A good foundation is essential to give you that smooth flawless skin, but if you are dealing with textured skin, you need to pay a little extra attention to pick the best foundation to cover large pores and wrinkles.
Many brands out there claim to be the best foundation, but which one is actually the most effective to provide great coverage, minimize your pores without crackling?
In this guide I’m sharing with you some of the best options out there, I’m sure you will find something that will touch your heart.
How To Choose The Best Foundation For Large Pores And Wrinkles
There are different factors you should have in mind before making your final decision, including your skin type, coverage, durability, and if it gives you a natural look altogether.
Here are a few things to consider:
- It has to be hydrating and/or contain nourishing ingredients
- May have SPF, UVA/UVB Protection for harmful UV rays
- Must contain anti-aging ingredients in the formula
- Lightweight
Further reading: Large Pores Treatment: How To Get Rid Of Big Pores?
Note: This post contains affiliate links, allowing me to get a commission if you buy a product recommended through the link at no extra cost to you.
Best Foundation For Large Pores And Wrinkles Shopping Guide
While shopping for foundations, make a preference for makeup products that will treat your skin simultaneously. It is an excellent idea to look at the package or the box and search for nutrients.
Another tip is to look for foundations that state explicitly for large pores or wrinkles on the box. These foundations can be liquid or full coverage, but a good tip is to use a compacted pressed foundation as the texture offers better pore coverage.
Next, you need to examine your skin condition and pick the one that will match your skin condition. Opt for a matte finish if you have oily skin; if you have dry skin, opt for a moisturizing, dewy finish foundation.
Typically, large pores come with oily skin, so you will need to find a matte foundation, often full coverage if you have additional acne. Also, look for non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic foundations that won’t clog your pores.
Oily Skin / Acne Prone Skin
OIly and acne-prone skin are more likely to have enlarged pores. If this is your case, a good tip is to opt for powder foundations or pressed foundations.
You can opt for a foundation containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, aloe vera, and niacinamide.
Dry Skin
You will look for moisturizing, dewy finish foundations; tons of liquid foundations will do well.
It is nice to opt for products that contain hyaluronic acid that will keep your skin hydrated.
It is also good to apply a moisturizer after primer and before the foundation application.
Avoid powder or pressed foundations as it can dry out your skin even more, and use lightweight liquid creamy or serum formulas.
Irritated or Sensitive Skin
It is a good idea to look for mineral makeup products as they will be very gentle on your skin.
Use many aloe vera products that are calming and anti bactericidal before and after makeup application.
What To Avoid?
It is best to avoid foundations that are too heavy, too creamy and that contain oils in the formula. At the same time, foundations that are too dry or mattifying may not be the best options as well.
Best foundations for large pores and wrinkles
The POREfessional Face Primer From Benefit
Suitable for: best foundation for All Skins / sensitive skin / Makeup For Older Women Large Pores
I’d like to start with this facial primer because this is a tinted primer dedicated to pores minimization.
I thought this idea fantastic and ideal for a professional yet lightweight, poreless makeup finish.
This is so good that you can use it alone or before applying foundation.
It’s an oil-free Silky lightweight balm with translucent formula with vitamin E that protects your skin from free radicals.
All you need is a thin layer to apply to the entire face with your fingers, plus you don’t need too much makeup for a flawless look.
You can also find it directly from Benefit Website.
MAC Face And Body Foundation
Suitable For: All Skin Types / sensitive skin / corrects skin undertones
The Mac face and body foundation is one of the best foundations I have tried because it gives a very natural-looking finish.
It is lightweight and liquid, and as I have oily skin, I like to finalize it with a loose powder foundation.
This foundation never let me down, and it never left me with pinpoints or breakage afterward.
I know this is a very lightweight formula, so some people like to use it with another foundation.
This foundation is perfect for evening skin tone, so feel free to try this one and share with me later what you think.
