The Best Foundations for Large Pores for 2024

Welcome to the best foundations for large pores in 2024! I’m so glad you’re here!

When achieving a flawless makeup look, the right foundation can make all the difference, especially if you’re dealing with skin concerns like large pores (and wrinkles too!)

However, finding the best foundation that suits your skin type and addresses these issues can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.

The good news is I’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

From high-end to drugstore, from full-coverage or matte to sheer and luminous finish, we’ll provide all the insights you need to decide on the best foundation for large pores and wrinkles.

So, let’s jump in!

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The Best Foundation for Large Pores

What are Large Pores?

Did you know that pores serve a crucial purpose?

They’re the entryway to hair follicles and secrete oils to moisturize our skin. However, when these pores are larger than usual, they can become a beauty concern for many.

What are Wrinkles?

Ah, wrinkles! Those pesky lines and folds that appear as we age. They’re primarily a result of the natural aging process, sun damage, and repetitive facial expressions.

Finding the Right Type of Foundation for Large Pores (and wrinkles)

A good foundation can minimize the appearance of large pores and wrinkles, providing a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup.

When dealing with large pores and wrinkles, it’s important to remember that foundation isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Different formulas can offer varying benefits.

Here’s a rundown of some types you may come across:

Liquid Foundation

These are incredibly popular due to their versatility. They come in different finishes – matte, dewy, and natural- and offer various coverage levels.

Cream Foundation

Known for their rich, moisturizing properties, cream foundations can provide full coverage. They’re perfect for dry or mature skin, as they help to hydrate and smooth out wrinkles.

Powder Foundation

A powder foundation can be a good choice if you have oily skin. It helps absorb excess oil and gives a matte finish.

Just be careful if you have dry skin or deep wrinkles, as it can accentuate these features.

Stick Foundation

These are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. They usually offer full coverage and are good for disguising pores and fine lines.

Mineral Foundation

For those with sensitive skin, mineral foundations can be a blessing. They’re free from irritants and can provide light to medium coverage. Mineral foundations can help reduce the appearance of pores without clogging them.

Tinted Moisturizer/BB/CC Creams

These might be your go-to if you prefer lighter, more natural coverage. They offer skin benefits like SPF and hydration while providing a light tint to even skin tone.

They won’t conceal large pores or wrinkles as effectively as full-coverage options, but they’re perfect for “no makeup” makeup days.

Related article: Tinted Moisturizer Vs Foundation

Finding the Perfect Shade.

Finding the right shade of foundation is as important as finding the right formula.

After all, you’re looking for a natural, flawless finish that enhances your skin, not a mask that hides it. So, let’s chat about how to ensure you get the perfect shade match.

Understanding Undertones and Different Shades

Your skin’s undertone is the color beneath the surface.

You can be the same skin color as someone else but have a different undertone, which is why foundation looks different on different people.

There are generally three categories:

Cool Undertones

If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. Your skin may burn more easily in the sun. Look for a foundation with a pink, red, or blue base.

Warm Undertones

If your veins look green, you probably have warm undertones. Your skin may tan easily. Look for a foundation with a yellow or gold base.

Neutral Undertones

You might have neutral undertones if you can’t tell if your veins are more blue or green. A foundation with a balance of yellow and pink tones will likely work best for you.

Tips to find the perfect match

Once you’ve got an idea of your undertones, it’s time to start testing.

Here are some tips for finding the perfect foundation match:

Test in Natural Light

Store lighting can be misleading. Always look at foundation shades in natural light for the truest match.

Test on Your Jawline

Swatch the foundation on your jawline and blend it out. This area allows you to see how the foundation will look against your face and neck for the most natural match.

Give it Time

Foundation can oxidize or change color as it interacts with your skin’s natural oils. Wear it for a few hours to see how it changes before making your final decision.

When in Doubt, Go Lighter

If you’re stuck between two shades, go with the lighter one. It’s easier to deepen a foundation shade with bronzer than to lighten a too-dark shade.

When in Doubt, Go Lighter and Stick with Neutral 

Neutral Shades: For those who find it tricky to identify their undertones or for those who find they sit somewhere between warm and cool, neutral shades are a fantastic option.

These foundations balance yellow and pink tones, aiming to suit a wider range of complexions.

A neutral shade can often be a safe bet when in doubt, as it tends to blend seamlessly with most skin tones.

Best Foundations for Large Pores and Wrinkles in 2023

The Best Skin-loving Foundation for Large Pores

Purchase this Foundation for Large Pores: Sephora, Kohl’s and Ulta Beauty

Best Long-Wear Foundation for Large Pores

Purchase this Foundation for Large Pores: Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Walmart

Best Foundation for Large Pores and Sensitive Skin

Key Benefits of Clinique Even Better Foundation:

• Buildable formula
• soft, dewy finish
• great coverage and a natural look

Purchase this Foundation for Large Pores: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Target

Best Matte Foundation for Large Pores

Key Benefits of this Foundation:

• full-coverage foundation
• Smooth finish (matte look)
• Blurs pores nicely!

