6 tried-and-tested secrets that will make your pores appear smaller

Simple ways to make your skin look more even.

Pores are important. How else will your skin remove the excess oil and sweat? But when pores the size of craters stare back at you from your bathroom mirror, you'd wish there was a way to reduce their size. Well, there is a bad news and a good news. The bad news is that you CAN'T shrink your pores! The good news is that you make them appear smaller. If you have oily skin and are tired of looking at your giant pores, here are some tried and tested ways to make them look smaller than they are.

Ice: It's inexpensive, it's easy and it's always available: Three reasons why ice at the top of my list of pore shrinkers. Treat your face to a cold ice-water bath or simply rub a cube all over your face. You will see a marked difference in your pore size by the time you are done. In fact, when you are done, your skin will feel more pinkish and tighter than before.

Coffee: Believe it or not, there is more to coffee than just keeping you awake on a Monday morning. Splash your face with some leftover coffee from the kettle and keep the liquid on for a while. In some time, your pore size will appear smaller. Read: 5 science-backed benefits of caffeine.

Astringent: Cleanse your face thoroughly and use a good astringent on your face. Be it witch hazel or rose water, take your pick. Put a small amount on a clean piece of cotton and wipe your face with it. Read: The beauty benefits of rose water.

Clay masks: My favourite is bentonite clay. Whip up a quick face mask with bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar and a little bit of charcoal. Once the mask feels stretchy, wipe it down with a wet, warm turkish towel. Once you are done, splash your face with some cold water and you'll be good to go. Read: Aztec bentonite clay review

Cucumber juice: This one's my eternal favourite. Dip a clean piece of cotton in some freshly squeezed cucumber juice, and wipe your face with it. Leave it on for a while and wipe it clean!

Green tea bags: Don't throw your tea bags away and reserve them for later. Best used chilled, green tea has other benefits apart from pore shrinking. The liquid is excellent for curbing zits.