Makeup Tips on How to Minimize the Appearance of Large Pores

As someone who’s suffered from open and enlarged pores nearly my whole life, I can relate to the struggle. Unfortunately, too well! My pores have been a huge complex of mine, or at least they used to be. That was until I learnt how to manage them. Yes, manage and not get rid of, because getting rid of open pores is easier said than done!

When it comes to skincare and makeup goals, the goal isn’t to have perfect skin and makeup. Perfection is impossible and perfection doesn’t bring happiness. The goal is to deal with the problem so that you don’t have a complex anymore. And that’s what we’re here to help you with!

Do you find yourself not wanting to leave the house without makeup on because of your large pores? Well, you’re not alone! Been there and done that! The tricky part is that doing your makeup wrong will actually enlarge those pores even more.

Fortunately for you, there are quite a few tips and tricks that we can share with you to reduce the appearance of pores and give you your confidence back!

1. Good makeup needs good skincare

The number 1 rule in makeup is that you need a quality skincare routine. Even if you have the best makeup and the most talented makeup artist doing your makeup, without good skin, your makeup cannot look good.

Makeup needs a good base to stand on, just like a house needs a good foundation. Be sure to cleanse and moisturize daily. But, when it comes to open pores, there are some skincare ingredients that help minimize those pores.

Niacinamide is ideal for open pores as it works to reduce inflammation and minimizes the appearance of open and enlarged pores. Salicylic acid is also beneficial because it helps to deep clean the pores, and dirt always makes pores appear larger. Check out these cleansers and drugstore moisturizers that use these ingredients in their products.

2. Use a primer

A primer is one of the best magic tricks for large pores. Instead of your makeup sticking to your skin and your pores, use a primer to create a barrier between your skin and makeup.

Doing so will give your makeup something else to stick- the primer. But that’s not all a primer does. A primer also blurs the skin giving a more flawless appearance. Which is a must for large, open pores! A lovely primer is the Dior Backstage Face & Body Primer.

3. Stick to a matte base

Choose a matte concealer and foundation. A matte finish draws less attention to open pores. A Dewy and shimmering finish create texture, which also adds texture to your pores. Since your skin already has texture, you don’t want to add more. A matte finish gives the skin a smoother, more flawless foundation finish which is exactly what open and large pores need!

When applying your makeup, especially foundation, really buff it into the skin to help minimize texture and the appearance of pores.

4. Set your makeup with setting powder

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Another great tool for blurring makeup is setting powder! My favourite one is the Rodial Glass Powder because it literally blurs the skin, leaving it looking flawless and yes, smooth! Read these setting powder hacks for the best ways to apply your setting powder.

The weightless loose powder blurs imperfections absorbs oil, and leaves the skin looking skin-like. It has the perfect combination that every setting powder should have! But there are loads of other setting powders that also have my approval!

5. Use powder blush, bronzer and contour

Keep away from liquids and creams, like cream blush, cream contour and cream bronzer. While they are beautiful (we know!) and easy to apply, cream and liquid formulas settle into pores.

Not only does it make the pores appear larger, but another lovely side effect is that the cream gets ‘stuck’ in the pores. The pigment collects in the pores leaving you looking like a mess, with more noticeable pores. It may sound harsh, but I’ve tried and tested it, powder blush, powder contour and powder bronzers work best for cheek makeup when you have large pores!

6. Set your makeup with a setting spray

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Setting spray has a similar effect on your makeup as setting powder. The difference is one is a powder and one is a liquid. Both are crucial for a flawless finish, especially if you have large pores.

A setting spray locks the makeup in place, making it difficult for any makeup to move. That’s true even for those with large pores. The makeup can’t move and settle in your pores when you’re wearing setting spray. Touching up your makeup a couple of times in the day can sometimes be necessary, depending on your skin type.

My Thoughts On How to Minimize the Appearance of Large Pores

Having large pores may be genetic, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Although open and enlarged pores might stay annoying, they can be managed in a pretty easy way! With a few tweaks to your makeup routine, you can have smooth and flawless-looking skin!

Looking for more makeup tips? Check out these makeup tips for pale skin.

Hollie xx

About Hollie

Hi, I’m Hollie, and I’m passionate about everything beauty. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve tested thousands of products to bring you the best of the best! I also love bringing you fun and creative beauty looks. Learn more.

Beauty profile – 35, dry, aging skin, focused on aging well with a healthy glow and natural makeup look ✨