10 Best Acne Safe Makeup Tips You Must Try

Have you ever noticed that the more makeup you apply to hide your zits, the more unpleasant it becomes? And the breakouts almost always become worse? It’s no fun to wear makeup when some formulas, makeup application techniques, or a lack of skincare ingredients cause your skin to become sensitive and flare-up. When applying makeup on acne or acne-prone skin, there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind to guarantee that you look fabulous while your skin feels entirely at ease.

It may look like applying makeup over acne is difficult, but it does not have to be. Acne-prone people should be cautious when choosing skincare products and when purchasing cosmetics. When it comes to skincare and makeup application, acne-prone skin demands extra attention. Look for non-comedogenic, gel-based, and oil-free terms when shopping for skincare and beauty products. The following acne safe makeup tips will completely transform your life if you suffer from acne.

Tip #1: Prep your skin for flawless makeup

Makeup always looks better on healthier skin, whether it has acne or not. A regular acne skincare routine will keep your skin in good form and help you avoid outbreaks.

Cleansing is key

Cleaning the skin has massive benefits. Regular cleaning not only helps to regulate pore size but also helps to develop soft, healthy skin. If you have oily skin, you might want to try the double cleansing trend, which can help avoid excess oil production. Cleanse first thing in the morning to remove any toxins accumulated during the night.

Gently rub your favorite acne foaming cream cleanser into your skin in circular strokes to remove pollutants, grime, or oil.

Use toner next

Although toner is an intermediate step, it should not be overlooked. It eliminates ingrown hairs, refreshes the face, and minimizes pores, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine. Toner should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing to provide the skin with the most hydration. Hydrated skin has a smoother, plumper complexion, making makeup look great!

Are you unsure how to use a toner correctly? Using a cotton round, apply a small quantity of toner for acne-prone skin to your face and neck and gently swipe the product all over.

Use spot treatment

Spot treatments deliver acne-fighting ingredients directly to the problem. Spot treatments can help with redness, swelling, and pain. They can also help loosen or dissolve the pore obstruction that is causing the blemish to form in the first place.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is the next thing on your pre-makeup to-do list. While your skin is still moist from the toner, apply a generous replenishing serum to your entire face. This will aid in the product’s absorption by your skin. After that, use the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin.

Moisturizing is good for treating acne. Glycerine and dimethicone-based moisturizers are perfect for people who don’t want to use a lot of oil on their skin.

Use primer

The primer may be the most critical part of your skincare routine for long-lasting acne safe makeup. Primer helps your foundation, blush, bronzer, and other face products last longer by making your skin look smooth and even.

Primers are also your first defense against acne, scars, and oily skin. Primers are on the front line before you put on your foundation, powder, or any other acne safe makeup. This is especially true if you have troubled skin.

One size does not fit all when it comes to primer. If you want your acne safe makeup to last all day, you need to find a primer made for your skin type and problems and use it every day.

Choose a primer that will help you get the look you want. It doesn’t matter if you wish for a dewy or matte finish. If your skin tends to get oily after a few hours, look into a mattifying primer that will help keep your face from becoming greasy or shiny all day. Choose a primer that moisturizes your face and makes your acne safe makeup last all day long so that your look stays bright and beautiful for a long time.

Tip #2: Trick to getting rid of dry, flaky skin

Acne skincare products can sometimes leave skin flaky. If exfoliating and moisturizing don’t work, a little piece of Scotch tape can be used to remove skin flakes.

What you should do: After applying your regular moisturizer, use a piece of Scotch tape and gently push it onto any flaky spots. Once any peeling or dry skin has disappeared, use a liquid or serum-based foundation as usual. However, avoid using powder because it will dry up your skin even more.

Why it works: The scotch tape adheres to any flakes that are about to fall off and removes them without irritating the rest of your face. It’s far gentler than exfoliating. Plus, who doesn’t have tape in their junk drawer already?

From now on, don’t be shocked to see a roll of Scotch in your makeup bag.

Tip #3: Choose the best foundation for acne-prone skin

The best foundation for acne-prone skin must provide two things. First and foremost, it must effectively conceal any blemishes or scars that may be affecting your confidence. At the same time, it must do so without causing any new breakouts, or you will be back to square one.

