Foundation for problem skin: features of choice and a list of the best

Find out how to choose the right foundation for problem skin, what properties and components to pay attention to, what you need to remember about the application rules and what experts advise. You can also find a list of the best formulas in this article.

Whether you're dealing with temporary breakouts on your face or a permanent acne sufferer, you can be sure of one thing: the wrong foundation can exacerbate the problem a hundred times. Therefore, it is better to make sure that in your cosmetic bag there is always a product that is suitable for skin prone to acne and other imperfections. We deal with the intricacies of choice and adopt the best tonal creams for problem skin.

Rules for choosing a cream for problem skin

Shari Marchbein, MD, a New York City dermatologist, has a few tips for this. “Using foundation is not a bad thing for acne-prone skin. I know that acne and hyperpigmentation can affect a person's self-esteem, so I recommend that my patients use tinted cosmetics if it allows them to feel more comfortable and confident, ─ says the dermatologist.

Because foundation is the kind of beauty product that stays on your skin all day, Dr. Marchbein advises looking for oil-free, non- comedogenic products that prevent clogged pores and new breakouts. She especially likes formulas that are not only cosmetic, but also provide skin care.

“Look for those products that have additional benefits for the skin. These are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening ingredients, and sun protection," she says, noting that some of these ingredients can also help soothe redness and irritation, and even address the underlying causes of acne.

The doctor also reminds about the importance of cleaning makeup tools (brushes, sponges, beauty blenders). They need to be cleaned regularly to prevent breakouts.

“Be sure to clean your brushes at least once a week to prevent bacterial contamination and oil buildup, which can contribute to further breakouts,” Marchbein says.

Another reminder: don't sleep with makeup on – especially if you want to have a clear and healthy complexion. “Remember to remove make-up and wash your face before bed, as this can cause severe breakouts, including painful cysts,” the doctor warns. Even if you wear minimal make-up, it's important to cleanse your face well to remove make-up residue, dirt, and pollutants that have built up on your skin throughout the day.

Below we have collected the best foundations for problem skin. Each of these foundations is formulated to neutralize redness, absorb excess oil, and even treat existing breakouts with pore-clearing active ingredients.

Clinique, Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing Makeup

If your skin is prone to breakouts and redness, this gentle revitalizing foundation won't let you down. The medium coverage liquid foundation is hypoallergenic, non- comedogenic, and contains no known irritants such as synthetic fragrances or dyes. In addition, the formula includes light moisturizers that improve the skin's protective barrier, making it less prone to blemishes over time. Volume 30 ml, estimated price $32.

Bobbi Brown, Skin Long-Wear Fluid Powder Foundation

This foundation is best suited for oily skin. Its lightweight, sweat-resistant powder formula absorbs excess pore-clogging sebum for a matte, airbrushed finish that lasts for hours. The fluid contains a protein complex that helps to make the skin smooth. Additional benefits? It contains SPF 20 to protect your face from the sun (in addition to your SPF day cream, of course), as well as blue light blocking ingredients. Volume 40 ml, estimated price $40.

Armani Beauty, Luminous Silk Foundation

Celebrities and makeup artists love this iconic Armani Beauty blemish foundation fluid for good reason: it covers pimples and dark spots like a true champion in its category. It's all thanks to a full-coverage smoothing formula that's also oil-free. The foundation is great at covering any imperfections including blackheads, blackheads, cystic acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for a super smooth and radiant (but not too shiny) look. Volume 30 ml, estimated price $42.

Estée Lauder, Double Wear Light Soft Matte Hydra Makeup

If you don't like overly matte foundations, here's the best moisturizer for acne prone skin that gives you a subtle matte finish. It contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid and glycerin (known moisturizers), so it is well suited for those who, in addition to acne, also suffer from dryness. The tool provides a light retouching effect for perfect selfies and durability for 24 hours. Another "for" in his favor – the cream does not contain oils. Volume 30 ml, estimated price $42.

Ilia, Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Super Serum Skin Tint by Ilia combines the properties of serum and foundation – a real multi-tasking assistant in the beauty arsenal. Hyaluronic acid and non -comedogenic squalane oil provide the skin with the right dose of hydration, while brightening and anti-inflammatory niacinamide improves skin texture, reducing the appearance of redness and age spots on the face. Well, zinc-based SPF 40 protects the skin from UV rays on those days when you spend a lot of time outside. Volume 30 ml, estimated price $46.

MAC Cosmetics, Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

Sweat, humidity, heat… This liquid foundation for acne-prone skin will stand up to all opponents of perfect makeup. The durable waterproof formula provides up to 36 hours of coverage (not that you should leave it that long, but still pretty cool), so you don't have to worry about makeup slipping off your face. Volume 25 ml, estimated price $36.

Fenty Beauty, Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

The first foundation released by Rihanna's beauty brand is also suitable for owners of problematic skin, especially prone to oiliness. The long-lasting formula features special climate-adapting technology that is sweat and moisture resistant, won't clog pores, so it won't cause breakouts. The cream is lightweight and oil-free, with medium to high coverage. Volume 32 ml, estimated price $35.

Stila Stay, All Day Foundation & Concealer

If you have cystic acne (which appears as red, irritated bumps under the skin), then you know that a few layers of foundation aren't always enough to cover it up. Solution? As an option – a duo of foundation and concealer from Stila Stay, which is designed for particularly problematic skin. Use a foundation to even out your skin tone, and then smooth out any imperfections with concealer. Durability up to 12 hours. Volume 30 ml, estimated price $40.