before/after*
There's nothing scarier for a beauty blogger than to show her face sans makeup, all up close and personal. I'm doing just that today because I want you all to see what I'm working with here: freckles, dry skin, and huge pores. HUGE!
And I'm going to show you exactly how to hide it all. I rarely do all of this, and yes, it will take a few extra minutes, depending on the amount of pores. I assure you it doesn't look cakey in person. While you can't shrink pores (you can't), you can certainly hide them, as evidenced below. Let's get started:
- DIY Toner--While certainly not required, I like using a toner, like this peppermint one, on my skin to help lessen the look of my pores.
- Moisturize--The drier your skin is, the more your pores could be enhanced. I like to dampen my skin before applying a moisturizer, and then I let it soak in for about five minutes.
Benefit The Porefessional, L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur, Too Faced Primed and Poreless
- Primer--Using a tinted primer helps to hide pores. I apply a small amount with my fingers, only on the areas that need it. I tap in the product with this precision brush and then swirl it back and forth to really push in the product, as pictured below.
- Dot and Dab--After I let my primer soak in for a couple of minutes, I apply foundation and usually my pores are hidden well enough. Sometimes it's not enough, and on special occasions, I'll take a small-pointed precision eyeliner brush and dot the tiniest amount of foundation into the pore. I then dab it in with my finger to push the product into the pore. I also suggest using a foundation a shade darker just for this technique.
ELF HD Powder, Sigma Eyeliner Brush
- Set It--To set foundation, I take a powder puff, with translucent powder, and really press it into my skin. I don't rub or use a brush, because that will disturb the foundation and all the work I've done to hide my pores. Makeup setting spray will work too.
- Avoid Shimmer--Some highlighters and foundations have shimmer in them, which will enhance the pores, so you might want to avoid these in those areas.
- Wash Away--Since product is forced into the pores, you want to make sure your face is thoroughly cleansed at the end of the day, to avoid breakouts. I love using a Clarisonic.
- DIY Mask--If it's a special occasion, I'll make this DIY Buttermilk Face Mask which exfoliates and tightens skin, before starting my makeup.
before/after*
*Photos were only edited by cropping.
For this pic I used:
- Simple Skincare light moisturizer
- The Porefessional
- Miracle Blur
- Revlon Colorstay Whipped in Natural Beige