6 Tips for Minimizing Large Pores With Makeup

The nuisance that is large pores can put a huge damper on your makeup routine, especially when all it seems to do is emphasize their appearance. Unfortunately, the size of your pores comes down to good ol’ genetics, so there’s not much you can do to shrink them. But, there are some tricks you can use to fake the appearance of smaller pores and that starts with your makeup routine and the products that you use. 

Ahead, learn how to use makeup to minimize the appearance of large pores around the nose area, in the T-zone and on the cheeks. With a little practice and the right products, this pesky skin concern can be out of sight, out of mind. 

Can I Reduce the Size Of My Large Pores?

While pore size is based on genetics (out of your control), your pores may look larger and more noticeable when they’re clogged with dirt, dead skin or oil — that’s the part  you can control. The best way to address clogged pores is with your skin care routine. That includes washing your skin in the morning and night with a gel cleanser like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser. 

Along with that, ingredients such as retinol and alpha hydroxy acids can unclog pores and exfoliate dead skin, leading to the appearance of smaller pores. If you’re not moisturizing your skin, (remember, even oily skin types need hydration) that can lead to a compromised skin barrier which can also manifest itself as enlarged pores. 

Fix that with a lightweight moisturizer like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream. Once your skin care 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.

The Best Makeup Tips for Minimizing the Appearance Of Large Pores

As far as common skin care 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 your pores. 

1. Use a Primer That Blurs Pores

One of the best things you can do to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores is to get your hands on a blurring primer. The L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base has a silky, lightweight formula that glides onto the skin, leaving it velvety-smooth with a matte finish. 

The non-comedogenic formula works to blur fine lines and minimize the appearance of pores for a flawless complexion. Dot the primer onto your skin with a finger in the areas where your pores are most noticeable, then blend it out with a damp, makeup sponge.  

2. Wear a Matte Foundation

Foundations with a dewy finish may enhance the look of large pores, so, it’s best to opt for a matte foundation like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder. This powder foundation covers like a liquid and has a blurring finish to mask imperfections such large pores and uneven skin texture. Its long-wear formula is waterproof and sweatproof so you won’t have to worry about your makeup smudging throughout the day. 

Editor’s tip: To hack your powder foundation, apply it to the skin with a blush brush to get even, natural-looking coverage.

3. Use a Matte, Full-Coverage Concealer

Following your matte foundation, a matte, full-coverage concealer can help to further conceal your large pores without calling attention to them. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up to 24H Full Coverage 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. When using cream products, a makeup sponge will help to offer seamless coverage while a brush can emphasize your large pores and create unwanted texture.

4. Set Your Face With Translucent Powder

A micro-fine, translucent setting powder like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder can help blur pores and fine lines while locking your makeup in place. If minimizing large pores is your main concern, always opt for a translucent setting powder over a pressed powder because the latter has more coverage, which can emphasize texture and pores.

Dip your makeup sponge into the powder and apply a thin layer over your face. Let the powder sit on your skin to absorb for a few minutes before brushing away the excess.

5. Continue With a Matte Blush and Bronzer

Shimmery face powders can draw attention to large pores in the same way that illuminating foundations can. For the sake of your large pores, it’s best to opt for a matte blush like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush and a matte bronzer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronze. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks with a fluffy brush and using a bronzer brush, focus the bronzer on the perimeter of your face to sculpt it.

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

The final step is to set your makeup with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray to melt your powder products with the rest of your makeup and lock everything in place. Spritz the setting spray four to six times in a “T” and “X” motion to create an even layer over your skin.

Next: How to Find the Best Blush Color for Your Skin Tone

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Adrianne Kiara