11 Expert-Approved Makeup Products For Acne-Prone Skin

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

When it comes to choosing makeup, one formula doesn't always work for everyone — especially those of us who are prone to blemishes and breakouts. For that reason, some people have to a little more selective about the products they wear, ensuring that they don't fill the pores with dirt and oils and cause their skin to break out even more.

Whether you have chronic acne, break out at certain times of the month, or suffer from pesky lurkers, we asked makeup and skincare experts to share some of their favorite beauty products for preventing and covering up (most at the same time) pimples once and for all.

CoverFX Mattifying Primer
coverfx.com

CoverFX Mattifying Primer

"The CoverFX Mattifying Primer ($38) instantly smooths your skin and minimizes the appearance of your pores. It also contains one percent salicylic acid that helps prevent and heal blemishes while you apply." — Dr. Shereene Idriss

Gressa Skin Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation
gressaskin.com

Gressa Skin Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation

"ThisGressa Skin Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation ($62) is packed with healing botanicals (like broccoli seed oil and seabuckthorn extract) that calm inflamed skin. The lightweight formula offers buildable coverage without any of the conventional heavy ingredients that are known to clog pores." — Tara Foley, founder and CEO of Follain

Kate Somerville EradiKate Mask Foam-Activated Acne Treatment
katesomerville.com

Kate Somerville EradiKate Mask Foam-Activated Acne Treatment

"My go-to product for acne-prone skin is thisKate Somerville EradiKate Mask Foam-Activated Acne Treatment ($54). I love it because of its multipurpose use as a facial mask and acne spot treatment. It also doesn't dry out your skin like some masks do. It just concentrates on blemishes." — Angel Cherry, makeup artist

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Concealer
itcosmetics.com

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Concealer

"This IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Concealer ($19) is full of incredible ingredients — from antiaging peptides and collagen to an AHA/BHA complex and an encyclopedia of soothing and minimizing ingredients. It also comes in seven global skin tones." — Mary Irwin, makeup artist

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free
sephora.com

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free

"When dealing with acne-prone skin, you need to find something that covers both color and texture and has ingredients that won't exacerbate acne or make it worse. The Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free ($56) has a liquid-to-powder formula that my oily skin fell in love with. It's full-coverage, oil-free, contains Kaolinite clay to control blemishes and shine, and smooths over acne and scars like an Instagram filter!" – Cassandra Bankson, beauty vlogger

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation
dermstore.com

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation

"The Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation ($52) offers oil-free, ultralight coverage. It feels more like a luxury serum than a foundation but gives you a flawless finish every time." — Irwin

Phace Bioactive Soothing Day Cream + Primer SPF 46
phacebioactive.com

Phace Bioactive Soothing Day Cream + Primer SPF 46

"All of the products from Phace Bioactive are pH-optimized to help protect skin from bacterial growth, while helping to plump and brighten the skin. The Phace Bioactive Soothing Day Cream + Primer SPF 46 ($80) in particular is a three-in-one product, hydrating, priming, and protecting the skin from UVA/UVB rays. The oil-free formula goes on completely sheer and acts as the perfect base for makeup application. I love using it on my acne-prone clients." – Justin Tyme, makeup artist

Luzern Labs Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Mattifying Gel
luzernlabs.com

Luzern Labs Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Mattifying Gel

"Luzern Labs Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Mattifying Gel ($100) is my go-to product for anyone battling acne and oily skin. It is a powerful antiaging gel-cream that balances the skin to combat oil production and reduce pore appearance. It also discourages the growth of acne-causing bacteria, firms, and hydrates. It even reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It's fantastic for all ages, ethnicities, and genders." — Sophia Porter, makeup artist

Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
sephora.com

Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation

"I'm a huge fan of Milk Makeup, a vegan brand that has done wonders for my skin. The Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation ($40) in particular is lightweight, offers amazing, buildable coverage, and matches my skin perfectly. I wear it over my face oil for the perfect dewy finish. My skin can breathe, and my acne is kept at bay." — Annie Tevelin, makeup artist and founder of SkinOwl

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control
dermstore.com

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control

"The Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control ($76) not only offers great coverage, but also treats your skin! Its elegant formulation delivers breathable, full coverage through the use of Ceravitae, which attracts oxygen and supports healthier, stronger skin. In addition, it contains two percent salicylic acid, which helps fights off acne-producing bacteria." — Dr. Idriss

RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer
rmsbeauty.com

RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer

"The RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer ($28) is a cult-favorite that helps give life and a flattering, warm glow to all skin tones, while disguising the appearance of breakouts. The glow comes courtesy of buriti oil, which is anti-inflammatory and provides antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors." — Foley