It is no secret that acne-prone skin and foundation/base have a love-hate relationship. While applying foundation is the best way to cover a breakout or pimple, many formulas are comedogenic, which means they can clog your pores and potentially worsen your acne. Besides, oils or synthetic fragrances can also act as irritants to existing blemishes. When buying foundation make sure to look for ingredients such as salicylic acid – this magic ingredient has spot-busting superpowers and will help clear excess oil.

Simply put, when you’re covering up your pimples or blemishes, you want a formula that allows your skin to breathe without clogging your pores.

So, don’t aggravate your acne situation; use these skin-friendly formulas that will mask your problem areas without causing any further breakouts.

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Fluid Powder Foundation SPF 20

If you’re looking for the best matte formula for acne-prone skin, Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Fluid Powder Foundation is perfect for you. Though mattifying foundations tend to be on the heavier side, this foundation for acne-prone skin has a breathable serum-like texture that dries down to a powder finish for oil control. It’s matte without being flat, providing natural coverage and an airbrushed finish, which lasts for hours. It also has SPF 20 and is sweat-resistant.

BareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation

A loose powder foundation that quickly covers large areas and absorbs oil, this blemish rescue formula by BareMinerals contains zinc, sulfur, and salicylic acid which treats as well as covers blemishes. Available in 20 colour choices, it’s great for filling in and blurring indented scars, and the oat proteins in the foundation calm any redness or irritation. This foundation gives you a full-coverage finish while staying lightweight and breathable on your skin.

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Make-Up

Though a foundation that both covers and treats acne sounds too good to be true, this oil-free foundation promises to conceal, neutralise the appearance of redness and does a formidable job of keeping oil shine in check. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Make-Up is non-comedogenic, oil-free and packed with acne-busting ingredients like salicylic acid. It’s lightweight, which makes it an absolute dream to glide over bumps - a few drops provide medium but buildable coverage. The anti-blemish formula gives skin a natural, glowy finish, neutralising the redness of breakouts and is long-lasting as well.

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup

Another option for acne-prone skin is Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup that contains 0.5 per cent salicylic acid, which helps keep your T-zone under control along with dissolving oil and dead skin cells that get built up in your pores. It provides medium coverage and a natural finish, making it an excellent everyday option. Think of this foundation as an acne treatment in disguise, which contains micro-clear technology to treat existing blemishes and ward off new ones.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation

This foundation is lightweight and breathable and offers medium to full buildable coverage that lasts all day and allows the skin to breathe. Formulated with unique oxygen technology, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation looks natural and at the same time provides a waterproof and transfer-resistant finish. The formula’s three oil absorbers resist sweat, water, and transfer. And the best part, the ultra-thin liquid goes on smoothly to give a fresh, healthy-looking complexion that lasts long.

Becca Skin Love Weightless Blur Foundation

Even after your pimples have healed, acne scars and dark spots linger on your skin. This brightening foundation by Becca aids in reducing the appearance of both existing acne and the marks, thanks to its combination of blurring ingredients and spot-fading vitamin C. A moisturizing, medium-coverage skincare and makeup hybrid foundation, gives a velvety, natural finish. Becca’s foundation is a blend of bitter ginger and cold pressed avocado and melon, which balances out moisture levels. This formula allows pores to breathe and any active breakouts are gently blurred.