How to Cover Acne with Makeup: Our 10 Best Foundation Tips

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At Acne Club, we know that acne is normal, and we practice acne neutrality. With that said, we often still want to be able to wear foundation to camouflage breakouts as we go about our lives.

While picking a foundation that is safe for acne-prone skin is the first step, when it comes to applying makeup on acne-prone skin, it’s not just about the products you use but also how you use them.

To minimize irritation and prevent further breakouts while getting a beautiful finish on your foundation, here are some makeup tips for acne-prone skin:

Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponges

Dirty makeup tools can harbor bacteria, oil, and old makeup residue, all of which can contribute to breakouts. Make it a habit to clean your brushes and sponges regularly with a gentle cleanser.

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Alternatively, using clean fingers to apply foundation can minimize the risk of introducing bacteria to your skin, as long as you wash your hands thoroughly beforehand.

Cover Open Pimples

If you have any open pimples that might leak or become irritated, consider using a daytime pimple patch. These patches are designed to protect your skin, absorb excess fluid, and create a thin, smooth surface for makeup application. You can apply makeup over the patch to partially conceal the blemish while also keeping it protected and promoting faster healing. For a special event, you can also try using a liquid bandage to seal off and protect the pimple first before applying makeup

Prep Your Skin with Moisturizer or Primer

Before applying any makeup, always start with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to create a smooth, hydrated base. This helps your foundation apply more evenly and can reduce the appearance of dry patches. If you have trouble with your foundation lasting all day or if you have texture from acne scars that you want to soften, you can try using a primer to create a more even surface for the foundation to cling to.

Don’t Depend on the SPF in Foundation

While it’s great that many foundations include SPF, it’s not enough to rely on this alone for sun protection. The amount of foundation you apply is usually not sufficient to provide adequate SPF coverage. Instead, make sure to apply a separate broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 after your moisturizer and before your foundation to ensure your skin is fully protected from UV rays. Some sunscreens with silicone formulas, like Supergoop! Unseen, can also function as primers to help your makeup go on smoothly.

Don’t Go Too Matte

When choosing a foundation for oily skin, it might seem like a full matte finish is the obvious choice to combat shine. However, semi-matte, natural, or satin finish foundations can often work better in the long run. While a fully matte foundation may initially create the shine-free look you want, it often struggles to hold up against the natural oils your skin produces throughout the day. As oil breaks through, your makeup can start to look patchy or cakey, emphasizing texture or separating in oilier areas. 

On the other hand, a semi-matte or natural finish foundation can be a more forgiving option. These formulas provide a balance by allowing your skin to look more like bare skin. When your oils inevitably come through, they tend to meld more seamlessly with the natural finish, giving you a subtle glow.

Lightweight Foundation and Spot Conceal

Although it may often feel like your entire face is breaking out, if you look carefully, there is still a lot of clear skin between pimples that does not need full coverage.

For a natural look that still covers imperfections, apply a lightweight foundation, tinted moisturizer, or tinted sunscreen evenly over your entire face. This creates a breathable base that won’t feel heavy on your skin. Then, use a full-coverage foundation or concealer only on breakouts, hyperpigmentation, or acne scars and blend well.

Try Different Application Techniques 

Different techniques can help apply the right layer and texture of foundation to cover your breakouts. When applying foundation, especially over areas with acne, try a stippling technique with a clean brush or sponge. This technique involves tapping the product onto the skin rather than dragging it across, which can help avoid irritating active pimples and create a more even, flawless finish.

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Some people also find painting on foundation with a flat brush is less irritating on breakouts.

And if you have acne scars, there is a popular technique where you tear a makeup sponge and use the torn side to help press foundation into acne scars to even out texture.

Use Setting Spray and Powder

Setting sprays and powders can be very helpful in keeping your makeup in place throughout the day, especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Using a light, finely milled setting powder, especially in oily areas like the T-zone, can help control shine and blur any texture. Be sure to choose a powder that won’t clog pores or exacerbate acne.

Additionally, a setting spray can help lock in your makeup and create a barrier that helps prevent oil and sweat from breaking down your foundation. Look for a non-comedogenic setting spray that suits your skin type.

Pay Attention to Shelf Life

Makeup products have a shelf life, and using expired products can lead to irritation and breakouts. To avoid this, buy and open only the amount of foundation and other makeup products that you can realistically use within a year. This ensures that your makeup remains fresh and effective, reducing the risk of skin issues. If you don’t use makeup often, consider getting smaller sample sizes.

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Thoroughly Remove Foundation

At the end of the day, it’s important to completely remove all traces of makeup, especially foundation, to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Double cleansing is a great way to do this. Start by using an oil cleanser on dry skin to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Oil cleansers are particularly good at breaking down long-wear foundation and waterproof products without stripping your skin. Emulsify by adding water and rinse off your oil cleanser, then follow up with a gentle, water-based cleanser, leaving your skin clean and ready for your nighttime skincare routine.