All you need is a thin layer to apply to the entire face with your fingers. You can also Find it directly from Mac Cosmetics Site.
MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION
Suitable For: OIly Skin / Including sensitive skin | Type: Pressed Foundation, anti-shine, matte finish, Inclusive skin tones
This is a pressed powder and foundation with a velvety texture that allows your skin to breathe.
The MAC studio’s powder foundation will give you a very natural look. It’s non-caking and lasts up to 12 hours.
The promise is that this will give you instant pore minimization and 8 hours of shine control on the website.
It is Sweat- and humidity-resistant and doesn’t cause acne and even skin tone.
To apply this liquid foundation, wash, and prep your skin with primer, moisturizer, and SPF protection.
With the help of a fluffy brush, apply it to the face with circular movements. You can also use the sponge that comes with the product.
You can also find it directly from Mac Cosmetics Site.
Clinique Even Better Clinical™
Suitable For: Combination to oily skin / Including mature skin | Type: Liquid lightweight serum foundation for large pores, buildable coverage, the matte finish won’t clog pores.
This Clinique foundation is pure technology packed with nourishing ingredients that treat your skin over time.
It is a satin matte oil-free formula, and the more you use, the better. I love that it has SPF protection which is a plus.
The formula contains excellent ingredients such as:
- Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and conserves skin younger
- Vitamine C e CL32 are anti-aging and target dark spots, protects mature skin, aging skin
- Salicylic Acid, which controls oleosity and smooths the skin
I like this long-lasting foundation that takes up to 24 hours; it’s pretty cool you have plenty of time to enjoy your events without worrying.
Here are more facts about this foundation:
- Sweat- and humidity-resistant
- Waterproof
- Non-acnegenic
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy tested
- Color matching adapts to your skin and stays true to your natural skin color
- Fix skin imperfections / foundation covers acne scars / covers dark circles
- Inclusive skin tones
You can also find it directly from Clinique Site.
Clinique Even Better™ Makeup SPF 15
Good For: Dry Combination and Combination Oily Skin / Including mature skin | Type: Creamy foundation for large pores, natural finish, moderate coverage, Inclusive skin tones / creamy formula
Clinique Even better makeup contains sun protection and claims to reduce dark spots in 12 weeks.
This is another foundation that treats your skin; the more you use it, the better you can achieve.
Also, it is a long-lasting foundation that takes up to 24 hours so that you can enjoy your event without worries.
With this foundation, you can expect brighter skin tone with continuous usage, and other skin improvements such as:
- Anti-aging: fine line, wrinkles, and age spot reduction, good for mature skin
- Anti-acne: improvements on acne and acne spots, acne scars marks
- Sun damage protection and nourishment
- Skin gets hydrated and smooth
- Color matching adapts to your skin and stays true to your natural skin color
- Covers skin imperfections and gives you healthy skin / foundation covers dark circles
- Inclusive skin tones
You can also find it directly from Clinique Site.
Estee Lauder Rescue Moisturizing
Suitable for: Normal to dry skin / Including mature skin | Type: lightweight liquid foundation for large pores, Buildable medium-to-full Coverage, Breathable, Natural Looking finish, Inclusive skin tones
This is only getting better. I simply love all the options; we have only the best foundations here.
ThisEstee Lauder liquid foundation is a hydrating foundation that treats your skin.
Bare with me because it treats the skin texture, is anti-aging, non-comedogenic, non-acneic, and much more.
I am excited about this foundation because there are many great promises.
I noticed that this counts with SPF 45, which is pretty cool and very important if you’re experiencing large pores.
It is long-lasting and takes up to 12 hours. It is not long, but it is long enough to have peace of mind.
Using this foundation, you can expect instant hydration, smoother skin, and fix skin imperfections, giving you healthy skin.
In addition, it protects your skin against pollution and antioxidants, even skin tone, covering redness and dark spots.
