Struggling with large pores? Don't worry—your makeup routine can quite literally have you covered. For tricks and products that actually work, keep reading!
1. Prep your skin and prep it well.
Skin prep is definitely considered a part of your makeup routine because it makes such a huge difference. For one, pores tend to look more visible when they're congested, and exfoliating with a chemical exfoliator before putting on makeup will instantly polish your skin.
Also, if you notice that foundation settles weirdly around your pores, it might be because your skin isn't hydrated enough. Using toners, serums, and moisturizers will help you with this, but make sure to give them ample time to absorb as well to avoid caking.
Try: COSRX ABC Daily Toner, P1280, Beautymnl
Try: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, P899, Lazada
2. Blur with a primer or a foundation.
Most pore-minimizing primers achieve a blurring effect because of silicone (usually dimethicone), which fills the spaces of your pores to give the illusion of smoother skin. Silicone has quite a slippery finish, too, and can make it easier for your foundation to blend. Foundations labeled as blurring HD also contain this ingredient, and they can achieve the same smoothing effect.
That said, when you use products with silicone, always cleanse your skin thoroughly at the end of the day. If not, it could potentially clog your pores and cause breakouts!
Try: Clio Pre-Step Pore Primer, P1240, Zalora
Try: Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation, P1990, Zalora
3. Use a buffing motion to blend your makeup.
How you blend your makeup affects the look of you pores, too. Avoid wiping and rubbing foundation into your skin, and instead, use thorough buffing motions with a brush. This will work the makeup into your pores, pushing them in to give you an even, seamless finish.
Try: Zoeva 142 Concealer Buffer, P800, Sephora.ph
4. Mattify your skin.
A rule of thumb in makeup is that when you want to hide something, keep it matte. That's because when something is the opposite (a.k.a. shiny), light can easily bounce of off it and in turn, make that area and everything on it look obvious.
The quickest way you can mattify is with a powder, which you can either sweep lightly with a brush or press on with a powder puff. Either way, this will remove shine from the area and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores! If you're not a fan of an overly-matte finish, use the powder like a spot treatment and only apply it where you need it, such as your T-zone.
Try: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Pressed Powder, P2250, Zalora
