The 5 Best Products to Conceal Enlarged Pores

Linda has written content for national fashion and beauty websites. She enjoys sharing style trends and tips with her readers.

I’ve always had overactive sebaceous glands. Fortunately, I never suffered much in the way of breakouts in my teens, other than the once a month eruptions that always appeared at the most inopportune time. However, in my case, I noticed my complexion getting worse in my 40s and even into my early 50s. It seemed my oil production had surpassed that of the Middle East!

This excessive oil resulted in clogged pores that have become enlarged throughout my T-zone--you know, that T-shaped area of your face that runs across your forehead and down the middle to your nose.

To make matters worse, my makeup mirror only amplified the situation. Each morning I stared at my 10x magnified pores, praying for a quick fix. That’s when I set out on a mission to find the best products to conceal enlarged pores.

I decided to concentrate on budget-friendly, non-chemical, cosmetic products. Here are my personal favorites for reducing the look of enlarged pores. Hope you like them too! Now I can happily face my pores in the mirror each morning!

(I would like to make it clear I am not affiliated with any the cosmetic companies mentioned. This article is simply a product review based on my personal experiences, and the products are listed in no particular order.)

1. Kiehl’s Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler

Kiehl’s website says this product has “double the filling power to instantly fill lines and wrinkles, smoothing them over time”. While I do have a few wrinkles and deepening lines, I was more interested on the impact it might have on enlarged pores.

It contains what they call sodium hyaluronate filling spheres and hyaluronic acid that bind with moisture to “fill” wrinkles. My thought was, if it works for facial crevices, why not for enlarged pores?

Although it has received some pretty negative reviews, I decided to give it a go because I like Kiehl’s product line. For my purposes, it does the trick. Maybe my results are better because I only use it in concentrated areas.

I apply a small amount to each problem pore (and let dry completely) before applying my moisturizer. I finish with a translucent mineral powder. While my enlarged pores are not completely invisible, their appearance is greatly diminished. I really like the fact that it contains no silicone, which, I feel, tends to clog my pores. And who knows, the hyaluronic acid might actually help lessen the appearance of my pores over time.

2. Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector

This Clinique product is a matte primer that is supposed to conceal pores, fine lines and scars. The company says it lasts up to eight hours and is resistant to sweat and humidity. All you do is it dot and gently blend over pores. I use it alone with a dusting of finishing powder and rarely have the need to reapply during the day.

I have tried this product off and on for a few months, while testing others. Previously, I used Clinique’s Pore Minimizer and was mildly impressed, but I have to say the reformulated version is definitely an improvement over the original. It does contain silicone polymers, so I take extra care in cleansing my pores when using this product.

I apply the Invisible Bright shade after moisturizing and before my finishing powder. It also helps keep t-zone oil at bay. The formula is a bit thinner than the original product, but it seems to work better concealing my large pores. When I save up, I’m going to try it with the companion Correcting Serum and see how the two products work together.

3. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Refiner

I’m new to Dr. Brandt products, but am thoroughly impressed with this temporary solution for enlarged pores. Like Clinique’s pore refiner, Pores No More gives skin a matte finish and keeps my problem areas from shining through.

This product contains a nice balance of natural ingredients like tea tree oil (natural antibacterial) and flaxseed extract along with a salicylic acid derivative to regulate and absorb excess oil. It comes in tinted and clear formulas.

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I received a sample of this product, so I can’t vouch for long term results. However, I did notice an improvement in appearance of the pores around my nose. As with the other products, this isn’t a miracle cure for enlarged pores, but I thought the results were quite impressive. Be sure not to apply too much of this product or it tends to flake. Apply with a light hand and you’ll be just fine…and so will your pores.

4. Benefit The POREfessional

The POREfessional is called a balm, but don’t let that scare you away. It is a lightweight formulation that comes in tube form. The POREfessional’s oil-free formula is translucent, so it is great to wear with or without makeup. It contains some sort of vitamin E derivative that the company claims helps protect your skin from free radicals. That’s one of the benefits of this Benefit pore minimizer.

I keep this product in my purse for quick touch-ups when my face starts to get oily and my pores become more visible. I don’t use it as a primer. Instead, I prefer to apply it to pores later in the day and over my mineral finishing powder. For some reason, it’s more effective for me when applied after the fact. It has a nice matte finish, so it won’t be obvious when applied over your other makeup. I would give this product a better than average rating for its ability to conceal enlarged pores.

5. Smashbox Photo Finish Targeted Pore & Line Primer

I bought this Smashbox primer because of its descriptive name. I love names that tell you exactly what a product is supposed to do. The website claims this product was designed to target oversized pores and fine lines. Without even reading any reviews, I was sold and immediately purchased a tube.

It is fragrance and paraben-free, but it does contain silicone elastomers to reduce oily shine. So give your pores a good cleansing at the end of the day. Smashbox goes on all day about the unique application tip—I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. I just put a dab of primer on my finger and gently press it into my pores.

I am very pleased with the results of this thick primer. I apply it just like the POREfessional—after I apply my mineral veil. The primer mixes with the powder and does a heck of a job of concealing my enlarged pores. I understand it is also good for hiding acne scars as well. This is another product I would recommend keeping on hand for late day touch-ups.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2012 Linda Chechar

What Do You Think About These Pore Concealing Products?

