How Does Pore-Minimizing Makeup Work?

Pore Size

People have large pores due to genetics and their bodies' excessive secretion of sebum or oils. The pore walls are stretched when filled with these oils, making pores considerably noticeable. On the face, the largest pores are typically found on the forehead, nose and chin. The parts of the cheeks close to the nose are susceptible to sizable pores as well. The pore size you were born with cannot be altered, but pores can be treated or--in the case of makeup--covered to appear smaller. Due to the smooth, seemingly poreless appearance of skin on glamorous celebrities and models in beauty magazines, consumers covet products with pore-minimizing properties.

Pore-minimizing makeup does not actually shrink pores--it merely fills in the pores and deflects light as it sits on top of the skin. This creates the illusion of a less flawed surface. When applied, it creates a film that rests somewhat like a mask on the face. Not only does its light-diffusing technology divert attention away from large pores, it also does not enhance imperfections such as fine lines and wrinkles. For precision, use a sponge or foundation brush when applying pore-minimizing foundation. Laying it down thickly is unnecessary as it offers more opaque coverage than regular foundations.

Exfoliating your face at least once a week helps pore-minimizing makeup work more effectively. After all, pores that are clogged with blackheads are more obvious as they are filled with impurities. Along the same lines, getting rid of all traces of the previous day's makeup boosts the capabilities of pore-minimizing makeup. Wash your face prior to makeup application to create as smooth a surface as possible. There are even pore-minimizing facial washes and astringents or toners which, unlike makeup, actually tighten skin so that pores seem smaller. Look for alcohol-free toners to prevent your skin from drying out.

Pore-minimizing makeup primer is applied before pore-minimizing foundation. It works in the same way as the foundation in that it has a light-refracting mechanism that fools the eye into thinking the skin is smoother than it really is. However, makeup primer is colorless and does not even out skin tone as foundation does. It merely creates a canvas for the foundation to lay on if you are in need of extra coverage but don't want to look like you are wearing too much makeup. To set the foundation and to give skin a matte effect, pore-minimizing face powders are also available.

For those who prefer using cosmetics with healthier ingredients, mineral makeup foundation has a reputation for giving skin an impeccable, almost airbrushed look. It is not specifically advertised as a pore-minimizing product but has a perfecting finish that many makeup wearers prefer to conventional foundation.

As pore-minimizing makeup tends to be very resilient, soap and water are not enough to cleanse it off. Invest in a makeup remover in order to thoroughly take it off at the end of your day. This allows skin to breathe and rejuvenate itself. Ironically, pore-minimizing makeup can clog your pores and make them more noticeable if you do not make a daily habit of cleaning your face before bedtime. As an added skin care measure, you can even use pore-cleansing masks and adhesive strips designed to pull blackheads and old makeup out of your pores.