Achieving a healthy complexion is something that we all strive for, but for those of us with acne, it can oftentimes feel like a distant dream. With a few small adjustments in your makeup routine and a little bit of extra knowledge, you can avoid exacerbating blemishes and get glowing skin in no time. After all, the best makeup is the kind that enhances your natural beauty and doesn’t draw attention to your problem areas. To help you get on the right path, here are six common makeup mistakes to watch out for if you have acne-prone skin.

1. Tips to Keep Acne Away from Your Face

You don’t want acne ruining your complexion and pride. Here are a few simple tips you can use to keep that possible embarrassment away.

• Drink Plenty of Water: Make sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Keeping your body hydrated, helps to flush out toxins, which in turn helps your skin.
• Eat Healthily: Avoid the processed and oily foods and opt for a clean, healthy diet of greens and essential vitamins & minerals. Add fruits and vegetables to your meals and snack on nuts instead of chips.
• Keep your Face Clean: Gently washing your face twice a day with a proper cleanser and lukewarm water can help keep your face sebum and bacteria-free. Although over-washing can strip away your skin’s acid mantle.

Don’t forget to exfoliate regularly; remove all traces of makeup before bedtime; use a non-comedogenic moisturizer; eliminate dairy and sugary treats; and stay away from picking pimples or touching your face too often. If you do these few simple steps, your skin will be happy and acne-free!

2. 6 Makeup Mistakes You Should Avoid

When it comes to makeup, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While it’s best to pick trends or styles that suit your personal look, there are few makeup mistakes that everyone should avoid. Here are 6 makeup blunders you should never make:

• Heavy Foundation: A caked-on non-blendable layer of foundation gives off a very unnatural look. Instead, opt for a light layer of foundation, powder, and concealer where needed.
• Overdrawing Your Lips: Plumping and slightly reshaping your lips is one thing, but overdrawing them can look odd. Keep your lip liner application feathery to achieve a natural pout.
• Inconsistent Blush: Swiping a single color of blush only on the apples of your cheeks can look unnatural and blotchy. Make sure to blend your blush from the apples of your cheeks up to your hairline on both sides for a natural warm flush.

No one’s perfect with their makeup, but make sure to not commit these fatal makeup mistakes. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks and techniques, as makeup should be for fun and self-expression. So, break away from the basics and go ahead and try something new!

3. Reach For Natural Cosmetics to Prevent Breakouts

Avoid Toxic Chemicals

By switching to natural cosmetics, you’re naturally reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals. These chemicals can be harsh on your body, leading to irritation and breakouts. Choose ingredients that are nature-based, minimally processed and free from parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances. Make sure to check the labels before buying.

Gently Cleanse

For the best results, use a gentle cleanser made from plant-based ingredients. This will ensure your skin is kept clean and free from irritants. Using harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, resulting in a further breakouts. Additionally, look for cleansers that contain ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, witch hazel and olive oil, which can help reduce the appearance of acne.

• Choose natural ingredients
• Check labels before buying
• Use gentle formulas
• Look for natural oils and extracts

4. Create an Acne-Friendly Makeup Routine

Taking the time to establish a healthy skincare regimen designed to handle your acne is one of the best ways to begin clearing up your complexion. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to forgo makeup altogether. In order to make sure you’re still taking care of your skin, it’s important to have an acne-friendly makeup routine:

• Start out by cleansing your face with an oil-free cleanser to get rid of dirt, oil, and bacteria that can block pores and cause breakouts.
• Always make sure to use non-comedogenic and oil-free products, as these are less likely to clog your pores.
• Use an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and try to find one with SPF protection if you’re going to be exposed to the sun.
• After moisturizing, give your skin a few minutes to absorb the product.
• Look for non-comedogenic foundations with lightweight formulas, such as tinted moisturizers, that contain salicylic acid or other exfoliating agents.
• If you’re using a concealer, make sure it’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic.

Lastly, be sure to take off your makeup every night before going to sleep. Invest in a good makeup remover and use it regularly to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and acne-free.

Clear skin isn’t an unattainable goal. You can avoid makeup mistakes to help keep your complexion looking its best. With a few simple tweaks to your routine and plenty of practice, you can be well on your way to a flawless finish.