How to Create Poreless Makeup, According to a Makeup Artist

Everyone has pores, but not everyone wants them to be visible. And while pores can't magically disappear (or even get smaller, for that matter), there's plenty that can be done to reduce their appearance. We've asked a professional celebrity makeup artist for their tips on how to achieve smooth, poreless-looking skin.

Prep Your Skin Correctly

The key to a poreless, airbrushed effect starts before you even apply foundation. (Trust us—trying to buff foundation into dry, dull, or flaking skin is an uphill battle). A consistent skincare routine that includes exfoliation and hydration is the best way to pave a smooth canvas for canvas. But immediately before makeup, it's a good idea to cleanse the skin thoroughly and follow up with a lightweight moisturizer.

“If I’m dealing with a client who has large pores, I try to neutralize the skin as much as possible so that whatever foundation I use doesn’t ‘sit’ on the skin after hours of wear,” he says. His general rule of thumb? No matter what you use on top of your skin to refine your pores, nothing will work unless your skin is properly hydrated first. (And as always, sunscreen should be applied too.) And to prevent pilling, let your moisturizer seep into your skin for a minute before you start layering on sunscreen and makeup.

Tap in a Primer

Silicone is the ingredient that gives some of your makeup and skincare products that slippery, smooth-as-silk feel. Primers that contain silicone will “fill in” your pores and create a smooth canvas for your foundation, but make sure you’re applying them correctly—as in tapping, not rubbing. “Silicone can break up with too much rubbing or tugging, which will cause the product to roll and peel off the skin,” Martin says. “Tapping stabilizes the area.” He says you can do this with a small Beautyblender ($20) makeup sponge, or even just your ring finger. The same goes for concealer—tap, never rub.

Buff-In Your Foundation for a Blurring Effect

When it comes to covering pores, the key is to buff your foundation in a circular motion—Martin says this is a great technique to blur the appearance of larger pores. Use a large, fluffy brush with a slightly rounded head for best application. Martin says he swears by IT Cosmetics's Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 ($49); we also like Sigma’s F80 Flat Kabuki Brush ($25).

If you’re not one for primers, try to choose a glow-giving foundation that has blurring properties. Martin says he’s been obsessed with Dior’s newly reformulated Dior Diorskin Forever Skin Glow Foundation ($55); it's mattifying without being dulling, and also refines your pores over time. Some Byrdie favorites include Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth-Boosting Perfect Foundation ($49), L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation ($20), and CoverFX Custom Cover Drops ($29), which you can mix with your moisturizer or primer.

Always Set With Powder

A sheer wash of powder will finish off your newly poreless complexion—just avoid HD powders if you’re going to be photographed or in a well-lit place. Why? They can reflect light, especially with flash used in a dark room. Stick to translucent formulas, like Well People’s Bio Brightener Invisible Powder ($20); it has subtle radiance-boosting properties and gives you a soft-focus finish.