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?
Great information.
Yeah very useful for everyday makeup
A good concealer is a must
Yes I find a concealer helps so much
They say powder accentuates pores too, aswell as wrinkles, and i should use setting spray over foundation instead of powder
good tips!
Great tips
I have larger pores on my cheeks, nose and chin; most likely from the ageing process. The only time it’s an issue is if I use a liquid foundation that has a thin consistency or is too shiny – these formulas quickly sink into the larger pores and accentuate them.
This is a good reminder for me to exfoliate my skin.
Yes I need reminders too.
I can’t say that I have quite pronounced pores, rather moderate.
I don’t like using too much makeup
Primer, primer, primer. I can’t believe how long it took me to work that out!
I agree a primer is really important, some great tips here thanks BH
Nothing hides my pores. And I am good with the fact.
Great tips , I do have to exfoliate more often.
Yes I hardly ever exfoliate.
A good primer is a must
I think I’ll do a scrub this morning! I like to try and do them a few times a week but time goes so fast these days
I found this article most helpful. I’m now encouraged to use primer, face mask once a week and be selective with my foundation. Thanks for the info.
I’ve learned to accept mine. Dry skin is more of an issue for me now
Come on BH why on earth is my “bland” comment awaiting moderation? I’m starting to think the problem is your end. A fix or at least some guidelines on what are deemed to be acceptable comments would be appreciated by all of your frustrated members
Happens to me too , very often. And some other regular BH members.
Maybe it is because we are commenting too quickly?
Huh? Surely not???
I have large pores on my nose. After using a face scrub on my nose and rinsing it off, I use a toner like Neutrogena’s Pore Minimising Toner. I find that it does help to tighten my pores and minimise them if I do this routine regularly.
I have at home microdermabrasion kit. That helps.
Good to know
I notice my skin becomes rougher when i am lazy with exfoliating
I have large pores on my nose and I hate them! I use a Benefit primer under make-up which helps, I should a face mask every week but sometimes forget
This is a challenge for me, even with a good primer and foundation
Yep, preach!
I don’t have large pores but I agree that primer is a must.
Thanks so very much BH for your Great Tips on making larger pores smaller.
A really good article.
Fabulous information, thank you:)
I keep reading more and more about primers, I really need to try one out
I have a cleansing device similar to the one from Foreo. Mines from O Cosmedics. I also have a cleansing brush that I use daily. I’d like to think they will help with my pores. Definitely some great products to check out though.
yes I use a cleaning brush too and that does help as well
Yes, exfoliation is indeed everything. I skip a few days not using acids that gets skin exfoliated and my pores get whiteheads and blackheads immediately. Regular exf makes pores look smoother and clear of stuff.
Yes! primer is your best friend
I’m thankful for my genes, but I still exfoliate a few times a week, and use a mask once a week because I think I need to do that, no matter what size my pores are.
Primer helps a lot.
Agree with all this advice. Especially the right primer formulation for your skin type.
Great tips, and a reminder to take care of my skin, and put the preparation into great smooth skin before applying my foundation.
Great information on what products to use.
excellent article and good to re assess my skin when I am using make up
Exfoliation is definitely helpful in keeping the skin smooth and clear
I’ve just realised how old this article is.
Great tips – I will try.
Great info
Great tips and definitely prep before applying makeup makes all the difference.
I have a couple of patches of large pores, so this is useful. thanks.
Awesome advice
This article was helpful. I need to do my make up for my sons wedding. Thanks
A good short list of things to do.
Some really good tips! I’ll keep them in mind
Very helpful article
all true