The best and easiest hacks to get a smoother and even finish every time
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If you want to find out how to make pores smaller and tighten them, you have landed on the right page. Open pores can darken your natural complexion and affect the skin’s healthy glow. We do not want to dishearten all those beauties with tired-looking skin and large pores, but unfortunately, your pores will never disappear. However, the good news is if you maintain a proper beauty regimen, you can make them look smaller. Also, apart from good skin care, makeup is another way to blur those annoying pores. Swipe up to know more!
In This Article
What Causes Large Pores?
Besides the three main factors being an oily skin type, your age, and your sex, if you’ve wondered what else causes large pores, here’s a bunch of valid reasons from dermatologists:
- Genetics are a contributing factor when it comes to your pore size
- Sun damage and prolonged exposure to sun rays can thicken your skin and lead to bigger pores
- As you age, your skin loses its elasticity, and this causes it to stretch and sag, making the pores on your face appear larger
- An excess amount of oil and dead skin cells can clog your pores and cause them to appear larger than usual
- Blackheads can increase pore size by expanding the area of your pores
Quick TipHow To Make Pores Smaller With Makeup
With the right products and a wee bit of professional makeup artist techniques and know-how, you can make your pores look like they’ve disappeared (at least until you have your makeup on).
Here’s a tip that will always come in handy – the key to making your airbrushed complexion believable begins before you even apply your foundation. No matter what products you use on top of your skin to help refine your pores, none will work unless your skin is adequately hydrated first.
Prepping is vital, and this includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. You can also use a toner or micellar water to neutralize the skin. Ice also works as a simple yet effective remedy to help shrink large pores before applying your makeup.
Choose skincare and makeup that’s suitable for your skin type. You must use products that are specifically designed to help prime and smooth your skin. So, before learning how to make your pores smaller, check out these recommended products.
What You Need
1. Primer
Primers not only make your skin look more refined and smoother, but they also help make your foundation stick to your skin for hours on end. For very large pores, it’s best to use a silicone-based primer as these have a thicker consistency and work well to smoothen out pores, wrinkles, acne scars, and fine lines. They also prevent breakouts and aggravation of acne.
We recommend the POREfessional Face Primer from Benefit Cosmetics and the Pore Filler from NYX.
2. Foundation
I know you are thinking of how to conceal large pores. It’s best to avoid dewy and illuminating formulas or the ones that leave you with a matte finish. Look for products that give you a “silky,” “natural,” “satin,” “flawless,” or an “HD” finish. These work to camouflage pores and don’t feel heavy on the skin.
You can try Make Up For Ever’s HD Invisible Cover Foundation, which is the best makeup to cover large pores as it offers great coverage and blends easily into the skin.
3. Finishing Powder
For an instant airbrush finish, a finishing powder or a setting powder can be your savior.
We recommend Dermablend Loose Setting Powder, which is a translucent, waterproof powder and stays put for 16 hours without caking! If you want something for on-the-go touch-ups, try IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Anti-Aging Finishing Powder.
4. Makeup Brushes
Use makeup brushes with soft, high-quality bristles. Also, using a dense foundation brush will help your foundation fill and cover enlarged pores, rather than sweeping over them.
How To Make Pores Smaller With Makeup – A Step-By-Step Tutorial
Follow the steps to disguise large pores with makeup and achieve a flawless base.
1. Prep Your Skin
Start by washing your face with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Apply an alcohol-free toner or some micellar water to eliminate dead skin cells or other bacteria. Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer. For best results, choose one with Salicylic Acid, which will help make your pores appear smaller. Once you moisturize, give your face at least five minutes before moving on to the primer.
2. Priming Is Key
Take a little bit of your pore minimizing primer and use your fingers to work it deeply into the areas with enlarged pores using circular motions. Next, apply firm pressure with your fingers and gently pat the areas where you applied your primer. This helps to smooth the product out and give your skin a more even, smooth base.
