Large pores can be so frustrating. When you try to cover them with makeup, they can appear even more noticeable—or it’s like the foundation you’re smearing on top of them settles everywhere except into the pores, which is what you’re trying to cover in the first place. So what’s the secret to getting celeb-approved airbrushed skin that everyone seems to be able to achieve? To find out, we turned to the pros.
“Enlarged pores don’t discriminate,” explains celebrity makeup artist Kat James. “You can have enlarged pores in your teens all the way up to middle age and later ages. The great news is there are a few easy-to-do, foolproof makeup tips that will have your skin looking airbrushed and pore-free.” Here’s everything you need to know about hiding pores with makeup.
Meet the Expert
Kat James is a celebrity makeup artist and educator based in California.
Tips for Hiding Your Pores With Makeup
1. Use a Silicone-Based Primer
According to James, silicone-based primers look more mattifying and help even out skin texture. If you struggle with larger pores, you might also struggle with an overproduction of oil. Choosing a silicone-based primer will help keep oil at bay for a smoother appearance. “My favorite is Pores No More by DR. BRANDT SKINCARE,” says James. “This primer not only mattifies and smooths the appearance of pores with ingredients like tea tree oil and salicylic acid, but it helps to keep pores clean and clog-free.”
2. Stick to Matte or Natural-Finish Foundations
This is a pro tip James uses on her clients. “They leave a more smooth, pore-free finish on the surface of the skin,” she explains. We’re fans of HAUS LABS Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation and the MAYBELLINE Super Stay Up To 24H Skin Tint Foundation, and so is James.
3. Apply Foundation Properly
James says this is key to getting your foundation to work into the pores instead of skipping over them entirely (the struggle we mentioned above!). James says the trick is using a dense foundation brush and manually buffing the product into the skin. A flat brush like the IT COSMETICS Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush is perfect for this, says James. “It’s important to not simply be applying a layer of foundation that just sits on the surface of the skin. By buffing the makeup all the way in using small circular motions, pores will become much less visible.”
4. Don’t Use Highlighter
“Highlighter emphasizes any imperfections on the skin and draws attention to that area,” explains James. “This includes enlarged pores. Keep the highlighter to areas like the Cupid’s bow and inner corner of the eyes to add that extra pop of light.”
5. Apply Pressed Translucent Powder Under Foundation
Patting pressed powder underneath your foundation can be a game changer, says James. “A perfect powder for this method, but also amazing over top of makeup to mattify and create an airbrushed finish, is the HOURGLASS Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder,” she adds.
6. Keep Pores Clean
When you’re not wearing makeup, make sure you’re using skincare with de-clogging ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and even retinol. Taking care of your skin when you’re not wearing makeup is just as important to the act of wearing it.
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