If you’re dealing with a fungal acne breakout, you know how frustrating it can be to find makeup products that will not exacerbate the skin condition.
Fungal acne is an inflammatory condition caused by a type of yeast known as Malassezia. This yeast is naturally present on the skin but can cause problems when it overgrows.
Ingredients like oils, butters, and waxes which are commonly found in makeup products can cause yeast growth and trigger fungal acne for lots of people. Because of this its’s important to check the ingredients of all your makeup products to ensure they are safe for fungal acne.
If you don’t feel like checking products ingredients you can just buy from this list of the fifteen best makeup products for fungal acne.
From foundation to concealer to blush and highlighters, these products will help you achieve a flawless complexion without worrying about your fungal acne being exacerbated.
How I Choose Each Makeup Product
When searching for the best makeup products for fungal acne, I took a few things into consideration.
First and foremost, I wanted to find products that would not only cover up the blemishes but also help treat them.
This is why I looked for primers, foundations, concealers, blushes, and highlighters that are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores) and free of any harsh chemicals that could further aggravate your skin.
Finally, I tried to find a wide variety of products that would work for different skin types and needs. Whether you prefer a full-coverage foundation or a light-tinted moisturizer, I’ve got you covered.
So without further ado, here are my top fifteen makeup products for fungal acne.
Best Makeup Products For Fungal Acne Summary
Best Foundation Overall for Fungal Acne:
Dior – BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation
Excellent for those dealing with fungal acne and regular bacterial breakouts because it doesn’t contain heavy and pore-clogging ingredients that could potentially exacerbate the two similar conditions. The foundation has a lightweight, slightly runny consistency but applies super easily and spreads on the skin like a dream.
GoodGlow Score
Skin Type
Ideal for dry, normal, and combination skin.
Waterproof
Dior’s foundation is water and sweat proof making it ideal for high activity or rainy days.
Diverse Color Palette
Dior has 40 different colors which make it inclusive of all skin types.
Smoothes Uneven Textures
Great for covering up ice pick, textured, and atrophic acne scars.
Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Alcohol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyurethane-35, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Vp/Va Copolymer, Tetrasodium Edta, Fragrance, Aluminum Hydroxide, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Bht, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Yellow 5/Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Ultramarines (Ci 77007), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Additionally, Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is not one of those fast-drying foundations where you’d need to be super fast when working it into the skin, and you can take your time with this one as it sets slowly but builds very nicely where needed.
What I love most about the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is that it fuses with the skin to resist high temperatures and humid environments, and as someone who lives in a hot and humid place, I can say that this foundation has made it less challenging to maintain a fresh-looking makeup look throughout the entire day.
Lastly, the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is a long-wearing foundation with a semi-matte finish and medium coverage.
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation Pros:
- Lightweight texture and long wear.
- Excellent shade range (40 shades.)
- Customizable coverage & finish.
- Blends effortlessly.
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation Cons:
- Some users have complained that it’s heavily fragranced.
- Contains alcohol.
Best Liquid Foundation for Fungal Acne:
Bourjois – Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation
The foundation aims to provide a natural finish that I would place somewhere between velvety and glowy. It’s excellent for all skin types and works for all skin conditions, including inflammatory issues such as fungal acne, dermatitis, and rosacea.
GoodGlow Score
Medium coverage foundation
With coated pigments that provide natural, radiant finish lasting up to 16 hrs
Anti-age formula
Blend of vitamin C that gives anti-fatigue effect, vitamin E that performs anti-oxidant action and vitamin B5 that tonifies the skin
24-hour hydration
Contains hyaluronic acid derivative
Soft-feel effect
Optically blurs the blemishes and any signs of fatigue
Non-comedogenic
Liquid formula it will not block your pores
Suitable for all skin types
Especially dry skin
AQUA (WATER), DIMETHICONE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALCOHOL DENAT., PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PANTHENOL, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, SILICA, GLYCERIN, PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) FRUIT EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CUCUMIS MELO (MELON) FRUIT EXTRACT, PRUNUS ARMENIACA (APRICOT) FRUIT EXTRACT, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, BENZOIC ACID, PANTOLACTONE, SORBIC ACID. [+/- (MAY CONTAIN): CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), MICA, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES)]
Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation is a liquid foundation with a lightweight texture and light to medium coverage.
