The base of any makeup look is always foundation. It evens out skin tone and conceals imperfections.
Foundations stay on your skin longest, so it’s important to find the best ones.
Finding the right foundation for you goes beyond just the right colors. The formula should be compatible with your skin type too!
There’s no doubt that a non-comedogenic foundation is the best choice. It benefits ALL skin types.
Here are the 10 best non-comedogenic foundations you can choose from:
10 Best Non-Comedogenic Foundations
If you want affordable but effective foundations, then check out these products that we’ve rounded up for you.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Our Pick
Coverage: Medium
Maybelline’s Fit Me line has been a long-time cult favorite by makeup lovers with different skin types.
The Matte + Poreless liquid foundation is among the brand’s most raved products!
For oily skin types, the best foundation is definitely this. It’s often called the perfect dupe (or cheaper alternative) for many luxury foundations.
This lightweight foundation dries with a seamless matte finish. Its ingredients contain micro-powders that control oil and shine.
It helps conceal visible pores and uneven skin texture.
Another great thing about this foundation is its wide range of shades.
It has a total of 40 you can choose from, and even combine together, to get the perfect choice for your skin tone.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight formula
- Oil-free, perfect for oily skin types
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a pump so it could be messy.
- Has medium coverage so you have to apply it in layers
Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol, Silica
L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup Foundation
Best for Dry Skin
Coverage: Medium
Another fan favorite is this liquid foundation from L’Oreal. With 45 foundation shades to choose from, you’re sure to find a true match for your skin!
It not only matches your skin color but also specific warm or cool undertones as well.
As its name suggests, it’s ultra-blendable. It gives medium coverage with a natural-looking finish.
Some shades even contain SPF 17 so you get sun protection.
Its oil-free formula infuses ingredients like Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 that hydrate the skin.
It’s also safe for sensitive skin types since it has no fragrance mixed in. You won’t have to worry about acne either.
Try this if you want a non-irritating formula with good coverage. It’s one of the greatest foundations in the market today.
Pros
- Blends easily
- Hydrates the skin
- Has SPF
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free, perfect for sensitive skin types
Cons
- Might transfer when not set with spray or powder
- Doesn’t come with a pump
- Expensive for a drugstore brand
Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol, Vitamin B5
Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation
Best for Combination Skin
Coverage: Medium
The Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation comes in a tube that you can take anywhere.
It has a mousse-like consistency making it easy to apply while giving a matte finish.
It’s a good long-wear product since it can withstand humid temperatures.
Ingredients include Cyclopentasiloxane, which is a silicone. This helps refine pores to make them less visible.
Despite it being silicone, it’s still safe for sensitive skin. It’s been tested to be hypoallergenic.
Also, despite its full coverage, it still feels light on the skin. There are now 23 shades that you can choose from.
Pros
- Comes in a tube packaging so it’s perfect for travel
- Pores look smooth and less noticeable
- Easy to apply since it’s a mousse
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Doesn’t last long on the skin, and fades fast
- The color oxidizes
Silica, Tocopherol, Cyclopentasiloxane
Neutrogena Skinclearing Liquid Makeup Foundation
Coverage: Light to Medium
This foundation from Neutrogena was formulated for oily skin types. Its MicroClear Technology has Salicylic acid that prevents breakouts.
You can choose from 14 shades. This non-comedogenic makeup is lightweight and breathable when applied to all skin types.
Coverage also blends in naturally despite concealing most blemishes.
Since it’s oil-free, it feels non-greasy. It’s a good foundation for oily skin types apart from being anti-acne.
Lastly, it has a broad spectrum of SPF 20 which protects you from harmful UV rays.
Pros
- Has Salicylic acid which fights breakouts
- Has SPF
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Sheer coverage
- Doesn’t last long on the skin
- Doesn’t have a pump
Silica, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid
Almay Truly Lasting Color Liquid Makeup Foundation
Coverage: Light to Medium
You won’t have to worry about breakouts when you use this non-comedogenic foundation. Its ingredients are made to fight acne.
Salicylic acid prevents acne from forming. Vitamin E and Lemon extract smoothen and brighten skin to make it look healthier.
It also contains an ingredient like Zinc Oxide. This soothes inflammation and acne. Meanwhile, Titanium Dioxide lightens dark areas.
