Affordable foundations for large pores that can suit oily, combination or dry skin
Do you have big pores?
We know that finding the right foundation for your skin can be a struggle. Many foundations tend to settle into the pores and make them look bigger, not the ideal look.
The good thing is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good foundation!
If you have oily skin, silicone-based foundations can be a great choice to minimize the look of large pores.
There are many foundations that work well for large pores. Whether you are looking for light or full coverage, here are some of the best drugstore foundations for big pores.
They’re affordable and will give your skin a flawless finish without breaking the bank.
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If you’re curious (or in a hurry):
✅ This specific foundation is the most popular with our readers.
It’s an excellent foundation and it’s also one of the most affordable foundations you can find! It’s available in 40 shades and has a lot of 5-star reviews.
Best drugstore foundations for big pores
Revlon photoready candid natural finish anti-pollution foundation
This foundation has a very creamy and light formula that blends very easily into the skin. It’s one of the best drugstore foundations for big pores.
It works for all skin types and it gives the face a smooth poreless finish.
It sits well on the skin and it doesn’t fine lines or wrinkles.
For a sheer coverage look, blend it with a damp makeup sponge like this affordable makeup blender.
Dab it gently on the skin without rubbing or dragging the product.
It’s made without oils, parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and fragrances. It’s also available in 31 shades.
Best matte drusgtore foundation for big pores
MAYBELLINE Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
If you have oily skin, try this drugstore staple from Maybelline. A few pumps of this foundation will help to blur large pores and wrinkles.
It’s all thanks to its exclusive formula with micro-powders that controls shine and minimizes the look of pores.
It’s available in 40 shades which makes it easy to find a fit for every skin tone. It gives great buildable coverage and it feels very light on the skin.
This oil-free foundation is also long-lasting and doesn’t slide or move around throughout the day.
To get full coverage, blend it seamlessly with a brush.
For a sheer look, use a damp makeup sponge.
Best Oil-free:
L’ Oréal Paris Infallible Pro- Matte Foundation
This matte foundation has a silky formula that is also silicone-based. It’s the perfect choice for anyone with oily skin who wants a foundation to control excess oil.
It gives a matte finish without sacrificing healthy-looking skin.
It blends easily with a brush or a sponge and it’s also buildable so you can sheer it out for a natural everyday look.
It’s also transfer resistant so you don’t have to worry about makeup transferring to your face mask!
L’Oreal has some of the best foundations at the drugstore and this one is no exception. It’s available in 22 shades and it has an air-light texture that looks natural on the skin.
Best full coverage:
Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
On days where you want full coverage, go for this foundation from Catrice. It’s one of the best drugstore foundations for big pores.
It comes with a unique dropper applicator and it gives high coverage for a natural-looking finish. The coverage is impressive for such a light formula!
It blurs the look of big pores and it covers imperfections and acne scars without looking heavy or cakey.
If you have dry skin, make sure to moisturize the skin very well before foundation application.
For a full coverage look, apply one to two pumps and blend outward in a circular motion using a face brush.
For a sheer look, use a damp makeup sponge and dab gently on the skin.
To get a long-lasting look, I set it with a tiny amount of powder.
Best waterproof and long-wearing:
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24h fresh Wear Foundation
The L’Oreal Paris infallible 24h fresh wear foundation is the best for those hot and humid summer days!
Thanks to its oil absorbers, the formula can resist sweat, water, and transfer.
It can hide everything from blemishes, acne scars , large pores, redness, or hyperpigmentation.
It’s also extremely affordable yet it can beat many high-end foundations!
Best matte drugstore foundation for big pores:
COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream
If heavy foundations aren’t your thing, check this BB cream from Covergirl.
It’s oil-free and it blends seamlessly into the skin leaving a natural looking matte finish. It helps to blur large pores and it doesn’t emphasize fine lines.
This BB cream can work great for mature skin and it’s all thanks to its lightweight formula!
You can apply it with a brush or a sponge depending on how much coverage you need.
Not only is it affordable, but this foundation also hides imperfections to create an even look so that your skin appears flawless without feeling heavy.
The only downside is that it’s only available in 6 shades so I wish that they could extend the shade range to suit many skin tones!
Looking for more foundations for aging skin? Check these best powder foundations for mature skin.
Best shade range:
Revlon Colorstay Makeup For Combo/Oily Skin
This long-lasting foundation sets quickly into a matte finish. it’s best suitable for oily and combination skin and it’s also oil-free.
It provides medium-to-full, buildable coverage and it has an SPF 15 to help protecting the skin.
It provides oil and great staying power which makes it a great choice for hot summer days!
This highly pigmented formula is available in 43 shades which is amazing!
Best photo-friendly foundation:
wet n wild Photo Focus Foundation
This extremely affordable foundation is formulated with a light-diffusing complex to help prevent white cast in photos.
