These $18 Nose Patches Are My New Go-To Fix For Clogged Pores

By Annalise Mantz
Hero Cosmetics
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I consider my oily skin a blessing and a curse. I rarely have to deal with dryness, but I'm saddled with chronically clogged pores. I've tried just about every pore-cleaning product out there — from high-end liquid exfoliants to clay masks — but nothing has ever made much of a difference. Even those popular peel-off nose strips never did anything for me.

One beauty product I have become a big fan of is the original Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch ($8 for 24 patches). These pimple patches have worked wonders for my acne, another condition I deal with frequently as a member of the oily-skin club. So naturally, I was the first to volunteer to try the new Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose ($18 for 10 patches). Like the pimple patches I know and love, these nose-size stickers are made from medical-grade hydrocolloid, a material that draws out oil and debris while promoting healing.

True story: I was so excited about the prospect of clearer pores that I tested out these patches within hours of receiving them in the mail. Keep reading for my full review.

My Experience With Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose
POPSUGAR Photography | Annalise Mantz

My Experience With Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Nose

If you've used pimple patches before, the process of applying these hydrocolloid stickers will be familiar. The instructions recommend exfoliating before using a patch, so I washed my face with an exfoliating scrub before drying my skin thoroughly. Because these patches are so much larger than the spot-size variety, it was a bit tricky to peel off the backing without the patch sticking to itself. Go slowly so you don't wind up with a seam in your patch.

The stickers are large, so they'll fit noses of all shapes and sizes. The shape is slightly too long for my nose, so I folded the edge of the patch back on itself. In the future, I think I'll trim the patch slightly before applying it for a more comfortable fit.

After I applied the patch, I spent a few minutes tidying my apartment before bed. While washing my dishes, the sides of my nose started to get a bit itchy. By the time I finally got into bed 15 minutes later, I'd become used to the sensation of wearing such a large sticker on my nose. Still, I'd recommend applying these nose patches right before bed so you don't have as much time to notice them.

The Verdict
POPSUGAR Photography | Annalise Mantz

The Verdict

The next morning, I woke up excited to rip off the nose strip and see my results. At first glance, the patch didn't look any different on my face, but once I peeled it off, I saw that most of it had turned white — a sign that it had absorbed a shocking amount of gunk from my pores. Oddly satisfying, and slightly gross.

After hopping in the shower, I took a closer look at my skin. Upon closer inspection, the pores on my nose were noticeably lighter. Now, you can really only notice my enlarged pores if you're looking for them — which, let's face it, no one is.

Overall, these nose patches did a better job of unclogging my pores than other options like traditional pore strips, liquid exfoliants, and clay masks. At just $18 for 10 patches, they're also a much more affordable option than regular facials with extractions. These nose patches have definitely earned their spot in my bathroom vanity.