Pore Perfection

You cannot remove your pores, but you can make enlarged ones look less visible with the right products. Simone Wu has this four-step routine.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
You cannot remove your pores, but you can make enlarged ones look less visible with the right products. Simone Wu has this four-step routine.
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Step 1 Decongest the Skin

Give your skin a thorough cleanse to remove dead skin cells, excess sebum and debris by using a clay mask like Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask ($21), or Estetica Est Lab Purclear Detoxifying Mask ($76).

If there are certain areas of your face that are very oily, you can apply milk of magnesia, available at pharmacies, on those areas. Keep it on for three minutes, then rinse off.

Makeup artist Larry Yeo says: “This is an affordable and good alternative that helps remove excess oil from the skin.”

Step 2 Add Moisture

After clearing the gunk from your skin, you want to get it plumped up and hydrated before makeup goes on. The quickest way to moisturise superbly is to use a face mask.

Try CNP Laboratory 2-step Propolis Energy Ampule Mask ($30.10 for a box of five sheets), or Izu Algae Hydration Mask ($83), to deeply nourish skin, while smoothing and plumping it up.

Step 3 Prime Your Skin

To help create a smooth, poreless-looking finish, apply a thin layer of makeup primer. Choose one that regulates sebum production to leave your skin matte, smooth and shine- free throughout the day. Try Covermark Brightening Make Up Base ($90).

Step 4 Use the Right Base

Choose a light-diffusing foundation, which helps blur out minor skin imperfections such as visible pores, dark spots and fine lines. You get a smooth, luminous and semi-matte finish too. Try Covermark Jusme Color Essence Foundation Liquid in Yellow ($80), and Moisture Veil Creamy Liquid ($55).