It gives a natural semi-matte finish that looks like skin but better. It helps to minimize the look of large pores and it doesn’t emphasize fine lines.
It gives great coverage buildable coverage that doesn’t look cakey or heavy.
The only downside is that it has a paint smell which many people dislike. Other than that, i think it’s a great choice for oily skin!
Best for fair skin:
e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Finish Foundation
This oil-free foundation is supercharged with glycerin to hydrate and soften your skin.
It has a very light formula that blends easily into the skin to give nice buidable coverage.
It dries down to a semi-matte finish that hides imperfections and big pores. It’s also available in 40 shades to suit many skin tones.
For a better long lasting look, apply a primer before application especially if you have extremely oily or dry skin.
For a sheer coverage, mix it with your favorite moisturizer of with a face oil.
Best for medium skin:
Covergirl TruBlend Matte Made Foundation
This foundation from Covergirl has an interesting formula that is developed with flexi-hold technology. It creates a strong but flexible film on the skin for a long wear effect.
It has mattifying powders to absorb oil and minimize large pores for a matte finish that looks like skin.
Available in 40 shades, this foundation can be a great match for many skintones. It’s also CRUELTY-FREE and Transfer resistant!
Best for dark skin:
NYX CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP FULL COVERAGE MATTE FOUNDATION
This drugstore foundation comes in 45 shades. It has a liquid formula that glides smoothly into the skin.
It gives a waterproof matte finish that controls shines and mattifies your face all day long.
For better results, use a mattifying primer before application. Blend the foundation with a brush or a damp sponge depending on how much coverage you need.
If you have very oily skin, set it with a good setting powder so that it can last all day!
What type of foundation is best for large pores?
When looking for a foundation that can minimize your pores and make them look smaller, silicone-based foundations are the way to go.
Silicones give the foundations a silky texture that spreads so easily into the skin. They help fill in fine lines and pores to make the face appear smoother.
Silicone-based foundations can work well with all skin types.
People with oily skin can reach for a mattifying foundation with oil-absorbing properties.
On the other hand, many silicone-based foundations work for dry skin. They have a lightweight formula with hydrating ingredients and they give the skin a nice satin finish.
The idea is to avoid illuminating foundations or glittery makeup that can emphasize the size of the pores and make them look much bigger.
If you’d like to avoid silicone in your foundation, you can try silicone-free powder foundations. They have a dry formula that works better to control the shine throughout the day so your face won’t look like an oil slick.
Powder foundations can work very well to hide large pores. They can be a great choice for oily or combination skin. They quickly blur any imperfections and they provide oil control throughout the day.
Powder foundations are perfect for a quick everyday look. They are easy to apply and they provide great coverage too.
You can choose between pressed powders or mineral ones. They both work great to hide big pores and give the skin a polished look. They are also more convenient for on-the-go touch-ups and they don’t leave a greasy film on the skin.
Can you hide pores with makeup?
Makeup can minimize the appearance of large pores. Using the right products can make big pores look much smaller.
When searching through makeup aisles at beauty shops, stay away from any products that say ‘illuminating’. These types may just accentuate areas where you have large pores which we want to minimize!
Glittery highlighters can look oily and might draw more attention towards your problem areas so try to use subtle highlighters instead.
The best way to minimize large pores is through skincare. Try using mild cleansers and gentle exfoliants instead of relying on heavy coverage foundations that can make your pores look worse.
Sometimes it’s better to find a solution for big pores rather than trying to mask them with makeup. In this case, skincare is the answer!
Why are your pores more visible with foundation?
Your pores could look bigger after makeup or you might get the polka dots effect after applying foundation and there are two main reasons for that. It’s either your skincare routine or your makeup application technique.
Washing your face is the most basic step of any skincare routine. Avoid harsh cleansers and find a gentle exfoliator and moisturizer to work the best for your specific skin type.
The right skincare routine should be tailored to your specific needs. It starts with knowing what skin type you have and finding the products that will work for it.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution because everyone has a different need based on their skin type.
A good skincare routine starts with hydrated skin that’s able to absorb products better. Makeup can cling to dry patches or settle into big pores and this is something we want to avoid!
You don’t need a lot of products to build an effective skincare routine. Stick to the essentials like cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Avoid harsh products and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Related: Should you apply primer before or after sunscreen?
On the other side, the makeup you put on your face has the power to make or break a day.
Another way to avoid makeup settling into the pores is by using clean tools and controlling how much foundation goes onto the skin. Your makeup application technique can have a big impact on your look.
Of course, there will be some trial and error involved until you figure out what works best for you.
In general, avoid sliding the foundation on the skin as it might settle into the pores. Use a round dense brush and start by buffing the foundation into the skin with circular motions. Press the makeup gently so that it melts into the skin.
Make sure to use clean tools when applying makeup so that your brushes or sponges don’t drag any leftover product into your pores which can cause breakouts or skin irritation.
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