Because allowing your skin to breathe is essential for keeping it happy beneath the foundation, anything heavy or comedogenic (pore-blocking) cannot be used. Avoid products that contain alcohol, and look for skincare ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide, which are commonly found in anti-acne treatments.

Some people believe matte foundations are best for oily, acne-prone skin, but this is not true. Matte foundations dehydrate your skin, forcing your pores to generate even more oil to compensate. That’s not the look you’re going for!

Instead, opt for a foundation with a pleasing satin finish, and fragrance and mineral-oil-free for acne safe makeup.

Tip #4: Choose fragrance-free makeup

Avoid using fragrances if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Synthetic perfumes can irritate your skin, causing pimples, redness, and other symptoms. Choose acne safe makeup that says “fragrance-free” on the container or in the product description to be safe.

It’s also worth noting the distinction between “unscented” and “fragrance-free.” When a product is unscented, it usually has a masking smell to cover up an unpleasant odor. The primary compounds in many skincare products have an unpleasant odor. Some nostrils are offended by urea, sulfur/sulfa, hydrolyzed collagen, or other animal extracts.

On the other hand, scent-free refers to the absence of synthetic fragrance compounds, but it does not always imply that the product is odorless. Because many products (especially those containing essential oils) are inherently aromatic due to their component list, it’s crucial to understand the difference. In the traditional meaning, fragrance-free means there is no other perfume to impart a pleasant—or occasionally medicinal—odor.

Tip #5: Avoid makeup products that contain mineral oil

Mineral oil is another ingredient to avoid in acne safe makeup recipes. Mineral oil is occlusive and doesn’t absorb into your skin. Occlusives are substances that sit on the skin’s surface and can clog pores. When you combine clogged pores with bacteria, you’ve got a breakout.

Make sure mineral oil isn’t listed as an ingredient in your cosmetics if you want to reduce the chance of acne breakout.

Tip #6: Use a color corrector

If you have acne, you’ll have a lot of red markings on your face, and using concealer to cover them won’t help. Before applying foundation or concealer, for acne safe makeup, use a green color corrector to cover blemishes. It neutralizes the color of bright red zits and successfully covers them when applied on top of them. After you’ve used the color corrector, apply the concealer on top.

Here are the exact steps:

Step 1: Begin by putting on your foundation.

Apply a liquid or cream-based foundation first if you’re using one. Otherwise, your concealer may be rubbed off as you apply your foundation.

Step 2: Using a dabbing motion, apply the green color corrector

With a small makeup brush or cotton swab, apply a small amount of green color corrector to an irritating blemish. Apply to the skin with a dab or a tap. Please don’t rub. Rubbing the pimple might worsen it and make it appear redder.

It’s easier to apply color corrector using a moistened makeup sponge if you cover more than one or two blemishes. 

Step 3: Blend, blend and blend some more.

The key to making your green color corrector look natural is seamlessly blending it in. Gently pat over the area with your makeup sponge (or even your clean finger for single pimples).

Using a tapping or patting motion, blend until it is entirely blended. You’re finished when the green tone “disappears” into your skin.

Step 4: Use concealer to finish

Apply a concealer that matches your skin tone for further coverage.

If you’re not used to using acne safe makeup, don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect the first time. You’ll be able to apply your green color corrector, and it will look natural after a few times of practice. You’ll never want to be without it once you’ve used it.

Tip #7: Use makeup applicators

Acne safe makeup should not be applied with your fingers because this can transfer oil from your fingers to your face. Instead, apply makeup directly to your skin with makeup applicators such as brushes.

Because makeup brushes acquire product residue, grime, oil, and bacteria, you should wash them with soap and water every seven to ten days to avoid new acne breakouts.

1. Soak the brush in lukewarm water for a few minutes.
2. In the palm of your hand, place a drop of hand soap, shampoo, or cosmetics brush cleaner.
3. Swirl the brush to clean the bristles in the palm of your hand, then rinse with lukewarm water.
4. Reshape the brush head and set it aside to dry on a clean towel.

When applying makeup, remember to be careful because tugging too hard will irritate your skin.

