At NBC Select, we’re pro flaunting your natural skin. But sometimes, you want a little coverage, especially when you have acne. Plenty of our acne-prone editors — myself included — reach for foundation to cover up breakouts, redness and dark spots, but finding one that won’t aggravate acne can be as hard as treating breakouts themselves. It can feel like a never-ending cycle: You apply foundation to make new and existing breakouts less visible, but that same product may be what’s preventing you from being pimple-free.
So, how exactly do you cover up your acne without causing even more breakouts? Our acne-prone editors put more than 50 foundations to the test to see which ones were the most gentle and safe for acne. I also spoke to dermatologists, makeup artists and cosmetic chemists about how to shop for acne-safe foundation that’ll even out your skin without causing or worsening breakouts.
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How I picked the best foundations for acne-prone skin
As I considered acne-safe foundations to test, the experts I spoke to recommended keeping the following factors in mind:
- Ingredients: Pay attention to both labels and ingredient lists. Look for foundations labeled noncomedogenic, meaning they’re less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts, and oil-free. Expert-recommended and acne-safe ingredients to look for in your foundation include niacinamide (anti-inflammatory), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), zinc oxide (mineral SPF ingredient that calms skin), and aloe vera (soothing). Some foundations may have acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, but keep in mind these can be slightly drying, especially when paired with acne spot treatments. Avoid heavy and occlusive ingredients that can clog pores, like coconut oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, sodium lauryl sulfate and heavy silicones, says Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist at Unionderm in New York City.
- Formulation: Consider lightweight and buildable light to medium coverage foundations (typically liquid or gel consistencies) because they won’t settle into your pores and emphasize texture. Thicker foundations are more likely to trap oil and trigger acne, says Gmyrek (though if you have severe acne and need a more full coverage foundation, make sure it’s noncomedogenic and oil-free). Powder foundations are great for those with oily skin because they usually have a higher concentration of oil-absorbing ingredients, like silica, kaolin, and magnesium carbonate, says cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos.
- Finish: Consider a foundation with a matte or natural finish because they’ll usually control shine and reduce the appearance of texture or bumps, says Los Angeles-based professional makeup artist Gilbert Soliz.
- Coverage: Though coverage is important to reduce the appearance of acne, the key is buildability. Look for a lightweight foundation that you can gradually layer to build coverage without it getting cakey or clinging to dry/textured patches on your skin, experts say.
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How we tested the best foundations for acne-prone skin
Eight NBC Select editors, many of whom have sensitive, acne-prone skin or deal with occasional breakouts, tested 50+ foundations over a month to find the best ones that cover up and won’t cause breakouts, inflammation or redness. Here’s what our editors kept in mind as they tested each foundation:
- Coverage: We considered how well each foundation covered existing acne and inflammation day and night. Most editors reached for lighter, more breathable coverage during the day, and a medium to full coverage foundation at night. We weighed the degree of coverage against the comfort and feel of the foundation throughout the day.
- Formulation and finish: We considered various formulations, including powders, liquids, creams and sticks. We also kept in mind the “finish” of each foundation, which has to do with how it sits on your skin. There are three main finishes: matte (for a shine-free look and best for oily or combination skin types), dewy (for a hydrated look and best for dry skin) and natural (for a more “skin-like” look).
- Comfort and feel: We kept in mind how the foundation generally felt on our skin after at least a few hours, and whether it was lightweight and worked for all-day wear based on expert guidance.
- Longevity: Most editors applied each foundation at the start of the day (typically before work), and kept in mind how long coverage lasted on their skin throughout the day. Since the experts I spoke to say a good foundation should last for eight to 12 hours before it starts flaking off or looking cakey, we made note of how many hours we were able to wear each foundation. We also kept in mind factors that could affect longevity, including sun exposure and sweat.
- Activity: Editors put these foundations through a range of activities and environments to test coverage and longevity, including 8+ hours at work, while walking 10K+ steps in New York City, strolling in states with 90+ degree heat, out dancing at nightclubs and while working out.
- Shade ranges: We tested foundations on multiple skin tones, which means we paid extra attention to the brand’s shade offerings. We noted if shade ranges were limited, or if they didn’t quite match up to our individual skin tones.
- Packaging: We considered how comfortable the foundation is to apply: Most used either a brush or makeup sponge to apply each foundation, while a select few used their hands. We also made note of the overall appearance of the foundation and whether we would proudly display it on our bathroom counter (or keep it stowed away).