3. Time For Your Foundation
Use a small stiff brush to work your foundation into areas where you have enlarged pores. Work this brush in a circular motion over the affected areas, so your foundation formula covers the entirety of the pores and does not just skim over the top of the skin. Once you finish this, use a regular foundation brush in stippling motions to go over other areas.
4. Set It With A Powder
Use a powder puff to apply your setting powder. Fold it in half and use firm pressure and roll that powder puff over the skin to deposit the powder right into the pores.
You can do your lips and eyes to finish the look.
How To Make Pores Look Smaller With Makeup
Now that you have a fair idea of how to make pores smaller with makeup, here are a bunch of other essential tips that will come in handy.
Remember, to actually make your pores look smaller with makeup on, other important factors also contribute to the dream (for instance, how well do you look after your skin?) Take a look!
- Use Non-Comedogenic Products
The key to making pores look smaller is to keep them clear. Dermatologists always advice sticking to non-comedogenici makeup and moisturizers. Avoid products that contain heavy ingredients like mineral oil, petroleum, and chemicals that may irritate pores and make them look even bigger.
- Exfoliation Is Key
We can’t stress enough upon how important exfoliation is – use a gentle scrub to deep clean areas where pores are more noticeable, like around the chin and nose. Experts recommend exfoliation two to three times a week to slough away dead skin cells.
Quick Tip- Skin Care Regimen
Follow a proper regimen for your skin – CTM (Cleansing, toning, moisturizing) routine will be your skin’s best friend! You can also incorporate retinol and exfoliating acids like glycolic acid to help clear up your skin and get the gunk out of the pores.
- Never EVER Forget Your Sunscreen
Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 is critical not just to prevent the enlargement of pores from sun damage but for the overall health of your skin.
- Be Gentle With Your Skin And Get Facials
Don’t be aggressive when you clean and exfoliate your skin. Also, skin picking can only worsen the condition of your face and can cause serious damage to your pores. Get facials every four to six weeks because a little professional exfoliation and extraction can help your skin look and feel healthier.
- Always Keep Your Skin Hydrated
You can start by drinking a lot of water and swearing by your moisturizer. Don’t skip it even for a day because your skin will respond by producing excess amounts of oils that will further clog up your pores. You can also use a hydrating serum before putting on your moisturizer to shrink pores and plump up the surrounding skin.
- Find Your Holy-Grail Face Mask
At-home treatments such as face mask and peels work well with consistent use. Use a mask containing charcoal or clay to absorb the oil out of your pores. Also, if you have different types of problem areas, you can try the multi-tasking technique.
Tips To Prevent Large Pores
If your genes aren’t responsible for those large pores, have you wondered what you could do and not do to prevent having gigantic pores in the first place? Because prevention is always better than cure.
- NEVER sleep with makeup on
- Don’t skip the SPF
- Eat right and maintain a healthy diet. Avoid processed foods that can inflame your skin and cause clogged pores.
- Do not use oil-based skin products.
With a wide array of makeup tips and tricks today, it is easier to conceal enlarged skin pores. So, gone are those days when you had to wonder how to make pores appear smaller. But it is always essential to have a clear understanding of the underlying causes behind those pores. Make sure to consult a doctor if the situation is uncontrollable. Also, protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun – always use a sunblock that is suitable for your skin type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do toners help close pores?
Yes, toners can help close pores by removing dead cells and improving your skin texture.
How do I stop the foundation from sinking into pores?
You can use a gentle cleanse and moisturizer to prepare your face for makeup application. Ensure that you blend your foundation properly to avoid sinking into your pores. Lastly, use a makeup remover to remove makeup to keep your skin clear.
Is powder or liquid foundation better for large pores?
Powder foundation has lighter coverage and is better for people with oily skin, combination or sensitive skin. Powder foundation absorbs excess oil and will not clog your pores in comparison to liquid foundation.
Why do my pores look so big with makeup?
Incorrect application of makeup along with dirt and oil can make your pores appear bigger with makeup.