When I was in my twenties I had great skin. Well, decent anyway. It was fairly smooth in tone and texture and I could get away with tinted moisturiser or a light foundation.
Now that I'm in my mid thirties it's all hyperpigmentation, adult acne and large pores. I never had big pores before, but alas they are part and parcel of what happens to our skin during the ageing process. #joy
So when I caught wind of a new beauty product (that was causing major buzz on the internet) which promised to minimise the appearance of pores, my interest was piqued both professionally and personally. We see a lot of new products launch in the lifestyle department, many with big claims attached, so I was equal parts interested and skeptical.
Hylamide Pore Delete is a new product that, quite obviously, promises to delete pores. The website describes it as "Next-generation prismatic liquid for immediate visible blurring of pores, shine and textural irregularities -- a real-life duplication of how a photograph is blurred in photo-retouching software applications."
Basically they're claiming it's a photo filter in a bottle, right? I had to put it to the test.
Following the directions which state "pat gently over face with fingertips after liquid foundation but before powder" I applied my regular liquid foundation first. I then squeezed a small amount of the liquid (which is a very runny white-ish texture) onto my pointer finger and 'tapped' it over my trouble areas (apples of the cheeks and nose), and let it set before I applied my ordinary powder and bronzer.
My pores were visually gone. Though, I had a white halo where the edge of the product stopped and the rest of my foundation started. Trying to blend it only made things worse and caused everything to drag, so I had to use micellar water to wipe away all my hard work and start again.
My second try was much more successful. From it I discerned that only the teeniest amount of product is needed -- about the size of a grain of rice. I gently patted the product 'into' the pores, carefully blending it out so there was no edge where it met the rest of my face. I let it set for a few minutes (it turns from liquid to a tacky, chalky finish, a bit like glue), then finished with powder.
My pores were visually gone and the area did look almost airbrushed. It was very matte and stayed that way all day (making it perfect for those who have an oily T zone). The manufacturers state "avoid product contact with dark fabric as it may leave a residual (temporary) white effect."
It can also be used without makeup, in which case it is applied after skincare and sunscreen. Speaking of using it without makeup, I tried it on my husband for research purposes and it worked a treat.
I wouldn't use it everyday as to be honest -- I can't be bothered with the extra step -- but would definitely call on it for weddings and other events when I need my makeup to look good and last.
Hylamide Pore Delete, $19.99