Written by: Divya

10 Best Pore Minimizing Foundation

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No wonder you are a master in the art of covering those patches, spots, and under-eye circles. But in some way, the pores are still troublesome.

While you hardly have much choice other than camouflaging those openings hidden under the skin, with makeup, you can cut down their visibility; considerably. And it is a fact that the correct foundation can minimize the appearance of the pore. However, getting the apt foundation is as essential as a challenge.

However, don’t worry! I have picked the 10 best pore minimizing foundation that promise to de-emphasize all your ‘pore-blems.’

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Best pore minimizing foundation 2020

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

best pore minimizing foundation
Maybelline Fit Me Matte Poreless Liquid Foundation

Why I recommend:- No matter what your skin tone is, this tailored-made foundation for every skin tone blurs your pores and keeps you flawless and shine-free for the day. The best part is that it is also available in a pouch pack with a controlled dozer beside the bottle, making it extremely travel-friendly.

Details:– The pore-reducing foundation, designed for oily and acne-prone skin, has skincare ingredients like clay and micro-powders that control the sebum, thereby preventing clogging of pores.

Hence, what you get from the non-comedogenic foundation is blurred and refined pores with a natural shine-free finish.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic tested by dermatologists.
  • Available in 40 shades.
  • Fragrance-free.
  • Value for money.

Cons

  • Medium coverage.

2. Phoera Oil Control Foundation Cream

Why I recommend:- In search of a foundation, you get a foundation-cum-concealer whose creaseless buildable formula hides the pores and imperfections so perfectly that you get an even-toned texture with an airbrushed look. When one bottle is nearing its end: you have the second one for continuity. It is a pair pack.

Details:– This full coverage foundation is a corrector whose seamless camouflage hides all the flaws with an ultra-smooth radiant finish. Its oil control formulation with brightening extracts repairs and protects skin leaving it weightless, natural, and shine-free throughout the day.

We found Phoera oil control as the best best foundation for sensitive oily skin. It is also a good foundation for combination skin with large pores.

Pros

  • 16 waterproof shades to choose from.
  • A pack of two.
  • Comforting formulation.
  • Economical in price and consumption.

Cons

  • Only for combination and oily skin.

3. NYX PROFESSIONAL Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation

Why I recommend:Once you wear it for the next 24 hours, you will stay flawless and shine-free. That is because of an oil-free formula that does not allow the oil to sit in your pores. Eventually, the appearance of the pores gets blurred.

Details:- This oil-free and pore-minimizing foundation has a waterproof, nontransferable, and humidity-proof formula which assures you to carry out the job confidently without any freaks out.

Its creamy liquid formula gives a smooth, comforting matte coverage that you hardly have the feel of wearing, while your looks will receive a compliment. If you have large pores then this one is for you. It has been referred as best liquid foundation for large pores by real users who benefitted using it.

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic foundation in 45 shades.
  • For normal skin, oily, combination, and sensitive skin.
  • Certified cruelty-free by PETA.
  • Value for money.

Cons

  • Above medium coverage.

4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup

Why I recommend:- Spend a confident day without touch-ups, with no crease, no foundation settling into fine lines, and no visibility of pores because the humidity-proof, smudge-proof foundation keeps your skin refreshingly shine-free from the time you apply it.

Details:- Created for all types of skin- the liquid foundation offers complete coverage on the flaws and pores with evening-out skin tone.

It’s weightless and comforting oil-balancing formula makes you feel like you are wearing no coverage on your face, though it is on your face for the whole day. It is one of the best makeup to reduce pores.

Estee is our choice for the best foundation to minimize pores and fine lines.

Pros

  • 24-hour stay formula in 24 shades.
  • Non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic.
  • Dermatologist tested.
  • Free of fragrance, chemicals, gluten, minerals, and cruelty.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • Hard to remove.

5. Dermablend Cream Cover Foundation

Why I recommend:- The hyperpigmentation, scars, acne, vitiligo, and birthmarks you want to hide in most cases. Dermablend cream cover foundation gives complete undetectable coverage to all these marks and pores without clogging them. And the best part is that it is skin-friendly; after all, it is formulated and recommended by dermatologists.

Details:- The marks and pore-reducing makeup has a creamy, oil-free texture that adheres well to the skin to give a seamless, breathable coverage.

This flawless cover stays up to 16 hours’ smudge-proof and transfer-proof when set with the setting powder. And in this course, this foundation repairs and strengthens the skin surface barrier.

Pros

  • Foundation-cum-concealer-cum-contour.
  • Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic foundation for all skin.
  • Free of fragrance and chemicals.
  • Cruelty-certified by PETA.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • Transferable without setting powder.

6. Bourjois Anti-Fatigue Liquid Foundation

Why I recommend:- The effects of pollution, stress, and day toils, show up mostly on your face; and this is where you need an instant solution besides skincare. The anti-fatigue foundation provides the best solution because it’s rested, natural glow makes the skin look healthy and refreshed. Moreover, its vanilla fragrance refreshes your mind.

