The Best Makeup Primer For Acne-Prone Skin
Primer is the secret weapon in any beauty kit, working to smooth your complexion and help your makeup last longer. But not all primers are right for every skin type and texture.
If you’re prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, you need a primer that won’t clog your pores and leave you fighting a flareup for days.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best makeup primers for acne-prone, sensitive skin. We want you to look great, feel confident and get that smooth complexion you’re after without the hassle of a breakout.

Which Makeup Primer is Right for You?
First, let’s talk about sensitive skin types. Not all sensitive skin gets breakouts, and not all acne-prone skin is sensitive.
To choose the right primer, you have to know your skin and how it reacts to certain skincare. This is important because if you use the wrong product for your skin, you might actually make things worse.
The primers that work best on sensitive, dry skin may not suit acne-prone skin as their ingredients may aggravate your oils. But if you use acne-treatment primers, you may send your sensitive skin into a reaction overdrive.
When it comes to choosing the best primer for sensitive, acne-prone skin, select one that suits your predominant skin type. Thankfully our tried-and-tested primer choices below give you options. If you’re sensitive with the occasional acne, go for the first two. If your skin revels in those oh-so-inconvenient combination flareups of sensitive, dry and acne, the second two are your best bets.

Is Primer Bad for Acne?
No, not if you choose the right one. The wrong primer can contribute to excess oil and blocked pores. But, as we’ve seen above, when you know your skin type, you can select a makeup primer targeted to your needs.
Can Primers Help with Breakouts and Sensitivity?
Yes, but you’ve still got to do your bit too. No matter how perfectly suited your makeup primer is to your sensitive or acne-prone skin, you need to look after your skin to help minimise breakouts and sensitivity flareups.
Making a habit of these everyday beauty tips, as well as choosing the best makeup primer for your skin, will help.
- Think about what goes on top of your primer - while a makeup primer may be your base, it certainly isn’t the only thing on your face each day. Choose a foundation for sensitive or acne-prone skin and ensure you’re using other makeup and cosmetics suited to acne-prone skin too.
- Never sleep in your makeup - washing off your makeup and primer is so important. Otherwise, you’ll clog your pores and irritate your skin even more, undermining the benefits of your carefully selected acne- and sensitive-skin safe makeup and cosmetics.
- Exercise with a clean face - while we all love to look good when we’re working out, try to steer clear of makeup when you're exercising. The mixture of makeup and sweat can incite breakouts.
- Step away from the pimple - avoid touching your face throughout the day, and never pop pimples or pick at skin rashes. You’ll just irritate your skin even more and potentially introduce bacteria that will make the whole thing a lot worse.
Best Makeup Primer for Sensitive Skin
Skin that's sensitive to a variety of ingredients needs a soothing primer, such as Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Calming Primer. Its soothing ingredients counteract irritation and help to nourish the skin’s barrier layer.
Best Makeup Primer for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
What if you need to counteract the dual complexion-dulling effects of acne and skin sensitivity? MAKE UP FOR EVER Redness Correcting Primer is an ideal choice. This primer corrects the redness of acne with a lightweight yet hydrating formula suited to sensitive skin.
And if you have a touch of oily skin to throw into the mix, consider a primer formulated to control spots and shine, such as elf Blemish Control Primer - ClearStill not sure which primer is right for you? Our customer service team at Adore Beauty offer unbiased product recommendations via chat and email.

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