With so many different types of foundations out there on the market, you can truly pick one to suit your mood at any given moment. Whether you want a lighter, natural-looking formula or ultra-matte one, I can guarantee there’s a fan- and makeup-artist favorite out there that fits the bill. My particular favorite is a water-based formula because they’re great for oily, acne-prone skin. You know who else agrees? Dermatologists!
Azadeh Shirazi, MD, says “I think using a water-based foundation can really help acne-prone skin. They’re lighter and don’t slip into pores easily like oils which are comedogenic and easily clog them up.” So if you’re prone to excess oil or beakouts, this type of foundation may just be your new holy grail. If you’re looking for a few options to test out for yourself, keep scrolling below for the best of the best and a few Shirazi highly recommends herself.
This formula from MAC is thin and fluid-like so I know it won’t be for everyone. But if you do like super lightweight and sheer coverage, this is an incredible formula to add to the mix. It also provides a soft blurring effect, contains a moisture-fusion complex for comfortable wear, and leaves your skin feeling extra silky all day long.
Bobbi Brown’s long-wear formula is perfect for those with oilier skin types. What makes it unique is the high-speed cold fusion process used to create the formula that makes it extra smooth and perfectly balanced. It contains oil-controlling actives and other skin-balancing ingredients that make it feel like a second skin. As a bonus, it’s also sweat- and transfer-resistant.
Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is a fan- and makeup artist-favorite for its glowy, oil-free formula. It creates such a natural finish yet still always looks airbrushed and flawless. Talk about a win, win situation.
This formula from Clinique is a favorite of Shirazi’s. It provides medium coverage, is dermatologist-developed, and hydrates and smooths the skin.
I know I say that a lot of foundation formulas look and feel like a second skin, but with Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Foundation, I actually mean it. It’s literally designed with ActiveForce technology which synchronizes with your skin to feel weightless and even refreshes itself for 24-hour wear.
For a matte finish that doesn’t look too matte, try Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation. It really helps blur out large pores and helps to create the appearance of a more even complexion.
With the addition of ingredients like squalane, vitamin C, and vitamin F, this option from Cover FX provides antioxidant protection and long-lasting hydration. And it’s, of course, oil-free and noncomedogenic so you won’t have to worry about it irritating acne-prone skin.
This water-based foundation from Chantecaille is one of my all-time favorites. It’s such a luxurious formula that glides on smoothly, provides an airbrushed finish, and feels so light on the skin. The shade Sand also matches me perfectly which isn’t always easy to find when I’m shopping for foundation.
CoverGirl’s Clean Liquid Foundation is a great drugstore option if you want a water-based formula. It’s breathable and is also available in both matte and sensitive formulas to meet your specific needs.
If you have existing acne or acne-prone skin, try Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Oil-Free Foundation. It contains salicylic acid to help with active blemishes and MicroClear technology that helps prevent future breakouts.
Make Up Forever’s formula is more of a skin tint so the coverage isn’t going to go a very long way, but it’s great for days you’d like something a little lighter. It adds extra hydration and really minimizes the appearance of any blemishes.
This is another favorite foundation of Shirazi’s for its true-to-skin coverage that’s also deeply hydrating. It contains both hyaluronic acid and glycerin to smooth and plump the skin. The formula is also completely noncomedogenic.
This NARS formula delivers fuller coverage that still looks natural and never feels heavy. It’s also infused with watermelon, raspberry, and apple extracts which help improve the look of your skin over time.
