Nude by Nature is great too.
I think a good primer can make a difference.
I use primer.It really make smoother face.
Primer and a good serum have made my life must easier.
try a toner too -works really well
my pores dont care
Good to know.
I need to exfoliate more. I have big pores.
Try using a toner -Lovely to use even on make up free days
As I age my pores are getting larger, so this article is great. Will try it out!
toners are great to reduce pores -witch hazel was always known as a go to in my youth
I’ve always had a pore problem
My skin is on the dry side and large pores are not a problem for me.