If you have normal to dry skin, this foundation will be on the more natural side; however, oily skin will experience some of that glow throughout the day, especially if you wear it for a long time.
I tend to do this on my cheeks where I get some redness, and even though it’s light, it covers these areas perfectly without looking cakey and emphasizing existing texture.
However, the only downside to this foundation is that it has a limited shade range, and although Bourjois has improved on this over the years, they still have a long way to go if their goal is to be more inclusive.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation Pros:
- Lightweight consistency that builds up to medium coverage.
- Natural to subtly glowy finish that’s not cakey or texture-emphasizing.
- Suitable for ultra-sensitive skin and fungal acne.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation Cons:
- Poor shade range variety (13 shades.)
Best Cream Foundation for Fungal Acne:
Pixi Beauty – H2O Skintint
Lightweight, water-based cream foundation that aims to enhance the complexion for a naturally radiant look. The H2O Skintint doesn’t contain drying alcohol, which means it’s also suitable for sensitive skin and conditions such as rosacea or dermatitis.
GoodGlow Score
Lightweight
Breathable tinted soothing serum which acts as a natural looking foundation
Formulated with Green Tea and Rose Water
To moisturize and provide antioxidants
Chamomile and Lavender
To soothe and replenish
Suitable for all skin types
Paraben-free and not tested on animals
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hexyl Laurate, Glycerin, PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499).
The Pixi Beauty H2O Skintint dries down to complete nothingness. It doesn’t have a slippery or powdery texture, and it doesn’t leave a cakey layer of makeup behind.
This is extremely rare for a cream foundation, so I feel like the best way to describe this formula is to call it a gel-cream with a strong pigment that enhances the natural skin tone.
Normal to dry skins are likely to be able to wear the H2O Skintint on its own, while someone with oily skin will have to consider setting it with a little bit of powder, especially during the hot summer days.
Additionally, and besides the great texture and lovely light-to-medium coverage, the H2O Skintint has excellent ingredients, too.
It contains components such as green tea, rose water, and chamomile extracts that soothe irritation and nourish damaged skin.
It also doesn’t contain any clogging ingredients, making it an excellent option for both bacterial and fungal acne.
The only downside to this product is that it has shades that are straight to the point and are either too cool or too warm, so you will likely have to mix a couple of shades if you are somewhere in between.
Pixi Beauty H2O Skintint Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Delivers a beautiful natural finish and light to medium coverage.
- Contains soothing and antioxidant ingredients.
- Suitable for fungal acne.
Pixi Beauty H2O Skintint Cons:
- Neutral skin tones might have trouble finding the perfect shade.
Best Powder Foundation for Fungal Acne:
Wander Beauty – Wanderlust Powder
A super lightweight powder foundation and an excellent option for fungal acne due to a superior ingredient list that consists of soothing and oil-absorbing ingredients, such as aloe vera, hibiscus flower extract, honeysuckle flower extract, and safflower that’s rich in barrier-strengthening linoleic acid.
GoodGlow Score
Coverage that’s always flawless, never cakey
Starts as a liquid foundation before being transformed into a powder through unique process
Finish and Coverage
Matte, natural, sheer to full buildable coverage, neutralizes redness and covers blemishes
Natural Ingredients
Include Aloe Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Jojoba Esters and Safflower Flower Extract
Locks in Hydration
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid
Ingredient Callouts
Cruelty Free, Vegan, Talc Free, BPA Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free and Synthetic Fragrance Free
Effective
erfects complexion with an airbrushed finish. Mattifies shine throughout the day. Blurs pores and imperfections
Key Ingredients
- Aloe Leaf Extract: Moisturizes skin and restore suppleness
- Hibiscus Flower Extract: Evens skin tone, increases elasticity, and protects against free radical damage
- Honeysuckle Flower Extract: Infused with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
- Jojoba Esters: Promotes skin healing with antimicrobial properties
- Safflower Flower Extract: Contains linoleic acid to help keep skin soft and supple
- Hyaluronic Acid: Helps to retain skin moisture, plump skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines
Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Boron Nitride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Water, Jojoba esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
If you don’t like spending more than twenty seconds applying foundation and powder, you must look into powder foundations.
