Ultimate How-To: Makeup for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
Dealing with acne can feel like an isolating experience, but you’re definitely not alone. Up to 85% of teenagers get acne, and 40% to 55% of adults are diagnosed with low-grade, persistent acne and oily skin.
When you experience a breakout, it can be tempting to use any products you can get your hands on. But the wrong skincare products can contribute to acne by clogging your pores, irritating existing spots, and even allowing bacteria to fester into a full-fledged infection.
The problem with makeup is that it's another layer on your skin. Cosmetics can prevent your pores from cleaning themselves, increase oiliness, and introduce bacteria. Some cosmetic formulations may irritate sensitive skin, and touching your face to apply makeup can further inflame blemishes.
This doesn't mean all makeup is bad or you have to forgo makeup just because you're having a breakout. But because makeup increases your risk of breakouts, you'll need to take steps to reduce the negative effects makeup has on your skin.
Choosing Skin-Friendly Cosmetics
Some cosmetics do more than offer a temporary fix; they actually address an underlying skin problem. Choose treatment concealers that zap pimples as they conceal them, such as IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full Coverage Concealer 10.5ml If you're prone to breakouts, use a skin-friendly formulation on the rest of your face. Look for oil-free or non-comedogenic products.
Other Strategies for Protecting Your Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
Even the best cosmetics can irritate your skin if you don't practise good skincare. It's always a good idea to consult your dermatologist about painful breakouts or spots that resist treatment. Here are some other strategies for keeping your skin clear:
- Wash your face as soon as you no longer need to be wearing makeup.
- Wash your face before bed and apply an overnight acne treatment.
- Use an oil-free moisturiser, which prevents dry skin, without triggering a breakout.
- Never pop pimples or pick your skin, as tempting as it may be. You can cause more inflammation, slow healing time, and even cause scarring.
- Change your pillowcase frequently, especially if you sweat alot at night.
- Exfoliate your skin gently to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
- Avoid wearing makeup when you're exercising.
Best Makeup For Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
We believe everyone is beautiful with or without makeup. If you feel called to explore makeup, use it as an empowering tool with this easy, four-step process that includes specifically formulated products for sensitive acne prone skin.
Step 1: Primer for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
- For red and irritated skin that results from acne, try Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Calming Primer.
Step 2: Concealer for sensitive acne prone skin
What is concealer?
Concealer is a type of cosmetic that’s used to mask dark circles, acne, age spots, large pores, and other small blemishes visible on the skin. Compared with foundations, concealers have a thicker consistency. A concealer is used to hide irregular pigmentation by blending the imperfection into the surrounding skin tone.
- When you're working on acne or rashes from sensitive skin, the objective is to make them blend into the rest of your skin. So, choose the same shade as your foundation.
Our Favourite Concealers for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
When looking for a concealer to hide rashes or acne, select a concealer that’s designed for your face, and not a waxy under-eye concealer.
- A medicated concealer option is Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer. Not only does it neutralise redness and conceal breakouts, but it also treats your blemishes!
- Another option is elf Cosmetics Blemish Control Primer - Small. Infused with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree, this primer treats blemishes and fights inflammation.
Concealer application for sensitive acne prone skin
Apply the concealer directly to the pimple and to any red or discoloured areas surrounding it. Blend so that there are no obvious edges, but not so thoroughly that the spot becomes visible again.
- When it comes to applying concealer, some makeup artists suggest using a clean finger to lightly dab on the product. The warmth from your skin helps soften the concealer, making it smoother to apply. However, if you choose to use a brush, we recommend the M.A.C Cosmetics 195 Concealer Brush.
Step 3: Foundation for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
Why do we use foundation?
Foundation is exactly what the name suggests: it’s the base upon which you build your entire makeup look. To break it down simply, foundation is a cosmetic that's applied to the whole face (and sometimes the neck, décolletage, and body) to create a uniform skin tone. When it comes to foundations, one size doesn’t fit all. It’s important to find a formula that works with your skin, not against it, to ensure the best possible result.
When considering foundation options for sensitive acne prone skin, we suggest products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic for the biggest benefits.
- Try Napoleon Perdis Personal Trainer Serum Foundation, a lightweight, sheer-to-medium coverage foundation. The pearlescent pigments in the formula reflect light, giving skin a healthy, glowing finish.
- Depending on the formula, light- or medium-coverage foundation can give a more natural finish to the skin and is a great option for those looking to cover acne, hyperpigmentation, or scarring. Pixi Beauty Balm is a great option. This rich, nourishing cream formula offers buildable medium-to-full coverage.
Select the right foundation shade
Select the right foundation shade
The best way to pick a foundation is to match it to your chest. If you’re tanner there, you can also test makeup colours on the back of your hand. Ensure that you check the foundation swatch in natural light. Interior lighting can be misleading, so be sure to see your foundation under the sun or near a window.
Foundation application for sensitive acne prone skin
It’s time for your foundation to work its magic. If your acne breakout is limited to a few trouble spots, you may need to apply foundation only to these areas, blending until the colour disappears into your skin. If you have pimples all over or suffer from severe redness, apply foundation all over your face, blending carefully with a makeup sponge or blending brush.
After you've applied foundation, you might need to add a bit more concealer to troublesome areas. Apply lightly, blending carefully into your foundation so that no lines or colour contrasts are visible.
Step 4: Finishing Powders and Setting Sprays for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
Excess oil can create shine, resulting in movement in your makeup. Oil can even change your foundation colour when the oil oxidises on your skin. It’s natural to want your makeup to last as long as possible. So, when deciding between a setting powder or a setting spray, make the decision based on your skin type.
Choosing Between Setting Powder and Setting Spray
Choosing Between Setting Powder and Setting Spray
If you have oily skin that’s prone to acne breakouts and blackheads, a setting powder will generally give you a less shiny finish. A mineral-based powder will absorb excess oil and give your skin a blurred, soft look. is a great non-comedogenic option for sensitive skin, as it’s free from talc, perfumes, and chemical dyes.
To prevent irritating your skin or smudging your makeup, use a kabuki or blush brush to apply setting powder. Sweep the powder across your nose, forehead, and chin, and lightly dust any other acne-prone areas.
If your skin looks flaky or feels dry, a dewy-finish setting spray will lift your look. The best makeup setting spray will keep your makeup looking as fresh as when you first applied it. Setting sprays are similar to powders in that they can absorb excess oil and set your makeup. But unlike powders, sprays won't change the look of your makeup. Instead, these liquids contain ingredients such as Witch Hazel and Glycerine to keep your makeup from melting away.
- One of our favourites is Smith & Cult Instant Recall Invisible Powder Setting Spray, which is infused with a combination of Rice Starch and Coconut Water to instantly absorb excess oil and shine while prolonging makeup wear time.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
The Best Makeup Products for Acne Sensitive Skin Types
We’ve rounded up the best products formulated specifically to address acne, skin sensitivities, and your complexion type...
Ingredients to Avoid for Sensitive Acne Prone Skin
Our tips for the ingredients you should look out for when treating acne and sensitive skin.
