The best makeup products for acne-prone skin
It's the ultimate beauty catch-22 – you have an acne breakout and want to cover it but find that makeup exacerbates the flare-up, irritating your skin and, in some cases, even making it worse. While we know the best treatment for acne is to let the skin breathe and minimise what we put on our faces, there are also times when we just want a little coverage.
Luckily, there is makeup for acne-prone skin that is far less likely to mess with the healing process.
First up, you'll want to look for non-comedogenic products. This term means they won't block pores, which is key for preventing breakouts. But it's also worth considering foundation and makeup products that can help promote healing and acne breakout recovery. Gone are the days of reaching for the highest coverage foundation and dealing with an uneven, cakey finish, too. Now, makeup for acne-prone skin is generally pretty advanced.
We explored the market to find the best makeup options that won't feel heavy on the skin and have less chance of leading to irritation or worsening breakouts.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
This is our favourite affordable makeup for acne-prone skin! The lightweight formula is super breathable, and the inclusion of clay helps to minimise shine throughout the day. It also comes in a wide range of shades and promises a natural finish that blurs pores and uneven skin texture. "It gives complete coverage," one Amazon reviewer says. "I don't get acne from this foundation. Feels light on the skin."
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup
The Double Wear hype is real – this is a foundation with a major fan following, thanks to its high coverage finish that never looks unnatural. Many rave about its ability to stay put even through long nights out or in areas with high humidity, and the formula is oil-free, non-acnegenic and won't clog pores. Fans of the foundation say the best application is with a blending sponge for the most skin-like finish.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
You've likely heard glowing reviews of IT Cosmetics' CC products – they are beauty editor favourites thanks to their high SPF and host of skin-loving ingredients alongside medium to full coverage that feels light on the skin. The Oil-Control Matte version is specially formulated for acne-prone skin, with charcoal to minimise oil, tea-tree extract for fighting breakouts and antioxidants to combat environmental stressors, which can often lead to skin irritation.
Inika Loose Mineral Foundation
Many people with acne love mineral foundation as an alternative to liquid formulas, as the natural ingredients don't exacerbate their breakouts. Inika's Loose Mineral Foundation is a particular highlight with its weightless, water-resistant formula that stays put while allowing the skin to breathe. Antioxidants help to reduce redness, while the paraben, sulphate and artificial fragrance-free formula reduces the chance of irritation.
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup
When makeup for acne-prone skin has reviews like "I have tried every 'acne-safe' product I could get my little hands on. I can happily say this Clinique foundation really lives up to standard and has not ever broken me out," it's one worth trying. Offering moderate coverage with a natural, glowy finish, this foundation is oil-free and suitable for both those with acne and those with very oily skin.
A word of warning – some feel the product can dry out skin if not worn with a hydrating moisturiser or primer.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
While this luxury foundation has a pretty high price point, its reputation as not just a great makeup for acne-prone skin product, but a fantastic foundation for all skin types means it's definitely worth the splurge. The weightless finish was inspired by silk and gives a gentle blurring effect with a glowy finish. Its buildable nature also means you can create the coverage you want. "I don't get how this foundation delivers such a great amount of coverage yet looks like skin at the same time," one Adore Beauty reviewer recently said.
Asap Pure Mineral Foundation
If you're after an affordable mineral foundation that won't irritate your skin, this product is it. The gentle formula feels light on the skin and gives a surprisingly natural finish, something many mineral powder foundations can lack. This is thanks to hyaluronic acid microspheres, which keep the powder from appearing cakey or settling into fine lines or uneven skin texture.
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