Foundations are a necessary part of the makeup. Every skin type needs layers of foundation to cover its flaws. Especially people with acne-prone skin tend to have large pores and acne scars that they need to hide. That’s where this magical product comes to the rescue. Not only does it cover your blemishes, acne scars, and large pores but also helps to build a smooth clear canvas for the rest of the makeup. Tip here; choose the right shade according to your skin type.
In this blog, you’ll learn about the best foundations for large pores and acne scars, and some useful tips & tricks. Let’s begin!
Tips for selecting foundation for large pores and acne scars
First of all, there is a clear distinction between skin that is prone to acne and skin that has old scars, textures, and discoloration. For the former one, it’s likely that your skin gets oily and sensitive. While for the latter one your skin gets dry and develops fine lines. Whenever you are buying foundation for large pores and acne scars consider the following points
- If you have oily skin select a foundation that is non-comedogenic. The non-comedogenic foundation does not clog pores and hence you have a less likely chance to get breakouts.
- Choose ingredients that help to prevent acne. For example, salicylic acid is known for treating acne. So one should go for foundations that contain salicylic acid.
- Go for powders over cream. Powders bring a long-lasting matte finish to your skin.
- Choose mineral makeup. For oily skin mineral makeup does wonders to your skin by controlling it.
Here are 13 recommendations for the best foundations for large pores and acne-prone skin that we have analyzed and tested.
1. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
This foundation is by far one of the most popular and best foundations for large pores and oily acne-prone skin. The fact it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic has made it one of the most hot-selling products. As its name suggests it gives a smooth seamless finish look to the skin. In terms of shades, it’s available in 40 different shades ranging from Fair Porcelain to Classic Ivory, Mocha, Classic Tan, etc.
The product formula includes micro-powders that refines pores and controls oil. It completely covers discoloration and acne scars as it gives medium to full medium coverage. Secondly, it’s long-lasting it means you do not need to keep a check on your foundation throughout the day.
This product is suitable for combination or oily skin with large pores. It is designed to minimize the appearance of pores with a matte finish. However, it does not conceal severe acne scars and wrinkles. It’s an excellent drugstore foundation for somebody who is looking for an affordable range
Pros
- Light Weight
- Available in 40 shades
- Medium to full medium coverage
- Allergy Tested
- Dermatologist Tested
- Fragrance-Free
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
Cons
-
- Not recommended for dry skin
- Can make your face cakey
- Not sure whether it’s cruelty-free or not
- Does not contain pump or dispenser so the application can be a little messy
2. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation 24-HR Liquid Long Wear Foundation
Loreal Paris is another excellent and best drugstore foundation for large pores and acne scars. Its air-light matte formula gives a seamless and smooth finish. Since it’s a high coverage product so it will cover your acne scars and pores efficiently. It’s available in a wide range of nearly 40 shades covering almost all skin shades. Formulated with ingredients that make it waterproof and sweatproof it’s quite long-lasting. So you do not retouch once you have done your makeup.
It contains three oil absorbers thus keeping away the oil sheen and greasiness from the skin. Since it’s a liquid foundation it can work well and provide hydration for dry skin. As it is non-comedogenic so it sits perfectly on oily, combination skin.
It has a lot to offer. It is a smudge-free, waterproof oil-free foundation that can cater to a large audience with dry skin, combination, and oily skin.
PROS
- Highly Coverage
- Sweatproof, Waterproof
- Non-comedogenic
- Available in a wide range
- Works for oily, dry, and combination skin type
CONS
-
- Can be a little dry and cakey
3. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Grab this best drugstore foundation for acne scars if you want long-lasting makeup. Again it’s one of the best high-end foundations for acne scars and large pores due to a number of reasons. Firstly it’s oil and fragrance-free so you don’t need to worry about breakouts. Even it’s long-lasting but still it will not oxidize means it won’t change its color or come off. If you live in a hot or humid climate this foundation is something you should go for without second thought. It comes in 21 shades. Packed with ingredients like silicone it provides medium to full coverage leaving semi-matte to a matte finish. Plus point it does not make your face look cakey.
