

Must-know Makeup Tips for an Acne Breakout

Use makeup with skincare ingredients that fight acne.
Whether you've been battling severe acne your whole life or you're one of the lucky few who only occasionally get a zit, make sure you have the right products on hand. When looking for primers, foundations, concealers, or face powders, be sure you're choosing formulas that are oil-free and non-acnegenic (which means it's tested on acne-prone skin and the products are not shown to promote a breakout).
“Oil-based makeup goes on well and has properties a lot of makeup artists love, but they may be completely unsuitable for people with acneic skin,” notes Dr. Orentreich. Fortunately, you've got options. A foundation such as Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup will both treat acne and control any excessive oil production because it contains salicylic acid, one of the most effective ingredients to clear up blemishes.
Use a light hand.
The big fear when applying makeup on top of acne is getting stuck with that caked-on, cracked look that can make your breakout look more obvious. The way to avoid this, Matin Maulawizada, New York City-based celebrity makeup artist and Clinique Colour Pro, explains that it's all about your concealer technique. “True coverage doesn't come from foundation,” he says. “It comes from your concealer.”
First, apply a sheer wash of foundation all over to cut down redness and even out your skin tone. Next, Matin recommends picking up a tiny amount of concealer on a small brush and blending it on the back of your hand so the pigment is dispersed evenly on the bristles, which will avoid any clumps on your skin. “Start at the outer edges of the pimple and work into the center to completely cover the pimple,” he says. “Then take your ring finger and dab a little more concealer on top for another layer of coverage. Keep alternating between blending with the brush and tapping with your fingertips, about two to three times, until you have the desired coverage that seamlessly blends into your skin.”
If you have active acne or a very red pimple, opt for a treatment concealer, such as Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer, which includes both salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine to exfoliate dead skin cells that clog pores.
While you may want to, don't skip the powder. A light dusting of powder will help keep concealer in place all day.
