Acne is not just a problem for teenagers; adults can also experience it. Acnes can also occur due to some hormonal changes. Some foundations can provide good acne coverage, while some can also hydrate your skin and help resolve your acne issue. Finding the right makeup for acne-prone skin can be daunting. So, in this article, we have put together a list of the best foundations for acne-prone skin. Scroll down to check them out!
Top 19 Foundations For Acne-Prone Skin
1. Best Lightweight: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
The Maybelline Fit Me foundation is a cult classic and certainly one of the best foundation for acne prone skin. If you are struggling with acne or acne scars, you’ve got to give this foundation a shot. It is incredibly lightweight and offers light to medium coverage. The formula contains micro-powders that absorb excess oil and leave you with a gorgeously matte and poreless finish. This foundation is available in 40 super-saturated shades. This video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product. Pros
Suitable for normal to oily skin Buildable coverage Blurs pores Long-wearing Controls oil and shine Photographs well Dermatologist-tested Available in 40 shades Affordable Non-irritating
Cons None
2. Best Long-Lasting: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Foundation
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Foundation is a must-have if you are looking for a long-lasting foundation that flawlessly covers acne and blemishes. It has an air-light texture and offers medium coverage with a demi-matte finish. Enjoy a smooth and clear complexion with this creamy foundation. The L’Oreal Paris Foundation is available in 22 gorgeous shades to cater to a wide range of skin tones and complexions. It is the best foundation for oily acne prone skin. Pros
Suitable for normal to oily skin Provides demi-matte finish Available in 22 shades Lightweight Offers medium coverage Hides blemishes and dark spots Easy to take off Gentle on sensitive skin Long-wearing Affordable
Cons None
3. Best For Oily And Combination Skin: Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation
Revlon Colorstay is one of the best foundations for acne prone skin as it works quite impressively on combination or oily skin. It mattifies your skin through the day, preventing midday shine. Its lightweight formula blends seamlessly into your skin and does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles. It is also available in a normal to dry skin version and comes in a wide range of shades for every skin tone and undertone. Pros
Suitable for combination and oily skin Buildable coverage Oil-free formula Long-wearing Lightweight Available in 43 shades Offers oil-control Contains salicylic acid Contains SPF 15 Affordable
Cons
May not get absorbed easily.
4. Best Full Coverage: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
If there’s one foundation that lives up to its hype, it’s definitely this one from Estee Lauder. This formula is fantastic for problematic skin. It offers full coverage and is humidity- and sweat-resistant. It is also super gentle on your skin. As its name suggests, it does “stay in place” all day long and feels very comfortable on the skin. This foundation is available in over 50 shades. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review. Pros
Long-wearing Ultra-lightweight Non-comedogenic Blends like a dream Suitable for every skin type Buildable coverage Waterproof Transfer-resistant Dermatologist-tested
Cons
A little expensive.
5. Best Natural Finish: Neutrogena skin clearing Oil-Free Makeup
This SkinClearing foundation from Neutrogena offers natural-looking coverage for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. With salicylic acid in its formula, it not only treats acne and blemishes but also prevents breakouts. If you are worried about that midday sheen, this foundation does a great job at keeping it at bay. It is available in 14 shades for different skin tones and is an excellent choice of makeup for acne-prone skin. it is the best Neutrogena foundation for acne. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product. Pros
Lightweight Natural coverage Does not clog pores Treats and prevents blemishes Available in 14 shades Hypoallergenic Controls shine Oil-free formula Value for money
Cons
May not cover redness. May irritate sensitive skin.
6. Best Cruelty-Free: Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup
This liquid foundation from Burt’s Bees is made using Meadowfoam seed oil – an ingredient known for its moisturizing properties. It gives you an even-toned, smooth complexion without drying out your skin. It is available in 18 shades to match a wide range of skin tones. The highlight of this foundation is that it does not look cakey or feel heavy on your skin. Pros
Buildable coverage Value for money Dermatologist-tested Cruelty-free Chemical-free Available in 18 shades Non-drying Dermatologist-tested
Cons
May look greasy on some skin types. Coverage may seem uneven.
7. Best For Sensitive Skin: Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation has a unique breathable formula that heals and protects your skin as long as you are wearing it. It uses an innovative aloe vera base, making it antibacterial and incredibly soothing for irritated and sensitive skin. The foundation goes on sheer, allowing your natural beauty to shine through. But you can build on the coverage to cover blemishes and achieve the desired finish, which lasts all day. Pros
Suitable for all skin types Available in 14 shades Breathable formula Offers full coverage Vegan Cruelty-free SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection Paraben-free
Cons
Expensive Dispenser is fragile
8. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: e.l.f. Acne-Fighting Foundation
This lightweight foundation from e.l.f. Cosmetics is a blessing for acne-prone skin. It is infused with wholesome ingredients like camphor, tea tree, witch hazel, aloe, and salicylic acid to fight acne and blemishes. This full-coverage foundation for acne helps even out your skin tone and reduces redness. This foundation comes in 10 different shades. Pros
Long-wearing Good coverage Suitable for oily and combination skin types Treats blemishes Lightweight formula Vegan Affordable Cruelty-free
Cons
Strong smell Shade may be inaccurate.
