Got blemishes? We’ve got you covered with these foundation picks

A beautiful makeup look always starts with good skincare. On the one hand you want to cover up all your blemishes, but on the other you want to allow your skin to breathe and heal. If you are suffering from acne and are in the process of healing your skin, these are the best foundations to achieve both.

1. NARS, Luminous Lightweight Foundation $48

As a makeup artist, this foundation always saves me when I have a client that is suffering from an acne attack. It is full coverage with weightless, 16-hour wear. Highly pigmented and perfectly balanced, just one or two drops is enough to cover the entire face.

The formula is designed to instantly neutralize redness and dullness, while working long term to reduce the appearance of discoloration for more even, uniform skin. All this without having to use a color corrector beforehand. It provides coverage without masking, and feels lightweight, comfortable and breathable. It is my go-to foundation to create natural-looking skin and to cover up at the same time.

2. Cover FX, Natural Finish Oil Free Foundation $40

The famous Cover FX foundation could be your perfect product if you are looking for buildable coverage. It is water-based, packed with vitamins, and comes in 40 shades. It provides impressive coverage and is ultra lightweight. Kylie Jenner’s makeup artist Hrush Achamyan uses it on her. A thin layer is more than enough to camouflage all the blemishes.

Because of its thin formula, it can also be built up for extra coverage if needed. It is a go-to foundation for nights out because it photographs very well. The only downside is that it can be a bit drying for those with dry skin, since it is an oil-free product. If you are suffering from acne, you are most likely oily-skinned so it will not affect you.

3. Dior, Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation $62

Using a professional airbrush for foundation is a popular form of makeup application among makeup artists. It really does give your skin an airbrushed or even photo-shopped finish. Working with an airbrush takes a lot of practice and is an expensive tool, especially if you only use it for special occasions. Luckily, there is a product that is easier to use and gives similar coverage to an airbrush.

The “Spray Foundation” by Dior is long-wear and offers full but beautiful coverage. Once sprayed on the skin the product dries up fast, so blending must be done quickly. If you find it difficult to spray directly onto your face, spray a generous amount on the back of your hand, then use your brush or beauty blender to apply the foundation to your face. It blends evenly, leaving a silky matte finish that requires more than water-soluble cleansers to remove.

4. Estee Lauder, Double Wear Foundation $38

Are you looking for a foundation that creates an airbrushed finish and perfectly flawless looking skin? Then look no further. The running formula offers high coverage and allows the skin to breath. It is buildable without looking cakey, and it blends easily and evenly on the skin.

The double-wear foundation is a favorite among prominent makeup artists. The velvety, smooth coverage absorbs oil (perfect for oily skin) and can last up to 15 hours. To get the most out of this or any foundation, wear a primer underneath.

5. Kat von D, Lock it Foundation $35

This foundation contains a 21-percent pigment that neutralizes the appearance of discoloration, as well as keeping oily skin in check. It is very light in texture, but gives decent full coverage and lasts for hours, so you will not have to reapply throughout the day. According to the brand, it can last up to 24 hours without a single touch-up.

A pump or two is enough to cover up blemishes and even out discoloration. Whether you want to hide pimples, acne scars or even tattoos, it is a popular multi-use product that is definitely worth trying.