Details:- The foundation is a blend of vitamin B5, vitamin C, and E that instantly rubs off the imperfections and signs of fatigue, besides enhancing the glow.

The skin stays 70% more radiant for 16 hours and hydrated for 24 hours. You get the instant result of beauty sleep without sleep. Its liquid formula is the best makeup to reduce pores without blocking them.

Pros

  • Suit all skin- specifically dry skin.
  • Non-comedogenic.
  • Variety of shades.
  • Price in budget.

Cons

  • Medium coverage.
  • Break out is probable without a setting powder.

7. Clinique Even Better Makeup

Why I recommend:Dermatologist certification builds trust in beauty and care products. Now, think if you get a product developed by dermatologists– won’t it solidify the trust? That is what Clinique’s even better foundation does.

Details:– The foundation has a weightless, oil-free formula that initiates a visible reduction in the pores, dark spots, acne, sun damage, and improved clarity in 12 weeks. It stays for 24 hours with the same tone intact even in hot and humid weather.

Clinique is considered to be the best drugstore pore minimizing foundation in the US.

Pros

  • Stay-true pigments and SPF 15 prevent discoloration now and in the future.
  • Dermatologist and ophthalmologist certified.
  • Non-comedogenic, non-acnegnic and hypoallergenic.
  • Chemical and fragrance-free.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • Moderate coverage.

8. Dermablend CC Cream Foundation

Why I recommend:- The Cc cream foundation blends and creates a flawless, breathable non-comedogenic cover that stays 24 hours- and clinical test claims to notice a visible improvement in the radiance after being used regularly for four weeks.

Details:- One of the best drugstore foundations to minimize pores; the foundation is a color corrector and an undetectable tone evening and concealing cream.

It covers the spots, marks, and pores, leaving the skin smooth, shine-free, and youthful. It has SPF 50+ and free radical defense that protects from sun and environmental damage.

Pros

  • Fragrance, chemical, and cruelty-free.
  • Hypoallergenic vegan formula.
  • Sensitive skin tested.
  • Available in tone matching shades.

Cons

  • Expensive.

9. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

Why I recommend:- Plump up your skin and quench its thirst while covering all the imperfections, pores, and uneven tone and enhancing the complexion with the nourishing foundation. And this formula is presented by the Neutrogena hydro boost foundation, which never feels caked or greasy throughout.

Details:- Hydro boost foundation is formulated with the breathable water-gel formula, hyaluronic acid, the primary source of the firm, nourished, and glowing skin. This nourishing foundation is a weightless, oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that reduces the size of pores but never clogs it.

So, if you are searching for a long-lasting best foundation for large pores and dry skin – this is the best choice for you.

Pros

  • 24 -hour stay.
  • 10 full-coverage shades.
  • Budget-friendly.

Cons

  • The applicator needs improvement.

10. L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation

Why I recommend:- A patented color technology foundation that gives a natural true-to-you coverage, precisely matching your skin tone and undertone imbibed with sun protection formula. And this formulation is ultra-pure.

Details:- True match foundation has Vitamin A and C with wheat germ and grape fruit extract that nourishes and protects skin while hiding imperfections and pores.

It is natural, oil-free, and so buildable that you can hardly determine where the foundation ends and the skin starts. This same reason makes it one of the best full coverage pore-reducing foundations.

Pros

  • Free of fragrance, oil, and pores clogging fillers.
  • 45 skin-matching non-comedogenic shades.
  • SPF 17.
  • Pocket-friendly price.

Cons

  • Last for some hours.
  • Re-application needed.

Why you should use the best foundation for pores?

Having pores means your skin is more prone to acne and breakouts. It happens when the pores get blocked with dead skin, oil, and germs.

Nothing can reduce the pore size fast, but with the best foundation, you can make them look small and even prevent their expansion besides covering the spots and imperfections; in an instant.

Hence, a good pore minimizing foundation is an absolute necessity in the make up box!

How to choose the best pore minimizing makeup?

Formulation:- A wrong formula (talc, chemical, parabens) can aggravate the pores and irritate the skin. What helps to minimize pores is a formula with skin-friendly ingredients and without pore-clogging fillers that sit well on the skin, smoothen it, and do not weigh for hours.

Skin type:- You know your skin type, so when looking for any foundation, look for the products that compliment your skin. The best pore-minimizing foundation for oily skin is the oil-free, non-comedogenic one that provides a soft matte finish and helps control excess sebum production. If you have dry skin with large pores- liquid non-comedogenic foundations with a hydrating formula are the best. Powder and foam are for touch-ups.

Coverage:- Coverage is essential for a pore-reducing foundation. After all, you will wear it daily, with the trust of getting pores hidden. Go for the foundations with complete coverage at one application because too many layers can be a bane in disguise.

And if you get the foundation with built-in primer, get it as a primer cover and soothe the pores. With a primer, your pores do not get clogged, and you get an even-toned and flawless glow.

