The Quest for Por-fection, Starring Sisley and Clinique

Thu, 16 August 2012 12:04PM

We’ve talked a little bit about pores lately Primpettes. Mainly because those pesky passageways that can cause shine (and not of the luminous variety) along with an uneven skin tone are one skin concern we’ve probably all bitched about at one time or another.

Here’s where I put on my nerd hat and talk a little bit more about the science behind them. As you would probably know, there’s no actual way to banish pores for good, and as much as I hate to be the bearer of bad news, as we age, the skin loses its elasticity, which means pore openings are looser than ever.

Typically those who have oily skin have larger pores, meaning that not only does the skin produce excess oil, leaving an unwanted grease-like shine, they’re also more susceptible to unwelcome clogging. In saying that, quite often those with drier or combination skin like moi may have smaller pores, but because the skin is dry, find that they are also susceptible to clogging. Drats. The contradiction is that both oily and dry skin needs moisture, making it all the more confusing.

On the positive side, there is a plethora of products and treatments available to clear out the gunk and lure out any impurities for your skin. Since Kat gave us the lowdown on this when she talked Blitzing Blackheads and Purifying Pores a little while back, today’s post is more about the newbies we’ve uncovered to assist in diminishing the appearance of your pores, resulting in a flaw-free, airbrushed-yet-natural looking complexion.

Let’s get started …

What: Clinique’s Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator, $66, from department stores.
What they say: While we know the Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector is a standout primer or base on its own, meet the moisturising addition to the family. It has an instant mattifying effect, containing botanical extracts and optical technology to make the pores look smaller. It’s designed to get excess oil production under control, while also providing your skin with the correct amount of moisture to avoid dry skin.
What we say: As I mentioned earlier, my skin is of the dry/combination variety, so I’m all about finding a lightweight, yet hydrating moisturiser to wear during the day under makeup. I loved the soft texture of the formula, which left my skin feeling soft and silky, allowing my makeup to glide on. After a few applications I did notice a reduction in the size of the larger pores around my nose, and an overall improvement in my skin tone. I would recommend this for those who have a slightly oilier skin tone, as IMO my skin needed something just a little more hydrating, especially during winter. In saying that, if you do love this then you could add it to your morning routine and switch to a richer, more hydrating night cream. And as a side note, this doesn’t contain an SPF, so don’t forget to add a layer before you head out for the day.

What: Sisley’s Global Perfect Pore Minimizer, $210, from department stores August 19th
What they say: Designed for all ages for smoother, more even skin tone and texture, this can be used as a serum twice a day as part of your regular skincare routine. Enriched with green lentil tea extract to improve cell turnover, while java tea leaf extract helps to regulate your skin’s oil production and purify your pores and banish any impurities. On the moisturising front, it says it will maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels leaving a smooth, mattified finish.
What we say: Any product that promises a soft-focus effect is something I just have to try, and this was love at first pump. It has a slightly thicker texture – I needed around two pumps – and felt ultra-hydrating. I applied it after my serum in the mornings and it didn’t disrupt my makeup, leaving my skin, particularly on my forehead, feeling more refined, plumper and if I do say so myself, a little more glowy. However I’m yet to see a major difference in my pores (but I plan to use it for at least another month, so I’ll let you know how I go. Watch this space.)

What abut you Primpettes – do you use any pore-refining or pore-specific products?

Got any favourites?

With your skin type, what are your main pore concers?

Hayley x

Posted by: Hayley Bennett

Google Profile

Comments (6) Print Send to friend Share

Tags: clinique, dry skin, moisturiser, oily skin, pore, pores, product review, sisley, skin texture, skin tone