As someone who’s battled with acne all her life, I’ve always been wary of base products. It feels like every time I try a new foundation or primer, my skin throws a fit that takes weeks, if not months to recover from. It’s a frustrating dance of wanting to look good but I’m tired of sacrificing my skin’s health.
There is a silver lining though: not all base products are bad for acne-prone skin. The key is finding the right ones that protect and treat your skin while providing the coverage and finish you desire. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve discovered some products that are more like skin allies than enemies.
Pimple Free Primers
A good primer for acne-prone skin should have a few deal-breaking qualities since it is the first product you apply when you start a full face of makeup. Primers for sensitive skin are usually non-comedogenic, which means they don’t clog your pores and stop your makeup from doing so as well!
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer is a game-changer for those with acne-prone skin. Its silicone-based formula not only smoothens the skin and prepares it for makeup but also helps in minimising the appearance of large pores.
Additionally, the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer controls oil production. Its unique gel-to-powder formula provides a perfect base for makeup and the infusion of ingredients like PHA and witch hazel improves skin texture and soothes inflammation, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
Liquid & Powder Foundation
Now choosing the right foundation is key for acne-prone skin. A good foundation should offer effective coverage while being gentle on the skin, preventing further breakouts. I usually stay away from heavier formulas that have the capacity to clog pores but there are quite a few options in the market that are non-comedogenic or serum-based!
The Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup is a medium-coverage foundation, specifically designed for acne-prone skin. It incorporates salicylic acid, a known acne-fighting ingredient, to help clear and prevent breakouts. Furthermore, the product’s oil-free formula provides a natural finish without clogging pores, making it suitable for daily use.
Next up, if you have oily skin and prefer to use a compact – the bareMinerals BAREPRO Pressed Powder Foundation offers a matte finish without talc or synthetic fragrances. It provides full coverage and the lightweight formula doesn’t contribute to excess oil all while staying put throughout the day.
Skin Tints & Tinted Moisturisers
Skin tints, or tinted moisturisers are my favourite base products because they are essentially skin care with a little bit of colour. Tinted moisturisers are ideal for lighter coverage and they hydrate your skin while evening out your skin tone all the while containing ingredients beneficial for acne-prone skin.
The Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint is a tinted moisturiser that offers light coverage with a blurring effect to even out skin tone. The formula is especially suitable for combination, normal, and dry skin types. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t contain SPF, so you’ll need additional sun protection.
A multitasking product, the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector is a tinted moisturiser with Retinol and SPF 20 that not only provides sheer coverage but also treats your skin. The presence of antioxidants and vitamins helps in reducing the appearance of acne marks, fine lines, and wrinkles, making it a great daily wear option for acne-prone skin.
Clear Skin Concealers
Now the right concealer for acne-prone skin needs to do more than just cover up. It should provide full coverage without clogging pores and exacerbating existing breakouts – it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients; look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t cause more irritation.
The NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum is perfect for hydrating acne-prone skin while providing coverage. The formula contains nourishing ingredients like tremella mushroom and green tea, offering long-lasting hydration while the natural finish and lightweight consistency make it ideal for everyday use.
Last on the list we have the Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer, which is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. It contains salicylic acid to treat and prevent breakouts and provides effective coverage for acne and blemishes, leaving a smooth finish. The product is easy to blend and long-lasting, though its thicker consistency might require extra effort for a natural look.
Embracing your skin’s needs does not mean compromising on a stunning makeup look. With these acne-friendly base products, you can enjoy a flawless finish while keeping your skin happy and healthy!
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