Powder foundations are exactly what they sound – a foundation and powder all in one that can be applied at the same time and provide a seamless base without looking cakey or too heavy.
And while powder foundations are becoming more and more popular, not all will work for more specific skin concerns such as fungal acne.
The Wander Beauty Wanderlust Powder builds from sheer to full coverage while blurring, smoothing, and mattifying the complexion.
It’s super easy to apply in various ways, such as using the provided applicator, a damp beauty blender, or a regular foundation brush.
It has a natural matte finish that doesn’t make the skin look dried out or dehydrated but is just enough matte to keep excess oil under control throughout the day.
This means that both dry and oily skin types can use it; however, the latter will likely need to reapply sometime throughout the day, especially on a hot summer day.
Lastly, at first, I was going to say that the shade range, which consists of only eleven shades, isn’t enough, but the Wanderlust Powder Foundation adapts to your skin tone, so all you have to do is choose the shade that’s closest to your skin tone and the product will look amazing!
Wander Beauty: Wanderlust Powder Foundation Pros:
- Lightweight formula and buildable coverage.
- Suitable for both dry and oily skin.
- Safe for fungal acne and sensitive skin.
- Shades adapt to your skin tone.
Wander Beauty: Wanderlust Powder Foundation Cons:
- Pricey.
Best Full Coverage Foundation for Fungal Acne:
Lancôme – Teint Idole Ultra-Long Wear Matte Foundation
The Teint Idole Foundation is great for skin that’s prone to fungal acne because it doesn’t contain any ingredients that could potentially trigger yeast overgrowth. The foundation comes in 50 shades, which is an excellent variety and has a matte finish that doesn’t feel powdery or dry, so besides being most suitable for oily skin types, those on the drier side will certainly like this finish, too.
GoodGlow Score
Skin Type
Works best with oily, normal, and combination skin.
Sun Protection
Foundation is spf 15 which makes is perfect for high UV days.
Diverse Color Palette
Comes in 50 different shades making it compatible with virtually any skin tone.
Ingredient Callouts
Oil Free
- Eternalsoft Polymer: Increases comfort level with long-lasting wear.
- NAI Pigments: Specially-coated pigments maintain consistent pH level with skin, so color stays true all day.
- Perlite and Silica: Absorb oil effectively.
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polypropysilsequioxane, Isododecane, Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl, Polypropylsilsequioxane Silica, Glycerin, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Polyglycerinej-3 Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Nylon-12, Paraffin, Cyclomethione, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dipropylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol Chlorphenesin, Ethylparaben, [+/- May Contain CI 77007 / Ultramarines, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides, CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide].
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra-Long Wear Matte Foundation is a full coverage foundation that provides ultra-long wear supposed to last for 24 hours.
And while I’ve never worn makeup for that long (and you shouldn’t either, especially if you are dealing with fungal acne), I can say that the Teint Idole foundation certainly lives up to its claims for up to 10 hours.
It’s also super-full coverage right from the start, so you don’t need to use a lot of product to get the desired results, especially if you are aiming for a lighter finish.
The Teint Idole Foundation also has a slight SPF of 15, which means it gives a little bit of protection, but the SPF is also great for providing a very subtle glow and preventing flashbacks in pictures or daylight.
Teint Idole Ultra-Long Wear Matte Foundation Pros:
- Matte finish.
- Ultra-long wear.
