For acne-prone skin besties, one of the most common and valid concerns about wearing makeup is that foundation causes breakouts. While foundation is not a direct cause of acne and removing it “does not let the skin breathe” (as the saying goes), foundations are thicker than skincare. They are meant to sit on top of the skin. So, they can clog pores and prevent the skin from sloughing off (natural shedding) throughout the day.
It’s not that foundation is bad. It’s just that it’s makeup – meaning the purpose is aesthetic, not skincare. And although many modern foundations do include skincare, this does not negate other potentially irritating ingredients like mica, etc. So, how do you get coverage, contour, and glow when you have acne or sensitive skin?
Here is a full-face makeup routine for acne-prone skin!
Tinted Sunscreen
One of the most difficult things about full-face makeup is that it's all-consuming. However, there is a way to apply more acne-friendly coverage by using a tinted sunscreen.
Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 - $50
If you’re looking for a tinted sunscreen with coverage, this is the best product that Cassandra could recommend. But, it’s not just an SPF 50. It’s an SPF 50 and a dewy glowy foundation. Using vitamin C, niacinamide, allantoin, vitamin E, and chamomile, Iris & Romeo created an SPF that replaces foundation and provides skincare benefits. The main difference between this product and a more “makeupy” foundation is its weight, it blends more into the skin, its ingredients, and its finish.
Instead of an actual foundation, you can put this all over your face as a base for another layer.
Foundation
NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation - $13.97
You can use an actual foundation to contour. For contouring, you don't have to put on a lot if you don't want to. Contouring is all about depth, and you can place it strategically according to your facial structure.
As mentioned before, although foundation can present a challenge for some skin types, you can place it sparingly and do a light contour. That way, it will not contact the entirety of your face and can be washed off easily. For best results, you can even use two shades of foundation. As opposed to using highlighter and bronzer for contouring, foundation will probably be the most skin-friendly out of the three.
This is a lightweight foundation that gives a healthy-looking finish, and it works for Cassandra’s acne-prone skin. Plus, it comes in 29 shades.
This is a vegan and cruelty-free mascara that Cassandra likes. It's from Selena Gomez's line, and overall, it does well.
isoi Bulgarian Rose Lip Treatment Balm- $20
In some cases, you can also use a lip stain on your cheeks and eyes. This comes in red and pink. While supplying deep hydration to the lips, this provides a sheer color that compliments a natural makeup look.
On the other hand, some pigments and dyes within blushes can irritate sensitive skin types. And while this product also has pigments, it's so sheer that it would be much less than using a blush. Yet, you're still able to add color to your natural makeup look
Coverphoto cred: Freepik