Everyday Acne-Safe, Non-Comedogenic Makeup Routine

Every product in this routine is non-comedogenic and perfect for sensitive, breakout-prone skin. A year ago, I started taking my makeup routine seriously—paying close attention to the ingredients in the products I put on my face. These days, it feels like every scroll on social media pushes a new ‘must-have,’ but do you actually look into what you’re applying to your skin? What you use matters so much, and luckily, there are amazing brands that have you covered.

The Best Non-Comedogenic Primers & Foundations

Creating a flawless base starts with the right primer and foundation, but if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, finding products that won’t clog your pores can be a struggle. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found a few go-to products that work well while keeping my skin happy.

Best Non-Comedogenic Primers

A good primer makes all the difference, and I have two that I swear by:

• One/Size Secure the Blur Makeup Magnet Primer – If you want a smoothing, mattifying primer that helps blur pores and grip your foundation, this one is a must. It’s perfect for oily and combination skin types.
• Iconic London Underglow Blurring Primer – This one has a completely different texture and finish. It’s designed to give a radiant, dewy glow, so if you have dry or normal skin, it’s a great pick. If you’re on the oilier side, I’d skip this one since it enhances luminosity.

Best Non-Comedogenic Foundations

Finding a foundation that’s non-comedogenic and acne-safe can be so difficult, but I’ve been switching between two that I love for different reasons.

• Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation – This foundation looks beautiful on the skin, offering a natural, medium-coverage finish. However, if you have oily skin, it may not be the best fit since it tends to get dewy throughout the day. If you have normal to dry skin, though, it’s a fantastic option.
• Make Up For Ever HD Skin Waterproof Natural Matte Foundation – This one has been my go-to for long wear and oil control. It lasts all night, keeps my skin shine-free, and never feels heavy or greasy. If you need a matte, transfer-proof foundation that won’t budge, this is the one to try.

A good base is key to any makeup routine, and choosing non-comedogenic products ensures your skin stays clear and healthy. Next up, let’s talk concealers, bronzers, and blushes—some of the hardest products to find acne-safe options for!

---

Concealers, Bronzers & Blushes: The Best Non-Comedogenic Picks

Finding powder bronzers and blushes that don’t contain pore-clogging ingredients is one of the hardest parts of building an acne-safe makeup routine. After a lot of searching, I finally found a powder blush that checks all the boxes—but when it comes to bronzers, I’m still on the hunt. For now, I’m skipping powder bronzer altogether!

Best Non-Comedogenic Concealer

When it comes to concealer, my tried-and-true favorite is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. No matter how many others I try, nothing compares to the way this one blends, brightens, and lasts throughout the day. If you need a reliable, buildable, and acne-safe option, this is the one to beat.

Best Non-Comedogenic Cream Bronzer

For cream contour, I’ve been loving the Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Cream Bronzer Stick. Rare Beauty actually has a ton of non-comedogenic makeup products, and even if a product contains potential triggers, it’s usually just one or two ingredients—making it a safer option than most. I’m considering trying their powder bronzer, which only has one ingredient that could be problematic, but for now, I’m sticking to creams.

Best Non-Comedogenic Blushes

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with cream and powder blushes that are acne-safe.

• Cream Blush: I finally got my hands on the Rhode Pocket Blush in the shade Toasted Teddy. I’ve been wanting to try Rhode products for a while, and knowing they’re formulated for acne-prone skin made it an even easier choice.
• Powder Blush: My latest obsession is the Kosas Blush is Life Baked Talc-Free Dimensional + Brightening Blush in the shade Adrenaline. This super-hot pink blush is incredibly pigmented—a little goes a long way, and it gives the most stunning pop of color.

Now that our base makeup is locked in, let’s move into setting sprays, and lip glosses—the final steps to achieving a flawless, acne-safe makeup routine!

---

Lip Products & Setting Sprays: My Must-Haves

If I’m being honest, I don’t typically check my lip products for pore-clogging ingredients. But if that’s something you’re mindful of, you can always check your go-to products using the website linked below! That being said, I’ve tested so many lip products, and these are the ones I keep coming back to.

Favorite Lip Liners & Lip Oils

A good lip liner makes all the difference in achieving a defined, long-lasting lip look, and my top two picks are:

• Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk – A cult classic for a reason. This shade is the perfect your-lips-but-better pink that pairs well with almost anything.
• Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Longwear Lip Liner in Wherever Walnut – This one has a slightly deeper, more neutral undertone, making it super versatile for everyday wear.

I love layering these two together for the perfect contoured lip look and topping them off with any shade of the Kaja Juicy Lip Oils. These give such a hydrating, glossy finish without feeling sticky!

The Setting Spray That Actually Works

For the longest time, I thought setting sprays were a gimmick—until I tried the One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray.

This is truly the only setting spray that has ever worked for me. It locks everything in place, keeps my makeup fresh for hours, and controls shine like nothing else. If you need your makeup to last all night, this is the one to have in your routine.

---

Does “Clean at Sephora” Mean Non-Comedogenic?

If you’re shopping at Sephora, you might notice the “Clean at Sephora” tag on certain products. While this label is great for identifying formulas that avoid certain ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils, it doesn’t necessarily mean a product is non-comedogenic or acne-safe.

That’s why it’s always important to check the ingredient list yourself—especially if you have sensitive or breakout-prone skin. Some “clean” products may still contain pore-clogging ingredients, so a quick scan can help you make the best choice for your skin.

If you’re unsure, my favorite website to use is Acne Clinic NYC’s Pore-Clogging Ingredients List. It’s one of the only resources I’ve found that truly catches all comedogenic ingredients, making it a must-have for checking if a product is acne-safe before purchasing!