The key ingredients include:
- Chia-Seed Extract: that nourishes your skin
- Probiotic Technology: Which soothes your skin
- IonCharged Water Complex: leave skin hydrated
Interesting Facts about this liquid foundation:
- SPF 45
- Non-acnegenic; won’t clog pores
- Free of parabens, phthalates, drying alcohol, and mineral oil
- covers dark circles
You can also find it directly from Estee Lauder Site.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare
Suitable For: Normal to Dry Skin
Type: Liquid foundations for large pores (water-light fluid) with skincare and pore minimization treatment, naturally radiant finish, medium coverage, buildable coverage, Inclusive skin tones.
This pore minimizationIT Cosmetics foundation promises immediate improvements on your skin and treats your skin while using this foundation.
I like how they explicitly claim this is not only a liquid foundation but also a skin treatment.
Meaning the more you use, the better, and you should notice skin improvements on the second week of usage.
I love when I see these claims because this is the future of makeup, everybody wants to make sure their skin will improve from makeup usage.
This is a very lightweight hydrating formula foundation that contains:
- Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe Vera Extract for instant hydration and smoothness
- Vitamin E and B5 fights free radicals and strengthens the skin barrier
- Hepes Acid for a gentle exfoliation
The website promises you should experience better skin after two weeks of use, as it evens skin tone and refines skin texture, fix skin imperfections.
Further reading: Large Pores Treatment: How To Get Rid Of Big Pores?
Estee Lauder Stay-in-Place Matte Foundation
Suitable for: best foundation for Normal to oily skin / Including mature skin
Type: Powder foundation for large pores, sheer to full coverage, matte finish
The Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation is Non-acnegenic and won’t clog pores, and covers acne scars.
The texture is silky and soft and leaves the skin radiant smooth, with shine and oleosity control.
I like how it Is formulated with technology that adapts to your skin shade, staying true to your color.
This is a good foundation that will leave your skin unified; however, on the website, Estee Lauder doesn’t mention many treatments and benefits of using this foundation in the long term.
Further reading: Large Pores Treatment: How To Get Rid Of Big Pores?
Bareminerals BAREPRO® POWDER FOUNDATION
Suitable For: OIly Skin / Including sensitive skin / Makeup For Older Women Large Pores
Type: Pressed Foundation, medium coverage to full coverage, matte finish.
This long-lasting pressed foundation is ideal for shine control and specially created for pore minimization.
This is the most prolonged duration from bare minerals cosmetics, so you can be confident your makeup will last all day.
Or all night, maybe, but this foundation for large pores can last as long as 12 hours.
It is formulated with 90% natural ingredients that include vitamins and minerals.
Another great option is the bareminerals original foundation.
MAC STUDIO FIX FLUID SPF 15
Suitable For: OIly Skin Types / Including sensitive skin
Type: Liquid foundation, medium to full coverage (buildable coverage), matte finish, shine control.
Remember I said it is nice to have foundations with SPF protection?
Well, this is not a rule, as you can choose a primer with SPF or even use sunscreen before applying foundation.
But the MAC studio fix fluid comes already with SPF 15, which is a nice feature.
This liquid foundation is non-comedogenic, moisturizing oil-free foundation is lightweight, and gives you a natural matte finish.
Dermablend Cream Foundation with SPF 30
Suitable for: best foundation for All skins / Including mature skin
Type: Cream foundation for large pores, full buildable coverage, long-lasting (16 hours), Velvety finish
It is always handy to get a foundation with SPF, and the Dermablend cream foundation comes with SPF 30 protection.
Apart from that, it is Non-Comedogenic, Dermatologist-Tested. Sensitive-Skin Tested. Allergy-Tested. Fragrance-Free. Non-Comedogenic.
This is an excellent indication that this foundation won’t clog your skin pores. It is also anti-aging, hydrating, and protects the skin barrier.
For the smoothest application, apply this foundation on the palm of your hand, rub it a bit on your fingers for heat.
