As someone who has dealt with breakouts (and acne scars), I find myself in a constant dilemma between wanting to feel comfortable in my natural skin and using makeup to create the appearance of a smoother complexion. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with flaunting your skin—blemishes and all—but as a cosmetics-lover, there are just days when I want to show off my hard-earned makeup skills and get my glow on. So when those days come, I turn to foundations that are non-irritating to acne-prone skin, which minimizes the chance that my makeup will clog my pores or irritate existing blemishes. If you’re in the same boat, here are 12 foundations to try that you (and your skin) will love.
If You’re Looking For:
Acne-Fighting Foundation
Healing acne is an ongoing process, but it can be made easier with foundations that help fight it by incorporating specific healing ingredients into them. There are a multitude of active ingredients—like benzoyl peroxide and beta-hydroxy acids—that fight blemishes, so be sure to read the labels, do your research, or ask a dermatologist about what’s best for your skin type before purchasing.
- Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup ($28): This brand is known for creating makeup that’s gentle on the skin, but this foundation in particular contains salicylic acid, which, according to Byrdie, “will dry up blemishes” and “work as an exfoliator to remove discolored and damaged skin cells to improve skin tone.”
- E.l.f. Cosmetics Acne Fighting Foundation ($6): While it works to cover redness and blemishes, this foundation also contains essential acne-preventing ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, and tea tree oil.
- Lorac Natural Performance Foundation ($35): If you’re looking for coverage that’ will cover acne spots that are healed, then this one is for you. This foundation contains vitamin E, which “helps heal breakouts, supports skin elasticity, and stops cell mutation from pollution and the sun,” according to Byrdie.
If You’re Looking For:
Heavier Coverage
According to Byrdie, those with acne should “avoid all makeup that’s not clearly labeled as oil-free or non-comedogenic. These products can cause clogging of pores and ultimately more pimples.” However, this can make finding full-coverage foundation for blemished skin difficult. Thankfully, there are foundations which provide great coverage and are noncomedogenic—a feature that many people with acne-prone skin will appreciate.
- Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer ($28): With the promises of full-coverage and staying power of up to 12 hours, this foundation is long-lasting and won’t clog pores with its 100% oil-free formula.
- Smashbox Studio Skin 15-Hour Hydrating Foundation ($42): This product provides medium to full coverage and is oil-free—perfect for those looking to hide any blemishes without clogging pores or irritating existing breakouts. Its hydrating properties will also help negate the effects of any drying acne-fighting ingredients you may be using in your current routine.
- Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation ($49): Another oil-free product, this noncomedogenic formula gives full coverage and a natural-looking finish without making you feel weighed down by heavy makeup.
If You’re Looking For:
A Matte Finish
Acne is often accompanied by oily skin, which can make applying foundation much more difficult and cause it to slip right off during the day. The following foundations help absorb that shine, allowing you to stay matte for hours—no matter the weather or the current state of your pores.
- Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup ($26): Ideal for dry, combination, and oily skin types, this oil-free product controls shine and is sweat resistant.
- Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free ($56): This liquid-to-powder full-coverage product is specially formulated to absorb excess oil without over-drying your skin.
- Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation ($42): Catered to sensitive skin, this foundation leaves a smooth finish and includes an oil-absorbing microfine powder.
If You’re Looking For:
Sun Protection
“Acne products and exfoliants make you more vulnerable to sun damage,” says Byrdie, which is why wearing SPF during the day is crucial. These foundations save time and keep you from adding more steps into your morning routine since the sun protection is already in the formula.
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($42): Offering light-to-medium coverage with an SPF to protect your skin from the sun and pollution, this foundation hydrates while ensuring pores are never clogged.
- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation SPF 15 ($39): With added sun protection, this foundation provides a matte finish and an oil-free formula designed to cover skin while still allowing it to breathe.
- BareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($30): If you’re looking to protect, treat, and perfect, this one’s for you. With SPF 20 and skin-brightening vitamin C, this foundation can help with a multitude of problems.
What are your favorite foundations for acne-prone skin? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured photo by @jordynwissert.
