15 Best Foundations For Acne Scars (2024)
Concealing scars and spots got easier with the high-coverage foundation formulas.
If you have been tired of camouflaging your pesky acne scars for quite some time, we have got the best foundation for acne scars for you. It will not just hide away your scars but also blend in to give your skin an even-toned, smooth and radiant finish.
These expertly crafted foundations work gently on acne-prone skin, thoroughly blur the marks, and give you an even-toned appearance for enhanced beauty. They also improve the uneven texture, making your skin look truly flawless. Moreover, they are gentle and don’t have consequences for further breakouts. Find below the 15 best foundations to blur your imperfections and get enhanced features now. Have a look!
In This Article
Can Foundation Cover Acne Scars?
Yes, a full coverage foundation covers acne scars when applied evenly over the skin. In addition, it leaves a seamless, super matte finish. These makeup products are designed for extended wear, staying on until the end of the day.
Let’s now take a look at the best foundations for acne scars and large pores.
15 Best Foundations For Acne Scars, Large Pores & Make You Look Flawless
1. Best Full-Coverage Formula:Dermacol Make-up Cover
If you are looking for a foundation with lightweight texture to cover acne scars, this one is for you! The formula feels light and comfortable on your skin. It provides full coverage and can be used to conceal tattoos, acne, pimples, dark spots, skin discoloration, surgical bruising, blemishes, and dark circles. This foundation leaves a natural matte finish without the need to do retouches, giving you a flawless complexion. Multiple reviews state that this product works wonders and a little amount goes a long way.
Shades Available: 19 unique shades that range from light pale, creamy, to warm brown tones
Pros
- Has SPF 30
- Water-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting
- Paraben-free
- Preservative-free
Cons
- None
2. Best Creamy Formula:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
This oil-free foundation from L’Oréal Paris has a richly pigmented and creamy formula that glides smoothly across the skin and leaves a semi-matte finish. It can be used as a concealer to cover scars and offers a natural-looking healthy glow and clear complexion. It also works as a contouring formula that enhances and defines your best facial features if you use a darker color.
Shades Available: 28 different shades that range from the light pale shades of True Porcelain, Alabaster, and Classic Ivory to the darker shades of Nutmeg, Cocoa, Brown Suede, Rich Chocolate, and Rich Ebony
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sweat-resistant
- Transfer-resistant
- Oil-free
Cons
- Becomes cakey
3. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:It Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream
Looking for a foundation that hides scars, reverses aging, and offers sun protection? This product from the It Cosmetics store has it all! This full coverage color correcting cream acts as an anti-aging hydrating serum and sun protectant with its SPF 50+. The medium shade formula offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, while also preserving the natural skin barrier. It also contains peptides, niacin, hydrolyzed collagen, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it favorable for mature skin.
Shades Available: For fair skin tones – fair to light shades, For medium skin tones – light-medium to neutral medium, For darker skin tones – neutral tan to rich honey
Pros
- Skin loving ingredients
- Natural finish
- Clinically tested
- Crease-proof
- Crack-proof
Cons
- Messy
- Can be greasy
Dermacol Make-up Cover Best Full-Coverage Formula | L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Best Creamy Formula | It Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream Best Anti-Aging Benefits | |
---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Acne Prone,Sensitive,All Skin TypesColor | AllColor | - |
Dimensions | 0.43 x 0.43 x 0.43 inches | 0.74 x 1.85 x 4.78 inches | 1.04 x 1.28 x 6.3 inches |
Weight | 1.06 Ounces | 1.44 Ounces | 1.08 Ounces |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 25,251 | 3,067 | 3,141 |
Price | $19.49 | $11.31 | $47 |
4. Best Natural-Looking Finish:Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation
This acne scar foundation from Catrice Cosmetics has a mattifying, second-skin effect with every application. The ultra-light, oil-free formula provides high coverage and delivers a natural-looking dewy finish. It flatters all skin types and blends elegantly over textures skin. The product features a dropper applicator for clean and convenient application at any time. The company also offers a shade finder to enable you to find the right foundation for covering acne scars. This foundation is not tested on animals and is a good option for ethically conscious consumers.
