Anyone with sensitive, acne-prone skin knows that using the wrong makeup can make breakouts look ten times worse. Plus, using makeup with irritating ingredients only further aggravates skin issues. Luckily, with a little know-how, you can learn to choose and apply products that cover up blemishes without clogging pores and causing more pimples and redness. Keep reading for our best makeup tips for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

9 Ways to Apply Makeup for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

1.    Prep Your Skin

The first step for smooth-looking skin? Exfoliating and moisturizing. Start by using a gentle cleansing scrub, then follow with a moisturizer formulated specifically for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Let the moisturizer absorb into your skin for at least 5 minutes before applying makeup in order to avoid pilling.

2.    Fight Flakes

Sometimes acne skincare products leave skin looking flakey. If simple exfoliating and moisturizing don’t do the trick to prevent this, you can use a little bit of Scotch tape to remove skin flakes. Just gently dab the tape over the area, then apply some extra moisturizer to the dry patch to keep any more flakes from occurring.

3.    Choose the Best Foundation for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

Some people think that matte foundations are best for oily, acne-prone skin, but that’s actually not true. Matte foundations dry out your skin, causing your pores to produce even more oil to compensate. Not what you’re going for!

Instead, choose a foundation with a flattering satin finish that’s free of fragrance and mineral oil (more on those below).

4.    Avoid Fragrance

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, avoid fragrances at all costs. Synthetic fragrances can aggravate your skin, leading to breakouts, redness, and other forms of irritation. Play it safe and opt for makeup that says “fragrance-free” on the packaging or product description.

5.    Say “No” to Mineral Oil

Another ingredient to avoid in your makeup formulations is mineral oil. Mineral oil is occlusive on your skin, meaning it doesn’t absorb into it. Occlusives lay on the surface of your skin, where they can settle into pores and clog them. Combine those clogged pores with any added bacteria and you have a breakout on your hands.

For clearer skin, check to make sure that mineral oil isn’t listed as an ingredient in your makeup.

6.    Packaging Makes a Big Difference

Formula is definitely important for achieving a flawless finish, but the way that makeup is packaged can make or break the difference between clear skin and breakouts.

Certain types of packaging allow bacteria from your hands to transfer to the product when you’re applying makeup. Then the next time you use the makeup, you’re putting that bacteria back onto your face, which can lead to an acne flare-up.

Airbrush foundations or foundations that have a pump are best for acne-prone skin, since the packaging prevents bacteria from getting into the makeup.

7.    Try Color Correctors

If you still have some blemishes or scars showing through after applying foundation, use a color corrector to conceal them. Orange tones (think peach and tangerine) work well to conceal acne scars, while green tones are perfect for disguising redness from blemishes and irritation.

8.    Clean Your Brushes

When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? If you don’t remember, it’s time to start scrubbing. Makeup brushes harbor bacteria which then touches your skin every time you apply products.

Luckily, they’re easy to clean:

1. Wet the brush in lukewarm water.

2. Place a drop of hand soap, shampoo, or makeup brush cleanser in the palm of your hand.

3. Swirl the brush in the palm of your hand to cleanse the bristles, then rinse with lukewarm water.

4. Reshape the brush head and place on a clean towel to dry.

Wash your tools at least once per week to keep them hygienic.

9.    Always Remove Your Makeup

Even when you use the absolute best makeup for sensitive and acne-prone skin, you’ll still experience breakouts if you don’t properly remove your makeup at the end of the day. Makeup, dirt, and sebum clog pores overnight and lead to more breakouts.

Make sure to use a makeup remover and cleanser before bed to get everything off.

If you have a hard time remembering to wash your face at the end of a long day, keep makeup remover wipes on your nightstand so you can do a quick cleanse before bed.

By following these simple tips, you can achieve a flawless makeup look without contributing to acne flare-ups or sensitive skin issues.