- Price: We kept in mind whether each foundation was a good value based on its longevity, coverage and size, and whether we would repurchase.
The best foundations for acne-prone skin
I rounded up the best foundations for acne-prone skin, all of which were tested and reviewed by NBC Select editors.
Best overall
The Armani Luminous Silk foundation has one of the best consistencies I’ve ever felt in a foundation. It feels almost like a lightweight serum rather than a traditional foundation, but it doesn’t compromise on coverage: It manages to cover my redness and pimples without looking as if I’m wearing foundation. In fact, I used this foundation in college when I was struggling with moderate to severe acne, and it was the only one that didn’t look cakey or emphasize texture. It does provide lighter coverage than most other high-end foundations, but it manages to almost entirely cover up mild to moderate acne, according to NBC Select editors.
Our reviewers agreed one of the best parts about this foundation is its finish — it creates a super smooth, even base and leaves skin with a natural glow. This foundation has been a go-to for NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi. “It genuinely becomes part of my skin when I wear it. It’s light, smooth and blends easily,” she says. However, Alabi says most of the shades tend to have a red/orange undertone, so it may be hard to match if you have olive/yellow undertones.
Best with salicylic acid
Clinique’s Acne Solutions line comes recommended by both Gmyrek and Dobos because it’s oil-free and has salicylic acid to help unclog pores. It’s also a favorite among our NBC Select editors, who say the foundation’s medium coverage helps cover up pesky breakouts and dark spots.
“Whenever I hear a foundation has claims of skin care benefits, I’m immediately skeptical, but despite all that, I still enjoyed using the Clinique foundation,” says NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris. “The bottle’s soft matte packaging had me a bit wary of the shade, but it turned out to be a very close match, and the formula was so lightweight that it was hard to tell I was even wearing makeup after the first layer.” However, Morris says she’d recommend this to people who prefer minimal coverage since she was still able to see some darker blemishes even after applying two layers. “While I’m not 100% sold on its acne-fighting properties — I still had the occasional bump or pimple pop up while testing — I would definitely wear this formula again,” says Morris.
Since it has salicylic acid, those with acne-prone skin have some peace of mind that it’s not less likely to break them out, but will also play a role in getting rid of pimples. However, keep in mind that salicylic acid can be drying, so you might notice some flakiness and dry patches when wearing this foundation if you have dry skin, or if you’re using other acne-fighting active ingredients that already dry out the skin (like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids).
Best lightweight
Glossier is an NBC Select-favorite brand for lightweight, everyday formulas and minimal coverage. When I first tested this foundation, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much coverage I got — it hid my dark spots, redness and smaller blemishes. It’s labeled as sweat-resistant and transfer-resistant, which means it won’t stain your (or other people’s) clothes. It didn’t slide off my face or melt off as temperatures got hotter, but I did notice some slight transfer on my husband’s clothes throughout the day.
The finish is very natural and it dries down matte, yet it doesn’t look cakey or heavy on my dry skin. This foundation is Alabi’s favorite of all the 20+ options she tested. “First off, the shade match is perfect, like it was made for me. It’s so light, smooth and creamy, it didn’t feel like I had anything on,” she says. “It basically became my skin, but not in a ‘I have a full face of makeup on’ way, more of a, ‘maybe she’s born with it’ kind of way. I was dewy but not oily, bright but not orange… a perfect blend.”
Best budget-friendly
This foundation has one of the lightest textures I tested, and considering it’s under $15, it’s one of the best values on this list. The serum-like consistency blends easily into my skin, and the medium coverage is super buildable, so I can easily cover up most of my redness and blemishes after applying two to three layers. It has SPF 20 to protect against sun exposure, and titanium dioxide, which is an expert-recommended mineral sunscreen ingredient that helps reduce inflammation. Neutrogena is also one of Dobos’ favorite brands because it has a long history of researching and formulating foundations for acne-prone skin, she says.
However, there are a few issues with this foundation to consider. First off, it has a very limited shade range, especially when it comes to darker skin tones. It also doesn’t have a dropper or pump, so you have to pour out the foundation onto your hand from the bottle. But for the price, you might find it worth a little mess.
