Pores. They are one of the biggest skincare concerns for many of us. They’re usually determined by genetics and your skin type, and while many brands and products might make the miraculous promise of making pores disappear, I’m here to tell you that that magic product just doesn’t exist. While we cannot make our skin ‘poreless’ (pores actually play an important role in keeping our skin healthy, so you wouldn’t want to be totally rid of them), there are ways to minimise them. Good skincare ingredients and in-clinic treatments such as microneedling can help improve the look of enlarged pores, but there is no overnight solution. However, some makeup trickery can temporarily smooth over pores for a more even appearance.
BEFORE: Wearing foundation before using the Lisa Franklin Pro-Effect Luminescent Base. I’m not usually a fan of pore-blurring primers. Of the several I’ve tried they tend to have the same problems They tend to be thick and clog up my pores, which doesn’t help my acne-prone skin, so they tend not to be worth the temporary pore-blurring they deliver. For that reason, I put pore primers on the back burner for a long time. That was, however, until I tried Lisa Franklin’s Pro-Effect Luminescent Base, and it changed everything.
This pore-blurring primer has a silky texture that gives a soft-focus effect to the skin. I was introduced to this product after visiting Lisa Franklin’s clinic in Chelsea, London, where many high-profile clients flock to have bespoke facial treatments. Models Jourdan Dunn and Daisy Lowe are fans, and in the line of Lisa Franklin’s products, this is one of the hero products so naturally, I needed to get my hands on it. It has a silicone texture that’s typical of pore-blurring primers, but it’s so much more than that.
AFTER: After using the Pro-Effect Luminescent Base. When I use this primer, it gives my skin a soft-focus kind of effect—the kind that only a photographer’s filter could subtly normally provide. It glides onto the skin and smoothes over pores to leave the texture of your skin looking like butter. Not only that, but it helps to prevent my foundation from settling into my pores, and it even helps it stay put for longer. In fact, a makeup artist told me that silicone primers are the best type to help your makeup last for longer. Our editor in chief also finds it to be a really great daily options as a lightweight moisturiser—she hates anything that’s too heavy or fussy, and Lisa’s pared-back but super-effective formulas are perfect for sensitive skin.
This primer uses some really interesting ingredients. It contains diamond powder, which helps to reflect light (a process called ‘photoluminescence’, giving the product its namesake). In practice it means that your skin looks radiant and glowing, even when its worn on its own. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and a whole roster of skin-loving ingredients, which really makes this priming base a skincare product too. It’s become a permanent staple in my makeup bag, and I’ve also been trying out some of Lisa Franklin’s skincare products—more on that below.
My skin is temperamental and can be prone to sensitivity and eczema, so I had to put this calming and healing serum to the test. It’s designed for rosacea and is ultra soothing on the skin. It has a comforting oil consistency that melts into the skin to reduce redness and irritation. I’ve been using this for the past week on my irritated skin and its already much more resilient—especially as the weather is getting colder. Consider this the protective winter coat equivalent for your skin.
A cocktail of skin-nourishing oils make this serum ideal for irritated or sensitive skin types.
Rose quartz is a prime ingredient in Lisa Franklin’s skincare. In fact, you’ll spot many crystals dotted around her clinic. I’ve been using this mask on the areas of my skin that are prone to congestion (my shin, nose and cheeks) and its really helped to balance my skin’s oil production and prevent new blemishes from appearing.
This clay-based mask helps to mop up excess sebum and leave the skin comfortably matte.
This is Lisa Franklin’s latest product launch, and its inspired by the legendary facial peels offered in her clinic. It uses seven different acids which help to nibble away at dead skin cells to reveal a brighter and more even-toned complexion. It’s potent, so you only need to leave it on the skin for 5-10 minutes once a week, but you’ll be left with a post-facial kind of glow.
If dullness or pigmentation are concerns, then this acid treatment will help unveil a radiant complexion.
A vitamin C serum is an essential in any skincare routine to help encourage collagen production and defend the skin against environmental damage.
Facial massage helps to boost the skin’s blood circulation and lymphatic system. Use this gua sha a couple of times a week (with a facial oil to give the skin some slip) to help release tension and carve out cheekbones.
A good cleanser is a staple in any skincare routine. Lisa Franklin’s cleverly addresses the effects of pollution—ideal if you live in a city.
Wearing SPF every day is one of (if not, the) best thing you can do to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, but also to prevent premature ageing. This formula is so nourishing on the skin.
