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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Elon chapter.

When experiencing a new breakout, your first thought is usually: What caused this? Maybe it was something new in your diet, a hormonal imbalance, or even just forgetting to wash your face. In reality, one of the most overlooked causes of acne flare-ups is the makeup we use daily.

Of course, washing your face at night and removing all your makeup will help in the efforts of stopping a pimple from appearing overnight. But, the products you wear all day on your face will cause your pores to clog and lead to breakouts. Being aware of the ingredients found in your foundation and concealer is crucial to improving your skin for the long term.

Makeup products that are labeled as noncomedogenic were created to avoid breakouts and prevent makeup from clogging your pores. Looking out for this label as well as acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid will keep pores clear of excess oil that will only cause harm.

Along with this list of ingredients you want, there comes a list of what to avoid in your makeup products. Fragrance, one of the top five allergens in the world, is incorporated into most makeups to enhance the scent. However, it should be avoided at all costs. Likewise, be sure to ditch any makeup products that contain essential oils. Other key ingredients to steer clear from are: parabens, silicones, and drying alcohols.

So what foundation can I even use? Here are some of my recommendations for makeup products that keep my skin clear of breakouts.

Liquid Foundations:

  • Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

  • Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Fluid Powder Foundation SPF 20

  • MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF 15

Powders:

  • BareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Foundation

  • Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation

  • KVD Vegan Beauty Lock-It Powder Foundation

Options That Won’t Break the Bank:

  • L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation

  • Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

  • Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup

Sera Borg

Elon '22

Communication design and strategic communication student at Elon University.