Frequently Asked Questions
Which ingredients should I look for in a foundation for acne-prone skin?
When shopping for foundation attuned to the needs of acne-prone skin, check for acne-fighting and soothing ingredients. “Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, which works to clear the pores and exfoliate while they cover,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, explains. “This beta hydroxy acid penetrates pores and breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, oil, and other debris that clog pores,” Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos adds.
Word to the wise: Salicylic acid can limit your color options, which is why you won’t find it in any of our picks. “Products containing salicylic acid need to be formulated at a low pH in order to be effective, and ultramarines—a class of pigments that are helpful when creating deeper skin tones—do not tolerate low pH well,” Dobos says.
You should also prioritize formulas featuring ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that help hydrate acne-induced dryness. “These ingredients help to reduce redness and inflammation and restore the skin’s protective barrier,” Maryland-based board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, told Allure. Dobos adds that “Bisabolol has potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce redness and calm irritated skin, as well as mild antimicrobial properties, which may also help in managing acne-prone skin.”
Which ingredients should I avoid in foundation?
New York City-based dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD, recommends steering clear of isopropyl myristate, isopropyl isostearate, butyl stearate, and octyl palmitate. Also, watch out for heavy, oil-based, and occlusive ingredients in your foundation—these can clog pores and cause new breakouts to form. Some people are also sensitive to lanolin, Dr. Kobets adds.
What is the best way to apply foundation if I have acne-prone skin?
“Prep is everything,” says MarQuis Ward, an Atlanta-based makeup artist. He recommends starting with a light layer of hydration on top of clean skin and, if you need one, an oil-controlling primer only in the areas where you get shiny. Next, it’s time for foundation: Start with a thin layer and build coverage where needed, Ward says. “Pressing product into the skin with a damp sponge creates the most seamless result and prevents dragging across active breakouts,” he adds.
When you’re ready to set, use a fine translucent powder wherever you crease or produce excess oil. (“Over-powdering can emphasize texture,” Ward says.) Finish with a lightweight setting spray all over to melt everything together.
Need to touch up throughout the day? “Blot first, always,” Briceno says—otherwise, your powder may mix with the oil on your face to create a paste. Then, he recommends adding a small amount of powder only where you see shine. Notice a spot peeking through? Try tapping a tiny amount of concealer directly on top of it, he says, press the edges until they disappear, and then finish with powder.
What other steps can I take in my routine to prevent new breakouts from forming?
Makeup can only do so much—it’s important to assess your skin-care routine, too. Use a non-stripping cleanser, a moisturizer with humectants, lipids, and ceramides that won’t clog your pores, and a mineral sunscreen, and avoid layering too many products on top of each other, Dr. Kobets says. At the end of the day, remove your makeup using micellar water (not makeup wipes), she adds, and don’t over-cleanse. Both Dr. Kobets and Ward also recommend washing your makeup brushes and tools often to prevent bacteria from spreading.
Meet the experts
- Christian Briceno, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Kirin Bhatty, a makeup artist based in New York and Los Angeles
- Rena Hayashi, Armani Beauty research and development specialist
- Amanda Lam, a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles
- Delina Medhin, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Ife Rodney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Maryland
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
- Neil Scibelli, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati, Ohio
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best foundations for acne-prone skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, dermatologists, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Tackling blemishes, of course, starts with the right skin care. Keep reading for our inflammation-fighting picks:
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.allure.com