Apply it with your finger to cover spots imperfections and achieve an even skin texture.
At the same time, it also visibly diminished age spots.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating
Suitable for: Dry to dehydrated skin / Including mature skin
Type: Liquid foundation for large pores (lightweight water gel), long-lasting (24 hours), natural-looking finish, light to medium buildable coverage
If you are on a budget, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating is a good option as it does an overall good job.
It has a lightweight formula that is easy to spread with the fingers and offers good medium coverage.
It is a moisturizing oil-free foundation, non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and contains hyaluronic acid that hydrates, and it is also good to prevent signs of age.
Neutrogena says this is a nourishing foundation and states that you can use it as a skin treatment for visibly diminished age spots.
It Treats your skin gently.
This means that the more you use it, the better your skin gets over time, as it will improve skin texture and leave it smoother as well.
I like how this foundation for large pores counts with many good reviews on Amazon, as thousands of people seem to like and recommend it.
PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup
Suitable For: Skin that needs hydration / all skin types / Including mature skin
Type: Pressed Mineral Foundation, medium to full coverage (buildable coverage), natural-looking finish.
The PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral foundation is also a concealer and finishing powder.
It is a natural foundation, Cruelty-Free & Vegan Friendly, Organic, Hypoallergenic, with Natural Ingredients, that avoids skin irritation.
This foundation is also a skincare product, which you can use with peace of mind; it won’t damage your skin or clog your skin pores.
It is also anti-aging that covers wrinkles and fine lines well, a good product for immediate and long-term results.
The term four in one is also Foundation, Concealer, Setting Powder, SPF 15, also suitable for mature skin.
As a result, skin gets silky, soft, smooth, coving dark spots and uneven skin tone.
COVERGIRL TruBlend
Suitable For: best foundation for Oily Skin / Normal Skin / Including mature skin
Type: Lightweight Liquid foundation, oil-absorbing matte finish, long-lasting (up to 12 hours).
This Covergirl foundation is also a reference, with hundreds of good reviews online, giving segmentation to makeup on a budget.
Covergirl says this liquid foundation won’t clog your pores on their website and offers a pore coverage formula for a smooth, polished look.
Their Flexi-hold technology creates a solid yet flexible film on the skin and assures the skin is smooth and soft, removing excess oil.
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Foundation
Suitable for: All skin types / Including mature skin
Type: Compact pressed creamy foundation, shine-free finish, extended wear
Still, in the drugstore mood, I think the L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Creamy Powder Foundation won’t let you down.
This foundation can also be used as a skin treatment and contains Ceramide Antioxidant Complex and Minerals.
L’oreal promises this foundation will blur skin pores and minimize imperfections on their website.
It is anti-aging, as It smooths and blurs lines, pores, and dark spots while hydrating your skin simultaneously.
Olay Total Effects Face Moisturizer + Touch of Foundation
Suitable for: best foundation for Dry Skin / Skin that needs hydration / Including mature skin
Type: Creamy CC cream and foundation, natural-looking, sheer coverage
The Olay Total Effects Face Moisturizer + Touch of Foundation counts with great reviews.
It is a tinted moisturizer that is an excellent option to be used as a foundation that covers and treats seven signs of aging:
- Dullness, uneven tone, lack of firmness, rough texture, dryness, and visible skin pores, great for a natural beauty finish.
This cc cream/foundation counts with great reviews, and users seem to love and recommend it.
Foundations for large pores and wrinkles – Application Tips
1. Proper cleaning and Exfoliation
Remember to clean your face before and after applying makeup and use exfoliators to get rid of dead cells.
2. Apply Primer
If you want to minimize pores, there are suitable primers designed just for that.
Primers will prepare your face, make it easier for the foundation to spread and last longer.
Pick a primer that states on the box that it is designed for pore reduction.
3. Picking Up The Right Tools
In a circular motion, use the proper foundation brush (stippling brush), preferably synthetic and antiallergic.
