15 Best Foundations for Large Pores That Blur Imperfections

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Mar 19, 2024
Foundations for Large Pores That Work Like Magic
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

There are an unimaginable amount of foundations in the market that claim to be the best foundations for large pores. While it is next to impossible to keep your skin clear all the time, some people have a more stubborn skin concern to deal with – the infamous large pores that further lead to breakouts. Here, these foundations, containing ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide, provide buildable coverage and help reduce the appearance of pores over time. They also offer smoothing and blurring benefits with a natural finish.

Australian makeup artist and beauty YouTuber, Nikkia Joy explained how oily skin produces a large amount of oil, because of which the pores get used more, and hence get enlarged. Those who have pores know that it is a daunting task to sift through all the products available in the market all by yourself, to find the one that works for you. Well, you’re in luck, because you don’t have to worry about skimming through the thousands of options in the market as we bring you the 15 best foundations to hide large pores. Read ahead to get your hands on the most effective and suitable foundation for your pores.

15 Best Foundations for Large Pores

The Maybelline Fit Me matte + Poreless liquid foundation is every oily-skinned girl’s dream. If makeup has been a struggle for you because of large pores, and excessive oil production, then, you won’t find a better foundation than this rockstar by Maybelline. The product mattifies your skin, stays long, feels lightweight, and has an easy-to-apply formula. Add its lucrative pricing to the mix, and you will understand the craze behind this foundation. The product works for normal to oily skin, and within its vast shade range, you will find something for every skin tone! The Maybelline Fit Me matte + Poreless liquid foundation is the best liquid foundation for large pores in the market today!

Shades: 39

Finish: Matte

Color: 101 Porcelain

Pros
  • Gives a natural look
  • Matte finish
  • Easy application
  • Suitable for normal to oily skin
Cons
  • Not suitable for dry skin
  • Best For All-Day Wear

    e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation

    e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
  • There are many products out there that claim to be worthy of being one of the best foundations to hide large pores, but only a few have the versatility that the e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation offers. The formula is not just kind to your skin, but also cruelty-free and vegan. If you are looking for a foundation that stays on all day and gives your skin a smooth, semi-matte finish, while also minimizing pores, then this is the product for you. The formula is easy to blend, can be built up to achieve the desired coverage, evens out skin tone, and also has moisturizing qualities. All of that and more, at super-affordable pricing! This deal is as lucrative as it can get. 

    Shades: 38

    Finish: Semi-matte

    Color: Buff

    Pros
    • Moisturizing qualities
    • Suits sensitive skin
    • Sits light on the skin
    • Looks smooth after application
    Cons
    • Only offers medium coverage
  • Best Foundation with SPF

    bareMinerals Original Foundation

    bareMinerals Original Foundation
  • It is very rare when you run into brilliant makeup products with equally lucrative skincare benefits. The bareMinerals Original Foundation is one such product. This foundation, with its SPF 15 and a formula that is free from waxes, talcs, and parabens, is kind to your skin and kinder to your flawless makeup look. The product feels lightweight after application, doesn’t irritate the skin, and lasts for a huge chunk of the day. It works for all skin types and is one of those powder foundations that you can comfortably wear for an entire day. Adding to that, it offers great buildable coverage without clogging your pores and comes in 30 different shades to cater to all skin tones. 

    Shades: 30

    Finish: Natural

    Color: Medium Beige 12

    Pros
    • Protects skin from the sun
    • Has a lightweight feel
    • Stays on for long
    • Matte finish
    Cons
    • Fewer benefits than peers

    Quick Tip

    Prep your skin using a silicone-based primer before applying the foundation with a stippling brush and then set the base with loose powder, for a flawless finish that fetches compliments.

  • Best Water-proof Formula

    2Pack PHOERA Foundation

    2Pack PHOERA Foundation
  • Another amazing product on our list is one of the best foundations for large pores and wrinkles. We are talking about PHOERA. The product is available in a pack of 2, sold along with the brand’s concealer. It has a waterproof, full coverage, and lightweight formula that glides across the skin incredibly easily. It gives a smooth finish to the skin, minimizes pores, and covers up wrinkles. With its mattifying effect, up to 24-hour stay on the skin, and compatibility with all skin types, it is undoubtedly a deserving candidate for a flawless everyday makeup routine.