Fast and easy way to tighten or reduce pores

Minimizing pores is not always necessary as it makes the skin breathe. But, if these large pores stay open for a long, it may lead to breakouts due to clogging. That is why:

i) Always use the correct foundation

The suitable foundation plays a significant role in minimizing the appearance of the pores, while the unsuitable one would settle and clog those pores. So, choose a foundation that matches your skin type and is non-comedogenic.

ii) Proper application of foundation

Apply a little foundation on your face and always blend it properly. Too many layers and improper application can feel heavy and clog pores.

iii) Must do cleansing and exfoliation

Always clean the face before application of any makeup.

Wash your face twice daily to reduce the pores and exfoliate them with a gentle scrub to clean away the dirt.

iv) Always use a gel-based cleanser

Mild gel-based cleansers are the best for tightening pores. A harsh cleanser can lead to breakouts, while an oil-based cleanser can clog pores.

v) Use sunscreen

Sun damage is one of the major causes of large pores. A sunscreen with high SPF prevents clogging of pores while protecting from UV rays.

vi) Clay mask treatment

Clay masks unclog pores and remove extra oil without drying them up. They also remove the build-up that makes the pores look big.

vii) Healthy balanced diet

One of the main reasons for having large pores is an unhealthy lifestyle and diet. So, while taking care of your skin externally, improve it from within with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

What kind of foundation is best for large pores?

Many brands like Benefit and L’Oreal has dedicated cosmetics for skin pores, but you need to know your skin type to choose the correct foundation.

i) Foundation for oily skin

Oily or acne-prone skin has pores relatively large, so oil-free liquid foundation, or powder, and pressed foundation with a matte finish are best for them. The foundation must contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, aloe Vera, and niacinamide.

ii) Foundation for dry skin

Since your skin is dry, it needs hydration, even from makeup. So, the foundation with a dewy finish or the hydrating liquid foundation is best for dry skin. Make sure it has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and should be weightless.

iii) Foundation for sensitive skin

Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic makeup is very gentle. It never irritates skin; instead, it soothes and calms skin. So, for sensitive skin, use irritation-free dermatologists certified foundation.

Which foundation should I avoid for large pores?

Stay away from excessive creamy and greasy foundations, they can clog the pores and lead to breakouts. Also, stay away from extreme matte and shimmery foundations.

Which foundation is the best to hide pores?

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is the best makeup to minimize pores.

How to hide pores under the foundation?

i) Use a primer that targets pores.
ii) Wear a suitable foundation.
iii) Apply the concealer.
iv) Dab a setting powder.

What are the causes of large pores?

Several factors contribute to the formation of large pores- genetic factors, excessive sun exposure and damage, pollution damage, excessive oleosity (oily), and improper cleansing. There is some makeup so unsuitable that it may lead to enlarged pores.

Why does the foundation make the pores look bigger?

The foundations with a greasy and creamy formula settle in the pores rather than covering them. It results in the pores looking enlarged. Wearing excessive foundation can also cause the pores to look bigger.

Do large pores ever go away?

Large pores go away with the maintenance of a healthy skincare regime. However, for an instant result- use high-end natural skincare and makeup to hide these pores.

Can pores be minimized permanently?

To reduce large pores permanently, follow a healthy skincare regime- refrain from creamy and oily makeup, exfoliate the skin twice daily, always keep skin hydrated, wear sunscreen, and use unclogging makeup.

Which is better for large pores; powder or liquid foundation?

Since excess oil is the cause of enlarged pores, choose oil-free foundations (for oily skin). Cream and powder foundations are often recommended for such skin types as these give better coverage than a liquid one.

How good is pressed foundation in covering large pores?

The pressed foundation is weightless, unclogs pores, and causes less oleosity. All these factors help the foundation in giving full, natural coverage.

Is liquid makeup foundation better for covering large pores?

A liquid foundation has the same features as a pressed foundation. Hence, they would give the same result in covering large pores.

How to stop the settling of foundation in skin pores?

The best way to stop the settling of foundation in skin pores is by deep cleansing. Double cleanse to remove all the makeup, follow a routine exfoliation, and always apply a poreless primer before the foundation.

Final word: the best pore minimizing foundation

Pores do not go away at once but can be kept hidden with a correct formula for hours. The enlisted foundations have that formulation, which you need for hiding the pores.

The foundations have gone through detailed research on formulation, appreciation, and reaction before making their place here. So, anybody with any skin type- if you have pores, you have the best pore reducing foundations /makeup here.

Divya Gupta
Divya Gupta

Divya Gupta is a business management and economics professional with a passion for travel and beauty. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Tourism & Leisure) from the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Economics from the University of Delhi.
Her business acumen paired with her enthusiasm for new destinations and cosmetics enables her to provide insightful recommendations and reviews.
In addition to her formal studies, Ms. Gupta continually educates herself and stays up-to-date on innovations in the beauty sector as well, allowing her to offer advice on cutting-edge skincare, makeup, and hairstyling techniques.

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