How you can achieve a smooth and poreless skin complexion, according to makeup artists

Let’s face it: Everyone has facial pores, and they’re here to stay. In fact, they’re an essential part of the skin’s function.
And here’s an interesting fact: There is a common misconception that our pores can naturally open and close. But in actuality, the pores remain constantly open and they do not fluctuate in size.
However, the sebum and dirt that get trapped in the pores can cause the pores to look larger. In addition, signs of ageing such as skin sagging and sun damage can also make the pores look enlarged as gravity takes over. 
So while it’s impossible to get rid of one’s pores, you can make them look less obvious. We asked two makeup artists for tips: Airin Lee, co-founder or Arly.co and makeup artist with a background in cosmetic science and more than a decade in the beauty industry, and Lasalle Lee, celebrity makeup artist to Elvin Ng, Jernelle Oh, Kimberly Chia and Michelle Wong.
“Skincare is the foundation to a smooth canvas. Without it, the canvas [the skin] will be textured no matter what we do,” explained makeup artist Airin Lee.
And that all starts with a good cleansing routine. For this, Airin advised double cleansing every night with an oil/cream cleanser, followed by a gel cleanser to remove excess sebum, grime, makeup and sunscreen, as well as to reset the skin.
By doing so, it helps prevents impurities from getting trapped in the pores that can make them look more obvious.
Try: KraveBeauty Makeup Re-Wined Transforming Jelly Oil Cleanser, S$41
Contains sustainably sourced upcycled grapeseed oil, this applies like a gel, but transforms into a slick oil upon massaging to help gently but effectively remove traces of makeup, dirt and even sunscreen with ease.
Available at www.sephora.sg
“Skincare prep is important before makeup application as it helps to keep the skin hydrated,” said makeup artist Lasalle Lee.  
Without a doubt, for a smooth complexion, skin needs to be well-hydrated. This is because when skin is hydrated, it looks plump, supple and smooth. And this in turn, helps minimise the appearance of pores.
To ensure this, your skincare routine should include a toner, serum and moisturiser. These layers of hydration help moisturise and nourish the skin from within, preventing dryness or dehydration that can make skin look more textured on the surface.
And yes, even if your skin is oily or you hate the feel of moisturiser, you should still use one. To this, Airin advised opting for a lightweight gel moisturiser instead of a heavy cream-based moisturiser that is not only better suited for Singapore’s heat and humidity, but also reduces the risk of clogging the pores, especially for those with oilier or combination skin types.
Try: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Cream, S$63
Ideal for combination and oilier skins, this lightweight moisturiser not only contains Laneige’s next-gen blue hyaluronic acid active that amps up its hydration powers, but also has betaine and mint leaf extract to soothe the skin barrier and balance the skin’s oil-moisture levels, leaving skin feeling refreshed and supple.
Available at Laneige boutiques and official Laneige stores on www.lazada.sg and www.shopee.sg
To further enhance complexion’s smoothness, apply a makeup primer before foundation.
Choose a primer that has a formulation that contains silica or dimethicone (a silicone-based polymer) as these often help create a silky, velvety appearance, and are known to help blur imperfections, such as fine lines and enlarged pores.
For the best results, Lasalle advised blending the primer in an outwards manner or in a circular motion during application.
Try: Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Face Primer, S$61
A face primer that instantly minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines to give skin that silky-soft and smooth finish. Plus, it also helps makeup adhere better for a long lasting finish, especially in Singapore’s humidity.
Available at www.sephora.sg
According to both makeup artists, choosing the right texture and finish for your base makeup can make a difference to how the skin looks.
When it comes to concealers, Airin shared that a cream concealer rather than a liquid one works better, as it is able to blend better, especially around the grooves of the face. “When using a liquid concealer on pores or textures, it’s not structured enough to conceal the [appearance] of the pores as well as a cream-to-powder based concealer.”
As for foundations, Lasalle advised choosing one with a matte or velvety-matte finish and with sebum control properties that will be able to blur the appearance of enlarged pores while keeping complexion looking fresh.
Try: JungSaemMool Skin Nuder Cover Layer Cushion, S$52 (inclusive of refill)
With a unique moist essence blending powder, it keeps skin soothed and hydrated while minimising the appearance of enlarged pores. At the same time, it also offers a soft matte finish and long-lasting wear that’s great for combatin Singapore’s humidity. Comes in five shades.
Available at www.jsmbeauty.sg
When it comes to makeup application techniques, both makeup artists advised using a tapping, patting or even pressing motion. And this can be used for all products, from primers and concealers to foundations and powders to help blur the appearance of pores for a natural and flawless finish, said both.
This is especially so with primers that have silicones in its formulation, because rubbing can result in the product rolling and peeling, creating annoying little balls and flakes, while tapping will help it adhere better.
And to achieve that smooth finish, using the right makeup are just as important. Instead of using your fingers, opt for makeup sponges (a Beauty Blender is Lasalle’s go-to) or cushion pad (often used for cushion foundations), to make tapping in your product easier.
Alternatively, Airin suggested using a makeup spatula to glide the foundation over the skin in a thin layer, before using your makeup sponge or cushion pad to pat it in. Applying the foundation in a thin layer minimises any caking that can exacerbate the look of your enlarged pores.
Try: Piccasso Makeup Spatula, USD$25 (S$34)
Created with the expert know-how of Korean makeup artist Ham Kyung-sik, this makeup spatula is the perfect tool for helping you achieve a thin and even layer of foundation application. The result: A very natural and seamless finish. Plus, it’s also made of stainless steel, making it hygienic and easy to clean.
Available at www.global.oliveyoung.com