omglizzi said: I'm amazingly pale- my skin is almost purely white. I was having a problem with my pores... I just can't get them to shrink. So what foundation would be good for giving me a smooth finish- that would stay on all day, and minimize those pores?
Your pores cannot change shape. They cannot minimize. They can’t get bigger and they can’t magically disappear, well not permanently anyway and any product that claims to magically make your pores disappear permanently is lying to you. Your pores are the only part of your body that can not change shape there are some methods which can be used to tighten them and to make them appear invisible but it won’t last as these solutions are only temporary.
After cleansing you should opt for using a toner, these help to tighten the pores as I mentioned earlier it will not last for a long time but it will make a small improvement for a short period of time.
You can also try some pore minimizing products, many brands carry these now days they will not magically remove all your pores but they will make them appear slightly smaller; you will need to use this product daily for smaller looking pores once you stop using it your pores will continue to remain there original size.
As in regards to makeup a foundation is not the answer; a primer is. 
Primers are quite a smart invention for a number of reasons; they make your makeup last (which you mention you have a slight issue with) they eliminate the need for a lot of foundation, they make your makeup go on smoother but most of all you can get great ones that smooth out the surface of the skin and these are especially great for people with larger pores, acne scars or fine lines. My favourites are LO’real Paris Magic Smooth Resurfacing Primer and Base Magique and Clarins Beauty Flash balm, these all do a fabulous job at smoothing out the skins surface making it appear smoother and more refined.
Most foundations are not designed to smooth out the skins surface so you can’t soley rely on one of them to do that for you. Apply a primer and then apply your desired foundation on top; there is no need to change your foundation unless it applies unevenly, is hard to blend, doesn’t match your skin tone, doesn’t suit your skin type, oxidizes, appears cakey, greasy or dry. If you find your foundation just enhances your large pores further try applying powder with a powder puff onto your most prominent areas of large pores, don’t do it all over your face though as it looks quite odd and freaky when you do!
(Of course as our skin changes over time in five years time you may find your pores are smaller or larger, one year you could have oily skin with very prominent pores the next you may have dry with almost invisible pores!
I hope I helped you and if you need anything else feel free to ask.
If any product you use irritates you discontinue use immediately.
