Advice: Make-up for large pores.

This post is continuing on from the post I wrote last week about large pores: what they were, and how to deal with them as part of your skin care routine. You can read the post here.

This post is going to look at how to hide large pores with make up, and what kind of make up is best to use.

What are large pores?

Enlarged pores usually appear on the T-Zone - the forehead, chin and especially around the nose. They can also be a concern during puberty.

Large pores generally tend to be "little openings of the hair follicle onto the surface of the skin that provide a way for the oil glands underneath to lubricate and protect the surface of your skin".

Large pores tend to appear mainly around the nose area because this area has more oil glands that the other appears where pores can appear (forehead, chin etc.)

To achieve a flawless look & finish, and to disguise enlarged pores, just follow these steps:

Step One: Cleanse & Tone your face.

It is important to cleanse & tone the face before applying your make up. Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities from your face. Use a toner appropriate for your skin type, especially if you are prone to oily skin. Apply the toner with a cotton pad, and swipe across the face until your skin looks & feels clean.

Step Two: Use cool water or an ice cube to shrink large pores.

Swipe an ice cube all over your face. The cool water shrinks & refreshes the skin as well as moisturising it at the same time. If you don’t have an ice cube, splash your face with cool water. The Cool water/ice cube applied to the skin will temporarily reduce the size of the pores.

Step Three: Apply your moisturiser.

Apply your moisturiser as usual. Moisturiser is essential when applying makeup, no matter what your skin type is. It acts as a protective barrier to help trap moisture, it plumbs and comforts your skin and makes foundation easier to blend.

Step Four: Apply an oil controlling product.

Using an oil controlling product after applying your moisturiser is essential for those with oily and combination skin. You can find examples of oil controlling products in my first Large Pores post, here.

Oil controlling products gives the skin a long-lasting matte finish, as well as refining and tightening pores. Oil controlling products should be applied only to the problem areas - usually the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin.) They reduce shine, absorb the excess sebum (oil) and reduce the look of pores.

Step Five: Apply pore a minimising product.

A pore minimising product is like a foundation & concealer which instantly refines the look of enlarged pores and provides long-lasting matte and flawless finish. You can find examples of pore minimising products in my first Large Pores post, here.

Apply the product before you apply your foundation, only to problem areas or over the entire face if you don’t want to use a foundation.

Step Six: Apply a makeup primer.

Applying a makeup primer not only helps keep your makeup stay on for longer, but also helps hide enlarged, open pores by providing a good base for makeup application.

Primers create a smooth surface and prepare the skin for the foundation and powder. A primer works especially well for people with oily and combination skin, as it controls excess shine, absorbs oil and fills in enlarged pores, creating an even surface. My favourite primer is Benefit's That Gal Brightening Face Primer.

Step Seven: Apply Foundation.

Although many women use foundation to hide enlarged pores, others avoid using foundation on areas where enlarged pores are because it can magnify and attract more attention to the pores.

Powder foundation is different than a powder, although they both look alike. Powder foundation should be applied on a well moisturised face with a sponge, fingers or a foundation brush.

Reapplying foundation two/ three times a day without removing it, will create layers of powdery ingredients which “clog“ the pores and create an uneven surface. Foundations which are too heavy can settle into your open pores and make them appear larger.

A water-based, oil-free foundation are best for hiding enlarged pores because the subtle finish reduces the appearance of pores. Make sure you apply just a small amount of the foundation if you have enlarged pores, otherwise you can make the pores look even larger and more visible. Apply the foundation with a makeup sponge or with your fingertips for a more precise application.

Step Eight: Apply a loose powder

Applying a loose powder is a good way to correct your makeup during the day and to create a matte finish. Applying a loose powder will not clog pores, as long as your makeup is removed properly at the end of the day.

Loose powder is better for concealing large pores, because it provides good coverage and is usually translucent.

Loose powder will not make shiny areas flaky, as it contains more oil-absorbing ingredients. Apply it by dusting it lightly onto your skin with a large, powder brush. Apply the powder to the centre of the face and stroke your face gently to cover all areas evenly.

Apply the rest of your makeup as normal.

Useful Tips.

• Make sure your makeup products are oil-free, nonacnegenic, noncomedogenic.

• Always use an oil-free, water-based foundation that suits your skin type.

• Using oil-free gels and lotions designed for oily skin will help control excess oil and shine.

• Always remove your makeup in the evening and use a toner.

• Use blotters / oil-absorbing sheets/ (try Boots' Skin Clear Oil Absorbing sheets) to absorb the excess oil during the day without spoiling your makeup.

• Do a cleansing mask once or twice a week to keep your skin clean and nourished.

• Use a makeup primer to keep your makeup looking fresh all day long.

• Keep all your makeup tools / brushes, sponges, applicators/ clean to avoid inflammation.

• Avoid using shimmery makeup products as they can accentuate enlarged pores.

I hope you found this post useful. Leave me a comment if you have an area/topic that you would like advice/information on.