For foundations that don't clog pores, look for "non-comedogenic," oil-free, or mineral formulas, with popular choices including Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless, Dermablend CC Cream, IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, bareMinerals Powder Foundation, and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, as these are praised for being lightweight, breathable, and good for acne-prone skin. Always ensure you cleanse thoroughly at night to prevent buildup.
Best Affordable: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation. Celebrity makeup artist Elizabeth Seropian recommends this iconic drugstore product, which is both lightweight and oil-free. Translation: It won't clog or settle into your pores, or make them look worse.
Kristen: First apply a primer before your foundation. This will help fill in any pores or lines and create a barrier between your skin and the foundation. Then use a makeup brush or sponge to blend the foundation into your skin, rather than rubbing it in.
Foundations for Large Pores
Prevent Your Home's Foundation from Sinking Through Soil Retention
One of the methods of foundation fixing is installing a drainage system and diverting water away from the foundation. Another method of sinking foundation repair is to add soil around the foundation. This can help to provide additional support and repair the sinking foundation.
A foundation brush offers more buildable, full coverage and precision, making it great for perfecting a flawless look, while a damp makeup sponge provides a sheer, natural, dewy finish by diffusing product into the skin but absorbs more makeup and can be less hygienic if not cleaned well. Choose a brush for control and intensity, or a sponge for a light, seamless, skin-like effect, often depending on your foundation type and desired finish.
Tap in a Primer
Silicone is the ingredient that gives some of your makeup and skincare products that slippery, smooth-as-silk feel. Primers that contain silicone will “fill in” your pores and create a smooth canvas for your foundation, but make sure you're applying them correctly—as in tapping, not rubbing.
The best foundations for mature skin are lightweight, hydrating formulas with skincare benefits that provide a luminous or natural finish, avoiding heavy coverage that settles into lines; top-rated options include Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance, L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum, NARS Light Reflecting, and Dior Backstage Face & Body, focusing on ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and SPF to plump, smooth, and brighten skin.
Stick with pore-minimizing and smoothing matte primers, foundations and setting powders. Dealing with oily skin in certain areas and dryness in others? Try incorporating both matte and dewy formulas in your routine. Experiment with different finishes.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid, our top pick, delivers visible improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall clarity. We tested pore minimizers for four weeks, considering each product's effectiveness, consistency, formula, and how well it improved skin appearance over time.
Thankfully, there's a few things you can do to stop makeup from settling in lines. Prepping your skin with lots of hydration is key. Lines deepen on dehydrated skin, increasing the chance that foundation will settle in them. Find a hydrating serum and moisturiser to help counteract this.
What Are the Signs of a Bad Foundation?
To reduce the risk, look for lightweight, oil-free, or water-based foundations. Dry skin produces less oil, so clogged pores might not be your main concern. However, thick or heavy foundations can sit on the surface, emphasizing flakes and causing buildup over time.
Regular exfoliation is a key technique to minimize pores. Dermatologists often suggest chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These ingredients work to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote smoother skin texture.
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. This makes it a suitable choice for those prone to breakouts or acne.
Budget Favorite: L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Serum Foundation is buildable, under $20, and provides SPF 50 protection. Best for Over 60: We love the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation for post-menopausal skin. It leaves the complexion looking plump and even without clinging to fine lines or wrinkles.
For mature skin in Australia, top-rated foundations offer hydration and luminosity, with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk and Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin praised for dewy finishes, while Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance provides intense moisture, and Australian brands like DB Cosmetics offer budget-friendly luminous options, and Nude by Nature suits oily skin types. Key features to look for include skincare ingredients, lightweight formulas, and finishes that avoid caking, like dewy or satin, with many makeup artists recommending a hydrating primer underneath.
If You Have Dry or Mature Skin...
Go dewy. Dry skin lacks moisture, and matte finishes can make it look dull or textured. Instead, opt for a hydrating foundation that adds back that glow without emphasizing fine lines or dry patches.
Top Foundation Pick for Pores
Our top foundation recommendation for large pores is the Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation.
The Korean Skincare Routine for Helping Reduce Pore Control
If your pores appear bigger or more prominent when you wear makeup, chances are good the formulas you're using are to blame. The typical culprits here are oil-based products and formulas that have dewy, shimmery, or otherwise reflective finishes.
You may wonder - how to apply foundation on mature skin? Start by prepping the skin with a hydrating primer to create a smooth base. Use a damp makeup sponge or a brush to apply the foundation in light, tapping motions. Avoid dragging or pulling on the skin, as this can emphasize wrinkles.
“Using makeup brushes is more hygienic than using sponges or fingers,” Dresher says. “You're able to clean [brushes] often and they provide the precision needed for most looks.”
A brush can help you achieve a full coverage look, while a sponge is better for a lighter, more natural look. As far as using a tool rather than using your fingers, if you have oily skin, you may prefer to use a brush or sponge to apply your foundation, as these tools can help to absorb excess oil.