Tip #8: Adapt your cosmetics routine to your menstrual cycle

Each woman has different signs that her menstrual cycle is approaching. Sleepless nights, irritable moods, and a strong need for pizza are just a few symptoms. You’re well aware of your personal period’s warning when you’re in your mid-20s.

Make sure your acne safe makeup matches your fluctuating hormones if you know you’re more inclined to break out around that time of the month. What you’re wearing the other 25 days of the month might not be appropriate for spotting.

There will be no stopping and starting with your acne if you wear the same cosmetics every day. When your hormones are challenging your skin, switch to a lighter formula and try to use less makeup as you anticipate the entrance of your zits.

Tip #9: Apply in thin layers and with a light touch

You might think that thick layers of foundation would hide your acne, but that’s what most people do wrong. The best way to get a natural and hidden look is to apply the foundation in tiny amounts with a light touch. Use a Beauty Blender instead of a sponge or brush to get a natural look. Don’t try to hide too much with your foundation. It would be best if you only used foundation to make your skin tone look the same as the rest of your body.

How to apply foundation in layers

The steps of applying foundation in layers for hiding acne skin are as follows:

Step 1: To begin, dab one or two dots of foundation onto the back of your hand. Swirl the product with your fingertips carefully. The warmth of your finger might aid in a better blend of foundation on the skin.

Begin by dabbing the foundation on the parts of your face that require additional coverage.

Pay special attention to any areas with acne or redness. Applying too much foundation to the regions of your face where the light reaches you, such as the high points of your cheeks, is a bad idea. These areas should have as little coverage as possible to avoid a cakey appearance.

Many people want additional coverage under and around the nose, where the skin seems to be redder. To prevent makeup from separating on your nose, apply a tiny layer of foundation to these places. Because the skin surrounding the nose is a little more fragile, using a lot of makeup here could look cakey.

Buff the foundation with the brush to blend it in to avoid a streaky effect. Tap a makeup sponge gently on the skin if you’re using one. Avoid dragging or rubbing the foundation onto your skin since this can result in a spotty appearance.

Wait for the foundation to dry completely before adding another layer of foundation. This allows the foundation to blend more naturally into the skin.

Step 2: Using the same manner, add a second foundation layer. We want to build coverage where it’s needed without overdoing it and a cakey finish. Concentrate on problem areas, such as any blemishes or redness that may be visible.

Before applying the remainder of your acne safe makeup, wait for the foundation to dry.

Step 3: If you want better coverage, repeat the process until you achieve the desired outcome. This final step is optional, depending on the coverage you want.

Remember not to apply too much foundation at once since this might result in a cakey appearance.

Finally, ensure that your foundation is well blended around the jawline and neck. Check for any hard lines on the hairline and blend them with a sponge or stippling brush.

Regardless of the instruments you choose, dab the foundation on the skin rather than dragging it. This will keep your foundation from looking streaky and make it look more natural on your skin.

Applying small coats of foundation only where needed and blending it correctly is the key. Gradually add additional foundation until you get the look you want. Many makeup artists utilize this technique to create a flawless base. You can leave some parts bare or let them shine through for those who have freckles.

Tip #10: Remove your makeup before bed

It is critical to remove your makeup before going to bed, as it can cause significant harm to your skin throughout the night.

When you sleep, your skin renews itself, and if you wear cosmetics, you’re interfering with that process. The skin stops breathing, and tiredness symptoms occur soon after.

Because most makeup is made up of greasy chemicals, it clogs your pores and causes additional acne and blackhead breakouts if you leave it on the next day.

When left on for hours during the night, makeup residue and the ingredients that comprise your makeup can produce a variety of skin blemishes.

Before going to bed, you should remove your acne safe makeup and moisturize your face to allow your skin to breathe properly.

After a long day of work, use Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Makeup Remover Wipes to quickly remove all of your makeup residue, debris, and oil. The wipes remove all pore-clogging pollutants and effectively cleanse your skin, eliminating the need to wash your face afterward.

Keep makeup remover wipes on your nightstand if you have trouble remembering to wash your face at the end of the day.

A flawless acne safe makeup look can be achieved by following these simple steps. They won’t make your skin more sensitive or cause acne flare-ups.