Being a person with oily and acne-prone skin, I am extremely skeptical when looking for a foundation, as doubts keep popping up in my mind. When I discovered some of the best foundations for acne-prone skin, they turned out to be more than just makeup products for me. Their lightweight formulas allowed my skin to breathe, without triggering excess oil production, aggravating the zits, clogging pores, or irritating my skin in any way!

However, that doesn't mean that the products are compromised on the buildability or coverage. They are well-equipped with the right formulation that can cover up your acne without causing irritation or settling into uneven textures. Some of them have potent ingredients that can even soothe the skin and control sebum production for the best results! I am sure there are people out there just like me who get worried about picking the right one for them. Fret not, I am here to help you! Take a look at the recommendations first!

• 1
  Best Breathable Formula

  Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

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Maybelline’s Fit Me range needs no introduction! From beginners to professionals, this drugstore brand and its spectacular liquid foundation have been a beauty staple for its budget-friendly price tag, superb formula, and high-end-like finish. Right from when I started my makeup journey during my teen years, this foundation has been my go-to product! 

The formula is buildable and gives a smooth coverage, thereby covering imperfections and delivering a smooth canvas for other makeup products. While it covers the appearance of enlarged pores, it doesn’t clog them or aggravate acne — something which is rare in drugstore formulations. And, while the product lasts long, taking it off with a micellar makeup remover is a breeze!

Skin Type: All, especially oily skin

2

Best Transfer-proof Formula

Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

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This liquid foundation from Catrice boasts of giving you a matte finish with a resilient that stays on all day! Enriched with niacinamide, which is a holy grail for controlling the production of excessive sebum, the foundation minimizes the oil build-up without dehydrating the skin (speculated in a study by the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy). 

The unique dropper applicator needs special mention to make the process a whole lot easier for the user! Furthermore, the ultra-lightweight formula gives an airbrushed effect that lasts for about 24 hours.

Skin Type: Oily

3

Best Long-lasting Formula

Phoera Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation - Pack of 2

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What impressed me the most about this miraculous liquid foundation from Phoera is that it os formulated with the pliable properties of skin-friendly silicones, which provide a silky smooth base for your makeup. 

The delectable formula has a silky texture that makes it really indulgent and easy to apply on the skin. It gives the skin a soft shine, which radiates your look without looking artificial. In my experience, this lightweight foundation gave a semi-matte finish to my naturally oily skin, and I fell in love with the results!

Skin Type: All

4

Best Cruelty-free Formula

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation

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e.l.f.'s Flawless Finish foundation is one of my favorites for its ability to improve uneven skin tone without settling into the large pores which is a common problem for people with acne-prone skin. It gives a semi-matte coverage that is quite buildable, so you can layer up on it to achieve your desired makeup base. 

Furthermore, the formula of this medium-coverage foundation blends like a dream despite the skin texture being uneven and pigmented. Plus, it also boosts skin radiance!

Skin Type: Dry

5

Best Dermatologically-tested Formula

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation

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If you want to cover your imperfections as the product works on your skin flaws and protects your skin at the same time, Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation is the one! Packed with antioxidants, feverfew, and vitamin E, the lightweight formula gives a breathable coverage that works best for acne-prone skin. 

It further shields your skin from harmful UV rays, and the credit goes to the SPF 20 infused in the formulation. Furthermore, it improves visible radiance and texture for great results.

Skin Type: Sensitive, all

6

Best Allergy-tested Formula

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Foundation

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Dermablend offers you one good liquid foundation, packed with SPF 25, that is dermatologically tested and proven to suit all skin types including acne-prone skin and sensitive skin! The high-performance pigments beautifully cover your imperfections without settling into fine lines and large pores. 

On the other hand, the hydrating ingredients present in the formula prevent drying the skin out throughout the day. Also, the product facilitates smooth coverage and delivers a natural finish that stays on for commendably long!

Skin Type: Sensitive, all

7

Best Hypoallergenic Formula

Almay Skin Perfecting Comfort Matte Foundation

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This dermatologically-tested foundation for acne-prone skin from Almay works like magic on sensitive skin as well. It has a lightweight formula that doesn't clog the pores and settle into the fine lines. Even though it gives you a flawless matte finish, it feels comfortable for up to 16 hours on your skin. 

Formulated without formaldehyde, parabens, mineral oil, or palm oil, this foundation doesn’t expose your skin to common irritants that can trigger or worsen your existing skin problems, which makes it a great investment!

