6 Tips for Minimizing Large Pores With Makeup

If you’ve ever wanted to use makeup to hide pores, you know that finding the best foundation for large pores can take some trial and error. While some makeup can help make your pores look smaller, the wrong formulas can do the opposite, emphasizing texture and making your pores more noticeable. Though there isn’t much you can do to physically shrink your pores (unfortunately, the size of your pores comes down to good ol’ genetics), knowing which products to use—and which to avoid—can help you score smoother-looking skin. 

Ahead, we’ll explain how to blur pores with makeup and clue you in on some of our favorite products for faking smoother, more even skin. With a little practice and the right products, this pesky skin concern can be out of sight, out of mind. 

Why Do My Pores Look So Big With Makeup?

As mentioned, your pore size is determined by genetics, but there are some factors that can make your pores appear (or even become) larger. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sun damage and the natural aging process can both cause the skin to lose its elasticity, which in turn, can make your pores appear larger or stretched out. Having blackheads can also create the illusion of larger pores, either because they’re more noticeable thanks to the buildup, or because the congestion has caused them to stretch out.

If your pores appear bigger or more prominent when you wear makeup, chances are good the formulas you’re using are to blame. The typical culprits here are oil-based products and formulas that have dewy, shimmery, or otherwise reflective finishes. The sheen of that makeup on pores can emphasize the uneven texture of the skin, calling attention to all the little nooks and crannies and making enlarged pores look even bigger.

Can I Reduce the Size of My Large Pores?

No, you can’t actually change the size of your pores. However, a dedicated skincare routine can help make them appear smaller, especially if they look large because they’re clogged. 

When addressing enlarged pores, committing to regular exfoliation is a great place to start. We suggest seeking out products with mild chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser contains both, making it an ideal cleanser for the pores on your nose (a common area for enlarged pores) as well as your entire face. The gel-based formula helps remove makeup, dead skin, and other impurities to visibly minimize the appearance of pores and resurface the skin. The mild formula is non-drying and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. 

After cleansing, reach for a vitamin C serum, such as the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitamin C + E+ Salicylic Acid Serum. In this formula, salicylic acid is paired with vitamins C and E. Apply a few drops to your face and neck after cleansing morning and night—you’ll notice your skin looks smoother, brighter, and more even with continued use.

Regular moisturizing is another crucial aspect of a complete skincare routine. While those with oily skin may want to eschew moisturizer to avoid feeling or looking greasy, the truth is that skipping this essential step may cause your skin to produce excess oil in order to stay balanced. Excess oil production can make your pores look even bigger. Use a lightweight moisturizer like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream, which provides fast-absorbing hydration and helps plump the skin. Remember to always finish your daytime skincare routine with sunscreen to help shield your skin from damaging UV rays.

Once your skincare routine is working to target your enlarged pores, then you can put your focus on the makeup side to minimize their appearance with the right products.

What Is the Best Makeup To Hide Large Pores?

Just as a proper skincare routine can help pores appear smaller, carefully choosing the right makeup to cover pores can make a huge difference in the way your pores look. Some words to keep an eye out for on product packaging are “blurring” and “mattifying,” which you’ll mostly see on complexion products like primer, foundation, and concealer. 

“Blurring” products tend to have dimethicone in them, a form of silicone that works well to temporarily fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and (you guessed it) enlarged pores. Using of blurring makeup to cover pores can help make skin look smoother and more even in texture. 

Mattifying products, which can be found in liquid, cream, and powder formulas, have a flat finish as opposed to a dewy or radiant one. Using this type of makeup to hide pores will not only immediately make uneven texture look less noticeable, but may also absorb excess oil, preventing any sheen from calling attention to your pores throughout the day.

Makeup Tips for Minimizing the Appearance Of Large Pores

As far as common skincare concerns go, large pores are one of the easier imperfections to conceal. Check out our tips below to create a flawless makeup look while minimizing the look of your pores. 

1. Use a blurring primer

One of the most effective ways to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores with makeup is by starting your routine with a blurring primer. The L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer is a non-comedogenic formula made with a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and lipo-hydroxy acid (a derivative of salicylic acid). The lightweight primer instantly blurs pores upon application and helps extend your makeup wear for up to 24 hours. With regular use, it also helps smooth the skin’s texture over time. To apply it, shake the tube well, then smooth the formula over your face as you would a moisturizer. Allow it to set for a minute or two before proceeding with your makeup routine. 

The best foundation for large pores is one with a natural or matte finish that won’t exacerbate or highlight the uneven texture created by enlarged pores. Opting for a non-comedogenic formula is a good idea, too, especially if you’re prone to clogged pores. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation is one of our top picks. It boasts an ultra-thin, weightless texture and applies evenly with a natural finish that lasts up to 32 hours. It’s also buildable, so you can sheer it down or build it up to full coverage, depending on your preferences.

If you have oilier skin or prefer a more matte finish, try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder instead. This powder foundation covers like a liquid and has a blurring finish to mask imperfections such as large pores and uneven skin texture. Its longwear formula is waterproof and sweatproof so you won’t have to worry about your makeup smudging throughout the day. 

3. Use a matte, full-coverage concealer

If you need additional coverage after applying your foundation, use a matte, full-coverage concealer to spot conceal imperfections as needed. If you need a recommendation, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up to 24H Full Coverage—it has a waterproof, non-greasy formula with 24-hour wear that makes it ideal for concealing all kinds of blemishes. 

Apply a few dots to target areas that need more coverage and use a damp makeup sponge to blend the product onto the skin for a smooth, even finish.

4. Set your face with powder

Once you’ve applied your liquid base products, lightly pat a finely milled setting powder onto your face, focusing on textured areas you’d like to blur further. For many, pores tend to be most noticeable in the T-zone (in other words, your forehead, nose, and chin). You can also apply powder to your cheeks, if needed, to help tamp down on shine and smooth your skin’s appearance. As for which product to use, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder. The silky powder helps to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines while soaking up shine, locking makeup into place for up to 24 hours. After patting it onto your skin, let the powder absorb for a few minutes before brushing away the excess with a clean fluffy brush.

5. Continue with a matte blush and bronzer

Shimmery face powders can draw attention to large pores in the same way that luminous foundations can. To hide large pores, it’s best to opt for matte products, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush. Brighten up your complexion by using a blush brush to sweep the pigmented formula onto your cheeks for a pop of just-pinched color. If you’d prefer a bronzy glow, swap the blush for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer and apply it to the areas you’d naturally tan, like your cheekbones, nose, and along your hairline.

Editor’s tip: If you love shimmery makeup, save it for your eyes and get your fix with the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup.

6. Finish with setting spray

Once you’ve used your makeup to cover pores, the final step is to set your look with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. This microfine aerosol mist applies evenly and dries instantly to provide up to 36 hours of transfer-resistant wear. Using this formula will help prevent cracking, flaking, or caking, keeping your look flawless and your makeup in place. To apply it, continuously spritz the setting spray in a circular motion over your face, which will allow for even application.

Next Up: How to Wear Matte Makeup Without It Looking Cakey

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris