If you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, finding makeup that doesn't exacerbate breakouts can feel like an impossible task. As a holistic esthetician, I understand the importance of choosing products that are not only acne-safe but also cruelty-free. In this post, I’ll share some of my top picks that deliver flawless coverage while being gentle on your skin. These products have been carefully selected for their cleaner, skin-loving ingredients that won't clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.

1. Foundation: Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation

Finding the right foundation for acne-prone skin can be tricky, but Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation checks all the boxes. This non-greasy, lightweight, breathable formula provides buildable coverage without suffocating your skin. Infused with oat milk, it soothes inflammation and redness, making it perfect for those with sensitive, reactive skin. Plus, it’s free from silicones and synthetic fragrances, two common culprits of acne flare-ups.

Why I Love It: The natural finish and nourishing ingredients like oat, peach, and vitamin E make this foundation a must-have for those seeking a healthy, radiant complexion.

2. Concealer: Ere Perez Lychee Creme Corrector

When it comes to covering up blemishes or dark circles, the Ere Perez Lychee Creme Corrector is a game-changer. This creamy, hydrating concealer blends seamlessly into the skin with its flexi-shade technology, providing corrective coverage without settling into fine lines or causing breakouts. The lychee extract offers antioxidant benefits, helping to protect your skin from environmental stressors that can trigger acne.

Why I Love It: Its smooth, creamy, illuminating texture is a personal favorite of mine and many of my facial clients enjoy it too!

3. Blush: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Cream Blush Stick

Adding a pop of color to your cheeks shouldn’t mean compromising clear pores. The Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Cream Blush Stick offers a beautiful, dewy finish that won’t clog pores or irritate acne-prone skin. This skin-loving blush stick is perfect for those looking for a natural flush that’s safe for sensitive skin.

Why I Love It: The blendable, creamy formula allows for buildable color, giving your cheeks a healthy glow without the risk of breakouts. My personal favorite shade is: Couchette

4. Bronzer: Ere Perez Rice Powder Bronzer

For a sun-kissed look that’s kind to your skin, the Ere Perez Rice Powder Bronzer is a top pick. This finely milled powder bronzer is formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients, ensuring it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. The rice powder base absorbs excess oil, keeping shine at bay while giving you a natural, bronzed finish.

Why I Love It: The matte finish and oil-absorbing properties make it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

5. Setting Powder: Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder

Setting your makeup without clogging pores is essential for acne-prone skin. The Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder is perfect for this task. This lightweight, breathable powder sets your makeup beautifully while controlling shine and smoothing the skin’s texture. For years I searched for the perfect buttery textured powder to replace a well-known brand’s popular powder that contains talc. The Cloud Set Powder is free from talc, which can irritate acne-prone skin, this powder helps to keep your makeup in place without causing breakouts.

Why I Love It: The talc-free formula and weightless finish make it a go-to for anyone looking to keep their makeup fresh and acne-safe all day long.

Avoiding talc in makeup powder could be beneficial for acne-prone or sensitized skin due to its potential to clog pores or irritate sensitive skin, leading to dryness or exacerbating conditions like acne, dryness, and rosacea. Inhalation of talc particles poses respiratory risks, and while cosmetic-grade talc in the present day should be asbestos-free, concerns about possible contamination exist, leading some to avoid it for safety. Opting for talc-free powders can help mitigate these risks and promote healthier skin, especially with all of the talc-free options available.

6. Highlighter: Pai The Impossible Glow & Ere Perez Vanilla Highlighter

Acne-prone skin can enjoy a glow boost too, and Pai The Impossible Glow or Ere Perez’s Vanilla Highlighter are two options that won’t let you down. The Impossible Glow highlighter is packed with nourishing botanicals, delivering a subtle, luminous glow without the use of pore-clogging ingredients. On the other hand, the Ere Perez Vanilla Highlighter offers a creamier texture with a hint of vanilla, perfect for adding a touch of brightness to your makeup look.

Why I Love Them: Both highlighters offer a beautiful glow while being gentle on sensitive skin and free of potential makeup pore cloggers, making them ideal for those prone to breakouts.

Brush: Iliya Perfecting Buff Brush

A great makeup look is only as good as the tools you use. While I often use my hands for application, the  Iliya Perfecting Buff Brush is perfect for buffering foundation and other cream products, or touching up your powder mid day. Its soft, synthetic bristles ensure even, streak-free application, while its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. Plus, it's easy to clean and won't harbor bacteria, which is crucial for keeping acne at bay.

Why I Love It: The Iliya Perfecting Buff Brush is an essential addition to any acne-safe makeup kit, providing flawless application without irritating the skin.

Bonus Setting Mist: Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist

To keep your makeup looking fresh and your skin hydrated throughout the day, the Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist is a must-have. This mist offers a perfectly diffused spray to set your makeup but also provide a boost of hydration to your skin. It fits into any skincare or makeup routine and is suited for acne-prone skin as it helps soothe inflammation and keeps your skin balanced.

Did you know: Elizabeth Taylor, the classic Hollywood actress, was known for her timeless beauty and unique beauty rituals. One of her famous tricks was using the steam from a hot shower or bath to set her makeup. After applying her makeup, she would let the steam lightly mist her face, helping to lock in her look and give her skin a natural, dewy glow. You can mimic this today by using a facial mist after applying your makeup.

Why I Love It: The Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist is refreshing, hydrating, scent and essential oil free.

The Takeaway:

Choosing acne-safe, cruelty-free makeup doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these esthetician-approved picks, you can achieve a flawless look while keeping your skin healthy and clear. Remember, the right products can make all the difference in your skincare journey, so always opt for those that align with your skin’s needs.

Make sure to check out these favorites and more through my shopmyshelf links