In this post we have hand-picked the best foundations for acne prone skin to prevent new breakouts whilst concealing acne. They are formulations that do not clog up pores and are kind to skin that is sensitive, easily-irritated and prone to breakouts.
Finding the right foundations for acne prone skin can be a double edged sword. You want the coverage and a flawless base for your makeup without clogging up pores or aggravating a breakout. The key is to find formulas specifically made for acne-prone skin. This will include lighter options that won’t contribute to a breakout but will deliver on coverage without calling more attention to problem spots.
Contrary to beliefs that makeup is to be avoided when suffering with Acne- wearing makeup does not have to be damaging if the corrects products are used and care is taken in the process. Acne can have major impacts on self-esteem and mental health so there is no shame is you want to conceal a breakout.
Taking precautions such as washing brushes at least twice a week, picking an acne freindly formula and removing makeup before bed properly all contribute to ensuring that makeup does not worsen acne.
Check out the post on 5 Simple Reasons Why Your Acne Won’t Clear for long term fixes for understanding your acne.
What To Look For In Foundations For Acne Prone Skin
This really depends on personal choice; do you prefer a full coverage or something lighter? That being said when we are talking about acne-prone skin the key is to look for something that provides fuller coverage with a matte finish. It is best to use a small amount of product and work it outward from the centre of the face, more product can be applied on blemishes and breakouts- This way you won’t end up with a face full of product that can contribute to further breakouts.
A key ingredient to look for in foundations is Salicylic Acid. As useful as it is in your acne treatments, cleansers and serums, it also helps retexturize and balance out your skin tone when formulated into a foundation.
In terms of specific ingredients to avoid, King calls out myristyl myristate, a waxy emollient found in some foundations. But, generally speaking, “anything that is heavy — like petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin — has the potential to clog pores,” she adds.
Oily skin is often conceived to be dehydrated, this is not the case however. Dehydrated skin is lacking water-not oil. So it is possible to have both dehydrated skin that is oily. This makes hyaluronic acid an ideal candidate to have in foundations for acne- it works to lock in moisture.
Vitamins like C and E have anti-inflammatory properties and can help with keeping breakout at bay when wearing makeup.
Opt for foundation that claim to be oil-free, long-wear and that have a matt finish. Also check for ingredients with soft-focus microsphere powders or water as the first or second ingredient- this is the ingredient that there is most of as they are listed in order of quantity.
Ingredients To Avoid
It is best to avoid fragrances and denatures alcohol. Both of these can worsen breakouts.
It is also ideal to avoid any ingredients that is “heavy”. Watch out for myristyl myristate ( this is an emollient that is used to formulate some foundations). Also mineral oil, jojoba oil, mineral oil and lanolin all have the potential to clog up pores and are best avoided for acne prone skin.
Top Picks
1. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better £32.50
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better was developed with the help of dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The CC cream is undoubtedly one of the hero products—with SPF 50, this full-coverage is a multitasker acting as a primer, SPF and anti-ageing serum (it contains collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid). It is light weight yet full coverage.
2. Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions £26.10
Clinique Anti-Blemish Soloutions was designed with acne prone skin in mind, it is formulated with acne-fighting salicylic acid and is oil free. It also helps to counteract redness and stops excess oil preventing from further breakouts that can be caused by wearing makeup.
3. Neutrogena SkinClearing Foundation With Salicylic Acid
Neutrogena Skin Clearing Foundation also contains salicylic acid making it an excellent multi-taster. You can rest assured that it will help to minimise breakouts whilst giving you a good coverage. It is also oil free meaning no clogged pores.
4. bareMinerals BAREPRO 24-Hour Full Coverage Liquid Foundation SPF20 £24.80
bareMinerals is renowned for creating products that are clean and that actually work to improve skin behind the scenes. This oil free formula is ideal for acne prone skin that has a tendency to get clogged. It has a long-lasting finish and mineral locking technology for hydration. It has a breathable matt finish and is designed to last 24 hours meaning you won’t be pulling out your blotting paper by midday.
5. Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20 30ml £30.60
Clinique Even Better Clinical Foundation is long-wearing liquid foundation that provides a lightweight yet full coverage finish that is buildable. It also provides 24 hours of moistures. It is packed with anti-oxidants as well as salicylic acid that works to gently exfoliate the skin and provide a youthful plump. It is also free of paragons and perfumes which can irritate skin.
6. MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation 25ml £27.00
MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation is filled with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to protect the skin from free- radical damage. It is an oil-free, sweat- and transfer-resistant formula and wears comfortably on the skin for up to 36 hours. It is sure to give a healthy glow whilst ensuring your acne is not paying the price for wearing a full coverage foundation!
7. The Ordinary Coverage Foundation with SPF 15 £5.95
The Ordinary Coverage Foundation With SPF 15 has a light weight finish yet full coverage meaning it won’t clog up pores or cause further breakouts while masking acne and giving you a flawless finish. It is also vegan friendly and cruelty free. The Ordinary is known for delivering products that show results at very reasonable prices and this foundation is no exception.
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