Best Primer for Acne-Prone Skin (Product List Below)
| Image | Product Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Smashbox - Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light | Our Favorite | Amazon |
 | 2. Benefit Cosmetics - The POREfessional Pore Primer | Great Deal | Amazon |
 | 3. Veil Cosmetics - Sunset Light Primer, Serum, Mixing Base | Amazing Product | Amazon |
Primers are used to make a smooth, even surface for makeup to go on. They’re usually made of silicone, which sits atop the skin and serves as the canvas for foundation. When used correctly, it makes you look poreless and silky-smooth, and it also helps makeup stay on. For makeup lovers, primers are a dream; that is, except if you’re prone to acne. Like many cosmetic products, makeup primers can cause people with acne to flare-up. Thankfully, there are primers that are suitable for acne-prone skin. All you need to do is find one that works for you.
How to Choose Primer for Acne-Prone Skin
Face primers are typically made of silicone. However, as more and more people move away from synthetic ingredients, silicone-free, as well as water-based primers, are becoming more and more popular. Nevertheless, primers can trigger acne no matter what they’re made of. To minimize the risk of flare-ups, consider the following when looking for a makeup primer:
1) Oil-Free
Oil can clog pores and cause flare-ups. To minimize the risk of breakouts, it’s best for you to avoid primers made with oil. Rather than oil-based face primers, opt for water-based ones. Silicone primers could also work for you, depending on their formulation.
2) Non-Comedogenic
Look for a makeup primer that’s specifically labeled as non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic face primers are specially formulated so as not to block your pores. That means you won’t need to worry about acne flare-ups.
3) No Latex
Silicone primers could include latex, which is made using chemicals that are very harsh and is terribly irritating to acne-prone skin. Additionally, latex could clog pores and trigger acne. Flare-ups could become even more aggravated if you have a latex allergy.
4) No Bismuth Oxychloride
While uncommon, some makeup primers contain bismuth oxychloride to give a more matte or satin-effect on the skin. However, for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin, it could be very irritating and cause redness, inflammation, or flare-ups.
Top Makeup Primers for Acne-Prone Skin
Different people will react to products differently. However, it might benefit you to know what other people with skin conditions similar to yours recommend. Here are the top 5 makeup primers that other people with acne-prone skin swear by:
1) Smashbox – Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light
Click Image For Latest Pricing
Following the success of their original Photo Finish primer, Smashbox released the Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light. This oil-free version is perfect for you if you have sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin. It boasts a silky, lightweight texture and great value for money. Plus, it is formulated without the use of parabens, phthalates, SLS, talc, and fragrance. It’s easy to apply as it glides on smoothly and doesn’t clump. You can use it to prime both powder and liquid foundation, depending on your preference. You can even use it on its own to blur out your blemishes but still achieve a natural look.
2) Benefit Cosmetics – The POREfessional Pore Primer
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The POREfessional Pore Primer by Benefit Cosmetics was specifically formulated to blur out pores or make them look smaller. It has a slight tint but complements all skin tones because it goes on sheer. As such, you can use this on its own to achieve a flawless look. But, its lightweight yet satiny texture makes it a perfect base for practically all kinds of foundation. It is oil-free but enriched with a vitamin E derivative, which nourishes the skin and helps protect it from free radical damage. Although it lists fragrance and limonene as part of its ingredients, it is highly recommended by people with acne-prone skin.
3) Veil Cosmetics – Sunset Light Primer, Serum, Mixing Base
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The Sunset Light 3-in-1 primer by Veil Cosmetics is a single product that acts as a primer, serum, and mixing base all at once. As a primer, it creates a silky-smooth canvas on the skin to provide a blur-like or flawless finish. What sets it apart from other makeup primers is its nourishing formulation containing water lily extract and cinnamon bark extract, which help brighten the skin as well as keep it plump. Additionally, it contains ubiquinone and other peptides, which work as anti-aging ingredients to minimize the appearance of sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. If you’re one to customize foundation or make your own BB cream, this primer is also an excellent base because it is oil-free, paraben-free, and weightless.
4) Cover FX – Mattifying Primer with Acne-Treatment
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The Mattifying Primer with Acne-Treatment by Cover FX works differently from your typical makeup primer because it was developed specifically to address the concerns of people with acne-prone skin. As with any primer, it helps reduce the appearance of pores and other blemishes, improves the texture of skin, and allows makeup to stay on all day. What sets it apart is that it contains salicylic acid, which is known to treat acne and prevent breakouts. Additionally, it boasts extracts from baobab tree bark (listed as ancient African tree bark) and fruit-derived alpha-hydroxy acids, which provide additional anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits.
5) Repechage – Mineral Face Shield
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The Mineral Face Shield by Repechage is another innovative cosmetic product that does much more than prime the face for makeup. Yes, like other face primers, it leaves skin looking matte and flawless, and also improves its texture for makeup to look better and last longer. But, it was developed specifically to protect your skin from environmental aggressors, including pollution and weather changes. Additionally, it is rich in antioxidants, which further help protect and nourish the skin. Lastly, it boasts a formulation that’s oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic, which makes it an excellent option for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Tips for Using Primer to Avoid Breakouts
Avoiding breakouts isn’t just about finding a primer that’s compatible with acne-prone skin. You also need to use it as well as remove it properly. Here are some things you can do to avoid triggering your acne when using makeup primer:
1) Apply only on newly cleansed skin.
It’s crucial for you to cleanse your skin prior to applying makeup primer. If you don’t, you’ll end up trapping dirt and oils underneath, which could easily trigger your acne.
2) Wash your hands before applying.
Using your fingertips is the best and easiest way to apply makeup primer. Make sure your hands are newly washed before handling your primer and your face.
3) Don’t rub it on too hard.
Use gentle strokes or short tapping motions with your fingertips to apply your face primer. Don’t rub it on too hard or you risk irritating your pores and causing breakouts.
4) Use a proper makeup remover.
It’s critical for you to use a makeup remover that’s specifically formulated to remove the type of primer you use on your face. Primer residue left on your skin may not be visible but could quickly lead to severe flare-ups.
5) Wash off thoroughly.
After using a compatible makeup remover, use a mild facial wash to cleanse your skin thoroughly. If possible, use a soft cleansing brush to guarantee residue removal and clog-free pores.
Use these tips and list of the best primers to use when you have acne-prone skin. It might take some time to find the one that suits you best, but you’re well on your way to enjoy a silky-smooth canvas for your makeup without having to worry about flare-ups and long-lasting blemishes later on.