Shades Available: 26 shades, including light shades – Light Neutral to Sand Cool, medium shades – Nude to Camel, tan shades – Desert to Toffee, and deep shades – Caramel to Deep Mocha
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Oil-free
- 100% vegan
- Gluten-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Too thick
- Clogs pores
5. Best Vegan Formula:NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation
Want to give your skin a pinkish blush? The NYX Total Control Drop Foundation in the light shade gives you just that with its pink undertones. Take a few drops of the formula from the dropper onto the brush and blend it into the skin for sheer to full coverage. The foundation leaves a velvety matte finish. It allows you to customize your coverage and look, no matter what your skin tone may be. This product does not undergo any animal testing stages and is a good fur-friendly option for users.
Shades Available: 26 shades to match different skin tones
Pros
- Silky creamy texture
- Buildable
- Blendable
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Dries out the skin
6. Best Lighteweight Formula:Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup
The Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-free Makeup Foundation is enriched with salicylic acid that reduces blemishes, evens out the complexion, and provides clear skin. The expertly crafted, non-comedogenic formula is prepared with micro clear technology to blend effortlessly into the skin, hiding pores, and acne scars. This foundation has a lightweight texture that gives your skin a natural, healthy-looking glow with every application.
into the skin, hiding pores, and acne scars. This foundation gives your skin a natural, healthy-looking glow with every application.
Shades Available: 12 shades
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Developed by dermatologists
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
7. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation
This foundation from Physicians Formula is infused with SPF 20 that shields the skin against UV damage. The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid that softens and intensely hydrates the skin. The foundation also contains vitamins A, C, and E and antioxidants that nourish the skin and keep it youthful and healthy. The brand does not test this product on animals, making it a good fur-friendly option.
Shades Available: 24 shades under 3 categories – cool, warm, and neutral undertones for fair, light, medium, dark, deep, and rich skin tones
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Buildable coverage
- Ultra blendable
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Becomes cakey
8. Best In Dermatologist-Tested:Dermablend Professional Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation
The Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation contains titanium dioxide sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 25 that protects your delicate facial skin from the harsh sun rays. The product is designed to last for up to 24 hours when applied and is suitable for normal, dry, dehydrated, and combination skin types. The 30N camel rich foundation smooths out acne scars, wrinkles, diminishes blemishes, provides even skin tone, and hyperpigmentation, soothes inflammation, and more.
Shades Available: 15 shades for fair, light, medium, tan, and deep skin tones
Pros
- High-performance pigments
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Sensitive skin-friendly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Triclosan-free
- Phthalate-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
Cons
- Difficult to wash off
9. Best Non-Cakey Formula:Dermablend Professional Instant Camo Mattifying Powder
The OC Ivory shade foundation from Dermablend feels light, velvety smooth texture, with buildable medium to full coverage. And this foundation hides acne scars, marks, and redness. The unique expert-recommended formula is shine-proof, non-comedogenic, and perfect for oily skin types. The compact features an inbuilt mirror for convenient application and touch-ups while you are on the move.
Shades Available: 15 buildable shades, ranging from OC Ivory for fair skin tones to 70W Mocha for deep warmer tones
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Not cakey
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Allergy-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- SLS free
- Triclosan free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Streaky
10. Best Deep Nourishing Formula:L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation
With this product from L’Oreal Paris, you are in for a seamless makeup experience. This medium coverage foundation contains vitamins A and C, wheat germ, and grapefruit extracts that keep your skin looking younger and well-nourished and adds a healthy sheen. It is formulated with titanium dioxide sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 17 that shields your skin from sun damage. This best makeup foundation for acne scars leaves a natural finish without clogging pores. The brand also provides an accurate match scale to find the perfect shade for true-to-skin results.