Highly recommended for those who have to work all day as it’s long-lasting heat resistant. It perfectly covers all your imperfections.
PROS
- Oil-free, Fragrance free
- Available in 21 shades
- Long-Lasting
- Heat resistant
- Waterproof
- Does not look cakey
CONS
-
- Expensive
- Can be difficult for beginners to handle
4. Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation
We analyze this vegan foundation as the best foundation for acne scars and large pores. You can easily build the coverage from sheer to full. Enriched with pigments it will not make your face look cakey. It is non-comedogenic preventing future breakouts. It’s available in 15 different shades. It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, tricolson.
This foundation works best for dry, sensitive skin and gives it a matte finish. It is dermatologist tested and fragrance and oil-free. Thumbs up for this foundation as it truly represents the true standards of the brand.
PROS
- Vegan formula-based
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologist recommended
- Fragrance and oil-free
- Available in wide range of 15 shades
- Vegan formula; no animal-based ingredients
CONS
-
- Can be a lit heavy when multiple layers are applied
5. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
This foundation sets itself apart from the rest due to the amazing ingredient it contains i.e “Amazonian Clay”. If you have large pores then you must consider it a staple in your makeup. It adds value to your skin as it even downs your texture and large pores while providing hydration to the skin. The cherry on the top it stays long on your face. Its unique formula contains Vitamin E and minerals that tone down the skin and make it look settled
Present in a wide range of shades about 34 it gives you huge options to choose from. It’s perfect for oily skin as it hides pores, pimples, red spots. It does not clog pores thus preventing future breakouts.
It is a full coverage foundation plus point here it does not make your face look cakey. Further, it is quite handy and easy to apply. It does not contain parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. It is dermatologist-approved and contains SPF-15. You are going to love it for sure!
Best for people with oily skin and large pores. If you need full coverage foundation for acne scars and oily skin it’s surely one of the best you can have
PROS
- Dermatologist recommended
- Contain SPF-15
- Best for oily skin
- Contains vitamin E and minerals
- Available in 34 shades
- Contain parabens, phthalates, or sulfates
- Matte finish
CONS
-
- Not recommended for dry skin
6. BECCA Ultimate Coverage 24 Hour Foundation
This foundation has made its mark as best foundation for large pores and textured skin as it lives up to the standards of the brand. True to its name it’s a long-lasting foundation that provides full coverage. Products like these are interesting as it is long-lasting but gives a natural finish without making face look cakey. It is non-comedogenic hence does not clog pores. People with dry skin can also use this foundation since it gives a dewy finish. Even those who have sensitive skin can use it. It makes any redness, dark spots, acne scars less noticeable. Available in a variety of shades i.e 42 it gives pretty tough competition to its rivalry FENTY. Swiping through ingredients you will find out it is free from parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. You would like to try it once and find all the benefits it contains.
This foundation is best for people with dry skin, sensitive skin and oily skin.
PROS:
- Lightweight Foundation
- Natural finish
- Non-comedogenic
- Available in 42 shades
- Full coverage foundation
- Suitable for all skin types
CONS
- A bit heavy on the pocket
7. BaeBlu Organic Aloe-Based LUX Liquid Foundation
If you want to invest in a good foundation without spending too much then you do not need to look further. It takes the cakes further as it is suitable for all skin types. Even for mature skin with visible large pores it shrinks it and makes it less visible. It has a unique formula and medium coverage that makes it further stand out. What’s interesting about this product is its ingredient “Aloe Vera” leaf juice. Aloe Vera as its name calls outstands for its properties like soothing, calming the irritated skin. If you check out the ingredient list you’ll notice it is free from parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. This makes it suitable for sensitive skin types.
It is present in 16 shades. It’s long-lasting and quite easy to blend on the face.
PROS
- For all skin types
- Contain “Aloe Vera” leaf juice
- Free from parabens, phthalates, or sulfates
- Cruelty-free, Vegan free
- Available in 16 shades
CONS
-
- Can oxidize for some users
- Has a little fragrance
8. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
You must have heard some great things about this foundation and it’s worth all the hype. This product is launched by famous singer Rihanna and has set the bars for all. It became popular due to the large range of shades available i.e 50. Back in the day due to limited shades of foundation available women used to mix two shades to get the desired result according to their skin color. This foundation in particular has made it possible for all skin colors to select according to their skin type. Further, it contains fruits extract that provides moisture to the skin for the whole day. This foundation is perfect for acne scars as it provides medium to full coverage. Giving a matte finish it conceals the oily shine on the face.
