I love talking about the best foundations. It doesn't matter if it's a flawless, full-coverage formula or a lightweight, natural-looking one. As a beauty editor, it's one of my favorite makeup products to discuss because it's so foundational (pun intended) to a makeup routine. The best ones blend easily, don't crease or smudge, provide long-lasting coverage, and disguise pores rather than accentuate them.
Anyone who has enlarged pores knows that the last part is critical. I, for one, have visible pores in my T-zone, and I get beyond irritated when a new foundation sinks and settles into them. Why even wear foundation in the first place if it's just going to make my problem areas look worse?
To prevent this from happening, I reached out to two professional makeup artists to get the lowdown on the best foundations for large pores. These formulas are guaranteed to make your pores look better, not worse. Promise. Keep scrolling!
Step 1: Skin Prep
Both makeup artists say skin prep is essential when trying to disguise enlarged pores. Take it from celebrity makeup artist Elizabeth Seropian. "The best way to disguise enlarged pores, in my opinion, is to focus on proper skin prep by cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, using a pore-minimizing primer, and considering mattifying products," Seropian says.
Celebrity makeup artist J Guerra agrees, saying each skin-prep step you do will get you closer to a smooth, seamless base. In other words, don't pick up your foundation until you've applied the right skincare products. "Start by thoroughly cleansing the face to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup," Guerra says. "Choose a gentle cleanser based on your skin type. Look for products that are noncomedogenic. Some are made with ingredients specifically formulated for pore refinement." From there, he recommends exfoliating since "regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve the overall texture of the skin."
Finally, he says that a pore-minimizing mask can help (such as those that contain clay or charcoal), as well as toner and moisturizer. "After cleansing and exfoliating, using a toner can also refine your pores," he says. "Toners can help balance the skin's pH, remove any remaining impurities, and tighten the pores. Look for toners with ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil, known for their astringent properties." As for moisturizers, "opt for lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizers that won't clog pores."
Follow up with sunscreen as your last step. "Sun damage can worsen the appearance of enlarged pores, so it's crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher," Guerra says. "Sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents premature aging, which can contribute to pore enlargement."
Pro tip: Guerra says cold temperatures can help tighten the appearance of pores. You can keep your products in the fridge or pop a gel face mask in the freezer for a few minutes before applying it to the skin for pore-minimizing benefits.
Step 2: Primer
Another way to minimize the appearance of pores is to use a primer, but not just any primer. "For clients with large pores, scars, or other indented skin textures, I use primers that create a smoothing effect," Guerra says. "Since primers are designed to create a smooth and even surface for makeup application, they can help fill in fine lines and pores—giving the skin a more refined texture. A pore-minimizing primer can help blur the appearance of pores and create a smoother makeup application."
So what kind of primer should you go with? Guerra says to avoid any primers that provide a sheen to the skin (and definitely avoid any that contain shimmer or sparkle), as these can actually make pores more visible. "I choose primers that contain ingredients like silica, which help mattify and blur texture on the skin," he says. "It helps to absorb excess oil, minimize shine, and create a soft-focus effect that instantly reduces the visibility of pores. It really (temporarily) creates an optical illusion of blurred, poreless skin!"
You also need to know how to apply primer. "To make pores 'disappear' on the skin, the technique is just as important as the products used," Guerra says. "Using a dense, synthetic-fiber foundation brush, apply the primer in a circular motion—gently buffing the product onto the skin and into the pores. The same motion should be used for liquid foundation and powder."
Step 3: Makeup Applicaton
A common mistake is applying too much foundation in the hopes of concealing pores better. Guerra says this can actually backfire, so you should use a light touch instead. "In regard to foundation, less is more when concealing large pores. Powder foundations can mix with sebum on the skin's surface and lead to oily creasing or separation, which makes the look of large pores much worse. Liquid foundations with too much coverage can also enhance the visibility of larger pores. Cream- or wax-based formulas can get greasy and separate on oily skin throughout the day, which can lead to clogged pores and make them more noticeable." In other words, instead of gooping it on, try applying foundation in thin layers and building coverage from there.
Best Overall: Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation
"This has recently been my go-to foundation for oily skin," Guerra says. "It stays matte and looks gorgeous on video and in photos. It has great coverage without looking heavy and makes skin look pore-less."
Promising review: "THIS is the real deal! I went from dry to oily skin through the years and had been searching for a good matte foundation. This product is great. It keeps the oil under control and limits or honestly completely eliminates the need for blotting papers. I highly recommend it!" — Sephora customer
The Runner-Up: Gucci Éternité de Beauté 24 Hour Full Coverage Foundation
With a matte finish, full-coverage formula, and comfortable wear, this luxury foundation is a no-brainer for Guerra, who says, "It doesn't settle into pores and requires minimal touch-ups throughout the day. My red carpet clients love the feel and weightless coverage of this foundation."