    Shades: 18

    Finish: Matte

    Color: 103 - Warm Peach

    Pros
    • Offers full coverage
    • Has a waterproof formula
    • Has a matte finish
    • Covers wrinkles
    Cons
    • Not transfer proof
  • Best For Powder Finish

    Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

    Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
  • If you are looking for a foundation that evens skin tone, gives your skin a soft matte finish, and minimizes pores, then check out the Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation. It is a must-have for all oily-skinned makeup lovers out there. The liquid foundation has a mousse-like texture and an oil-free composition. It is non-sticky and comfortable to wear, being lightweight on the skin. If you want to achieve a shine-free and mattified makeup look, then you need to check out this foundation by Rimmel. It neutralizes oily skin types to help you with a natural, flawless, and practically poreless makeup look.

    Shades: 25

    Finish: Matte

    Color: Soft Beige

    Pros
    • Oil-free formula
    • Light on the skin
    • Long-lasting formula
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Not transfer-proof
  • Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

    Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
  • The Catrice HD liquid coverage foundation is the perfect match for you if you are a fan of the airbrush finish. The formula lasts for up to 24 hours and feels light on the skin, which means that you can wear your flawless makeup almost all day long, without any discomfort. This vegan product offers buildable high coverage, evens out the complexion, and gives your skin a very natural-looking matte finish. Another added advantage is the unique dropper applicator which makes it easy for you to achieve your dream makeup look. The formula is free from gluten, alcohol, oil, and parabens and is cruelty-free. Kind to your skin, kinder to animals.

    Shades: 25

    Finish: Opaque

    Color: 030 - Sand Beige

    Pros
    • Airbrushed effect
    • Lightweight formula
    • Leaves a natural-looking matte finish
    • Offers high coverage
    Cons
    • Feels a little dry on the skin
  • Clinique Even Better Makeup, Chamois Foundation

    Clinique Even Better Makeup, Chamois Foundation
  • All makeup enthusiasts often dream of the day when using makeup does not just become harmless for the skin, but becomes beneficial for it. Well, the Chamois Foundation by Clinique has definitely brought us closer to the dream. It is skincare and makeup packed together in a bottle! The product reduces redness, improves skin tone, and minimizes the pores on your skin, all while giving it a natural finish. It also has SPF 15, which protects the skin from sun damage amongst other external pollutants thereby reducing early signs of aging.  It works well with sensitive skin types and visibly improves the texture of the skin.

    Shades: 56

    Finish: Natural

    Color: CN 40 Cream Chamois

    Pros
    • Offers good coverage
    • Reduces redness
    • Improves and enhances the skin texture
    • Has moisturizing qualities
    Cons
    • Slightly more expensive
  • Magic Finish Make-up Mousse by M. Asam – 4 in-1

    Magic Finish Make-up Mousse by M. Asam – 4 in-1
  • If you feel it is tiring and expensive to invest in so many different makeup products for different makeup steps, then the Magic Finish Make-up Mousse by M. Asam is an answer to your silent prayers. M. Asam brings you the benefits of a primer, foundation, concealer, and powder- all in one formula! Not just that! It smoothens and blurs your skin while combating redness, dark circles, and dark spots, and covering wrinkles. The buildable formula can offer up to full coverage application without feeling heavy on the skin. It gives a silky finish to the skin and is suitable for all skin types.

    Shades: 5

    Finish: Opaque

    Color: Light to medium skin tones

    Pros
    • 4 makeup products in 1
    • Buildable coverage
    • Feels lightweight
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Available in a limited range of shades
  • Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation

    Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
  • Transferproof, lightweight, and mattifying- if these words caught your attention, then the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation will keep it for good with its 24-hour wear formula. The product is oil-free, and yet, it blends so flawlessly that you will never find yourself complaining about cakey makeup. If you have normal to dry skin, then you can say goodbye to struggling with pores while applying makeup, because this Revlon product is the best foundation for large pores and dry skin. The formula offers full coverage and has a whipped, lightweight, mousse-like texture that is resistant to heat and sweat. The benefits don’t end here, but we will leave some for you to explore.

    Shades: 18

    Finish: Matte

    Color: Sand Beige

    Pros
    • Offers full coverage
    • Blends almost perfectly
    • Easy to blend
    • Oil-free formula
    Cons
    • Not for oily skin
  • True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation by L'Oreal Paris

    True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation by L'Oreal Paris
  • Foundations and Serums- there was a time when these two were separate steps in a makeup routine. Lucky us! The L'Oreal Paris True Match Tinted Serum Foundation has brought the two together. This Hyaluronic acid-containing formula helps your skin retain moisture, brightens complexion, offers sheer to medium coverage, is non-comedogenic, and works for all skin types. Not just that, it works well for sensitive skin too. This vegan, fragrance-free, and paraben-free foundation can be a great addition to your daily no-makeup makeup look. It gives a luminous finish to the skin.

