How to Use Makeup Safely When You Have Acne, According to an Esthetician

There is no point trying to sugarcoat it: acne is hard to deal with. A single conversation with someone suffering will lead to stories about failed product, pointless tips and tricks and horror stories surrounding prescription-strength treatments.

Acne is not only hard to get rid of, but it is also the root of insecurity for a lot of sufferers. This is often made worse by the inability to hide and cover acne with makeup if you are using the wrong techniques and products.

For those with acne struggling to find a makeup routine that works, tutorials like this one, shared to TikTok by Alessya Farrugia (@alessyafarrugia), can be a great starting point to get to grips with the correct techniques.

The viral clip, which has gained more than 5.2 million views and over 659,000 likes since first being shared in January, shows Farrugia's easy everyday routine for those with acne. The simple routine consists of a glow enhancer and foundation to create an even skin tone before spot-concealing any blemishes.

To finish the look, Farrugia brightens her undereye area and adds bronzer and blush to contour and warm the face, setting her eyebrows with brow gel and using a loose powder and setting spray to keep the makeup in place all day.

When it comes to using makeup when you have acne, U.K.-based esthetician and celebrity makeup artist Nathalie Eleni told Newsweek: "Prepping your skin is really important; you don't want your skin to be dry or inflamed when you're applying makeup.

"Choose products that are not going to overload the skin, and, whatever you do, make sure you cleanse it off at the end of the day as you don't want to clog pores or make it worse," Eleni added.

When it comes to formulas, she said you should seek out breathable and buildable products with nourishing bases like aloe vera to soothe the skin.

If your blemish-prone skin is more on the oily side, Eleni recommended keeping blotting papers on you; she said these are "really great for taking off any excess oil without disturbing your makeup, and because you can throw them away after it keeps the skin really clean."

When it comes to preventing spreading acne while doing your makeup, Eleni added: "it's important to keep your skin clean, your makeup brushes clean, and everything else that will be touching your face. Simple things like thoroughly washing your hands and spraying antibacterial spray over your hands, face, makeup sponges and brushes really stop bacteria spreading.

"I'd have a few small brushes for applying makeup to areas that are a bit more problematic. Small fluffy brushes to dab product into the area helps stop spreading it (bacteria) all over the skin."

What Do the Comments Say?

The comments section was fully of support from fellow acne sufferers, as one commented: "Finally someone realistic who screams u can be confident with your skin and still wear makeup over it."

Another added: "I sometimes struggle with acne, and you sharing yours and not hiding it makes me feel less alone. You're absolutely beautiful."

A third wrote: "Gurl you actually make me so much more comfortable with my acne."