Shades Available: 33 wide spectrum shades to match almost every skin tone out there
Pros
- Deeply nourishing
- Does not clog pores
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts
11. Best Sun Rays Protection:e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation
The Buff shade foundation by e.l.f comes with SPF 25 that blocks out the sun rays and prevents them from coming in direct contact with your skin. Salicylic acid in the formula dissolves crusts and dead cells, unclog pores and clarifies the skin, acting similar to an acne spot treatment. Tea tree extracts, witch hazel, and camphor, soothes irritated skin and kill the germs that cause acne and pimple breakouts, preventing them from recurring. In comparison, aloe vera soothes sensitive and inflamed skin. The foundation from this brand is capable of full coverage that masks scars, dull blemishes, and redness while balancing uneven skin tone.
Shades Available: 6 shades, including Porcelain and Buff for light skin tones, Beige and Tan for medium skin tones, and Caramel and Coffee for darker skin tones
Pros
- Vegan
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Fades easily
12. Best Skin-friendly Ingredients:Pur Longwear 4-In-1 Foundation & Concealer
The foundation from Pur delivers flawless complexion with full coverage, hiding acne scars and dark spots, helping diminish their visibility with regular use. It is infused with a signature blend of age-defying Ceretin complex, antioxidants, green tea, ginseng, and vitamin B that help your skin fight oxidation and environmental stressors. The richly pigmented product is convenient to apply with its traditional pump and built-in doe-foot applicator.
Shades Available: 100 universal shades for all skin tones
Pros
- Vegan
- Creamy formula
- Skin-friendly ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Smears easily
13. Best Non-Greasy Formula:BaeBlu Lux Liquid
The BaeBlu Lux Liquid foundation is fortified with natural plant-based ingredients that are deeply nourishing and soothing for healthy skin. It contains aloe vera juice that hydrates the skin and soothes inflammation. The soybeans in the formula are rich in antioxidants that reverse signs of aging and diminishes wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and dullness. This liquid formula also contains rice powder that lightens the skin, reduces UV damage, and is a natural exfoliator. It is infused with shea butter, a skin-softening ingredient loaded with vitamins and fatty acids that moisturize and soothe the skin.
Shades Available: 16 shades ranging from Sugar for pale skin to Kona for darker shades
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Non-greasy
- Full coverage
- 100% vegan
- Artificial color-free
- Preservative-free
- Fragrance-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Can be drying
14. Best Breathable Formula:Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation
The Oxygenating Foundation from Oxygenetix is formulated with the healing benefits of aloe vera that soothes inflamed skin, hydrates, and protects against sunburns and damage. The formula is designed to be both soothing and antibacterial, covering blemishes, scars, fine lines and makes you look younger. It is a versatile formula designed for combination skin.
Shades Available: 14 shades, ranging from Pearl for lighter skin tones to Walnut for medium skin tones and Mahogany for deeper skin tones
Pros
- Breathable formula
- Lightweight
- Safe on skin
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
15. Best Non-Irritating Formula:Clinique Anti-blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup
This medium coverage foundation from Clinique blends well and leaves a naturally flawless skin-like finish. The formula is prepared using gentle skin ingredients that are clinically and dermatologically tested for proven results. It is one of the best liquid foundations for acne scars that treat existing breakouts, preventing their recurrence.
Shades Available: 15 shades, including Fresh Alabaster for very fair skin tones to Clove for very dark tones
Pros
- Medicated ingredients
- Allergy tested
- 100% fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
Cons
- No full day coverage
The following are the steps to follow when applying foundation to cover acne scars.
How To Use Foundation To Cover Acne Scars
- Carry Out Your Regular Skin Care Routine
Before applying the foundation, it is essential to go through your daily skin care regimen. Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a hydrating facial cleanser. Apply a nourishing moisturizer to keep dry skin hydrated.
