Acne can ruin your day. When stress hits, especially over an important event, pimples tend to come out at the worst possible moment!
Also, acne can be an acute issue. It is always reminding you that you have to take extra precautions when it comes to makeup and skincare.
There are probably times where your acne can make you feel self-conscious or discouraged. However, the next time you’re looking at your face in the mirror, it’s important to remember that you are beautiful – even with acne!
Instead of applying tons of makeup to cover your acne, you should first focus on addressing the underlying issue. This means being mindful of the makeup you put on your face, which can be tricky. So, here are some tips on how to find the perfect foundation for acne-prone skin.
Does Foundation Make Acne Worse?
Dermatologists agree that you should not suffocate your skin with heavy foundation and concealer when you have breakouts, but that is easier said than done, right?
Did you know that some ingredients in foundations can make your acne flare-up by clogging the pores and not letting the skin breathe, and can lengthen the healing process?
Breakout-prone skin is usually more sensitive and more likely to become irritated, so the best thing to do is go makeup-free for a while until the worst is over. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing that than what can you do? First off, choose your foundations wisely.
Step away from the full-coverage professional photo-finish foundations. These types of foundations tend to be very heavy, and while they do provide the best coverage, they are not what you need for your acne-prone skin. Instead, opt for a light foundation and a light concealer, preferably one labeled as non-comedogenic.
Also, avoid primers at all costs, because they can further clog the pores and make acne stay for longer than they were invited for.
Is Powder or Liquid Foundation Better for Acne-Prone Skin?
The next burning question is, should I go for powder or liquid foundation? While it is hard to apply common sense here, let’s give it a shot.
Liquid foundations stick very closely to your skin and therefore can clog the pores quite a bit, but on the other hand, the powder foundation can lock in everything and create a barrier on your face, which can also clog the pores. So, what to do?
Dermatologists usually recommend powder products over liquid, as they are less likely to clog the pores. This is because the pigment particles in the powder foundation are much larger than the ones in liquid foundations, which surely helps in letting the skin breathe.
Moreover, it is hard to apply too much of powder foundation as it is usually applied lightly to the face using a brush. You will rarely press in the powder into your face and get it into every nook and cranny, which helps your skin breathe and have some time off from full-coverage foundations.
However, if you cannot live without liquid foundation, opt for a light formula with a dewy finish as these products tend to be lighter and more comfortable on acne-prone skin. Just be sure not to use anything too heavy and not to go too crazy with the amount you are applying.
What to Look for in a Foundation for Acne
Cosmetic stores and online shops can be quite confusing at times, so knowing what to look for is a step one in clearing your skin while still wearing makeup.
When shopping, look for products that have low concentrations of salicylic acid, which helps combat acne and removes excess oil from the skin. Foundations that contain zinc, sulfur, or clay are also amazing. Products with aloe will soothe your irritated skin, and oil-free formulas will not make your face too oily and pores clogged.
Of course, if possible, choose a product that has the words non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic written on them. Always go for fragrance-free foundations, as scents can irritate sensitive skin, and make sure to apply sunscreen before you put on makeup, or go for a foundation that already has SPF built in.
How to Apply Foundation on Acne-Prone Skin
Finally, let’s see how to apply foundation to cover the acne successfully. Achieving the flawless look is not that hard, even though it may seem so at times.
First of all, make sure to start under good lighting. Natural light is the best, so if possible, place your mirror somewhere near the window to get the best results.
- Wash your face and apply moisturizer. Let it set in before you apply your foundation.
- Use a clean beauty sponge or a clean foundation brush to apply your foundation. If needed, use a color corrector before to conceal any redness.
- After you blend your foundation, apply a bit of concealer on your most prominent blemishes and the undereye area and blend well. Use a clean brush to apply a thin layer of loose powder to mattify the face, but avoid this step if possible.
- Then, go ahead with your usual routine for eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, and lipstick.
- Finally, spritz a bit of setting spray, and you’re done!
What not to do:
- Do not use heavy products or cream foundation
- Do not use too much product
- Do not overapply your concealer; it will make you look weird and clog the acne area
- Do not pick your acne before you apply makeup
- Do not forget the moisturizer
- Do not forget to take your makeup off
