How to fix visible pores?

[Rosidia]

I got some pretty visible pores around my nose and I have no idea how to fix that. I'm hoping anyone here might know how?

I can't even figure out what type I have.
Some days it's kind of flaky, other days it's oily and disgusting.

When I use any kind of soap, even mild facal soaps, I get breakouts, and my skin itches.

I'm not used to applying anything to my face (no soaps, no foundation, no creams - just water, and the occasional coffee on my dark circles, eyebrow filling and eye shadow)

I have to admit that sometimes even washing my face with just water feels like I'm drying it out. But that might just be in my head.

I'm very new to all this, but I've decided to make an effort with my looks. I'm not sure what more you need to help me with this.
Just ask if I left something out.

 

[GoDawgs]

Do you have blackheads?  If so, I would start using a BHA product - one like a serum that stays on your skin.  I believe that larger pores are caused by the pores getting clogged and then stretched out.  BHA breaks down the stuff in the pores to clean them out.  You can also use a pore reducing primer during the day that will blur the appearance of pores, like Benefit Porefessional.

I really like Paula's Choice skincare.  You can do an online chat with customer service on their website and they will recommend personalized products and even send you free samples to try.

 

[wannabepoet]

most good on line businesses have good customer service, garden of wisdom, makeup artists choice, bobbi brown and there are others, i just can't think of them right now.

 

[glitteraddict]

I also vote for Paula's choice exfoliators. If you have dry skin get the 2% BHA lotion.

For a temp fix, try the little tube from Clinique called "Instant perfector", it comes in dark or light shades and is kind of like Polly Filla for your face. It is silky like a primer. I don't use it every day, just on special occasions when I want perfect looking skin.

 

[Rosidia]

This is going to sound really stupid to some of you, but what exactly is a primer? Can I use any primer for sensitive skin? (yeah, I'm very new to make-up)

We don't seem to have porefessional over here. Couldn't find Paula's Choise either. Norway can be a bit limited at times.

I will try a BHA serum if I can find any. I know they have something against blackheads at the pharmacy, but I won't be able to go there until Wednesday. I'll try it then.

I'll also see about the instant perfector /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Thanks for the help so far!

 

[GoDawgs]

A primer is a product that you apply to your skin after washing and applying your skincare products, and before any other makeup product.  It sort of lays the foundation for your makeup, helps it stay on longer, and can fill in pores and fine lines to help your makeup look better.  All of this said, while many people swear by primers, I honestly can't see a significant difference when I use one.

 

[Rosidia]

I went around the local online stores and I noticed that most primers are clear. Does this mean I have to use anything on them?

I see a lot of people wearing a thick layer of what I've always assumed to be founation. Personally I don't like that style. Is that what I'm going to look like with a primer?

Ideally I would still have my summer-freckles and my beauty mark.

 

[glitteraddict]

I don't notice my foundation lasting longer with a primer either. If it needs to last all day, the long wearing matte finish ones last WAY longer (like Revlon colorstay for oily skin).

These formulas are not what you'd call "light coverage though...

However, I do notice that some primers are effective at smoothing out large pores.

In short, primers are a completely unnecessary extra step.