Step 1: Apply a maskmakeupgal.comsephora.combeauty.com You’re not imagining things: When pores become congested with makeup, dead skin cells, and dirt, those little indentations can become clogged and appear larger. “Using a clay-based mask twice a week will help to draw out impurities, keeping pores clear and tight,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Michelle Radow of . Clay absorbs excess oil and draws out existing gunk in your pores as it dries and contracts skin. Radow recommends Caudalie Instant Detox Mask ($39, ) and Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Clay Mask ($50, ). Step 2: Exfoliate Whether or not you have time to apply a mask, an exfoliating scrub is a must. “Dead skin cells tend to collect in mounds around pores, making them look even larger,” explains Emmy Graber, MD, a Boston-based dermatologist. “Using an exfoliator will minimize pores and make the skin look brighter.” Radow favors Dermalogica Daily Resurfacers ($70, dermalogica.com), pre-packaged doses of an acid-and-enzyme cocktail that clears excess gunk and brightens skin, though drugstore options like Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub ($15, drugstore.com) work well, too. Whatever you pick, use it at least twice a week to keep pores clear. MORE: 4 Makeup Tricks To Give Droopy Lids A Boost Step 3: Prep your skinpeterthomasroth.comvitamins A and Esmashbox.comulta.com Post-cleanse, prep skin with a daily moisturizer containing glycolic or salicylic acid, chemical exfoliants that may reduce the size of pores in less than a week’s time, says Graber. We like Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer ($45, ), which is fragrance-free and rich in antioxidant . Then—and this is key—follow up with a primer before applying foundation. “This will help block makeup from migrating into pores and instantly minimize the look of larger pores for the day,” Radow says. Just be sure to use one compatible with your makeup, or your foundation won’t go on evenly. If your foundation is water-based, use a water-based primer like Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water ($32, ); if your face makeup is silicone-based, use a silicone-containing primer like Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer ($32, ). Can’t tell? Ingredients ending in –cone, -methicone, or –siloxane signal a silicone formula; those without are water-based. MORE: 10 Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams For Every Budget Step 4: Apply makeup strategically After primer, apply your foundation with a makeup brush or sponge to create a smooth even layer (it’s tougher to achieve when you use your hands). Radow suggests wetting your makeup brush with water or a hydration spray to keep the look dewy and natural, not caked on. Finally, dust on a colorless, finely milled powder like MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder ($26, mac.com) to set your face makeup and further blur the appearance of pores.