This foundation lasts up to 16 hours without touch-ups. This non-comedogenic makeup stays intact even through humidity or heat.
Its light to medium coverage also gives a natural glow, making acne scars and dark spots unnoticeable.
Pros
- Lasts long on the skin
- Has nourishing ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not completely transfer-proof (you have to set it with powder or spray)
- Light coverage
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, & Sweet Almond Seed, Lemon Peel Ferment, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extracts, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate
If you’re ready to splurge on foundation, then check out these higher-end non-comedogenic foundations.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Foundation
Best for Oily Skin Types
Coverage: Medium to Buildable
This non-comedogenic foundation is known for being endorsed by famous model Kendall Jenner. It’s the #1 foundation in the US.
You’re in for the long haul since it can last up to 24 hours without touch-ups. It definitely lives up to being Stay-In-Place makeup.
The formula dries matte and smooth on your skin when applied. It’s great at controlling shine and oil.
It has medium to full coverage since it’s buildable and blendable. The formula can cover skin blemishes and even out your complexion really well.
It’s an ideal product to cover acne seamlessly.
It has over 55 shades to choose from, depending on your undertones. Most foundations look grayish on darker skin tones, but this doesn’t.
To top it off, it also has SPF 10.
Pros
- Lasts long without touch-ups
- Doesn’t transfer
- Good coverage for blemishes
- Has SPF
- Oil-free and fragrance-free
- Waterproof
Cons
- Difficult to remove since it’s made for long wear
- No pump
- Can dry out skin if you didn’t moisturize well
Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Tocopheryl Acetate
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
Best for Dry Skin
Coverage: Medium
Joining the list of top long wear products is this foundation by NARS. It lasts up to 16 hours and doesn’t oxidize.
It’s even proven to look better the longer you wear it.
Its ingredients are a blend of Raspberry, Apple, and Watermelon extracts.
These ensure skin elasticity to make the texture smoother, more radiant and also protect you from acne.
There are 34 skin-matching shades you can pick from.
The formula has micronized amino acid-coated pigments and mineral tone balancing powders.
These are what help perfectly match your natural color.
Also, it offers full coverage while staying lightweight and breathable. This has made it one of the most sought-after foundations by makeup gurus.
Pros
- Coverage is buildable and blendable
- Natural finish
- Consistency is lightweight
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- Can settle on dry patches and make them noticeable
- Most shades have a yellow undertone that might not suit everyone
Dimethicone, Glycerin, Tocopherol, & Raspberry, Watermelon, Apple, and Lentil Extracts
Dermablend Cover Creme Foundation
Best for Acne-prone Skin
Coverage: Full
This product is known as the #1 cream foundation in the US. It’s a maximum full coverage foundation and can conceal even the darkest of blemishes.
It can cover birthmarks and hyperpigmentation caused by acne, scars, and burns. It can even hide lupus and vitiligo marks.
You can wear this non-comedogenic foundation for up to 16 hours and it will still look fresh on your face.
Its creamy consistency also helps keep skin hydrated all day. Your face won’t end up looking cakey or feeling heavy at all, so it leaves skin looking natural.
Apart from its hydrating ingredients, it also has SPF 30 so you can rest assured with a boost of sun protection.
It’s surely on the best foundations for maximum coverage.
Pros
- One layer covers blemishes almost completely
- Has a velvety finish which is perfect if you don’t like matte finishes
- Easily blendable
- Has SPF 30
- paraben, phthalate, triclosan, and sulfate-free
Cons
- Can make fine lines noticeable if you don’t set it with powder or spray
Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Carnauba Wax
IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination
Coverage: Medium and Buildable
If you want a change from liquid makeup, then definitely try this out. Despite being a powder, it still gives hydrating benefits to the skin.
It has ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, Niacin, and Vitamins A, C, and E that moisturize your skin.
Other ingredients like Hydrolyzed Collagen, Peptides, and Antioxidants also deliver anti-aging properties.
The powder formula absorbs any oil leaving skin looking shine-free. Wrinkles and fine lines are also filled in so they’re less noticeable.
You get an airbrushed and matte finish as it blurs pores and blemishes.
This is a good non-comedogenic foundation for not just oily, but also mature skin. It’s a top performer among all other powder foundations out today.