9. Best Buildable Coverage: Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation
Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder Foundation has a silky smooth and lightweight formula that provides sheer to buildable full coverage. The powder is ultra-fine, absorbs excess oil, and minimizes the appearance of pores without looking cakey. If you are worried about chemicals, worry no more, because the formula is infused with a host of skin-loving ingredients, such as aloe leaf, hibiscus flower, and hyaluronic acid. It is the best mineral powder foundation for acne prone skin. Pros
Available in 12 shades Suitable for all skin types Paraben-free Lightweight formula Offers sheer to buildable coverage Talc-free Cruelty-free Mineral-oil-free
Cons
Expensive May not suit mature skin. Crumbles easily
10. Best Anti-Aging: Lorac Porefection Foundation
Lorac Porefection Foundation is ideal for covering acne scars and pores as it gives a silky-smooth finish. The chemical-free formula contains anti-aging antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E, which keep your skin healthy and young. The foundation also contains extracts of lemon, olive leaf, and papaya fruit, which blend to provide a soothing, nourishing, and rejuvenating effect on the skin. Pros
Suitable for all skin types Offers medium to full coverage Gentle on sensitive skin Oil-free Fragrance-free Paraben-free Contains SPF 20
Cons
Expensive May cause breakouts. Uneven coverage
11. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Liquid Foundation
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Liquid Foundation is a favourite with professional makeup artists and amateur enthusiasts for its natural finish. The medium coverage is buildable, and the foundation is intensely hydrating due to the presence of hyaluronic acid. The smart pigments adapt well and adjust to your complexion, creating a flawless effect that looks good both on and off camera. Pros
Lightweight formula Offers medium buildable coverage Contains hyaluronic acid Photographs well Long-wearing Covers redness Natural-looking finish
Cons
Expensive Watery consistency May not be effective on extremely oily skin.
12. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
Are you looking for a lightweight foundation that looks and feels natural? This one from Clinique is an oil-free formula, and it contains salicylic acid that treats existing breakouts and prevents them from coming back. It is also free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance. If you have extremely oily skin that is prone to acne, this foundation will work wonders for you. It is available in 16 shades. Pros
Available in 16 shades Long-wearing Does not clog pores Allergy-tested Good coverage Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
Expensive May cause breakouts. May dry out the skin.
13. Almay Clear Complexion Makeup
Almay Clear Complexion Makeup contains salicylic acid and is formulated to target oily and combination skin types that are prone to acne. The maximum strength dose of salicylic acid works to suppress acne flare-ups without irritating sensitive skin. The lightweight formula is fantastic for concealing blemishes, minimizing pores, and controlling shine. It offers a soft matte finish with buildable coverage that looks and feels natural. It is the best drugstore foundation for oily acne prone skin. Pros
Available in 14 shades Dermatologist-tested Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Cruelty-free Affordable
Cons
May not be as effective on severe acne. Uneven coverage May dry out the skin.
14. Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Matte Foundation
This loose powder foundation from Bare Minerals is a 100% vegan formula that is made with just six ingredients. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 15 and gives you buildable coverage with a silky matte finish. Its weightless mineral formula controls oil and shine. It also does not cause breakouts or clog your pores. This powder foundation is available in a range of 30 shades. It is the best mineral foundation acne prone skin. Pros
Available in 30 shades Long-wearing Lightweight Mineral makeup Suitable for sensitive skin Natural finish
Cons
Not value for money Shade may be inaccurate. Strong smell
15. Best For All Skin Types: Bellapierre Loose Powder Mineral Foundation
The Bellapierre Loose Powder Mineral Foundation is a multi-functional foundation that can be used as a concealer, finishing powder, and setting powder. This foundation provides full coverage and smooth canvas while protecting your skin against UV radiation. It includes delicate mineral components such as mica, zinc oxides, iron oxides, and titanium dioxide. It is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, so it will not clog pores or trigger breakouts while helping you attain a smooth, even complexion. Pros
Non-toxic Fragrance-free Dye-free Talc-free Hypoallergenic Paraben-free Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Slightly Expensive
16. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is extraordinarily long-wearing and is tested to last an impressive 24 hours. It blends comfortable and offers buildable coverage. The broad-spectrum SPF 15 protects your skin when you are out and about during the day. The formula is designed to go on smooth, spread evenly, and control shine while providing a matte finish. It is one among the best foundation to cover acne scars. Pros
Available in 49 shades Contains SPF 15 Non-drying Controls oil and shine Long-wearing Medium buildable coverage
Cons
Expensive May cause breakouts Strong smell
17. Best Dermatoligally Tested: Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation
The Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Foundation is a matte finish, full-coverage foundation made with ten high-performance ingredients. It contains silica, which regulates oil control to make the skin appear natural and light. It addresses irritation, pigmentation, discoloration, acne, and uneven skin tone. It is non-comedogenic, lasts up to 16 hours, and is perfect for those dealing with acne-prone skin, congested pores, and sensitive skin. Pros
Lightweight Full Coverage Dermatologically tested Oil-free Fragrance-free Allergy-tested Non-comedogenic Vegan Allergy-tested Paraben free Suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons None
18. Best Waterproof Formula: Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
The Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation is a lightweight, long-lasting liquid foundation with a natural matte finish. This foundation features a unique dropper applicator and is so light that it creates an airbrushed finish throughout the day and appears to be a second skin. It is formulated with niacinamide that has oil control properties, making it an excellent addition for those with oily and acne-prone skin. The skin is perfectly even and attractive in photos thanks to the very high-definition finish. Pros
Lightweight formula Long-wearing Covers redness Cruelty-free Vegan Paraben Free Gluten-Free Oil Free Alcohol-Free
Cons None
19. Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation
This water-based foundation from Cover FX imparts a radiant finish to your skin. It contains ingredients like vitamins C and E to protect your skin from free radicals. Its lightweight texture leaves you with a soft, luminous finish and offers medium to full coverage. It comes in a wide range of 40 shades to choose from. Best makeup for teens. Pros
Oil-free formula Buildable coverage Easy to blend Long-wearing Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
Expensive Shade may be inaccurate. May feel greasy on the skin.
Here are some tips to help you choose your holy grail foundation and make the most of it while protecting your delicate skin.
Tips: How To Choose And Use Foundation For Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients: Acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid are a bonus that goes a long way in healing your skin while making it look flawless. A liquid foundation for acne with a low concentration of salicylic acid is a safe bet.
Formula: It is critical to avoid formulas that contain silicones, mica, alcohol, and fragrance if you do not want to worsen your acne. If you are worried about clogged pores making your acne worse, consider switching to powder-based foundations for acne. If you’d prefer to stick with liquid foundations, opt for oil-free and matte products over those with a dewy finish. A cream or stick foundation formula works best for dry, acne-prone skin.
Application: The way you apply your makeup plays a significant role in the well-being of your skin. If you have sensitive skin and active acne, always use a light hand and apply your foundation as gently as possible. If you struggle with large pores, apply a mattifying primer gel before you go in with your foundation. Use a clear, water-based primer that will not clog pores and will keep your face shine-free. Remember, less is more. Don’t make the mistake of applying too much makeup as it does not flatter any skin type.
Cleansing: Take off all your makeup at the end of the day. The way you remove it also makes a difference. Use micellar water and a mild cleanser to get rid of every last bit of your makeup.
That was our round-up of the 19 best foundations of 2022 for acne-prone skin. Although bare skin is amazing, there are times when you will want to cover up a little. It can be challenging to apply makeup for acne prone skin. Here is how to how to cover acne with foundation. But all it takes is the right foundation formula and a tad bit of practice to hone your makeup skills.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Sakshi Bahal, is a makeup and skincare enthusiast, and her interests motivate her to experiment with a wide range of products of the two mentioned domains. Understanding the challenges in finding the right foundation for acne-prone skin, Sakshi has done extensive research and gone through many forums to gain insights from customer feedback and curate a list of the best foundations that are designed for the particular skin type. The listed products can give you the desired coverage without causing any harm to the skin. How often should you wear foundations for acne-prone skin? People with acne-prone skin can wear non-comedogenic foundations with gentle formulas regularly. Choose foundations containing salicylic acid to prevent the growth of spots and blemishes. Some foundations absorb excess oil, which is great for acne-prone skin. However, make sure to remove the foundation properly before sleeping. How do you apply foundation for acne-prone skin? It is better to apply a matte foundation on acne-prone skin to conceal spots, blemishes, and stubborn pimples. Remember to cleanse, tone, and prep your skin before putting on a foundation. Apply your foundation with a beauty blender to achieve a natural look. Finally, use a setting spray to seal the foundation. I have acne! Is it okay to wear makeup? Yes, it is absolutely alright to wear makeup even if you have acne-prone skin. While choosing makeup products, steer clear of formulas that are too oily and tend to clog pores. Look out for non-comedogenic cosmetics enriched with salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and other oil-free ingredients that do not cause breakouts.
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