How to Apply Makeup to Acne-Prone Skin

Cosmetics can be acne's best or worst friend. The right makeup masks pimples and does not clog pores. The wrong makeup causes an acne flare-up. After selecting suitable cosmetics, you have the challenge of learning proper makeup application. Correct makeup application covers acne and hides scars. This guide will teach a technique to apply makeup to acne-prone skin for the appearance of a clear complexion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gentle facial cleanser
• Alcohol-free Toner
• Wash cloth
• Towel
• Oil-free moisturizer
• Oil-free foundation
• Blush
• Eyeshadow
• Eyeliner
• Concealer
• Powder
• Powder brush
• Blush brush

How to Apply Makeup to Acne-Prone Skin

1. Wet your face with warm water to open pores for maximum cleansing. Apply a mild, noncomedogenic facial cleanser to your face with finger tips. Noncomedogenic product will not clog pores and contribute to pimples. Use a clean wash cloth to gently massage the cleanser into the face for one minute. Rinse well with warm water. Splash cool water on your face to close the pores. Pat the face dry with a fresh towel.

2. Apply an alcohol-free toner with a cotton ball onto the face and neck. Toner clarifies pores, removing any dirt that the cleanser missed. Alcohol-free toners prep the face for makeup without the harsh effects of traditional alcohol, menthol or witch hazel based toners. Alcohol based toners strip most of the oil from the skin, causing the pores to create more oil which can be problematic for acne-prone skin. Many alcohol-free toners also contain conditioning ingredients. Gentle toners are important to acne-prone skin because it can be sensitive and dry from irritated pimples and harsh medication.

3. Massage an oil-free moisturizer onto your face with the fingertips. Oil-free moisturizers are less likely to cause pimples and are compatible with both oily and combination skin. Apply moisturizer on your entire face, concentrating on dry areas. Use an eye cream on the eye area. Now you are ready to apply makeup.

4. Spread oil-free foundation onto your face with your fingertips. Fingers are best for applying makeup to acne-prone skin because sponges tend to spread bacteria that can cause blemishes. Use delicate, circular motions and take special care with tender, broken skin and pimples. Do not use too much foundation on pimples because it can call attention to trouble spots.

5. Take a clean makeup brush and sweep brush onto the apples of your cheeks. Avoid wearing blush if you have heavy acne on the cheeks because blush will emphasize the pimples. Brushes are the best eyeshadow and blush applicator for oily, acne-prone skin.

6. Brush eyeshadow onto the eyelids with a clean makeup brush, as desired. Line the area under the top and bottom eye lashes with eyeliner.

7. Apply concealer onto all pimples and scars that are still visible under foundation. Choose a concealer that closely matches the color of your foundation and skin for best coverage. Gently apply the concealer to the pimples with a fingertip, being careful not to break skin.

8. Lightly spread powder over the entire face with a cosmetic brush to set makeup. Your makeup should keep blemishes covered all day and give you a matte complexion.

Tips & Warnings

• Only buy noncomedogenic and oil-free skin care and cosmetics to lessen the likelihood of acne flare-ups. Most product labels include this information.
• Always use a clean wash cloth and towel every time you wash your face to prevent acne flare-ups. You should also clean makeup brushes, applicators and sponges after every use to avoid pimples. Bacteria builds up on these materials and may contribute to acne flare-ups.
• Protect your face from the sun. Wear a sunscreen under your makeup or select moisturizers or foundations with an SPF protection level of at least 15.
• Even oily, acne-prone skin can benefit from moisturizers, which prep skin for smooth makeup application and prevents dryness. Moisturizers are especially helpful if you use a drying topical acne medication.
• Choose full coverage foundations when you have acne flare-ups to camouflage large pimples and scars. These types of foundations can also cover birth marks and moles.
• Never pick or squeeze pimples because this can cause pimples to spread or scar.