Self

20 Best Foundations For Acne (To Seamlessly Cover Up Any Blemishes)

Photo: getty
Best foundations for acne

It sometimes seems impossible to find a foundation that is not only the right shade for our skin, but that will also cover up those blemishes without drying us out or making our skin even worse. When you aren't sure where to start with the best foundation for acne, you don't need to look much further.

Ultimately, if you have oily and acne-prone skin, your best bet is to avoid pore-clogging, face-drying, or skin-irritating formulas. Instead, go for products that say “hypoallergenic,” “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic." And these options for the best foundation for acne-prone skin are a great way to keep your skin blemish-free.


RELATED: Why Am I Breaking Out? 15 Super-Weird Things That Cause Your Acne


Under $30

1. Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup Blemish Treatment With Salicylic Acid

A liquid foundation with acne medicine that offers lightweight, breathable coverage for acne-prone skin, controls shine and helps treat and prevent acne breakouts. This is the first and only liquid foundation with Micro-Clear technology that quickly unclogs pores.

(Amazon)

2. BareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

This foundation is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, and is clinically proven to promote clearer, healthier-looking skin. Plus, it has SPF in it, so you'll be protected against UV rays.

(Amazon)

3. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

Combat acne, redness and other skin imperfections with this full coverage, water-resistant foundation plus concealer in one. Your makeup will look flawless and your skin will stay radiant and healthy.

(Milani Cosmetics, 10)

4. Elina Organics Crushed Pearl Powder Foundation

This makeup is not only beautiful but also stimulates the regeneration of collagen and is so healthy for your skin that we like to call it a "Walking Facial."  Pearl Powder has antimicrobial properties that are known to remove blotches, acne, scarring, dry patches, and Rosacea. 

(Elina Organics Skincare,$24)

5. NYX Total Control Drop Foundation

A liquid foundation with a dropper for customizable coverage available in flattering shades. This foundation provides sheer to full coverage and a soft, matte finish.

(Amazon)

Over $30

6. Younique Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation

Purposely formulated not to cover up, but to reveal your authentic beauty, this liquid foundation is fortified with rich, nurturing ingredients to help your skin look smoother, even, and younger than ever. Advanced liquid-to-powder formula allows for smooth, buildable coverage that dries to a matte powder and blends flawlessly for a perfect finish. 

(Younique Products, $39)

7. Osmosis Colour Pressed Base Mineral Foundation

This mineral foundation allows the skin to breathe, does not feel heavy and, most importantly, will not clog pores. Offering smooth, flawless, and build-able coverage, it also provides natural broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Infused with zinc oxide, moringa seed oil, and an exclusive goji berry blend, this luxurious and velvety formula promotes a healthy radiance with a seamless semi-matte finish.

(Beauty Store Depot, $38)

8. Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer Liquid Foundation

This foundation dramatically improves skin’s health as it perfects. Essential vitamins and minerals nourish the skin for visibly improved tone and increased radiance, while performing peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production.

(Amazing Cosmetics, $36)

9. 100% PURE Fruit Pigmented Healthy Foundation

This full-coverage foundation is perfect for normal-oily skin types. It offers a rich and creamy texture that creates a matte, velvety soft finish that conceals acne without looking or feeling heavy. The formula is colored from healthy fruit and vegetable pigments and is enriched with antioxidant-rich super fruits, vitamins, and other skin-nourishing nutrients.

(100 Percent Pure, $47)

10. 100% PURE Cream Foundation

This vegan cream foundation effortlessly glides on and blends extremely well for medium to full coverage with a glow. Great for combination skin types, the formula is colored from fruit, vegetable and seed pigments with maximum antioxidant protection.

(100 Percent Pure, $47)


RELATED: People Who Had Acne Will Live Longer And Look Younger (Says Science)


11. ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

Aloe leaf, rose hip, jojoba and marula oils soothe irritations, tame redness, plump fine lines, and ensure the formula effortlessly melts into skin for a more even, luminous appearance. It blurs imperfections and minimizes pores for a complexion that looks refined and refreshed. 

(Aillea, $54)

12. Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation​

Vapour’s Fine Art Infused Color enhances your unique beauty with a newly expanded shade range. The organic and wild-crafted antioxidant-rich ingredients in this breakthrough formula include brightening Camellia and Vapour’s proprietary Herbal Enlightenment Complex. Frankincense, Tulsi and Lotus to help soothe, calm and protect.

(Aillea, $54)

13. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

This foundation features uniquely-coated pigments that provide medium coverage with a lightweight texture, with hyaluronic spheres for time-released hydration that ensures comfortable wear on all skin types.

(Amazon)

14. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

This skin-clearing makeup is made with salicylic acid and helps cover, clear, and prevent blemishes. It’s oil free, too! It sounds like a wonderful option for the best foundation for acne-prone skin.

(Amazon)

15. Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer

This 12-hour wear, high-definition liquid foundation and cream concealer is long-wearing and water-resistant. The formula is designed to stay on all day, and looks and feels natural on skin.

(Amazon)

16. Oxygenetix Acne-Control Foundation

Treat and conceal acne breakouts with Acne Control Foundation. You'll see fast results from the 2 percent salicylic acid and the proprietary breathable delivery system with Cerevisiae to support collagen production and rapid skin recovery.

(Amazon, $76)

17. Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

This is a comfortable and non-caking formula powered by Amazonian clay for vegan, oil-free coverage that lasts up to 12 hours. It's perfect for women who are on the go and don't have time for touch-ups during the day.

(Sephora, $39)

18. BECCA Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme

A full-coverage yet breathable foundation in lightweight cream formulated with a high content of pigment and water, it combines a good balance of 21 percent pure pigment and 22 percent water. Not only that, but it perfectly hides imperfections.

(Amazon)

19. BY TERRY Cover Expert Fluid Foundation SPF 15

An ultra-smoothing correcting foundation with a velvety, natural finish. It erases imperfections, blemishes, and signs of aging and adapts to all types of complexions. A matte powder with non-drying glide-on texture and a hydra-plumping comfortable feel.

(Dermstore, $58)

20. Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation with SPF 25

A medium coverage buildable liquid foundation makeup with broad spectrum SPF 25 and all-day hydration. Weightless and hydrating, it provides seamless coverage with an even, smooth natural finish.

(Amazon)


RELATED: 20 Best Toners For Acne That Clear Up Your Skin Fast


Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.

YourTango may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through links featured in this article.