    Shades: 14

    Finish: Luminous

    Color: Tan-Deep - 7-8

    Pros
    • Works for all skin types
    • Contains Hyaluronic Acid
    • Brightens Complexion
    • Suits sensitive skin types too
    Cons
    • Sheer to medium Coverage
  • COVERGIRL TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation

    COVERGIRL TruBlend Matte Made Liquid Foundation
  • The COVERGIRL TruBlend Liquid Foundation is definitely not a product to leave behind! With a long-lasting stay of up to 12 hours and its oil-absorbing qualities, it is a must-try and almost a must-have for every makeup enthusiast. The soft-matte formula minimizes pores and delivers a polished finish. Thanks to COVERGIRL’s unique flexi-hold technology, the product doesn’t get cakey despite containing powder mattifying powder. The technology helps the foundation form a flexible but strong film on the skin giving it the desired matte look without unwanted dryness. This amazing product is revolutionary in so many ways.

    Shades: 39

    Finish: Matte

    Color: Classic Beige

    Pros
    • Wide range of shades
    • Matte finish
    • Long-lasting
    • Absorbs extra oil
    Cons
    • Doesn’t offer full coverage
  • Baked Balance-N-Glow Illuminating Foundation by LAURA GELLER NEW YORK

    Baked Balance-N-Glow Illuminating Foundation by LAURA GELLER NEW YORK
  • A powder foundation that self-adjusts to your skin tone. We are not reading out of a fiction novel but describing the amazing LAURA GELLER Baked Balance-N-Glow Illuminating Foundation. With pigments that adjust to match your skin tone, and Vitamin C, an ingredient that is known for skin brightening, protecting skin against free radical damage, and minimizing wrinkles and fine lines, this foundation is straight out of a dream!. It is suitable for all skin types and gives a satin finish to the skin along with a gorgeous luminous glow.

    Shades: 8

    Finish: Satin

    Color: Porcelain

    Pros
    • Matches every skin tone
    • Creamy texture
    • Contains vitamin C
    • Illuminating effect
    Cons
    • Doesn’t offer full coverage
  • Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation Makeup

    Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation Makeup
  • Dermatologically tested, and a favorite amongst users, the Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation is a practically weightless pigmented suspension that is made of just 10 ingredients. The formula is oil-free and doesn’t get cakey. With its buildable coverage, natural matte finish, and compatibility for normal, combination, oily, and sensitive skin, there’s nothing to not like about this product. It is one of the best foundations for oily skin with large pores. Looks like it’s  time to forget about the day when pores interfered with your flawless and natural-looking matte makeup look. With this Dermablend foundation, pores will never be a problem again.

    Shades: 90

    Finish: Matte

    Color: 35 W

    Pros
    • Buildable coverage
    • Lightweight feel
    • Gives a natural finish to the skin
    • Suitable for most skin types
    Cons
    • Has a glass bottle packaging
  • Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation by Dermablend

    Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation by Dermablend
  • Another rockstar by Dermablend, the smooth liquid Camo Foundation is an SPF-containing pigmented wonder! SPF 25 protects your skin from sun damage, and the hydrating formula helps you deal with skin dryness. It offers medium coverage and is compatible with every skin type– normal, oily, combination, sensitive, and even dry skin! Although, comparably expensive, this non-comedogenic and dermatologically-tested product does justice to its price point. It glides easily across the skin and covers skin imperfections like hyperpigmentation and redness, providing an even-toned and natural finish. 

    Shades: 15

    Finish: Natural

    Color: 30W Bisque

    Pros
    • Works for all skin types
    • Contains SPF
    • Hydrating
    • Non-comedogenic
    Cons
    • Not transfer-proof
  • IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation, Anti-Aging Powder Foundation

    IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation, Anti-Aging Powder Foundation
  • A powder foundation that works for all skin types and has anti-aging qualities. Sounds like a dream, but it isn’t. The IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation contains hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin C, vitamin E, silk, peptides, antioxidants, and niacinamide. The amalgamation of these ingredients works together to give a younger appearance to your skin. The product offers medium to full coverage and has a blurring effect on the skin that effortlessly deals with wrinkles, pores, and other skin imperfections. With its natural finish and airbrushed effect that doesn’t crease or crack, this product is one of the best foundations for mature skin with large pores.