Best for redness
This L’Oreal foundation is one of my favorites for rosacea-prone skin because of how well it covers up redness and bumps. In fact, NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin wears this foundation on-air, where redness is a major concern. “This foundation is impressive considering it’s $17 and something you can get at the drugstore,” says Malin. “It evens out my skin tone and mattifies my face, which is very important when I’m doing broadcast segments — the lights can easily make me look shiny, but when I wear this foundation on air, my skin looks smooth and matte.”
The foundation is super buildable, so you can apply one to two more layers to get fuller coverage without cakiness. When I tested it out, I loved how lightweight the liquid consistency felt; it blended easier into my skin than others I’ve tried and despite its matte finish, it didn’t cling to my dry patches (which is a concern I have with most matte foundations). Its blendable formula is a favorite among other editors: “This has a somewhat shiny and fluid application, but it blends in very quickly with very little work from a brush or Beautyblender,” says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez. “I prefer to warm it up in my hand, especially since it comes in a pump rather than an applicator.”
After wearing this foundation for over 10 hours, it stayed surprisingly even and I didn’t notice any transfer, streaks or flaking around my face (though there were a few flaky spots around my nose and cheeks on that 10-hour mark, which often happens due to heat and sweat). A major bonus: It has the most diverse shade ranges of any drugstore foundation we tested.
Best long-lasting
This Lancome foundation is one of the longest lasting foundations I’ve ever tried; I wore this for 10+ hours during my little sister’s graduation in 90+ degree Florida heat, and it lasted all day without budging. Even while sweating, the foundation didn’t slide off or transfer. The finish is also phenomenal — despite it applying matte, it looks extremely natural (more than any other full coverage foundation I’ve used), which helps cover up acne and redness without looking like a mask. Plus, it hides my imperfections without me having to worry about cakiness and heaviness, which are major caveats of a typical full coverage foundation.
Both Alabi and Malin say this foundation lasted all day on their skin, too. “I wore this foundation for over 12 hours, including to the office, out to dinner and while walking around Manhattan — by the time I took it off, my skin still looked pretty flawless,” says Malin. “I’m usually not a foundation person because I don’t like how heavy it feels on my sensitive skin, but I loved wearing this one. It’s super lightweight, non-irritating and doesn’t feel thick or cakey.”
Best full coverage
This foundation is a favorite among our editors, who say its coverage and finish are some of the best they tried, especially on days when they need an extra coverage boost. “It is extremely full coverage and matte, and a little goes a long way,” says Alabi. “It covered up all my acne and hyperpigmentation, even without concealer.” But despite its matte, full coverage finish, the foundation still looks very natural, says Alabi.
I love to wear this foundation on nights out when I want my skin to look airbrushed. It sits very well underneath concealers and color correctors, which helps me avoid any cakiness and dryness if I’m trying to cover up pimples and redness (though, like Alabi, I don’t need much concealer, if at all, with this foundation). It has hyaluronic acid to add moisture and it’s safe for sensitive skin, so there was no irritation among our testers even after hours of wearing it. Keep in mind the formula is very thick, so you don’t want to layer on too much; but unlike most thicker foundations, this one is noncomedogenic and doesn’t clog pores.
Best powder
Powder foundations are a great option for those dealing with oily, acne-prone skin since they can absorb oil and reduce shine, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye. This one from Bareminerals is free of common irritants like fragrance and mineral oil, which can trigger acne and inflammation, experts say. It also has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are gentle and anti-inflammatory SPF ingredients. However, keep in mind it only has an SPF 15 rating rather than the dermatologist-recommended SPF 30 or higher, so apply another sunscreen beforehand.
I tested this foundation when I was having particularly bad rosacea and acne flare-ups, and though it initially applied fairly sheer, I managed to build it up to medium coverage to cover up those spots. I appreciate how versatile this foundation is; I can choose to apply a light layer for a more everyday, skin-like look, or apply a few more layers to get fuller coverage. I also tested it out on top of my foundation and skin tints, and it provided a great amount of extra coverage without looking cakey or clinging to dry spots. Plus, a little goes a very long way and it’s quick to blend, so it feels lightweight on my skin (which, when you have moderate to severe acne, is a must).
Best for darker skin tones
This foundation is a favorite among our NBC Select editors due to its lightweight serum consistency and diverse shade range. “Its formula provides coverage without making my skin feel dry or look cakey,” says Fernandez. “It was also incredibly easy to find a shade that matches my skin tone, even without seeing it in person beforehand.”
