The key to nailing any beauty look is to start off with a flawless canvas; and achieving a poreless complexion might be easier than you think with the help of the latest pore-refining products.
We review four new pore correctors to help you decide which works best for you:
Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner, $41.20
Specially formulated to work on combination or oily skin, the Sebium Pore Refiner contains mushroom pulp extract ‒ an astringent ingredient that is said to tighten pores upon application, and supposedly reduce sebum production over time, so your pores look more refined.
Review: I like how quickly this mildly-scented formula is absorbed. It comes out of the tube as a light, milky fluid but is barely visible as you spread it over your skin, resulting in a matte, non-greasy finish. While it blurs the appearance of my pores slightly, I would recommend dusting a bit of loose powder after for a more perfect finish. Bonus points for controlling the shine on my face for most of the day!
Ettusais Pore Concealer, $28
This fragrance-free formula is tinted so you look naturally flawless without the need for makeup. Said to conceal acne scars and other blemishes, this limited edition product is also sweat- and fade-resistant for long-lasting coverage.
Review: While this concealer manages to hide my lighter blemishes, it does require some blending for my skin to look even-toned, which may prove a bit of a hassle for those with a deeper tan. It lives up to its claim of staying on for most of the day without streaking, but is recommended to be used after your makeup primer instead of in its place.
Etude House Wonder Pore Corrector, $28
Described as a preservative-free pore correction serum with a cooling tip, this light gel is said to be a 7-in-1 solution that removes impurities from within your pores, minimises their appearance, controls sebum, moisturises skin, refines skin tone, maintains pH level of skin and retains the elasticity of pores. Use after your moisturiser for best results.
Review: The metal applicator makes this the easiest of the lot to apply, as I don’t have to use my fingers to spread the product. While I’m not sure if my pores were tightened because of the cool tip applicator, their appearance was definitely reduced and my skin did feel fairly hydrated. I’m hoping the skincare benefits will be more apparent over a longer period of use though.
Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser, $19.90
A fragrance-free translucent gel, this pore corrector is said to erase your pores, imperfections, lines and creases while providing a flawless matte finish. It also contains the antioxidant cherry extract and emollients to repair damaged skin and provide moisturisation.
Review: This formula offered the smoothest finish of the four. So smooth that it felt like I was gliding my finger over soft tofu, or like the name suggests, baby skin. It did a relatively good job of concealing my pores, but I was most impressed by how my skin tone looked much more even after application. While this doesn’t offer as much oil-control as the other three, it works well enough on its own as a makeup primer.