    Shades: 7

    Finish: Natural

    Color: Medium

    Pros
    • Offers medium to full coverage
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Has anti-aging qualities
    • Blurs imperfections
    Cons
    • A Limited number of shades

    How to Minimize Or Tighten Large Pores Fast And Easy?

    Many factors might lead to the development of large pores. You may inherit large pores genetically, they may be a result of increased production of sebum, or you may develop them because of sun damage. Pores also appear larger with age as the skin loses its elasticity (1). 

    Although it is not possible to make the large pores disappear completely, it is possible to reduce their size. Here’s a cheat sheet to minimize the size of your facial pores:

    1. Use skincare products that are right for your skin type
    2. Choose the right cleanser for your skin and properly cleanse your face
    3. Include a good sunscreen into your routine and NEVER forget to apply it before stepping out!
    4. Follow a healthy and balanced diet. Also, drink enough water. 
    5. And lastly, do not forget to remove your makeup before going to bed. Maintain clean, healthy, and moisturized skin

    How to Choose a Foundation for Large Pores?

    If you have large facial pores, you should be very careful while choosing the products to use on your skin. Choosing the wrong products may worsen the issue and your pores may end up appearing bigger. Keep the following things in mind when picking products to use on your skin-

    1. Do not ignore your skin type. Different products have different formulations to suit particular skin types. Using one that works against your skin will only make the pores appear larger. 
    2. Stay away from products with formulas that may clog the pores. This may give rise to other skin problems and even cause breakouts. 
    3. Primers can really help when working with pores. You may either look for a primer that works best for your skin or find a product that does the job of a foundation and primer at the same time. 

    It is a difficult task to achieve flawless makeup when working with large pores in your skin. It is important to choose products that make the pores manageable. That is why it is very important to pick the best foundation for large pores. This is where makeup steps in. 

    It is important that you gather enough information about your skin type, and what your skin requires, and try and test the products before committing to one for the long term. Choosing the best foundation for big pores is a very individualistic task

    Every individual has different skin care needs. Every skin type demands specialized care and attention. It is an unrealistic expectation to dream of maintaining smooth and healthy skin at all times. If you were to eliminate breakouts and blemishes altogether, you might still struggle with other genetic skin imperfections like pores. So embrace your skin the way it is and have fun while trying out new products!

    FAQ's

    Does Airbrush Make Up Cover Large Pores?
    No, applying makeup with the airbrush technique does not help in covering up large pores.
    Do My Pores Get Larger with Age?
    Yes, facial pores appear larger with age because the skin loses elasticity in the process of aging.
    What Do Dermatologists Recommend for Large Pores?
    Dermatologists recommend keeping skin clean, using gentle skin care products, and protecting skin from sun damage as methods to achieve smaller-looking pores.
    What Causes Pores to Look Big?
    Some people have large pores due to genetics, for others, it might be a result of poor skin care. Damage because of sun exposure and aging might be among other factors that cause larger pores.
    Can I opt to permanently close my open pores?
    No. But you can make it less prominent by applying the best foundation for large or open pores.
    Can ice shrink my pores?
    Yes, ice can tighten or shrink your pores. Its cooling action causes the blood vessels under the skin to close, making your pores appear smaller.
    Do my pores get larger with age?
    Yes, pores can get larger with age due to loss of skin elasticity and damage to the support and tissue around them.
    Does drinking water tighten my pores?
    Yes, drinking water can tighten your pores by balancing oil and water content on the surface of your skin.
    Why does the foundation make my pores look bigger?
    This can happen if you don’t use a silicone-based primer creating a barrier between your skin and your foundation.
    Will large pores ever go away?
    No, large pores never go away permanently. However, we can reduce their appearance by using the above-mentioned foundations.
    Why do my pores look so huge?
    Clogged pores, a loss of firmness in the skin due to aging, or excess oil are a few reasons behind enlarged pores.
    Which foundations should I avoid if I have large pores?
    You should avoid powder or heavy liquid foundations if you have large pores.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our in-house makeup coach, knows that dealing with large pores could be challenging. She says that using the right foundation can help you hide large pores and flaunt even and luminous skin. After trying numerous products, she has created this list of the best foundations that help conceal pores, giving you a flawless look. Out of these products, she recommends using Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup, as it feels light on the skin and gives a smooth finish. Plus, its hassle-free application and long-lasting results make it the best foundation for large pores.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More