Morris echoes the brand’s impressive shades: “The shade match is completely spot-on, and it blends so easily that I can do a full face with just a few pats of my makeup sponge,” she says. “One of the first things I noticed about this foundation is how light it felt — usually I can feel makeup on my skin, but this feels like I’m wearing nothing at all.” And although the foundation isn’t as matte as other options on this list, Morris says it also wasn’t overly shiny, either. “When my skin did start to get oily, it came off as more of a dewy glow or sheen, rather than a greasy mess,” she says.
The foundation has hyaluronic acid, a dermatologist-recommended ingredient for those with acne-prone skin, and turmeric to brighten, even and soothe skin, according to the brand. It’s also very lightweight and easy to blend, though our editors note that it doesn’t provide as much coverage as other foundations on this list, so it’s best for those with more mild acne. A big plus is the packaging, too: The bottle has a very unique, sleek look that’s great to display, says Fernandez.
Best buildable coverage: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation
This foundation comes recommended by Gmyrek because it has acne-safe ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera, zinc oxide and silica to control oil and soothe skin, she says. It’s a favorite among our oily, acne-prone skin staffers, who say it covers up blemishes, redness and dark spots while leaving skin with a natural, airbrushed finish. “I’m not usually a foundation person because I don’t love a lot of makeup, but this formula didn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable to wear at all,” says NBC Select associate social media editor Caitlin Cusack. “It blends in quickly with a makeup sponge and evens out my skin tone almost instantly. It wasn’t quite as light as a moisturizer, but I definitely thought this foundation was lighter than others I’ve tried.”
The foundation dries matte but without looking cakey or unnatural, says Cusack. Plus, it’s extremely buildable; though it looks relatively thin and watery when Cusack initially applied it, she could add several layers to cover up imperfections without it feeling thick or heavy on her skin, she says.
Best splurge
If you’re looking for a super lightweight, “skin-like” tint for the hotter months, consider this one from Chanel. At $70 a piece, this is definitely a splurge, but it’s well worth the price tag if you want a tint that’s hydrating, long-lasting and looks like your actual skin. “This is my hands-down favorite foundation for my historically acne-prone, now post-Accutane skin,” says NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson. “It’s very sheer and not full coverage, so if you’re looking for that, this isn’t it. But it’s gloriously hydrating — if you’re using super-drying spot treatments or have parched skin after Accutane like me, it’ll keep your skin looking glowy throughout the day.”
I wore this one in 90-degree weather, and it didn’t budge at all after 10+ hours. The formula is 75% water, according to the brand, which is great for those with very dry skin. I was initially put off by the watery texture, but it ended up turning into a lightweight tint that blended beautifully into my skin using the included applicator brush (however, due to the water-like texture, my usual makeup sponge doesn’t blend it well). It didn’t cling to any of my dry patches like most foundations do and instead of accentuating my pores and texture, this tint basically blurred it all away. The packaging is also one of my favorite parts; both the container and brush are sleek and luxurious.
Keep in mind the shades are extremely limited, and even the darkest shade is extremely light compared to the other options on this list. Also, make note that you’ll get very minimal coverage with this foundation, so you’ll want to look at other options if you have moderate to severe acne.
Best light coverage
This Milk Makeup skin tint is great for those with the occasional breakout or mild acne. It has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which are key acne-safe ingredients that help reduce inflammation, according to the experts I spoke to. Malin doesn’t typically wear a lot of makeup on a day-to-day basis, but when she’s going out to dinner or knows she’ll be filming social videos at work, she wears this skin tint. “It’s very hydrating; I feel like my skin drinks up the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in it. I love the dewy glow it gives me, and it effectively evens out my skin tone and makes my face super smooth,” says Malin. “I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin when I wear this.”
The gel consistency is lighter than any other foundation on this list, and our reviewers note that they can barely feel this on your skin. Keep in mind this does have a dewy finish, which my experts say can emphasize breakouts. However, because the skin tint is lightweight and has much more subtle coverage than most foundations on this list, it’s not likely that it’ll cling to dry patches or create more texture.
Best sweat-resistant
This Make Up For Ever foundation labels itself as waterproof, and it definitely meets expectations: This is another one I used for 10+ hours in the Florida heat, and it held up great to my constant sweating (for context, my face sweats more than my body, so it’s a huge surprise when any makeup product actually lasts). It has a very natural, matte finish that gives me a “your skin but better” look, which isn’t common with medium to full coverage foundations, in my experience.