Purchase this Foundation for Large Pores: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Kohl’s

Best Drugstore Foundation for Large Pores

Purchase this Foundation for Large Pores: Target, Walmart, and Ulta Beauty

Best Foundation Oily Skin and Large Pores

​Key Benefits of this Foundation for Large Pores:

• lightweight formula
• blurs the look of pores

Purchase this Foundation for Large Pores:

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Best Hydrating Foundation for Large Pores

Purchase this Foundation for Large Pores: Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Lovelyskin.com

The Best Pore minimizing Foundation for Face and Body

Key Benefits of this Foundation:

• An excellent option for pool days!
• A little goes a long way! 
• It does a great job of minimizing the appearance of pores

Purchase this Pore Minimizing Foundation: Sephora, Dior.com, Walmart.com

 

Purchase this Foundation for Large Pores: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Norstrom

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Skincare for Large Pores and Wrinkles

A robust skincare routine is the backbone of healthy skin. A good skincare routine can help minimize the appearance of large pores and wrinkles. Here’s what you might want to include:

Cleansing

Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil. Clean pores appear smaller and lead to smoother skin.

Exfoliating

This is a game-changer. Regular exfoliation can remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Try an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliant for wrinkles, while beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliants are great for large pores.

I love Paula’s Choice exfoliating liquid!

Related article: Why Exfoliate? The Best Face Exfoliators around!

Serums

Lightweight but potent, serums can penetrate deeper into your skin.

Look for ones with ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide for anti-aging and pore-minimizing benefits.

Moisturizing

Hydrated skin is plumper and healthier, which can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and pores. Choose a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.

My favorite all-around moisturizer is CeraVe’s PM Facial Moisturizer. I use it day and night.

Sunscreen

Sun damage can enlarge pores and accelerate aging. Protect your skin daily with broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Currently, I am using this sunscreen. My dermatologist recommended it at my last appointment, and I am loving it!

Makeup Tips to Help Minimize Large Pores and Wrinkles

Once your skin is primed and ready, it’s makeup time! Here are some tips to get that flawless look

Priming

Primer is a miracle worker when dealing with wrinkles and large pores!

It fills in your pores and wrinkles, creating a smooth canvas for foundation. Look for a primer designed explicitly for blurring pores and fine lines.

My holy grail primer is Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. It plays nice with my foundations filling in my large pores and a scar I have on my face like magic.

Related article: The Best Primers for Mature Skin

Concealer

A good concealer can rescue those stubborn areas where foundation might not be enough – think dark spots, blemishes, or under-eye circles.

Just a dab can significantly improve the look of these imperfections.

Try a peach- or orange-tinted concealer for dark circles to counteract the blue tones. For redness or blemishes, a green-tinted concealer can do the trick.

My favorite concealer is Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Concealer.

It conceals imperfections like dark spots and undereye circles like a dream without settling into my fine lines and wrinkles.

Related article: The Best Concealers for Older Skin

Foundation Application

Apply your chosen foundation with a makeup brush in a circular motion. This will help ensure it fills your pores and wrinkles for a smooth appearance.

A brush gives you control over the coverage and helps distribute the foundation evenly.

Blending

A damp makeup sponge or beauty blender is an excellent tool for pressing the foundation into your skin and achieving a seamless blend.

Just remember to use a dabbing motion, not dragging.

Setting Your Makeup

Setting Powder

A light dusting of setting powder can lock your foundation in place and further minimize the appearance of pores and wrinkles.

Related article: The Best Setting Powders for Mature Skin

Finishing Spray

Finally, mist setting spray to set your makeup for the day. It keeps your foundation from settling into pores and wrinkles and gives your skin a fresh, dewy look.

I wrote an article about the best drugstore setting sprays if you want to hop over and take a peek. 🙂

And voila!

With these skincare and makeup tips, large pores and wrinkles can take a backseat.

Remember, everyone’s skin is different. Finding what works best for you might take a little trial and error.

Shop the best foundations for large pores

FAQs: The Best Foundation for Large Pores

Q: What type of foundation is best for large pores and wrinkles?

A foundation with a non-comedogenic, matte, or satin finish usually works best. It should ideally have skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides.

Q: How can I prevent my foundation from settling into wrinkles and pores?

Start with a good quality primer to smooth the skin’s surface.

When applying foundation, use a brush in circular motions and a damp beauty blender for a seamless finish.

Q: Can foundation make wrinkles and large pores look worse?

Yes, if you choose the wrong type. Heavy, cakey, or oil-based foundations can settle into and accentuate wrinkles and pores. Lighter, hydrating foundations are a better option.

Q: Is it necessary to use a primer if I have large pores?

While not a must, a primer can significantly improve the look of your foundation. It smooths the skin’s surface and can help reduce the appearance of large pores.

Q: Why is it important to match the foundation to my skin’s undertone?

Your undertone affects how the foundation looks on your skin. If the undertones don’t match, the foundation can look off, even if the shade is correct.

Q: Can I reduce the size of my pores?

While you can’t change the actual size of your pores, you can reduce their appearance with a good skincare routine and the right makeup techniques.

Q: Does mature skin need a specific type of foundation?

Mature skin often benefits from hydrating, lightweight foundations with anti-aging ingredients.

Q: Can I use the same foundation year-round?

Possibly, but many people find they need different shades as their skin color changes with the seasons. Also, your skin’s needs may change with weather shifts.

Q: How often should I replace my foundation?

Generally, you should replace your foundation every 12-18 months or sooner if it smells off or the texture changes.

Final Thoughts: The Best Foundation for Large Pores (and Wrinkles!)

Finding the best foundation for minimizing pores and wrinkles might seem daunting at first, but remember, the key lies in understanding your skin type, identifying what coverage and finish you desire, and ensuring the product has the right ingredients that cater to your concerns.

Ultimately, the best foundation for minimizing pores (and wrinkles) is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful while caring for your skin at the same time.

I hope this guide has been helpful in your quest for the best foundation for large pores and wrinkles.

Here’s to a flawless, radiant complexion in 2023 and beyond!

XO, Christine