I also like to use a damped sponge, as I like to damp it with setting spray to gently tap the foundation onto the skin.
3. Mineral or Translucent Powder
If your skin is oily, you will probably need to use powder. Use a mineral or translucent powder because they are lighter and won’t clog your pores.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF, to protect from harmful UV rays.
1. Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free Products
Every time you go shopping for skincare and makeup, it’s nice to double-check if the product is non-comedogenic.
Non-comedogenic products won’t clog your pores, avoiding breakage and acne.
When pores are clogged, they look even more prominent given the expansion. This is a piece of essential information.
While shopping, look at the product and verify it is stated as non-comedogenic oil-free.
It is even better if they explicitly state that it won’t clog pores in the product description.
2. Cleanse your face (AM and PM). Use a gentle cleanser
As you know, clogged pores will make your pores appear more prominent.
If you cleanse your skin correctly, it will prevent and unclog pores and excess oil.
3. Use Sunscreen everyday broad spectrum SPF
Sun rays can damage your skin, leaving it flaccid. Once the skin starts to get flaccid, the pores will look larger.
4. Exfoliation
By exfoliating your deep skin pores and getting rid of dead skin cells. Just make sure you won’t overdo it.
I like to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. Don’t do more than that, as it can irritate the skin and give you reverse results.
5. Retinol
Retinol is excellent for skin tightening and consequently reducing wrinkles and large pores.
Best Foundation For Large Pores And Wrinkles (FAQ)
What Causes Large Pores?
You can keep in mind that large pores can happen due to genetic factors, but there are also a few other reasons someone may experience it.
Overly sun exposition and sun damage, combined with pollution and overly oleosity, can also cause large pores.
If you don’t have a proper cleansing routine, using some types of makeup may also contribute to large pores.
As you age, your skin loses its elasticity.
large pores can also be a sign of skin aging, so an anti-aging and hydrating skincare routine may be a good practice.
Is powder foundation the best pore minimizing foundation and wrinkles?
Not necessarily better, but I have heard many makeup artists saying they take longer and are very effective while covering large pores.
Is pressed foundation better to cover large pores and wrinkles?
Pressed foundations can be a good option for large pores as well. They tend to be lighter, cause less oleosity, and clog skin pores.
Is liquid makeup foundation better to cover large pores and wrinkles?
Liquid foundations are also suitable for covering large pores, especially wrinkles.
Get the proper foundation for your skin condition and look for non-congenic products.
Is the Airbrush Foundation Recommended for Large Pores?
Airbrush foundation may not be the best option for you, if you have large pores, as it can sit on your pores and wrinkles and clog your pores.
How To Stop Foundation Settling In skin pores
The best way to stop foundation settling in pores is to perform a deep cleansing on your face.
Make sure to double cleanse to remove all makeup, use makeup remover to assure all products will go away.
Exfoliate from time to time and apply a poreless primer before foundation application.
Can I permanently treat large pores and wrinkles by using foundation?
Even though we showcased here different options of foundations that claim to treat conditions such as pores and wrinkles, it is better not to rely solely on them to get your pores permanently closed.
There are other treatments that are much more effective and you can use these foundations as a complementary treatment and will help improve even more your skin conditions.
Will Drinking Water Close Skin pores?
Drinking water alone won’t close skin pores. What happens is that by drinking lots of water, your skin improves its overall conditions, but it won’t close open pores. We recommend drinking lots of water and still do a proper pore treatment to achieve best results.
Why Trust TheMakeup Blog?
I have been testing, researching and writing about makeup and skincare for this website for more than five years, I check facts with dermatologists, scientific papers, and I am always taking skincare and makeup classes and workshops to keep myself up to date. I test and use most of the products myself and use reputable sources to talk about the ones that I am not able to test myself.
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- Mac Face And Body Foundation Review: How To Apply It?