Best for people with oily skin as it’s oil-free, looking for a matte long-lasting finish
PROS
- Contain fruit extracts
- Matte finish
- Medium to full coverage
- Available in a wide range of 50 shades
- Vegan Ingredients
CONS
-
- A little expensive
9. Clinique Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing Makeup
This foundation is a longtime cult beauty favorite and rightly so. It provides full coverage providing a flawless base. Enriched with salicylic acid it does not clog pores. It contains anti-oxidant and anti-aging ingredients that reduce the fine lines and wrinkles without sinking into it. It is suitable for all skin types (very dry to dry), (combination to oily), (dry to combination).
Another key factor is that it contains hyaluronic acid that makes it a worthy contender for the best foundation for acne scars and large pores. Because oily skin can also tend to get dry. So it will keep the moisture locked in.
Best foundation for people with dry, combination, and oily skin who wants to achieve a flawless base.
PROS
- Contains salicylic acid
- Comes in 27 shades
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Enriched with anti-oxidant and anti-aging ingredients
- Full coverage
- Free from harsh ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and perfume.
CONS
-
- Expensive
10. Perricone MD No Makeup Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20-Best for Sensitive Skin
This foundation is one of the top picks when it comes to sensitive skin. It contains neuropeptides and daisy flower extract that reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Apart from that it is also fragrance-free and works best for sensitive skin. Though it gives sheer coverage yet it’s enough to hide spots, blemishes, and acne scars. If you are somebody who likes no makeup look then it is good to go. On top of that, it contains SPF-20 that prevents harmful sunrays.
Pros
- Best for sensitive skin
- Contains SPF-20
- Gives a natural no-makeup look
- Fragrance free
CONS
-
- Not recommended for one who wants full coverage
- Not available in a variety of shades
- Can be a little heavy on the pocket
11. L’Oreal True Match Face Powder Foundation
If you want to try your hands on the best powder foundation for large pores and acne scars then here you go. This match face powder foundation by L’Oreal is true to its standards. It comes in 34 shades of wide range hence easily available for every skin shade. Enriched with micro-fine powder it readily absorbs in the skin hence leaving a natural finish. You don’t need to worry though it’s a powder foundation it has great coverage. You can easily build up layers depending upon your requirement. You will smooth and glowing skin when you apply this foundation as it contains pearl pigments.
PROS
- Gives a natural finish
- Hides large pores
- Available in 34 shades
- Buildable coverage and reduces the appearance of pores
CONS
-
- It may oxidize for some users
- Should be little careful while using or handling it
12. Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup
This foundation is also one of our top picks for large pores and acne scars. It contains salicylic acid which is one of the best ingredients for reducing breakouts. As its name suggests this foundation does not contain oil and wears away the oily sheen that comes to your face. This lightweight foundation is available in a variety of shades.
Best foundation for oily skin with large pores and acne scars. Leaves a natural coverage
PROS
- Oil-free foundation
- Comes in a wide range of shades
- Contains salicylic acid
- Natural Finish
- Controls oily sheen
CONS
-
- Expensive
- Can become dry
13. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear
This foundation is another notch in the belt among all. It is an oil-free and non-comedogenic foundation preventing future breakouts. Its formula is lightweight and long-lasting leaving a natural finish. This foundation comes in 50 different shades. It is resistant to humidity and transferable. People with sensitive skin can also use foundation.
PROS
- Comes in 50 shades
- Oil free
- Non-comedogenic
- Natural Finish
- Suitable for sensitive skin
CONS
-
- Can be a little expensive
Beauty Tips for people with large pores and acne scars
-
A skincare routine is a must
A good and consistent skincare routine for oily acne prone skin can do wonders for your skin. It also makes your skin look better when you apply makeup. Especially for large pores and acne scars you really need to be careful about what are you applying to your face. Here are few tips that can help you
Cleanser
Always go for a gentle, sulfate free cleanser. Make sure you cleanse your face daily as it’s important that you do not have any makeup on your face left before going to bed.