Promising review: "How is no one talking about this foundation? It wears beautifully. It photographs stunningly. As a makeup artist, I have tried so many foundations, and this one just blows my mind. It's like nothing I have ever tried. There is just something special about it. Love it!" — Sephora customer
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Seropian also recommends this iconic drugstore product, which is both lightweight and oil-free. Translation: It won't settle into your pores or make them look worse.
Promising review: "This is the best foundation I have found that gives full but light coverage. It makes my skin look smooth without looking "cakey." I apply it with a brush, then layer a light moisturizer. It gives a great healthy look, no need for blush or anything else!" — Ulta customer
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
"The doe-foot applicator makes this foundation easy to apply in certain problem areas," Guerra says. "It blends beautifully and truly feels weightless. I spot-correct with this first, then blend out and set with loose powder. This technique adds coverage where needed without focusing too much product on larger pore areas."
Promising review: "This weightless foundation is amazing. I love it. It wears excellent throughout the day. Highly recommend it if you want not-so-high coverage for an everyday look." — Sephora customer
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
Guerra recommends this foundation for anyone who wants fuller coverage with a soft matte finish. "It’s not fully matte or drying but delivers coverage and a blurred skin effect," he says. "I press this in with a Beautyblender and set with loose powder for best results to minimize pores."
Promising review: "I'm in love with this product. It's so dewy and shiny that it blends in like milk. It's so lightweight and has amazing coverage. I found the perfect shade for me, and I'll never stop using it!" — Sephora customer
Tarte Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
Seropian recommends this full-coverage foundation that promises up to 16 hours of wear. With a matte finish and oil-free formula, it's perfect for anyone with enlarged pores and oily skin.
Promising review: "This foundation is a favorite of mine. [It] goes on so nicely and does not feel heavy. You can build the coverage to your needs." — Sephora customer
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer Stick
If you're not a fan of liquid foundations, this stick formula is a must. "This is a great stick foundation alternative," Guerra says. "It's lightweight enough that it won't make large pores look worse while still covering blemishes and redness." He says it's perfect for drier skin types who need moisture.
Promising review: "This is hands down the best foundation I have ever used, and I've used a lot. It melts into your skin like butter. It's moisturizing. It can be light or full coverage, so great for day or night." — Sephora customer
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
"My all-time favorite foundation is the Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation," Seropian says. "This product literally lasts all day, and it helps cover my large pores too!"
Promising review: "I've finally found the perfect foundation that lasts all day and doesn't break me out! You don't have to use a lot and can mix it with moisturizer if you don't want it to be as full coverage." — Sephora customer
Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Compact Foundation
Not only is this powder foundation impossibly chic, but it's also a makeup-artist must-have. In fact, Guerra says this is a staple in his kit. "It has a velvet texture and creates a light-diffusing effect that blurs the skin without adding excessive coverage," he says. "It delivers soft coverage, which can be used for touch-ups throughout the day."
Promising review: "This is perfect as a base for a full makeup look or just a cover-up and mascara kind of look." — Ulta customer
Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder
"Another powder I use very often since it's oil-free and fragrance-free," Guerra says. "This foundation is so versatile. It can be used wet or dry depending on how much coverage you need, skin type, and skin texture. Using it wet is a great technique for minimizing larger pores—it gives the coverage of a liquid foundation with the mattifying and blending properties of a pressed powder. The included sponge can be used to press the powder in place for touch-ups—just be sure to replace the sponge often to prevent breakouts and oil buildup on the product."
Promising review: "I love this product, the quality is excellent, and it makes the skin look beautiful." — Sephora customer
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation
"The shade range is just as impressive as the coverage and finish," Guerra says. "The formula is sweat- and crease-resistant and won't flashback in photos. A great option for melanin-rich skin tones with large pore areas. A matte-finish setting spray melts this powder into the skin while locking it in place."
Promising review: "I love the way this mattifies my skin and gives me light coverage. It also doesn't settle into areas of my face that liquid foundation usually does. This powder made me realize I'm more into powder foundations, and it lasts pretty long, too." — Sephora customer
Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation
Last but not least, Guerra recommends this powder foundation from Wander Beauty. "The finish is incredibly natural and has a silky feel," Guerra says. "This powder is the most weightless and ultra fine, which is perfect for minimizing pores. This is a great option for medium coverage or touch-ups over liquid foundation. I've buffed this over liquid foundation, and the result is perfect, blurred skin without ever looking dry. It's also hydrating, which makes it a good option for dry skin types."
Promising review: "Fantastic formula! After swatching [it] the first time, I knew I needed this in my pro kit. I got to use it on a shoot and was completely over the moon! I used it by itself for a full face for a beauty campaign with women of all shades, and it didn't look heavy, cakey, or discolored." — Sephora customer
This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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