How to Cover Pores With Makeup to Minimize and Fill

If you were born with large pores, you might struggle with getting makeup to smooth over them. In my years of testing products, I have learned how to cover pores with makeup. It comes down to how you prep with primer!

How to Fill In Pores

Pores Are Your Skin!

I have oily, combination skin that is prone to acne. I have huge pores on and around my nose, which I refer to as “craters.” I tend to get oily on my forehead and on and around my nose the most.

I want to address skincare and makeup products and tools that claim to reduce, to hide, or even to eliminate pores. Maybe you think my “pores are your skin” title tag is weak and obvious, but I am making a crucial point. There is no product that will make your pores go away or that will permanently change them. Take it from me, I have tried so many products, and I never see any changes. You cannot change the skin you are born with! Your pores are what they are. Instead, we have to learn how to fill in pores while taking good care of our skin.

In all of my experimentation, I have come to learn that the best way on how to fill skin pores is with a pore filling primer. You can tell that a primer is truly working when you can see the product inside of the pores. The holes actually get filled with the primer, thus creating one flat surface for your foundation to cover. With the holes left open, foundation does a poor job of covering the pores, and you get left with the “dots” or “crater” effect that looks unappealing.

Besides a pore filling primer, I do note that a velvet makeup sponge smooths makeup over pores incredibly well, more so than any other application tool that I have tried to date. Pair one of those up with an awesome primer and you have a date! Even if you forgo a primer or the steps on how to fill up face pores, the sponge still does a decent job.

How to Fill in Pores on the Face: 2 Product Recommendations

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

Yes, it is expensive and there are many dupes for it on the market. I tested this primer against many others, and I cannot deny the fact that it works the best out of all.

Here is the deal- this primer fills pores 100%, which can be hard to come by with mine in particular. You can visibly see the filling effect. Also, the formula is impeccable. It is more smooth and hydrating than elf’s version, so you even get a slight blurring effect. This primer leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated, but not tacky. This is now my primer of choice for special occasion makeup, such as my powder foundation makeup routine. On days not as important, but when I still need a bit of a fill, then I turn to the elf version as it is less expensive.

It really does not control oil production on me, as it will let my skin do its thing. Those results mirror elf’s, so I am not mad about it. This is my number one choice.

elf Poreless Putty Primer

It is the cheapest of all three primers, and it honestly works darn good when it comes to how to fill in pores on the face. This will fill about 90% of your pores, and it dries down with a mildly tacky finish. It will not control oil production, and it lacks the soft and blurring effect of Tatcha. This primer is my number three choice and it is perfectly good for daily use, especially with the price tag.

FAQ

Can pores be permanently reduced or eliminated?

No. Pores are part of your skin’s structure and cannot be removed or permanently changed. Products can improve the appearance but not alter pore size.

What actually fills pores before makeup?

A true pore filling primer works by settling into the pore openings and creating a flat, smooth surface for foundation to cover.

How can I tell if a pore filling primer is working?

You should be able to see the primer sitting inside the pores. When the holes look filled before applying foundation, the primer is doing its job.

Do pore filling primers control oil?

Most pore filling primers do not control oil. Their purpose is smoothing texture, not managing shine.

Is a makeup sponge better than a brush for smoothing over pores?

Yes. A velvet or soft makeup sponge presses product into the skin and smooths over pores more effectively than brushes.

Why does foundation sometimes make pores look worse?

When pores are not filled first, foundation sinks into them. This creates a dot-like or crater effect that highlights texture.

How much pore filling primer should I use?

Use a small amount. Apply it with one finger and pat it into the areas where pores are most visible.

Should I let pore primer set before applying makeup?

Yes. Give it a few minutes to settle so it can fully fill the pores and prevent makeup from sliding.

What makes Tatcha The Silk Canvas effective?

It fills pores completely, feels smoother and more hydrating than many alternatives, and adds a soft blurring finish.

Is elf Poreless Putty Primer good for filling pores?

Yes. It fills most pores and is very effective for the price, though it is slightly less smoothing and hydrating than Tatcha.

Shop The Primers

The key to getting a good fill is using a primer that does its job correctly. When you can physically see the primer inside of the pore holes, you know that it is creating an even layer for makeup application that will prevent textured skin. So many primers slap claims on the tube that they will fill pores and blur the skin, but most fail miserably. Do you struggle with your pores? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

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