I’ve struggled with acne and scarring my entire life. It has taken the number one spot in my insecurities more than anything else. I used to feel like that’s all anyone ever saw and it became extremely discouraging. I tried every over the counter product you could imagine from the age of 12 to 16 years of age, until I started getting cystic acne. Cystic acne was not like normal acne—it was rooted deep in the skin and usually grew to be very large, red, painful and occasionally would erode in a horrific fashion. And this goes without saying, but it was difficult to cover up while I was trying to fix it!
I eventually got clearer skin after trying several medications, creams, toners, and just about everything under the sun. . . Including the sun *fry the zits* technique. You name it, I’ve tried it.
However, everyone’s reaction to anti-acne methods is different, and this is not about my acne story. What we’re going to discuss is what foundation works best for acne-prone skin! For anyone who has struggled with acne blemishes, you understand the WANT that becomes a NEED to find the best foundation that makes you feel beautiful (even though you already are, don’t forget that) and gently hides your skin battle. As someone who has been there and is still there, I have some recommendations for you.
5 Best Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin
1. IMMACULATE® LIQUID POWDER FOUNDATION 
This was the product I used when my face was extremely oily! In the summer time, when I first moved to Las Vegas, I was very active in the gym and in volleyball. Of course, I always found myself breaking out due to constantly sweating. This foundation is a liquid to powder foundation, meaning it absorbs the oils in your face and is meant to give you a matte finish. This brand specifically targets people who have acne and an oily complexion. If you have combination skin or struggle with dry skin, there are other foundations in this list that would better suit you. This foundation will last you 3-4 months.
2. Lancôme TEINT IDOLE ULTRA 24H FOUNDATION
The foundation that your gorgeous Las Vegas cocktail waitresses and models tend to wear! Full coverage, but the most long-lasting through an entire day! This foundation sits light on the face, but can make you look like a porcelain doll. This foundation will last you 3-4 months.
3. Marc Jacobs Beauty Genius Gel Super–Charged Oil–Free Foundation
Marc Jacobs foundation has a similar feel to the Lancôme foundation. From my experience, it has the heaviest feel, but not to the point of discomfort. Marc Jacobs has a very beautiful, glossy finish. This is also a full coverage foundation. Pricing is higher, but worth it. This foundation will last you 3-4 months.
4. NAKED SKIN Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup by Urban Decay
This is the lightest foundation on this list! Not even remotely cakey, very smooth and refreshing. This foundation is also more affordable than the others and last over 4 months. If you want a more full-coverage look, you might have to use multiple coats with this foundation.
5. Laura Mercier SILK CRÈME OIL FREE & TRANSLUCENT LOOSE SETTING POWDER
This is the foundation I use currently and it is truly remarkable! Not only do you have full coverage, but the foundation never feels heavy on your face! It’s recommended to also have the Translucent Loose Setting Powder which gives your face a beautiful finishing touch. The price is higher than most, but this foundation will last your over 4 months. After the tube is close to empty, cut the tube at about halfway, and use your finger to apply the remaining amount for a couple more weeks. You can preserve tube after cutting, but tucking one side into the other and inserting it into a plastic baggie.
If you're wondering, "So I need to wear foundation to be pretty if I have acne?" here's my answer: NO.
If you are someone who struggles with acne and feel like you need makeup to feel pretty, you absolutely don't. Acne NEVER defines your beauty. It's just one of those annoying things that some of us awesome individuals get cursed with! However, I know how wonderful it feels to try something that is quality and see how much better my complexion has looked. The confidence boost has made many of my days and why wouldn't I want to share that? My best recommendation to find these products or if you have further questions, is to find the nearest Sephora or Ulta makeup store. If you live in a place where that is not accessible, visit the online links to each product for further information!
Remember, look beyond the red dots.