- Excellent for both oily and dry skin.
- Safe for acne-prone skin.
- Excellent shade variety (50 shades.)
Teint Idole Ultra-Long Wear Matte Foundation Cons:
- Some might find it expensive.
Best Tinted Moisturizer for Fungal Acne:
Fenty Beauty – Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Lightweight, tinted moisturizer ideal for days when you don’t want a full face of makeup but still want a little something to even out your skin tone and blur imperfections. Eaze Drop is safe for fungal acne and doesn’t contain ingredients that could potentially exacerbate the inflammatory condition.
GoodGlow Score
25 flexible shade options for all
A lightweight, buildable light-to-medium coverage skin tint that leaves skin looking blurred and smoothed
QuickBlur Complex for a hydrating, diffused effect
Buildable light to medium coverage that instantly evens out your complexion
Smooth texture that layers well with primer and skincare
Humidity-, sweat-, and transfer-resistant formula
Ingredient Callout
Vegan, cruelty free, no oil, no phthalates, and no parabens
Aqua/Water/Eau, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Talc, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Bis-Peg/Ppg-14/14 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Trehalose, Urea, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, C24-28 Alkyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, Dehydroacetic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Algin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Pullulan, Tocopherol, Potassium Phosphate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
The skin tint has a very liquidy and thin consistency, making it easy to apply and blend out. And even though Rihanna herself has said the skin tint is best applied with your fingers, you can still use a brush or a beauty blender if you aren’t a fan of using your fingers to apply makeup.
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint has a natural demi-matte finish that doesn’t make the skin look dry or caked on, and it comes in a good range of shades for all skin tones.
However, as with many tinted moisturizers, some users have complained that the product would start to separate in areas such as around the nose or chin throughout the day, so this is definitely not a long-wear product.
However, due to the product having a very light coverage, you definitely won’t be able to cover active fungal acne and bumps.
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Suitable for oily skin and fungal acne.
- Good shade range (25 shades.)
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Cons:
- Lightweight coverage won’t cover active acne and bumps.
Best Concealer for Fungal Acne:
The Ordinary – Concealer
Full-coverage, long-wearing concealer that’s perfect for hiding acne and blemishes. Comes in a range of 36 shades, so there’s definitely one to suit every skin tone, and it has a natural matte finish that won’t look cakey or heavy on the skin as long as you use very little product.
GoodGlow Score
High-spreadability
Suspension system that offers very high coverage with a real skin finish
Resists collecting in fine lines
Formula allows high pigments to look natural on the skin
Available across a 36 shade range
Shades are divided into four categories: 1 for lighter tones, 2 for medium tones, 3 for dark/deep tones, and 4 for deeper tones
Ingredient Callout
Vegan, cruelty free, no fragrance, no gluten, no oil, no parabens, or sulfates
Aqua (Water), Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Cetyl Diglyceryl Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, C12-14 Pareth-12, Dipropylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. May Contain [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Tin Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Mica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.
What I love about the Concealer is that a little does go a long way, and the product will last you for months, even with daily use.
It’s also super affordable, so even if you don’t find your shade in one product, you can mix and match without breaking the bank.
This is something I’ve always disliked about expensive concealers because no matter how good the formula is, their price is so up there that it’s not always possible for everyone to buy two shades and mix them for perfect results.
So, I appreciate the affordable price besides the excellent quality of the product.
Lastly, The Ordinary Concealer is also oil-free and doesn’t contain any ingredients that could potentially aggravate fungal acne, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with this condition.
The Ordinary Concealer Pros:
- Oil-free and matte finish.
- Excellent shade range (36 shades.)
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Safe for fungal acne.
The Ordinary Concealer Cons:
- It can become cakey if a lot of product is used.
Best Primer for Fungal Acne:
ILIA – True Skin Radiant Priming Serum
The primer is much more than a base for makeup. It has a clear, silicone-free consistency that also packs beneficial skincare ingredients such as soothing aloe, antioxidant hibiscus extract, and brightening beta-glucan, with the added bonus of smoothing skin texture, blurring pores, and firming areas such as the undereye where the skin tends to get crepey.
