The Best Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin

This is another solid drugstore option that's been a go-to of mine for years. Since I'm actually not very oily, I prefer foundations on the dewy side since it's less likely they'll settle into any crusty healing pimples (sorry). This one has medium coverage and a luminous finish that's not glittery; it just looks like really healthy skin. It's not oil-free, but it is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, so I've never had an issue with it clogging my pores. If you prefer a matte finish, the Matte + Poreless version is just as good (and that one is oil-free).

I know it seems a little frivolous to call a foundation life-changing, but if you have acne and scarring, a great one can truly change your entire outlook. The first time I tried this one on, I almost cried. It covers all active acne and older scars instantly, and although it's extremely high-coverage, it doesn't look or feel heavy or cakey. It has a natural, luminous (but not shiny) finish that makes my skin look airbrushed, and stays put all day long. Read my full review on it here. 

Generally, I'm not a huge fan of powder foundations, but on hot summer days when I'm super oily, this one gets the job done. It offers medium coverage—enough to cover active breakouts and minimize scarring while still letting skin shine through—and blurs pores and keeps shine down. It stays on all day, and you have a little more leeway when it comes to shade matching than a liquid foundation (although the shade range is pretty generous), and you can purchase refills for a lower price. If you're on the dry side, I would skip this one because it can cling, but if you're oily, it's worth a try.  

Mattifying foundations tend to be on the heavier side, but this one has a breathable serum-like texture that dries down to a powder finish for oil control. It's matte without being flat and provides natural coverage. It also has SPF 20 and is sweat-resistant.

I once heard someone describe MAC Face and Body as “Spanx for your face,” and that's honestly the perfect description for it. It makes everything look even, tighter, and brighter, and it adds just enough coverage to minimize redness and make you look a little more awake. It's a great base if you prefer to spot conceal where you need it, or let it stand alone for radiant skin that feels like nothing. 

Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation gets a lot of love, but as someone with acne, I've found it a little too sheer for my comfort. However, its sister Power Fabric offers high coverage, and while it's more matte, it still has a beautiful, luxurious finish. It's heavy duty, so tread lightly, but a little goes a long way when it comes to covering both active and healing breakouts. It also truly stays put all day. 

I'm going to preface this by saying this formula is too matte for me personally (I love the hydrating version), but I've seen it work wonders on other people. If you love a full-glam, full-coverage, matte moment, this is your girl. It creates the most beautiful smooth canvas and doesn't melt off. It's also noncomedogenic and comes in a massive range of shades. 

If you have oily skin, Irwin recommends a loose powder foundation to quickly cover large areas and absorb oil. “This one has zinc, sulfur, and salicylic acid to treat while it covers and has 20 color choices,” she says. Reviewers note that it's especially great for filling in and blurring indented scars, and the oat proteins in the formula calm any redness or irritation.

This classic has been a drugstore staple for years. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid to treat and prevent breakouts, as well as control oil. It provides medium coverage and a natural finish, making it an excellent everyday option. 

“The Cover FX Power Play foundation is great,” says Irwin. “This liquid gives full coverage with a matte, waterproof finish. It also comes in 40 shades." In addition to being super lightweight, it's formulated with an “ultrafine powder trio” to blur pores and keep oil at bay. 

Kesha's favorite foundation also happens to be one of mine. This gel foundation offers fairly light coverage, but like the Pat McGrath one, it makes the actual texture of your skin look so good it doesn't matter. Because of the gel formula, it feels fresh and cooling on my skin and doesn't cake or flake off. Even though it's hydrating, it's still oil-free, so I don't worry about clogging. 

Tinted moisturizers tend to be great in theory—fewer steps, natural-looking coverage, and SPF—but generally turn into a gloppy, ashy mess. Not this one. It's moisturizing without being thick or sticky, the shade range resembles real skin tones (although it could be more expansive), and it offers enough coverage for me to comfortably leave the house. I usually like to spot-conceal on top for extra coverage, but for errands or the beach it's perfect on its own.  

When it comes to coverage and finish, Spikard is a huge fan of this stick foundation. “This is a buildable medium to full-coverage foundation with a nice dewy, natural finish,” he says. “It blends into skin seamlessly and gives a rich coverage you want when covering a blemish. It's especially versatile as a spot concealer.”