If you’ve dealt with acne at any point in your life, whether it be pubescent breakouts or adult acne in the form of hormonal acne or cystic, then you also know the pain of finding a foundation that will cover breakouts and any scarring without looking cakey or compounding the problem. Finding the right foundation for acne-prone skin can be just as hard as figuring out the best skincare routine, so we researched the best foundations on the market to find ones made with proven skincare ingredients (like salicylic acid, known for its acne-fighting properties), as well as formula and price.Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation
Clinique has been around for decades and its line of foundations has only continued to improve. “Unlike many that just work by covering bumps and redness, this foundation contains salicylic acid, which can help treat acne while also providing the coverage,” says GH Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek.
Not only does this foundation, available in over a dozen shades, contain the holy grail acne-fighting skincare ingredient but it also feels lightweight on the skin. Wnek, who has acne-prone combination oily skin, reports a matte finish and medium coverage. While we wish more shades were available, a 4.5-star rating across 1,575 customer reviews on the Macy’s website makes this a popular foundation that won’t disappoint.
L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation
This drugstore find has 47 shades to choose from and an easy-to-use pump. It has medium coverage with a natural finish, leaving your skin looking fresh. Wnek says the formula is super lightweight and is a wonderful option for everyday wear.
It boasts a 4.5-star rating on Ulta and over 2,000 online customer reviews with one five-star review writing, “This is the first foundation I’ve actually liked. Coverage can be as light or heavy as you need it to be.” However, reviewers do note that the pump makes it hard to get all of the foundation out from the bottom, thus leaving behind some unused product. Still, the color range and price make it a stand-out pick.
