I am definitely one of those people who have acne prone skin, and let me tell you, it’s horrible! It’s bad enough that I have to deal with unsightly red bumps, but it’s even worse that I can’t find a good base that doesn’t make them worse. I got so tired of it that I spent time doing lots of research about what foundation I should be using.
Table of Content
Best Foundations For Acne Prone Skin
Neutrogena MakeUp Foundation
This foundation has actual acne medicine in it. It’s made just for acne prone complexions, so it’s natural, breathable, controls shine, and prevents breakouts. The MicroClear technology even unclogs pores!
Why It’s So Popular:
– The salicylic acid in it works really well for clearing up your complexion
– Great for sensitive complexions
– Evens out skin tone without being heavy, and unclogs pores
Keep In Mind:
– It’s harder to find in stores
– The coverage is pretty light
– Even the lightest coverage is a little dark
Shimarz Foundation

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Get full coverage with Shimarz foundation so you can have healthier and younger looking complexion. This is completely natural and organic, with healing and nourishing ingredients that help your skin while you wear it.
Why It’s So Popular:
– It smears on like silk and doesn’t appear cakey
– Goes on easily and looks natural
– Even if you use powder on top, it doesn’t settle into the pores
Keep In Mind:
– The scent is a bit strong
– The pump dispenser can sometimes be a problem
Clinique Liquid Anti-blemish Foundation
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This foundation offers durable coverage that will last all day. It also has skin friendly ingredients to prevent you from breaking out even more.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Covers all day without irritation
– Doesn’t irritate or cause further breakouts
– Isn’t oily and doesn’t cause more oil
Keep In Mind:
– It’s slightly heavy
bareMinerals Blemish Clearing
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Bare Minerals includes a skin-clearing treatment right in it. The lightweight base reduces the appearance of redness and pores while being noncomedogenic and natural looking too.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Makes a noticeable reduction
– Really good coverage for a powder
– Light and even coverage for oily complexions
Keep In Mind:
– Not many colors to choose from
– Color match isn’t great
– There aren’t many actual reviews, although most people like it
Maybelline New York Poreless Foundation

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Erase pores and match your natural tone with this popular Maybelline foundation. This ultra lightweight one is a perfect match to oily compexion and suits acne prone complexions well. The texture-fitting product even goes on smoothly for a natural fit.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Really matches the skin closely
– Blends flawlessly and stays matte
– Hides pores without being too heavy
Keep In Mind:
– Coloring may run a little light
– It’s thin and somewhat watery
Makeup Tips For Pimple Prone Complexions
First off: makeup does not necessarily cause acne, but yes, it can make it worse. If you don’t clean it all out, those clogged pores can be a problem for breakouts. Makeup by itself isn’t a bad thing though.
Non-Comedogenic Makeup
You might see this term everywhere now in the stores, but sadly, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything. There aren’t actually any approved standards for non-comedogenic makeup. Just remember that thicker makeup is more likely to clog.
Oil Free
Sadly, you can’t trust too much in oil-free makeup either. Lots may list misleading oils, and oil isn’t the only cause of breakouts anyway. Any oil-free product isn’t necessarily a perfect fit.
Alcohol-Based or Fragrance
Don’t use anything that’s got lots of alcohol or a strong smell. These types of ingredients make breakouts worse and cause oiliness.
Thick or Solid Makeup
Avoid these types of products too, like stick or creamy compact base. The ingredients are horrible for acne prone complexion even if they do cover up those red spots the best.
How To Choose A Good Base For Your Skin?
There are several factors which can make any ordinary makeup choice ideal for those of us with pimple prone complexion, so here’s how you choose:
– Oil-free products do help eliminate a greater buildup of sebum to avoid clogging pores
– Natural ingredients mean that you won’t need to deal with parabens or harmful elements
– You want optimal, natural-looking coverage
– Look for salicylic acid and natural elements like tea tree oil to treat and prevent pimples
– Find something comfortable! Acne is so irritating and painful that a quality base will help soothe it
Skincare Tips:
Acne prone complexions are often very sensitive, meaning that your skincare routine is even more important.
Clean Properly
Start with good cleansing to remove oil, dirt, sweat, and makeup for a clean base. You’ll need the right type of cleanser for your complexion, but then you can start twice daily before you put on makeup and after you take it off.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation goes deep within your pores to clean out excess cells and oil. It’ll remove buildup of dead skin while reducing the formation of comedones and softening skin. Scrubs may not be the most suitable for your specific complexion, but don’t worry. Many treatment products already have exfoliating properties.
Toners
Toners can keep your complexion feeling fresh and fight pimples with ingredients like salicylic acid. They’re not for everyone though. Sensitive, dry, or irritated skin doesn’t usually respond well, so just be aware.
Moisturizing
Many treatments have a tendency to cause dryness, which is where your moisturizer comes in. Since your complexion is already a little oily from the acne, use oil-free moisturizers that won’t trigger breakouts while easing dryness, flakiness, and peeling.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen is an important step in reducing lots of complexion issues, but you might be worried about how greasy they are, or how heavy. Lots of them nowadays though aren’t greasy anymore and won’t make it worse. This is especially important since some medications make complexion sensitive to the sun.
Routines
Use a few minutes twice a day to establish a proper skin care routine. Something as simple as a cleanser, pimple-fighting medication, moisturizer, and sunscreen can work perfectly.
Conclusion
Living with acne prone skin is bad enough when you’re young, but as you get older, it’s just annoying! Even though it took me a while, I found the top picks when it comes to foundation for your specific skin type. Pick up one to look your best and get out there feeling confident!