Overview
Makeup gets a bad rap for causing acne. But it’s the oil in some formulas that can cause a problem, not the makeup itself. If your skin is oily or prone to breakouts, you need to choose the right kind of makeup for your skin type. There are many brands of inexpensive, oil-free makeup that you can find at your local drugstore.
A Good Foundation
A good foundation is of crucial importance when you have oily skin because it not only covers any visible blemishes but it also helps reduce the amount of oil your skin produces. To make sure your skin has a fresh glow instead of a greasy shine, your best bet is a matte foundation, which will help absorb oil throughout the day. One such product is Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse. It's a light, creamy foundation that won't cause acne and will eliminate unwanted shine.
The Right Concealer
If you don't like wearing a thick layer of foundation, invest in a great concealer. And even if you do wear foundation, a concealer can help hide the biggest blemishes. The perfect concealer will both reduce the appearance of acne and actually heal it. For example, Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Concealer contains salicylic acid to help clear up acne.
Mineral Makeup
Mineral makeup is an excellent option for oily skin. It's gentle on your skin, usually oil-free and, since it's a loose powder, it lets your skin breathe so that your pores don't get clogged. There are many expensive mineral makeup brands on the market but drugstore versions work just as well. Cover Girl offers the TruBlend Minerals line, which contains a variety of blushes and foundations at a low cost.
Tips
Look for makeup that states on the packaging that it is "noncomedogenic" and water-soluble. Noncomedogenic means that the product does not contain any ingredients that would clog or block the pores. If you find that makeup won't "stay put" on your face, use a matte, oil-free primer before you apply a foundation. A primer will prep your skin for makeup and provide an oil-free free base for your foundation. L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base has a light feel and will help to hide imperfections while keeping your makeup in place.
