Makeup Products That Don’t Break Out my Acne Prone Skin & Why Yours Might be
“Every time I wear makeup I break out”- I hear you. I understand how frustrating it can be to wear makeup when you have acne, especially when you may be applying it to feel more confident and then it's giving you more skin concerns.
Here are four common reasons why breakouts could be happening and then four product recommendations that have never steered me wrong when it comes to acne and congestion on the skin.
Why is Makeup Breaking me Out?
Let’s trouble shoot four common reasons break outs happen from makeup.
Reason 1: Dirty Brushes, Sponges, or Application Tools
One of the reasons that makeup might be breaking you out is your brushes, sponges, or how you're applying your makeup.
If you’re using your hands, make sure you have clean hands or use a sanitiser before applying.
Brushes and sponges can be breeding grounds for bacteria, but thankfully it’s an easy fix!
You don't need anything fancy to wash them;
Use your shampoo, hand soap or baby soap with warm water
Swirl, wash, get out all the gunk in the brush,
and let them air dry
If you're a little bit more low maintenance like me, I can definitely recommend a makeup sanitising mist or an alcohol spray to spot-clean your brushes.
I tend to use a spot cleaner before every brush use because of how acne prone my skin is.
Shop: Saint Jack Makeup Cleaning Mist
Reason 2: You’re Not Removing Your Makeup Properly
How you're removing your makeup might not be the best it could be. What does that mean?
In the most ideal world, you're removing your makeup first and then you're cleansing your face.
This is a really important concept to wrap your head around. When you cleanse your face while wearing makeup, you're not cleansing your skin per say — you're just removing the gunk of the day and the makeup that's built up during that cleanse.
It’s then the main cleanse or “second” cleanse that actually starts cleansing the skin.
Here’s how to fix that:
Remove the makeup first using an oil cleanser, micellar water, or yes, even makeup wipes (though I do believe there are better options).
Go in with your cleanser after washing off the makeup.
Double cleanse with a water based cleanser that has a gentle lather for a good amount of time (ideally 60 seconds)
And if you're feeling stubborn? I'm not going to judge you — just cleanse for longer!
If you haven't removed your makeup first, maybe push that to even 90 seconds to ensure everything is coming off.
Read: Cleansing Your Face and How to Do it Right
Reason 3: Expired Products
Sometimes, it’s hard to get through makeup or skincare products before they finish- especially high coverage products that you’re only using a bit of.
It’s best to check how long they’re designed to be used after opening, but you do have some wiggle room.
Keep a keen eye out for changes in;
Smell
Texture
Colour
Sudden skin sensitivity
As a sign a product might be past used by date. But do you need to throw out your expired product? Not exactly.
Powders and “dry” products are more forgiving to microbial growth- but it’s worth noting that there’s no guarantee. You can use a makeup sanitising mist for clean ups on powder products for peace of mind.
It’s best to be more picky with products that are around infection prone areas like the lips and eyes. Beyond that, if you’re acne prone, that might be everywhere!
Reason 4: The Product Isn’t Getting Along With Your Skin
The final point is probably the most obvious. The product doesn’t get along with your skin.
For example, I've used cream bronzers that have broken me out exactly where I applied them. In those cases, it's pretty clear that the product is the culprit.
If that happens to you, it might be time to demote that product out of your routine.
Three Products That Never Break Me Out
Now that we've covered some of the reasons behind makeup-induced breakouts, let's talk about the makeup products that I trust wholeheartedly.
These are the products that have never caused any issues with my acne-prone skin.
1. Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover Radiant Loose Powder Foundation
This is my Holy Grail. I use the shade W1 Light, and it has been a staple in my routine for over 10 years.
It’s been with me through my hormonal adult acne as well as my oily teen acne.
The mineral aspect of this powder is just wonderful — it feels calming on the skin and is extremely smoothing.
If you haven’t used it before, it’s a very interesting powder-to-cream formulation, so it doesn’t look dry or flakey on blemishes.
It also has an amazing ability to build up coverage, even though it’s a loose powder.
For those with more active reoccurring breakouts, you might prefer the Natural Mineral Cover Blemish Control Loose Powder Foundation, which comes with a green lid.
It has salicylic acid in it, which is great for getting into the pores and breaking down congestion.
Shop: Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover Blemish Control
Both versions are non-comedogenic and won’t break you out. The Blemish Control version offers the added benefit of helping to target active breakouts.
2. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Matte and Poreless
Next up is another product I've been using for well over 10 years — the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in Matte and Poreless.
It's made for normal to oily skin, and I truly believe it was created with acne-prone, congested skin in mind.
This foundation is not drying at all, and it has never broken me out. It’s also a fantastic drugstore pick.
The coverage is beautiful, and I use shade 118.
Everyone I’ve recommended this foundation to has been obsessed with it, which is encouraging.
Plus, it’s super affordable. It often goes on sale for as little as $10, and the bottle lasts quite a while.
It’s a buildable formula that claims to last up to 12 hours, and I completely agree with that claim.
The Fit Me shade range was ahead of its time, offering a generous selection of shades, though not all stores stock the entire range.
3. Beauty Blender Bounce Foundation
If you’re looking for a full coverage, high glam foundation that doesn’t break you out, the Beauty Blender Bounce Foundation is my ultimate recommendation. I use shade 2.20 Neutral Light Olive.
I discovered this thanks to Tati, and I’ve been using it for over five years. It’s a thicker product, but it’s fragrance-free and really suitable for sensitive skin.
Back when I had the most inflamed acne-prone skin you could imagine, this foundation never contributed to inflammation or ouchy blemishes.
The coverage is highly buildable with a matte finish, and it’s worth the slightly higher price point.
4. Naked Sundays Beauty Screen Peptide Foundation Tint SPF 50
Last but not least is a newer addition to my makeup routine — the Naked Sundays Beauty Screen Peptide Foundation Tint with SPF 50. I use shade 2.
This product has niacinamide, peptides, polyglutamic acid, and squalane for moisture. It also uses mineral SPF filters in a gorgeous liquid-smoothing formula.
The zinc in this formula contributes to calmer skin, which I’ve noticed first hand.
Despite being a tinted foundation with SPF, it layers beautifully without feeling greasy. It’s especially great for acne-prone and reactive skin types that can’t tolerate chemical SPF filters.
Read: Acne Prone, Sensitive Skin Review of Naked Sunday’s BeautyScreen Peptide Skin Tint
Key Takeaways
Before switching up your favourite foundation, consider these steps:
Check the expiry date of your products.
Reassess how you’re removing your makeup.
Consider double cleansing or cleansing for longer to ensure your skin is completely clean.
Spot clean or wash your brushes!
Wishing you all the best. From your spotty friend,
Minnie xx