GoodGlow Score
Helps firm, moisturize + soothe skin
While protecting skin from harmful environmental factors that cause aging
Hibiscus extract, aloe + beta-glucan
That helps diminish the look of pores while improving skin texture
Glowing Benefits
Skin is left with a radiant glow, prepped for effortless makeup application that lasts
Ingredient Callout
Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, sustainably sourced + packaged
- Hibiscus Extract: Helps to protect against free radical damage.
- Mastic: Helps to mattify the look of skin throughout the day.
- Beta-Glucan: Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Maltose*, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Propanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract*, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus Extract*, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum*, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Mica*, Calcium Gluconate, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract*, Beta- Glucan*, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract*, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)*.
Primer is the base for foundation that we use to smooth surfaces, minimize fine lines, blur pores, and help makeup last longer.
However, if you are dealing with any type of acne, be it fungal or bacterial, you probably know how challenging it is to find a primer that’s not too thick, won’t form a mask over your skin, won’t clog your pores, won’t feel too much like silicone, and the list goes on.
Well, this is why I want to introduce you to the ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum, as this one is truly special.
The liquid-like consistency makes it feel more like a serum that absorbs into the skin than something that’s supposed to sit on the surface and improve makeup wear.
It’s also excellent for all skin types, and it will give your foundation a gel-like, dewy, and beautiful finish that will last throughout the entire day.
The only downside to this primer is its price; however, if you are looking for a good primer and are tired of throwing money on stuff that just doesn’t work, you might want to consider investing in something better.
ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum Pros:
- Improves makeup application and wear.
- Gives the foundation a beautiful dewy finish.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Safe for fungal acne.
ILIA True Skin Radiant Priming Serum Cons:
- Pricey.
Best Setting Powder for Fungal Acne:
Rare Beauty – Always an Optimist Radiance Setting Powder
This powder is also great because it doesn’t feel thick, powdery, or cakey once applied to the skin, and while it’s mattifying at first, it feels more like powdered sugar than cement-like, such as some of those OG compact powders (I’m looking at you MAC.)
GoodGlow Score
Effective Radiance
A silky, do-it-all setting powder to smooth, blur, and control shine for a soft natural finish and all-day comfort
Feels comfortable all day
Goes on light and airy to provide sheer, seamless coverage with a subtle radiance and a natural finish
Extends the wear of your makeup
while blurring the look of pores and smoothing skin’s texture—no caking, no flashback
Ingredient Callout
Cruelty Free, vegan, paraben free, dermatologist tested
Mica, Calcium Carbonate, Silica, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Magnesium Myristate, Nylon-12, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Squalane, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- May Contain/Peut Contenir: Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)].
You would think that you can’t go wrong when choosing a powder for fungal acne, but let me tell you, finding one that doesn’t contain potentially clogging ingredients that can exacerbate this condition was surprisingly challenging.
Yes, powders are supposed to absorb oil and prevent clogging, but most powders nowadays aim to provide a natural, radiant, or subtly glowy finish, instead of a super-matte look that would prevent excess oil from shining through during the day.
But luckily, I found one that doesn’t contain ingredients that could lead to yeast overgrowth, and it’s the Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Radiance Setting Powder.
This is a finely milled translucent powder that sets your makeup, reduces shine, and gives your skin a healthy-looking glow due to the touch of mica inside the formula.
Lastly, the product comes in five shades that adjust to your skin tone and are surprisingly flexible, so choose the one that looks closest to your skin tone, and you will be good to go.
Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder Pros:
- Flexible shade range.
- Finely-milled powder with a natural matte finish.
- Excellent for all skin types.
- Safe for fungal acne.
Rare Beauty Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder Cons:
- Not easily available to consumers outside of the US.
