Acne-Safe Makeup BRAND Guide: Updated REGULARY
In early 2024, we furthered our quest for acne-safe makeup options and began featuring a new cosmetic brand in each edition of our biweekly newsletter, Skin(NIE). We call it the Acne-Safe & Acne-Scary Makeup Spotlight.
Unlike other lists that we have done, these lists break down every single face makeup product the brand carries by category (primer, foundation, tinted moisturizer/BB cream, concealer, blush, bronzer, highlighter, and setting spray). Then we label each cosmetic by its degree of acne-safeness (i.e, Acne-safe!, Proceed with caution, or No way!).
The list below links to each brand we have worked with so far. Every time we vet a new makeup brand, we will add it to this list. Feel free to send in your requests if you don't yet see the brand you're looking for. Additionally, if you don't want to look brand by brand, you can refer to our comprehensive guide to acne-safe makeup here. It's a strict list that only includes products that contain 100% acne-safe ingredients.
Otherwise, before you dig in, refresh yourself on some of our makeup ground rules below.
Wearing primers, highlighters, and setting sprays: It's not always the case, but sometimes with acne-prone skin, less is more. So, rely on your healthy, hydrated skin as your primer and your glowing skin as your highlighter. Be good to your skin and focus on your skincare routine instead of relying on makeup products to create artificial results. Cleanse your face, apply serums morning and night, and moisturize properly.
Putting concealer directly on a pimple: You're already paranoid about the bacteria on your pillowcase and cell phone, but it's time to also worry about what's in your concealer. If you are touching a concealer wand directly to your skin and then putting it back in the tube, let's make a change. Dab some of the concealer onto a clean surface, and then use a clean brush or your fingertip to apply it to your skin.
Makeup sponges: Since sponges cannot be fully sanitized, they create a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Save your BeautyBlenders and sponges for occasional use if you must – just not regularly.
Pressed powders: Pressed powder compacts get gross overtime due to storing a makeup applicator sponge in an enclosed environment, directly on the makeup product surface! If you're looking for a mid-day freshening, gently pat your face with oil-blotting papers or tissue to absorb any excess oil. This will also help pat your makeup back into place. Then tap out a bit of your loose powder and apply with a clean brush.
Makeup wipes: There is no shortcut to clean skin. It involves a thorough cleanse or two, whatever it takes to see no traces of makeup on your toning pad. (If you don't tone, you should!) If you wear a lot of makeup, reach for micellar water before your cleanse. It acts as a magnet to lift dirt and makeup. Please never ever grab a makeup wipe; they haveharsh detergents that rub icky ingredients on top of oil and makeup already on your skin. We hate them!
And now, we give you the coveted list of acne-safe & acne-scary makeup brands. The only disclaimer we have is that, because makeup brands, products, and formulations change frequently and without notice, these may become outdated. Additionally, have not tested all of them on our skin – so please keep us posted on how they work for you!