When it comes to makeup for acne-prone skin, there’s a lot of misconceptions about makeup being terrible for acne-prone skin for the fact that it could potentially clog pores and cause more breakouts. I am living proof that yes you can wear makeup and foundation if you’ve got acne. The key is to look out for products a) Without oil. and b) Noncomedogenic, or in other words won’t block pores. Here are my tried and true picks for best makeup products for acne-prone skin.

1. Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup
Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Liquid Makeup is basically what got me through high school. My skin was at its worst in high school and Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Liquid Makeup helped diminish the appearance of acne on my face WHILE clearing it with the star active ingredient of a lot of acne products: Salicylic acid. Available in 12 shades for $11.99 at your local drugstore, this stuff also doubles as a blemish treatment that you can wear over whatever acne medication you have on your face.

Also recommended: The SkinClearing Blemish Concealer!

2. Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation
Cover FX’s Powder FX ($42.00) is a 2-in-1 concealer + foundation that I discovered at a Nordstroms counter. I ditched Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Liquid for this because at that time in my life I had just scored a full-time job and thought I’d ’splurge.’ Cover FX’s focus is to provide optimum coverage for those with skin conditions like acne. In hindsight, this works just as well as Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Liquid Makeup. The only difference is in preference and price — it’s a solid foundation that goes on with a brush and it costs more than Neutrogena.

3. Temptu AIRBrush Makeup System
At $225 USD, this is definitely one of my biggest splurges in…life. The Temptu AIRBrush Makeup System isn’t as intimidating as it looks and super easy to use. Coverage is completely controlled by you and your makeup is applied in less than 5 minutes. Since it’s great for full coverage without looking like you’re actually wearing makeup, I only reserve my airbrush makeup for when I need to, ‘bring out the big guns.’ Special occasions only, basically. There’s no need for primer (though they do sell it if you need it) and it controls oil fantastically. If price concerns you, just know that this’ll last you for a long time and a little goes a long way with the makeup pods that it comes with.

4. The Original BB Cream: Dr. Schrammek Blemish Balm
If you’re thinking all BB Cream comes from Korea, you’re wrong. Dr. Schrammek’s Blemish Balm is the one, the only, original BB Cream. If you look up Wikipedia for BB Cream ‘Germany’ is mentioned. This product is why Germany is mentioned — it’s imported from Germany. This stuff is great for if you’re too lazy for all of the above. For me, I’m usually all about being lazy. Sadly, this BB Cream is a bit hard to find offline.

Another alternative I like to use is Missha’s Perfect Cover BB Cream.

Have acne? What makeup products do you like to use?