Unfortunately, there’s no miracle cure to refining damaged pores overnight. There are a few pore minimising steps you can take though, to ‘hide’ them using makeup. Just like great hair days, we also have great makeup days. Your foundation glides on smoothly, doesn’t look dull or tired, and feels plump, hydrated and even. The trick? You must prepare your canvas- your skin!! When your skin is happy and healthy (hydrated), you’ll find you’re using less foundation, with a more fresh, flawless finish.
One of the main culprits for ruining this flawless finish is enlarged pores! In the right lighting, you may notice enlarged pores quite easily. We find them in sun-damaged skin, oily skin, skin that’s ageing naturally (genetics) or in people who aren’t caring for their skin correctly. i.e. sleeping in makeup and clogging the pores.
So, what are the vital steps to achieving this flawless finish you ask? Firstly, make sure your skin is hydrated. This will ensure your skin is plump and even, doing half the job for you and making your pores appear smaller. By using Hylauronic Acid, such as Aspect Dr Hylauronic Serum, in your skin routine, you will add instant plumpness and immediately notice the difference in your skin texture.
Hydration is your pore minimising friend
The last thing you want is makeup sitting in the pores and accentuating the appearance. By using a skin primer, you’re applying a barrier between the foundation and your skin. So it sits on the surface allowing even application. Just make sure you cleanse your face of an evening as most primers use Silicon. Silicon acts as a filler (great!) but you don’t want to be sleeping in this, as it can clog your pores. You want to be tapping or pressing the primer into the skin with a sponge or your fingers, as rubbing will only result in balling of your foundation, which is such a pain!
Next is your foundation in liquid or powder. Also apply this with a sponge or brush, but in a buffing, circular motion. This gives an overall ‘smudged’, ‘blurring’ affect and helps to conceal the visible pores. Concealer can then be tapped into the skin on top for extra coverage- but no rubbing! You will only wipe off product and cause your primer and foundation to become patchy.
Primer + foundation THEN concealer…
To finish your skin base, apply a light dusting of loose or pressed powder. This isn’t always necessary, as some skin, especially dry, won’t require it. Your pores will be happier without it, BUT people with oily skin usually won’t leave the house without it! If you ensure you have a good one, with no nasty ingredients like Osmosis, Colorescience or Jane Iredale, it’s totally fine to powder away. Blush, contouring or any colour added on top must be matte. Any shimmer will only accentuate the pores!
Our best advice for long term healing and pore minimising, is to treat, protect and hydrate your skin! The makeup is a temporary fix, but you can stop, or slow down the damage by caring for your skin first. By adding an exfoliating mask, such as Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask, once a week and Retinol, Vitamin A serum, such as Osmosis MD Calm, every evening, you will ensure all the dirt, oil and dead skin is removed. By wearing sunblock every day you’re protecting your skin from UV damage and by using products like Osmosis MD Rescue, you’re treating the structural collapse, from ageing, around the follicle that pulls the pore open.
Still not sure?
If you need more help or would like personalised advice on what skincare products are best for you, book now for your consultation with a skin care advisor. Check out our range of in-clinic services today.
Or fill in the Online Skin Consultation, and our skin care advisor will happily help you to choose the right treatments and products for your skin type or concern.
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