best makeup for acne prone skin

Few things are more frustrating than waking up with a new pimple, except maybe finding the right makeup for your acne-prone skin. The questions seem endless: Will makeup make acne worse? Should I look for non-comedogenic formulas? Are some formulas better for my acne prone skin? Luckily, Skincare.com takes the guesswork out of finding products for acne-prone skin. Keep reading to find out how you can help treat (and mask) acne-prone skin.

Does makeup cause acne or aggravate existing breakouts?

Ah, the million dollar question. Does makeup cause acne? Short answer: sort of... just not directly. While makeup isn't one of the common causes of acne—you'll need to refer to the list below for that—it can indirectly cause acne or aggravate existing acne. Common causes of acne include: 

1. Hormonal fluctuations - Three "P": puberty, menstruation, pregnancy.

2. Clogged pores – Excessively oily skin mixed with dead skin cells and other impurities on the surface of the skin can lead to clogged pores. When this blockage also contains bacteria, a breakout can occur.

3. Bacteria - From your hands, other people's hands, your pillows, the world around you, the list goes on and on. 

While makeup isn't in the top three, bacteria is actually one of the reasons why your makeup can be the cause of your not-so-clear complexion. Dirty makeup brushes or sponges, sharing powder boxes with friends, etc. are all reasons why cosmetics can indirectly cause acne. Another criminal? Those same "impurities on the surface of the skin" that can clog pores. When worn during the day, makeup most likely won't clog your pores or cause breakouts, but if it's not properly removed every night and then cleansed and moisturized, then it's absolutely possible.

What is non-comedogenic makeup?

When looking for cosmetics for acne-prone skin, look out for one word on the label: non-comedogenic. This means the formula won't clog pores (remember, this is the main cause of breakouts) and probably won't aggravate existing acne. Fortunately, there are excellent non-comedogenic formulas:

Foundation for acne prone skin

Foundations for acne-prone skin need to be well-covered and breathable, and compact cushions like Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation are just the thing. Available in 18 different shades and tones, this long-lasting, non-greasy, high-coverage makeup is formulated with a broad spectrum SPF 50 so it not only helps cover imperfections, it also helps protect your skin.

For an easy pick that doesn't skimp on coverage, use a BB cream such as Effaclar BB Blur by La Roche-Posay. This oil-absorbing BB cream keeps skin matte all day long so you can say goodbye to that shiny T-zone! It helps temporarily hide imperfections without weighing down the skin. What's more, adding SPF 20 can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Acne prone skin concealer

Green concealers are a great way to hide visible redness. Urban Decay's Green Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid helps neutralize any redness spots from blemishes. Learn more about how to use color grading for other skincare concerns, from acne to dark circles, here.

After correcting the color, apply the concealer that best matches your skin tone. The Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer is a great makeup option as it provides full coverage and a creamy finish. The concealer is available in 10 shades, is non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic and even hides acne scars that may remain. 

Another concealer we can't get enough of is Bye Bye Breakout Concealer from It Cosmetics. Formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, it's a pimple-drying lotion and a full-coverage concealer all rolled into one. Contains skin-friendly ingredients– sulfur, witch hazel and kaolin clay, just to name a few –Goodbye blemish concealer can soothe and hide imperfections while acting on them. 

Setting powder for acne prone skin

To set makeup for a long time, you will need a setting spray or powder. These products help prolong the wear of your makeup and often even make it transfer resistant. Dermablend Setting Powder helps set makeup. A translucent powder helps make makeup last while leaving the complexion matte. Another favorite? Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Powder - A great choice for acne-prone skin. Containing salicylic acid, this powder controls excess sebum all day long and improves the appearance of your skin in just three weeks.

Whatever you do, don't share setting powder with friends if you're worried that your acne will get worse. The oils on your friend's face are foreign to your own skin, so when you share them, you run the risk of contaminating your brushes, powder boxes, and then your facial skin with foreign oils that can cause or worsen breakouts. Discover other beauty products that should never be shared here.

How to care for acne prone skin

While makeup is great when you need to hide a pimple on acne-prone skin before a big event, it won't help you clear your complexion in the long run. To do this, you'll need skincare products that contain approved acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur. If you only get occasional pimples on your face, try incorporating spot treatments into your daily skincare routine. If you're experiencing more than just pimples here and there, look for cleansers and moisturizers formulated specifically for acne-prone skin.