Crowdsourcing: What Should I Do About My Big Pores?

In the grand scheme of things, being cursed with having large pores could hardly be considered a real problem. In the morning, however, when I’m staring at my face in the mirror and wondering why on Earth I got stuck with pores that could double as ice cream bowls, it sure as shit feels like a real problem. It feels like a really big problem, and I have no idea what to do about it.

At this point, you’re probably rolling your eyes into the back of your head and thinking, damn, Regina George, get a hold of yourself because this is a non-issue. I would like to assure you that it is very much a real issue, and here’s why: my pores are so large that my green-tinted primer and pressed powder settles into them, which looks positively horrific. (See? I told you it was a real problem!)

Everything I’ve read about pores tells me that there’s really nothing a person can do to physically change the size of theirs. The Internet says that it all comes down to genetics, which really isn’t something I can take back, exchange, or pray away (and trust me, I’ve tried). So, that leaves me with one solution: I need to buy another beauty product. And that’s where you, my beautiful and glamorous and wise Internet friends, come in.

What products do you guys use to minimize the appearance of your pores? Have you found a great cleanser or scrub that works? I think part of my problem is that I have combination skin because I’ve noticed that the pores on the oily areas of my face are jumbo-sized. Maybe a super-strong cleanser could help make them look smaller?

I’m also down with buying a new primer because I imagine that might be the most effective way to deal with the problem (and please correct me if I’m wrong). I’ve heard really good things about two primers in particular:

1. Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

2. Lancôme La Base Pro Pore Eraser Perfecting Makeup Primer

While I’m totally down to drop some cash on a good primer, I want to make sure that it comes highly recommended first. I’m willing to spend money, not light it on fire, you know? Considering that the two primers above do not run cheap, I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve tried them. In my dream world, however, someone will recommend a $10 drugstore product that works like, well, a dream. If you know of one, speak up! Or if you’ve tried stuff that hasn’t worked for you, let me know. Basically, just tell me all of your thoughts and feelings about your pores in the comments below, please. Let’s start healing together, shall we?