Cusack felt the same way: “I’m usually not a fan of matte foundations, but this one is basically a second skin for me,” she says. “It evens out my skin tone, covers up my redness and makes my very large pores less noticeable — all without looking cakey or unnatural.” Cusack says it takes less than a minute to blend in with her makeup sponge, which is a similar experience I had. Plus, the foundation feels so light on her skin that Cusack says she forgets she’s even wearing it.
However, the foundation doesn’t have as much coverage as others on this list, so you might want to look elsewhere if you have more severe acne. “The strength of this foundation is its ability to even out skin tone. It does that really well with just a small amount. But does it cover up spots? Not really,” says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown.
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Can foundation cause breakouts?
Yes, your foundation can be the culprit of breakouts, experts say. That’s especially true if the formula is oil-based or has ingredients that generally clog pores, including coconut oil or cocoa butter (more on pore-clogging ingredients below). Heavy, thick foundations can also trap oil and trigger acne, says Gmyrek.
Microbial contamination of products and applicators (like makeup sponges and brushes), as well as the frequent application and removal of makeup with harsh cleansers that disrupt the skin barrier, can all contribute to acne, says Dobos.
How to shop for acne-safe foundations
When shopping for the best foundation for your acne-prone skin, the ingredients list and on-package labels are key. Here’s what experts agree to keep in mind:
Ingredients and labels
Look for foundations labeled noncomedogenic, which means they’re less likely to clog pores and aggravate inflammation, and oil-free, which won’t cause excess oil. Some ingredients that won’t make pimples worse and may even benefit acne-prone skin include salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores), niacinamide (anti-inflammatory and helps controls oil production), zinc oxide (mineral SPF ingredient that’s calming and antimicrobial), and aloe vera (soothes irritation), says Gmyrek. Oils that score low on the comedogenicity scale, like argan and jojoba oils, are also safe for acne-prone skin, says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. (You can look into the comedogenicity of skin care ingredients here.)
Foundations that help treat acne are considered drugs in the U.S. and have specific labeling that indicates the active ingredient and percentage of that active, says Dobos. “There are only a handful of permitted actives for acne, and salicylic acid is a popular choice because of its ability to penetrate the pores,” she says. However, avoid putting makeup with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide near your delicate eye area, which can cause irritation and premature aging, says clinical esthetician Danielle Gronich.
If you have oily skin, look for ingredients that help absorb and reduce oil in your T-zone (your forehead, nose and chin). These include silica, kaolin, magnesium carbonate and starches, says Dobos.
Avoid foundations with heavy, occlusive or oil-based ingredients, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. These include coconut oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, sodium lauryl sulfate and heavy silicones, says Gmyrek. Keep in mind that fragrances can also irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin, so stay away if you can.
Formulation and finish
Mineral or powder foundations help control excess oil, which helps those who are oily and acne-prone. Light-to-medium coverage liquids with calming ingredients like centella asiatica or aloe vera give a good amount of coverage without suffocating your skin, says Boakye. Avoid heavy cream or stick foundations, which are more likely to clog pores and accentuate acne, says Boakye.
Additionally, look for foundations labeled as matte or natural finishes, both of which help control shine and reduce the appearance of texture or bumps, says Soliz. “Avoid overly dewy formulas, which may emphasize breakouts,” he says. Also, don’t reach for foundations with mica (a mineral commonly found in foundations) or shimmer because they can emphasize texture, says Suzy Gerstein, a New York City-based makeup artist.
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Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at Unionderm in New York City.
- Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist with expertise in skin care and personal care product formulation.
- Gilbert Soliz is a Los Angeles-based celebrity and fashion makeup artist.
- Dr. Naana Boakye is a board-certified dermatologist based in Hackensack, New Jersey.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist at her own private practice in New York City.
- Suzy Gerstein is a professional makeup artist based in New York City.
- Danielle Gronich is a clinical esthetician, acne specialist and CEO of Clearstem Skincare.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered beauty and personal care for over five years. For this article, I spoke to board-certified dermatologists, makeup artists, a cosmetic chemist and a clinical esthetician about what to look for in foundations for acne-prone skin. NBC Select editors also tested over 50 foundations for a month to find the best ones to recommend.
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