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on January 22, 2014:

Lindy, I definitely will. Thanks for reading and thanks for the tip!

Lindy on January 22, 2014:

try miracle blur from loreal. Covers pores and wrinkles.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on June 17, 2013:

Give it a try vibesites and let me know what you think! Thanks for your comment! :)

vibesites from United States on June 17, 2013:

"It seemed my oil production had surpassed that of the Middle East!" - mine too! Lol.

Based on your descriptions, I'd go for Smashbox and try one for myself. Thanks for recommending! :)

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on June 12, 2013:

jenabroad, thanks for explaining your application technique! That is very important in order to get the best coverage. Thanks for reading and sharing your experience! :)

jenabroad on June 12, 2013:

I do a combo of things that seem to work really well. After applying a witch hazel toner, I use a make up sponge to apply the kiehl's to the area of the large pores (if you use your fingertips, the heat from your hands only enlarges the pores further). After that dries completely, I use the sponge to add the benefit pore-fessional and use a tissue to remove any that is not covering the pore. Cover with a loose powder and use the Pore-fessional in the same way described above if you need additional coverage/ touch ups. I have found it to work extremely well! Good luck!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on May 05, 2013:

You are welcome suthernlam! Thanks for reading and your comment. Take care! :)

suthernglam on May 05, 2013:

Great hub! I definitely have pore problems, so I may try the Dr. Brandt's:) Thanks.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on November 14, 2012:

I know, lana! I wish I had the money I've spent on pore minimizing/concealing products over the years. Clinique definitely make a great product. I hope it works for you! Thanks for reading and commenting. :)

lanablackmoor from New England on November 14, 2012:

I seriously wish this hub had been around ages ago. I've tried more products than I care to mention in an attempt to conceal the pores on my nose and under my lip. I think I'll give the Clinique product a try since they've never steered me wrong in the past. Thank you for sharing!!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on October 28, 2012:

Oooh! Londonlady, thanks for the tip with the Vaseline! I never would have thought about that. Glad you like the Hub and hope it was useful. Thanks for the read, comment and vote! :)

Deya Writes on October 28, 2012:

I tend to wear a light foundation when my skin feels less-than-perfect but even just a slight layer of foundation leaves my skin's pores showing through. I found that using a bit of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) under foundation, or even after applying these pore perfecting creams, helps a lot! Good hub, voted up! :)

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on September 22, 2012:

Thanks so much Lillian! I hope the Kiehl's works for you. It is so difficult to find any advice online that isn't biased. I just wanted to share my real life experiences. I appreciate your comment and look forward to hearing what you think about the product. :)

Lillian on September 21, 2012:

Love this post, it's exactly what I was looking for -- a girlfriend's advice from someone who's been there. I will order the Kiehl's immediately, based on your recommendation. I second tillsontitan - your post should be picked up by a magazine. Thanks for doing your homework and sharing your results.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on April 24, 2012:

Thank you for such a flattering comment and the votes, tillsontitan! I took copious notes as I tested each of the products, so I could provide readers with the best information possible. Glad you liked the Hub!

Mary Craig from New York on April 24, 2012:

What a comprehensive review! You did a great job of describing each product and how to use it. This hub could be in Cosmopolitan. You did your research and stated so. Voted up, useful and interesting.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on April 13, 2012:

SmartAndFun, yes, from what I understand you can only hope to temporarily tighten pores by steaming, cleansing and splashing with cold water--it won't actually shrink them. My only salvation is "spackling" (I love your comparison!) The only other option is laser resurfacing or other expensive treatments from a dermatologist--I would love to do that, but it isn't in the budget! You will have to let me know which product you end up purchasing and your impressions!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on April 13, 2012:

Arielqiao, no offense taken. :) Have a great weekend!

SmartAndFun from Texas on April 13, 2012:

Thank you, Lindacee, I found this hub helpful. I have huge ugly pores on my nose. I have given up trying to shrink them; I don't know if that is even actually possible. So, your information is helpful to me. LOL, I need face spackle, like the stuff you put on a wall to fill in the nail holes. Maybe I will get the Khiel's when I get my first HP payout, hopefully this month! :)

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on April 13, 2012:

Arielqiao, I have no affiliation with any of these cosmetic companies; just wanted to offer my experiences with and personal opinions about these products to help others dealing with the embarrassment of enlarged pores. :) Thanks for reading my Hub!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on April 13, 2012:

SmartAndFun, The Kiehl's works best for me, however each of the others I mentioned in the Hub are great choices too. Unfortunately it takes some experimentation to see which one works best. Thank you for the comment! Good luck!

SmartAndFun from Texas on April 13, 2012:

Ugh I need a product like this, especially for my nose. Which one of these would you say works best?

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on April 12, 2012:

Yes, paxwill, I have and it is a refreshing toner after cleansing! However, it does not help to reduce the size of my extra large pores. Unfortunately, I need products designed to conceal them. A combo of middle-age hormones and genetics. :( Thanks for stopping by my Hub!