- Apply Primer
The skin now needs to prep up for makeup. This is when you need to apply a primer that smooths and blurs marks. It also creates a clear canvas for makeup. Moreover, some primers have a matte finish that allows the makeup to stay in place throughout the day.
- Apply The Foundation
To mask your acne scars, blemishes, and other skin imperfections, apply and spread the foundation completely over the scars with a brush or blender. Then, massage the foundation into your skin, depending on whether you need light, medium, or full coverage. The foundation also gives your facial skin a seamless coverage with matte finish.
It can be overwhelming and confusing to settle on the right foundation and shade. Here are some of the things to look into when buying a foundation to cover your acne scars.
How To Choose The Best Foundation To Cover Acne Scars – Buying Guide
- Match With Your Skin Type
The formula of the foundation should be suitable for your skin type. For example, a liquid foundation works miracles for dry skin types as it has ingredients that keep your skin naturally hydrated for longer. On the other hand, a matte powder foundation for oily skin types soaks up the excess oil and shine, giving a statement-making clear finish.
- Determine Your Natural Skin Tone
The foundation that you choose needs to be the one that matches your natural skin tone. This helps it blend well into your skin to achieve a natural-looking radiant finish. With the wrong shade, the formula would appear blotchy and patchy with an ugly orange tint.
- Undertone
Pay attention to your skin’s undertone as well. You can quickly determine this by checking out which jewelry looks good on you. For example, if gold jewelry complements your skin, go for a foundation with warm undertones. If silver jewelry suits you best, a foundation with cool undertones is the right choice.
- Coverage
The coverage of the foundation is another essential factor to look at. If you are looking to accentuate your best facial features, a light coverage foundation will be perfect. On the other hand, a foundation that offers medium to full coverage works best to cover acne scars and marks.
Infographic: A Brief Guide On Foundations To Cover Acne Marks: Key Ingredients & Removal Tips
Knowing about the key ingredients in a product is beneficial, especially if your skin is prone to acne, redness, and sudden inflammation. You should check the label carefully before purchasing a foundation to cover acne marks since some ingredients may not show positive results on your skin. The infographic below explains which ingredients and formulations to look for before making a decision. Also, make sure to go through the foundation removal tips to avoid triggering skin issues. Keep scrolling for more information!
The Bottom Line
If you have ever had an acne breakout, you must know that camouflaging those acne scars might be tricky. You need the best foundations to blur acne scars to keep those scars at bay. These tried-and-tested foundations work gently on oily acne-prone skin and give you an even-toned finish. They also improve the uneven texture of the skin and make it appear flawless. Try the Dermacol Make-up Cover for its high coverage, or the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation for long-lasting wear. To obtain skin-nourishing benefits, try the Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation. The products are exclusively formulated to stay put throughout the day. The reviewed options in the list are water-resistant, hypoallergenic, offer SPF protection, and are free from preservatives. Consider your undertone and coverage while purchasing the best foundations for acne scars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do powder foundations help cover acne scars?
Yes, they help cover acne scars and marks. But, this depends on the type of coverage they offer. If your powder foundation offers full or buildable coverage then it can easily cover acne scars and marks.
Can you hide acne and scars with concealer alone? Or do you still need foundation?
While concealers can cover the acne scars and marks, it is ideal to apply a layer of foundation to get the flawless base.
How do you fill in deep acne scars with makeup?
Start with the usual steps of a good hydrating primer and follow it up with a concealer and foundation in your skin tone. Apply the concealer and blend it in; go for another layer if required. Then, opt for a full coverage creamy or liquid foundation to cover the deep acne scars completely and finish it off with a good translucent setting powder to avoid looking cakey.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is certified in makeup artistry. She has curated a list of best foundations for acne scars and large pores while keeping the necessary parameters in mind. She has browsed through online reviews from customers to bring forth this list for her readers. She believes that these foundations ensure mess-free application, give you optimum coverage and smooth finish, and also last longer as compared to many others available on the market.
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