There are many people who have large pores. This problem is most often experienced by those who have combination-oily skin due to oil blockage in the pores. This blockage makes the pores on the skin appear enlarged. Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing your skin on a daily basis can help keep your pores clean. On the other hand, foundation can be very effective at covering up the appearance of pores quickly. Just make sure to prep your skin before applying makeup, and apply foundation the right way to make your pores appear smaller. Locking the foundation layer properly is also beneficial for maintaining its appearance while reducing shine on the face throughout the day.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleanses and Smoothes Skin
Step 1. Wash your face
When the pores of the skin are clogged with dirt, they will appear larger in size. So, before applying any makeup, use a gentle facial cleanser to remove dirt and remove oil from your face.
- For best results, use an oil-free cleanser.
- Use cold or cool water to wash your face after washing. Cold water will help prevent overproduction of oil by the pores, thereby shrinking their appearance.
Step 2. Exfoliate with a facial scrub
Dead skin cells can clog and enlarge pores. To smooth and exfoliate the skin after washing, use a scrub by massaging it in a circular motion. That way, the surface of the skin will be more ready to accept the foundation.
- To keep your pores clean, exfoliate 2-3 times a week.
- You can make your own natural exfoliating scrub by mixing 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. However, don't use this baking soda scrub more than once a week.
Step 3. Use a serum or moisturizer that contains salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an important ingredient for reducing pore size because it can help exfoliate dead skin cells from within their layers. That way, the skin pores will appear smaller. Apply a serum or moisturizer containing salicylic acid to your face to keep your pores clean while moisturizing your skin.
- Serums are best suited for very oily skin. A light moisturizer is best suited for combination or normal skin.
- Be sure to choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic serum or moisturizer to prevent clogged pores.
Part 2 of 3: Using Primer and Foundation
Step 1. Use a silicone-based foundation primer
Even if you've washed, exfoliated, and moisturized your face, your pores may still appear large. Meanwhile, a silicone-based foundation primer can fill in the pores so that it can disguise them and smooth the surface of the skin before applying foundation.
- Rub this primer with clean fingers so it can seep into the pores.
- Opt for an oil-free mattifying primer to keep your pores looking small all day long.
- Check the label on the primer to make sure the product is meant to minimize pores.
Step 2. Choose a matte foundation
Any type of makeup that makes the skin look radiant will emphasize its texture, including large pores. To make your pores appear smaller, use a matte foundation that will not reflect light and accentuate the appearance of pores.
- A matte foundation will also keep the shine off your face all day long. This way, your pores will also continue to look smaller.
- Choose a matte foundation that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to keep your pores as clean as possible.
Step 3. Press and apply the foundation to the skin
Makeup will usually enter and actually emphasize the appearance of the pores if the foundation is only rubbed with a brush on the skin with large pores. So, you should press and apply the foundation on the skin in a circular manner. A pressing motion will fill in the pores, while a polishing motion will help disguise their appearance.
The large, thick foundation brush is perfect for pressing and applying makeup. However, you can also use an oval sponge to apply makeup in the same way. However, wet and wring out the sponge before using it so your makeup doesn't get too much absorbed by the sponge
Part 3 of 3: Locking the Foundation Layer
Step 1. Sprinkle powder on the face
After applying foundation, apply a layer of powder to maintain the result throughout the day. Use a powder sponge to press and sprinkle the transparent powder all over your face. This powder will fill in the pores missed by primer and foundation, and keep shine away from your face.
Loose powder usually gives the best results because compact powder can sometimes look clumpy
Step 2. Wipe off the oil on the face with an oil absorbent paper
Even if you've applied powder, there may still be parts of your face that are shiny or appear large from the excess makeup. To fix this, pat the oil absorbent paper against the surface of your face. This paper will absorb oil and emollients from the surface of the skin without damaging the makeup.
If you don't have this paper, get a piece of tissue. Then, gently press the tissue against the surface of the face to remove the oil
Step 3. Spray setting spray
Once you are satisfied with the look of the foundation, you should use a setting spray. Not only will this product lock in your makeup all day long, but it will also remove any clumps that may arise from using too much foundation or powder.
- To use, place the spray bottle at an arm's length from your face, and spray several times all over your face.
- Different setting spray products are formulated for different skin types (oily, dry, combination). Make sure to choose products according to your skin type.
Tips
- Clean your face of make-up and wash it every night. Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores and accentuate their appearance.
- Don't use foundation with glitter, highlighter, or bronzer. The gloss will actually emphasize the texture of your skin, as a result, the pores will appear larger.
- Make sure to wash your makeup brushes at least once a week. These brushes can harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria that can clog and irritate pores, increasing their size.
