Skin Care | Pesky Pores

Thanks to a diet of pure ramen noodle sodium, my pores have been even more bothersome as of late. Adding a few key items to your daily regime can be a nice alternative to changing your entire routine, especially if you have sensitive skin or are on a budget. Here's what I'm currently using to fight those pesky pores!

Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner, $15- Alina has transformed me into a complete sucker for asian skin care products. There's just something about using brightly colored and adorably-packaged products that make the sometimes monotonous daily routine so much more fun. I treat this product like a toner, where I apply it to a cotton pad shortly after cleansing. I prefer this method to a spray toner because I think it really does a great job at picking up any extra dirt/makeup residue that my cleanser might have missed. After about a week, my pores appear to be cleaner, and my skin not as oily.

Bcl Baby Smooth Skin Clear Peeling Gel, $14.99- If I had to pick the most effective skin care product in my entire collection, it would be this one. If you had to purchase just one item from this post, it's this one. You just apply this peeling gel to your damp face, rub lightly, and watch as dead skin literally balls up right before your eyes. I exfoliate regularly, but this gel makes me feel like I've never even washed my face. If you want smaller pores or a cleaner, brighter face, this is the gel for you.

Daiso Ultra Deep Cleansing Natural Charcoal Pore Care Pack, $4.95*- In need of a quick fix? On a budget? These nose strips provide just enough grip to not be painful, but still get the job done. While I don't recommend these for regular use (as pore strips can actually cause larger pores if misused), these strips are relatively gentle and I've used them on days before a convention. If you want a poreless, perfect, and smooth makeup application, tackling the little dots on your nose is a solid way to go.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser, $18- This product has been in my routine for a while now, mainly because of it's ability to help clear up  my acne better than other primers. I use this as a smoothing primer, but this can also be used to achieve a poreless and matte finish to the face (i.e., if you're a guy and are afraid of makeup, this product is for you). While $18 is a bit of a steep price for a primer, try to get this on one of The Body Shop's many sales.


With winter coming to a close, it seems like my pores will only become more of a bother. Which products do you use to keep your pores in check? Let us know!


* I purchased this product at Daiso Japan for $1.50, but as this retailer may not be available everywhere, I've included a link to an Amazon seller.