acne/dry patches

[#1]

Hello,

I currently suffer from acne & acne blemishes. When I wear makeup, sometimes I get the concealer and/or foundation actually highlight my acne sometimes by creating this dry patch around the pimple.

I'm okay with changing my makeup routine & products and whatnot. Please tell me what I'm should change or add?

Right now, after washing my face, I moisturize my face with a moisturizer from Neutrogena. Then I use the Hourglass Veil Primer. And recently, I just started using the Make Up For Ever HD foundation in 153. I used to use the Prolong Wear Concealer from MAC, but it was making me break out even more, so I stopped using it. & I used to use the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation, but I ran out and replaced it with MUFE. I think I might just switch back because I didn't get the dry patches, but it also didn't give me enough coverage.

Also, to set my foundation, I use the Tarte Amazonian Clay Microfinish Powder.

Any suggestions for how to get rid of those dry patches?? Should I apply my foundation in a particular way??

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Hi knee2kay, 

While I think it's great you switched from the ProLong Wear Concealer (has mineral oils and is a heavy duty studio makeup) I don't think the problem is in your makeup. What are you using to treat your acne? Almost every product will cause some dryness regardless of how gentle or what sort of format they are (gel, cream, etc.) and that can cause the dryness to the unaffected area which will show up through the makeup. 

Stick to liquid and creamy based foundations and concealer and maybe try a makeup setting spray instead of a setting powder which could possibly be contributing to the dryness that is visible on the skin. Another tip I'd suggest is to apply a hydrating gel moisturizer, followed by your foundation with the concealer as the last step. Try a few different ways of applying your makeup but you may want to avoid powders for now and take into consideration any acne treatments you use as many of my blemish treatments cause those same dry patches! Common for most of us  

[#3]

Thanks! The reason I was assuming it's my makeup is because I don't really get the dry patches when I wear the Benefit Hello Flawless foundation, but maybe it's because the foundation itself a bit hydrating? Also, the powder doesn't really dry my skin out, but it just helps control the shine. I've tried my foundations without the Amazonian Clay powder, but the dryness was still there and my makeup just looks a lot better with it.

Thank you for help!

[#4]

And, I will definitely look into some setting sprays & the gel moisturizer as well

[#5]

I have the sample problem, I just noticed it. Will using a primer help since I don't have primer on?
I used: moisturizer, liquid foundation mixed with an SPF moisturizer, then concealer and finally press powder to set.
Should i get rid of press powder all together, i was thinking about buying a loose powder but might not be a good idea?