5 of Our Best Blushes for Sensitive, Oily & Acne Prone Skin
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
Love the look of a healthy glow, but hate the way makeup melts off oily skin? You need to find that winning combo: a blush that both stays put and won’t aggravate sensitive skin.
So, what does the best blush for oily acne prone skin look like?
While you might assume powder (and you’re not wrong), quite a few liquid and cream formulas these days can offer oily skin a lasting finish.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a little list that will help you.
Here Are the Best Blushes for Sensitive, Oily & Acne Prone Skin.
Looking for a little luxury? Try this cream/powder hybrid
The Napoleon Perdis Hybrid Veil Blush Rosé is a powder-to-cream blush that flatters pretty much everyone with its warm rose hue. This lightweight, luxe powder has a sheer, buildable texture that won’t cling to rough or blemished skin. While this shade might look pretty bold in the packaging, you can control the amount of pigment through your application. This vegan, paraben free formula has a soft, velvety texture that feels like nothing once applied, which is perfect for textured skin.
This silky cream-powder formula can help mattify oily skin (just a little) without drying it out. The inclusion of Carnauba Wax keeps the skin conditioned as your day wears on. This is one of the best cream blushes for acne prone skin because it glides onto the skin without appearing heavy. This tint can be applied with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge. Apply colour to the apples of your cheeks. Then blend it up and back towards your temples for a healthy flush. Wear it on ‘no-makeup’ days or days when you need a little boost of colour
Giorgio Armani has created a line of products that emphasise natural tones and use buildable formulas, perfect for oily and acne prone skin types. To apply this blush, simply dot on and blend out with your fingertips for low-maintenance beauty. The precise applicator allows you to apply the product sparingly for a subtle look, or build up to increase the drama.
This universally flattering blush defies texture
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you will know that while powders can mattify, they can also highlight texture. A good blush for oily, textured skin, is the flattering L'Oreal Wake Up & Glow Melon Dollar Baby Blush in Melon Berry. Great for a sun-kissed look minus the sunshine (SPF all the way), you’ll love how natural and fresh your face looks in these vibrant shades. With a silky, smooth formula, this blush won’t overpower your look or leave your skin looking heavy and patchy. The all-season colour is lightly-pigmented and easy to build.
One of the best blushes for acne prone skin, this handy blush creates a light veil of colour. It’s natural-matte finish is great for an oily complexion, and it takes only a quick dusting of this powder to fake a well-rested look. It's an effortless blush that looks almost powderless on the skin. For an even look that lasts, apply a small amount to a brush and sweep upwards.
A great product that suits most skin types and textures, Youngblood Mineral Radiance - Splendour is cruelty-free and artificial fragrance-free. Use each section separately or mix the colours together to amp up your glow. Mica adds light-reflecting particles, and Rice Starch makes the formula long-lasting. This powder is free from talc, fragrance, and skin-disturbing chemical dyes. Feather-light on the skin, this powder is non-comedogenic and a good choice for oily, sensitive skin types.
Gliding onto the skin easily, this cream blush formula won’t clog your pores or break out acne-prone skin. While it looks super radiant, the formula has a unique staying power and isn’t mousse-y or wet. The buildable blend is easy to work with, so even makeup newbies will manage a stellar look with this foolproof formula. Apply to cheeks with your fingers, a stippling brush or a sponge - it’s super versatile.
Oily skin that is sensitive and acne-prone can be seriously annoying, especially when it comes to makeup.
Foundation can separate. Concealer sinks into creases. Even eyeshadow has trouble staying put. But blush is definitely one of the easier products to work with.
Just keep an eye out for mattifying ingredients and choose a formula that’s made to last.
As for colour, go wild - choose a shade you love, and you’ll be good to go!
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