Exfoliate once or twice a week
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. It will remove dead cells, clean your pores and maintain healthy turnover. Using a salicylic-based exfoliator can provide great results for your skin.
Use of vitamin A & C serum
Vitamin C serum and vitamin A serum help with both acne scars and large pores as it thickens the lower levels of skin while thining the upper dead skin cells. This ultimately helps in increasing cell turnover.
Moisturizing the skin
Dermatologists and skincare experts emphasize greatly on moisturizing and rightly so. It is really important to moisturize your skin daily.
Use Primer
Primers really help in minimizing the appearance of pores. They fill up the pores hence creating a smooth appearance for the foundation to further work on.
Avoid using shimmer
The shimmer makes pores look prominent. So be careful when you are using shimmer products especially highlighters or any other. Or apply it in a way that it does makes your look further prominent
Consider airbrushing
Airbrush foundations are the best way to accentuate pores. Especially on brides, they are most commonly used. But you need to have some technical skills as they are a little difficult to handle.
How to make your foundation long-lasting?
It is common to complain that the foundation usually oxidizes after some time of its application. You can follow the following tips to make your foundation long-lasting
Prep your skin
You should always prep your skin for 1-2 hours before applying makeup. Prep your skin means that your skin should be well moisturized. A moisturized skin will eventually make your foundation lasts longer. If you have super dry skin, shea butter is the best moisturizer.
Baking
Baking has been quite popular nowadays. In this method you apply a very heavy layer of powder over the foundation, let it settle, and then dust it off. But the drawback of this is it can make your skin look cakey. To find the right balance to pull it off.
Setting Spray
Setting sprays is also quite useful in making your foundation last longer. You can either use the setting spray in different steps in complete makeup or shower it over your face once you are done with the whole look. Just experiment with what works best for you.
Wayne Gross Method
You can also opt for this method. In this method, you need to apply a thin layer of translucent powder before or after the application of primer. It acts as a base and preset your foundation. But you need to experiment whether it works for you or not
FAQS ABOUT FOUNDATION
1. Why does the best foundation not work for me?
It’s likely that foundations that are the most popular and hype-worthy will not work for you. Because it depends upon a number of factors and skin types. Even sometimes how you are applying foundation matters a lot. You really need to experiment with some foundation to see which one works best for you
2. Does foundation cause breakouts?
Again it really depends. Some people do not get breakouts while others do. There are a lot of reasons that people get acne. If you have acne-prone skin then you need to test the foundation before using it. You can do a patch test to see if you get any acne. If you use a non-comedogenic foundation and still get breakouts then it means that particular foundation is comedogenic for you.
3. Why foundation is not giving me full coverage even though it is full coverage?
You must consider how you are applying foundation. Maybe you are just putting it on your face. You need to tap it with a beauty blender. Or if you are using a brush you need to use it in a particular direction to blend it out smoothly on your skin.
4. What should I use first foundation or concealer?
The basic difference between foundation and concealer is that foundation provides you base while concealer hides blemishes, concealer acne scars, dark spots.
While most people use concealer first then foundation. You will be surprised to know that how much difference it makes while you use foundation first and then use concealer afterward. However, if you are using color-correcting concealers you should use concealer first.
5. How can I prevent the foundation from getting oxidized?
It’s really hard to prevent the foundation from getting oxidized. As it gets in contact with air or skin acidity it turns a few shades darker. Even the best foundations out there can oxidize. What can help is to use a primer. Or prep your skin before using foundation.
CONCLUSION
Nobody has flawless skin. Large pores and acne scars are not something to worry about. We have given you the top 13 picks of the best foundation for large pores and acne scars. These foundations will reduce the appearance of pores and acne scars. Secondly, a good skincare routine can also help a lot. Plus if you know the right makeup techniques it will make a lot of difference. You need to cherish and embrace your skin and rest everything will fit in.
Also read: 13 best mascara for Asian lashes