Skin type: Sensitive, all

8

Best to Nourish the Skin

Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation

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Enriched with coconut milk and aloe extract, the Covergirl clean fresh skin milk foundation gives a moisture boost to your dehydrated acne-prone skin. The lightweight formula doesn't settle into fine lines and large pores which is an advantage worth mentioning for textured skin. However, let me tell you that it doesn't compromise the buildability of the product. As it thoroughly nourishes the skin, the product leaves a healthy glow while evening out the skin tone. Furthermore, you would love to know that the product hasn’t been tested on animals.

Skin type: Dehydrated, all

9

Best Waterproof Formula

Hide Premium Liquid Foundation

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A really good drugstore foundation for acne-prone skin, this product from Hide can be your savior on the days you need buildable coverage. This has a waterproof formula that stays on your skin for the longest possible time. The ultra-lightweight formula is quite breathable for the skin, feels comfortable, and doesn’t aggravate acne or clog the pores. And, it gives a beautiful natural finish, which doesn't look cakey. The best part? It keeps your skin oil-free for about half of the day.

Skin type: All

10

Best for Mature Skin

Mirabella Invincible HD Foundation

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Mirabella’s invincible HD foundation is packed with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and Matrixyl 3000 that intensely hydrate the skin for a soft, dewy look (a study published on NCBI). Specially formulated for sensitive skin types, it doesn't cause any irritation or burning sensation on your acne-prone skin as you apply it to the skin! The lightweight formula is equipped to even out the skin texture while being hydrating to the skin! It also takes the upper hand at brightening out your skin tone for a youthful look!

Skin type: Sensitive, all

11

Aliver Flawless TLM Color Changing Foundation Makeup - Pack of 2

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This color-changing foundation from Aliver amazes me with its tone adaptability! Specially formulated for people with sensitive skin, the foundation changes color as per your skin tone so that you can say goodbye to the struggle of finding the right shade for your skin tone. The lightweight formula leaves no residue or doesn't feel sticky while giving you a nourishing feeling as it evens out your skin tone. Furthermore, it contains SPF 15 which shields your skin against harmful UV rays for all-in-one protection.

Skin type: Sensitive, all

12

Lamel Oh My Clear Face Full Coverage Foundation

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Packed with salicylic acid and tea tree extract, this cream foundation beautifully covers your imperfections and gives a dewy coverage to your acne-prone skin. It doesn't clog pores and cause breakouts that can aggravate the present condition. Addedly, the oil-free formula of the foundation controls your excessive sebum production without irritating your skin, and the credit goes to its anti-inflammatory ingredients. Furthermore, it blurs out imperfections and makes your skin smooth, shine-free, and camera-ready with a seamless finish.

Skin type: Oily

13

FV Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Makeup

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This full-coverage foundation from FV is an excellent product to give a flawless finish while camouflaging the acne scars and dark spots, which are common problems of acne-prone skin. It has an oil-free formula that gives buildable coverage without transferring or being cakey to textured skin. The product also lasts for up to 15 hours while reducing the shine on the face, which is something oily-skinned people struggle with. Also, the formula evenly blends onto the skin leaving a nude matte finish.

Skin type: Oily and combination

Now that you've checked the product list, take a look at how you can pick the best one among them!

Below are the parameters that you can consider:

a) Ingredients: Check the label and take a good look at the ingredients. Effective components like salicylic acid, niacinamide, green tea, tea tree, and aloe are excellent for minimizing oil production without irritating the skin (study by Molecules). On the other hand, harmful ingredients like phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oil, and palm oil should be avoided at all costs as they are likely to aggravate the skin condition in the long run.

b) Formula: The formula of your foundation depends on the current skin condition and personal preference. If you have sensitive skin, picking a hypoallergenic and dermatologically-tested formula is recommended. Other than that, those who are mindful beauty lovers can pick a sustainable vegan-friendly, or cruelty-free formula that doesn't go against their morale.

c) Consistency: The consistency should always be lightweight and not settle down into your pores and fine lines. Also, a thick consistency will likely highlight the pesky spots and uneven textures more than the lightweight ones. 

d) Finish: It again depends on the personal choice only! However, I would recommend a matte finish as it is less likely to highlight the problematic areas than the foundations with a dewy finish.

Now that you have checked out the buying guide, let's take a look at how you can apply the foundation!

Below are the steps to follow:

Step 1: After CTM (cleansing, toning, and moisturizing), apply a silicone-based primer which helps in blurring your imperfections while controlling the sebum production.

Step 2: Apply a green-colored corrector over your acne, pimples, and acne marks and blend it properly.

Step 3: Now, take a lightweight foundation and apply it in a dotted manner before blending it out with a clean and damp beauty sponge or a makeup brush.

Step 4: Lastly, apply some loose powder over your base makeup to set it well.

Step 5: Don't forget to apply some makeup spray to set everything in and ensure a seamless finish.