The Best Pore Minimisers For Everyone
There’s a reason this Little Black Bottle is a staple in many a skincare wardrobe: it delivers. The hero ingredient is salicylic acid – an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that gets deep into the skin to unclog pores and remove any build-up. Apply twice daily with a cotton pad and expect to see smoother skin within weeks. Keep shine at bay with this lightweight, oil-free moisturiser from Kiehl’s that’s specifically formulated to restore balance. True to its name, it wicks away excess oil and sweat while ensuring skin stays hydrated and can help minimise the appearance of pores over time. Dermatologist-to-the-stars Dr. Dennis Gross is best known for his peel pads, but this enzyme-rich, non-drying cleanser also packs a punch. Used as the first step in your pore-refining routine, it’ll help remove grime from the skin’s surface, promote cell renewal and slow down the secretion of sebum – thanks to a winning combination of AHAs, BHAs and barosma betulina leaf extract. Not only is Medik8’s pore-shrinking toner packed with mandelic and lactic acid, which speed up cell turnover to reveal smoother (and brighter) skin underneath – it also contains red clover extract, which gets to the crux of the problem by halting the overproduction of sebum. One for all year round. While it’s not possible to erase pores entirely (they’re there for a reason, after all), an ultra-finely milled mattifying powder can help you achieve the airbrushed look you’re after. This one from IT Cosmetics knocks back shine, not glow, and has blurring technology that smooths over uneven texture while setting makeup in place. Most importantly, it’s imperceptible on all skin tones. The ingredients list for this multitasking mask reads like a dream for those with congested skin: kaolin clay and charcoal powder, which absorb excess oil and give pores a thorough cleanse, plus salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and even out texture. Apply to clean, dry skin for a matte complexion in minutes. Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £12.00
Kiehl's
Oil Eliminator 24-Hour Anti-Shine Moisturiser for Men, N/A
Dr. Dennis Gross
AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel, £11.90
Medik8
Pore Minimising Tonic, £29.40
IT Cosmetics
Bye Bye Pores Powder Pressed, £31.00
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, £12.60