Pros
- Doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines
- Lightweight and easy to blend
- Has SPF 50
- Doesn’t have harsh ingredients
Cons
- Only comes in 5 shades.
- Has to be set using spray or powder to last long
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Silica, Niacinamide, Tripeptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Silk Powder, Tocopherol, Hyaluronic Acid, & Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Carica Papaya Fruit, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extracts
BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
Coverage: Medium and Buildable
Loose powder is good for setting your makeup and eliminating shine from your face.
This loose powder is also a foundation, so you get good coverage for imperfections as well. It’s actually the #1 mineral foundation in the US.
All 30 shades are mineral-based so you know that they won’t clog pores or cause skin to breakout. You can worry less about acne.
It’s buildable on the skin as well, so it doesn’t settle badly into wrinkles or fine lines. This means uneven skin texture won’t be noticeable.
The best part is that it has SPF 15. With a mineral-based sunscreen like this, you won’t have to wait for it to settle in before sun exposure.
BareMinerals assures that its ingredients are clean enough to even fall asleep in.
It brings no damage to the skin, so the more you use it, the healthier your complexion will look.
Since this is a loose powder, you can keep using it throughout the day as well for touchups and SPF reapplication. Your makeup look won’t get ruined.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Conceals redness well
- Has SPF 15
- Doesn’t cake or settle into fine lines
- No harsh chemicals
- Vegan
Cons
- Since it’s a loose powder, it could be messy
- More expensive than rival brands
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride
Understand Your Undertones
Another important part of choosing foundation is to know which one can complement your skin undertones best.
Your undertones are the colors under your skin that affect your complexion.
There are generally three skin types: Warm, Cool, and Neutral
Warm
A warm undertone is distinguished by peach and yellow shades. When you look at your veins, you’ll also notice that they appear greenish.
If you tan easily but rarely get a sunburn, then you have a warm undertone. You also look best with gold jewelry.
Another way to see if you have a warm undertone is to see how you look wearing a neutral color.
If you think you look better in off-white than true-white, then you have a warm undertone.
Cool
A cool undertone is characterized by bluish and pink shades. Your veins appear bluish or purple as well.
People with cool undertones burn more easily than they tan. Silver jewelry complements them best.
Similarly, you should check how you look in a neutral piece of clothing. If you look better in true-white than off-white, then your undertones are cool.
Neutral
A neutral undertone is when you’re a little bit of both. Your veins may be a combination of blue, purple, and green colors.
Both silver and gold jewelry might complement your skin well too.
Test Your Foundation
Foundations are mixed for different undertones.
The best way to test if a foundation is compatible with your undertone is to first see how it looks under natural light.
Besides being compatible with skin types, a good foundation should look similar to your original color.
Here’s how you can check:
- Focus especially on the area below your jawline.
- Generally, if the foundation is pinkish, then it’s for cool undertones. A foundation that’s yellowish is good for warm undertones.
In the end, it’s really just up to trial and error.
You might think you have a foundation that suits your undertones perfectly at first but later on, you’ll see that it oxidizes.
When foundation oxidizes, it’ll change to look brighter or darker on skin.
You have to keep testing which foundations will work for you.
Non-comedogenic and Nourishing
When buying makeup, it’s good to choose ones that nourish the skin apart from just concealing blemishes.
As you know by now, non-comedogenic makeup products are the safest to use on oily skin types.
Heavy formulas clog pores and cause acne, so it’s best to stay away.
We narrowed down the non-comedogenic foundations above to be the best since they also have other benefits.
So what should you look for in non-comedogenic makeup?
- Ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and glycerin hydrate dry skin.
- Salicylic acid prevents acne.
- A product with at least SPF 15 will also protect you from sun damage!
Keep the Streak Going
As you keep your foundation non-comedogenic, then surely you must do the same for all your other products too.
Make sure that for whatever you buy, its ingredients are clean and non-comedogenic, which means not pore-clogging.
Non-comedogenic makeup will protect you from acne and breakouts.
These non-comedogenic foundations offer great coverage with the most lightweight formulas.
Despite being packed with many effective ingredients, they’re still breathable.
With the many foundation options we’ve laid out above, there are even more options for other makeup products.
Always choose wisely and well.
CHANGELOG:
August 27, 2021 – Updated article formatting and content
July 21, 2021 – Reviewed and updated article links
