Best Full Coverage Foundation for Acne Prone Skin

Searching for the perfect foundation can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but once you discover your holy grail, it’s like hitting the jackpot!  Today, I’m spilling all the secrets on how to apply full coverage foundation for acne prone skin like a pro.

Let’s dive into the steps that will leave you with a flawless finish that lasts all day without irritating those pesky pimples.

Best Full coverage foundation for Acne Prone Skin

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Before getting into foundation application, let’s set the stage for success. Start by giving your face a refreshing boost by dunking it in ice-cold water. This trick not only wakes up your skin but also reduces puffiness and tightens those pores, creating a smooth canvas for your makeup masterpiece. However, be careful not to let water go into your nose, as sometimes in non-chlorinated water, Naegleria bacteria are present. This bacteria is also known as the brain-eating amoeba and is fatal if it gets through your nose.

Next up, slather on some cool Aloe Vera Gel to soothe and hydrate your skin.I make cuts on Aloe Vera so that gel comes off easily if using fresh gel.

 Remember to remove the yellow latex from the Aloe vera gel. Aloe Vera’s calming properties make it a superhero for sensitive and acne-prone skin. 

Once the aloe has dried, seal in that moisture with a hydrating serum like the Elf Hydrating Serum with Aloe Vera and Green Tea. Hydrated skin equals smoother makeup application and pimples are less visible after using full coverage foundation for acne prone.  

Step 2: Primer for acne prone skin

A good primer is like the secret sauce for long-lasting makeup. Although my beloved Body Shop mattifying Primer has sadly been discontinued, finding a primer that controls shine and minimizes pores is key to creating a flawless base for your foundation. It’s the first step to ensuring your makeup stays put throughout the day.

Before we unleash the full coverage magic, let’s talk about color correction. A little bit of color correcting can make a world of difference in how your foundation looks. I’ve crafted a concealer + color corrector combo using the Tarte Clay Stick Foundation in Sand and my go-to Bourjois Always Fabulous 2-In-1 Foundcealer Stick in shade honey beige. 

This dynamic duo not only provides excellent coverage without clogging pores but also blends seamlessly into the skin, giving you a natural-looking finish while camouflaging imperfections.

Step 3: Applying Foundation on acne skin

I have used the Semi-Matte full coverage foundation Bourjois Fond De Teint Always Fabulous 24H, which is often compared to Maxfactor Infinity foundation. However, I believe it offers more coverage and lasts longer, although its consistency is thicker. One great feature is the lock pump, which is a relief for me. You can definitely use a wet compact powder at this stage if you want to opt for natural look.

I apply the foundation in dots quickly with my fingers. Even though it’s semi-matte, you still need to work fast as it can dry out quickly. Once I apply it with my fingers, I use a beauty blender to smooth out the coverage. I didn’t dampen the blender as my skin was already hydrated from the initial application with my fingers.

Next, I used the Wet n Wild concealer in Ivory as a highlighter to brighten under my eyes. I blended it in smoothly with a feathery hand for a seamless finish.

Tip: If you have acne-prone skin or active pimples, apply the foundation with your fingers in a light layer first, and then you can build up coverage in areas where you have more texture. This way, you don’t need to use foundation all over your face. Using your fingers also means using less product, allowing you to achieve a more natural look.

Step 4: Set and Seal

To set your foundation and concealer in place, dust a light layer of Loose Setting Powder by Laura Mercier over your entire face. This translucent powder helps to mattify skin and prevent any excess oil breakthrough.

Step 5: Add Depth and Color

To add warmth to your complexion, lightly contour using the Clinique True Bronzed Pressed Powder in the shade Sun-kissed. Focus on the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline for a natural-looking sculpted effect.

For a touch of color on the cheeks, I applied one of my favorites – Shisedo InnerGlow Cheek Powder in Soft Peach. This peachy hue complements all skin tones and adds a subtle flush of color to your cheeks. I really like how it is matte, yet there are tiny beads of shine that are extremely subtle and complement acne-prone skin.

To complete the glow-up, apply the Maybelline Master Chrome highlighter in Molten Gold to the high points of your face such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid’s bow.

This will give you that coveted lit-from-within glow that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step 6: Eyes Lips and Final Thoughts

For the eyes, I used the same Clinique bronzer in my crease. Then, for the lid, I applied the Zay Beauty Shokh Eyeshadow Palette, mixing the colors Preeto and Blue Lagoon from Maybelline.

For the lips, I’ve kept it simple and chic with a nude lip look using the Sweet Touch Lipstick in shade 908 to enhance my lips as applying lipstick alone washes me out. 

Then, I used the Note Cosmetics Matte Moist lipstick in shade 402, which gives a matte finish and is very hydrating on the lips, though I must say it’s a tricky lipstick.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Then I completed the full coverage foundation for acne prone skin makeup look with defined lashes using the Colossal Mascara by Maybelline. Its volumizing formula adds length and drama to your lashes without clumping.

Finally, lock in your makeup and ensure long-lasting wear with few spritzes of this NYX Matte Makeup Setting Spray. 

Aicha’s Recommendation on foundation for sensitive acne skin

And there you have it – you’ve mastered the art of applying full coverage foundation for acne prone skin like a pro. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve a flawless complexion that lasts all day. It is important to take care of the following when aiming for full coverage foundation for acne prone skin:

• Using skin prep effectively.
• Applying setting powder with a light touch.
• Using a minimal amount of setting powder.
• Opting for a matte foundation.
• Color correcting before applying foundation.
• Finishing with a matte setting spray.