Cosmetics to Make Your Pores Smaller

Enlarged pores can be one of the more frustrating beauty problems to deal with. Foundation and powder, instead of working to make pores smaller, only seem to make matters worse. If you're looking for cosmetic techniques that give you the appearance of smaller pores, here are a few affordable products that actually work.

Mineral make up, $15-$25
Mineral make up is exactly what it sounds like-make up made from minerals. Instead of getting stuck in the pores like most make up, it "floats" lightly over the skin and hides large pores quite well. It also has a light-diffusing quality that disguises a variety of skin imperfections. You can wear mineral make up alone or, for extra pore-shrinking effect, apply a foundation primer first. Just be aware that some mineral makes up tends to look shiny, so you'll probably want to use powder with it. Some of the best mineral make ups on the market are from Bare Escentuals and Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup.

Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector By Clinique, $20
Clinque's product for helping you achieve the look of smaller pores also helps reduce shine and makes your make up more water-proof. This is more of a primer to be used before you apply foundation, but you can also use it over foundations. If you use it as a primer, you can apply your foundation right over it without waiting for it to dry.

Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch by Clarins, $20
Instant Smooth's claim to fame is its micro-pearls made from acacia tree extract. These absorbant pearls fill in pores and fine lines. The light, oil-free formula that won't weigh down your skin. It also comes in a pigmented version that helps even out skin tone and brighten skin.

Photo Finish Foundation Primer by Smashbox, $35
This clear foundation primer is a favorite with many who use mineral make up. It helps fill in lines and large pores to create a barrier between your skin and your foundation. It also helps absorb skin oils and reduce shine. Just be careful not to use to much or it may flake off when you apply foundation over it.

Blended Face Powder by Clinique, $20
Even with the best foundation primer and the lightest foundation, if you smother your face in heavy powder all that work you did to make your pores smaller will be lost. To keep a smooth-skinned look, go with a loose, lightweight powder. Clinique's Blended Face Powder is not only feather light, it also helps set make up to keep it from smudging or running. Unfortunately, there's no translucent variety, but it does comes in several different tints. The powder comes with its own brush, but unlike most powders, this one can be applied with the finger tips, too.

If you want to get smaller pores, forget the heavy foundation and thick powders that only make pores look larger. Instead, try a primer to help minimize pores and control oil, then follow up with a light foundation and soft powder.