Best Liquid Blush for Fungal Acne:
Natasha – Denona Puff Paint Liquid Blush
Liquid blushes are often loaded with oils, waxes, and butters, which are all huge no-no’s when choosing a makeup product for acne-prone skin. However, this is one I managed to find in the depths of Sephora’s website that I’m confident won’t exacerbate fungal acne and can work great for those with oily skin that tends to clog and break out.
GoodGlow Score
Silky, liquid blush-serum hybrid
With perfect pigmentation to achieve a natural flush of color, formulated with skincare-infusion technology
Comfortable Formula
Made with a lightweight, easy-to-apply, buildable formula
Infused with a skin thirst-relief complex
Super-active ingredient that brings fast-acting and long-lasting deep moisturization
Ingredient Callouts
Free of parabens and mineral oil. It is also gluten-free and vegan.
Aqua/Water/Eau, Trisiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Mica, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid, Fructose, Sodium Hydroxide, Urea, Aluminum Hydroxide, Allantoin, Maltose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Pca, Trehalose, Tocopherol, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, [+/-] Ci 15850/Red 6, Ci 15850/Red 7 Lake, Ci 19140/Yellow 5, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Ci 77491/Iron Oxides, Ci 77492/Iron Oxides, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides.
Liquid blushes have made a major comeback recently, but one group of people that’s sadly unable to participate in this makeup trend are those who are dealing with fungal acne.
Natasha Denona Puff Paint Liquid Blush is a gel-like blush that comes in three flattering colors and gives the cheeks a natural-looking flush.
The best part about it is that it dries down to a powder finish, so you don’t have to worry about your face looking oily by the end of the day.
What’s more is that the Puff Paint Liquid Blush also contains ingredients that are actually beneficial for fungal acne, including glycerin, urea, sodium PCA, and hyaluronic acid for hydration and plumpness.
It also contains allantoin, a soothing and barrier-repairing ingredient that’s also super-beneficial for those dealing with a compromised skin barrier due to yeast overgrowth.
And lastly, the Puff Paint Liquid Blush is also affordable, and due to being so incredibly pigmented, the product will likely last you for a while.
Natasha Denona Puff Paint Liquid Blush Pros:
- Lightweight and powdery finish.
- Non-comedogenic and safe for fungal acne.
- Best for oily and combo skin.
- Contains soothing and skin-loving ingredients.
Natasha Denona Puff Paint Liquid Blush Cons:
- Poor shade range (3 shades.)
Best Cream Blush for Fungal Acne:
Chantecaille – Cheek Gelee Hydrating Gel-Cream Blush
Another challenging category of products for fungal acne. Like liquid blushes, cream blushes are also loaded with oils, waxes, and butters that make them blend easily but can exacerbate inflammatory conditions such as acne But luckily, I found Chantecaille Cheek Gelee Hydrating Gel-Cream Blush, a beautiful pearly blush that doesn’t contain a single pore-clogging ingredient that can cause fungal acne to flare up.
GoodGlow Score
Effective
Soft spherical powders give the formula a super smooth, buildable texture
Hydrating liquid gel-cream blush
That combines the freshness of an emulsion with the lasting power of a stain.
Choice of three vibrant tones
Crafted in the USA
Ingredient Callout
No parabens, fragrance free and phthalate free
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Magnesium Sulfate, Peg-400, Dimethicone/vinyl Dimethicone Crosspoylmer, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Silica Dimethyl Silyate, Acrylates/dimethicone Copolymer, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrogen Dimethicone [+/-: Talc, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491 / CI 77492 / CI 77499), Red 30 (CI 73360), Ultramarines (CI 77007)
Chantecaille Cheek Gelee Hydrating Gel-Cream Blush is also infused with a blend of rosewater and lavender water, which work together to provide the skin with long-lasting hydration.
What’s more, the gel-like texture makes it easy to apply and blend out, and it dries down to a super smooth, velvety texture that lasts all day long.
Chantecaille Cheek Gelee Hydrating Gel-Cream Blush Pros:
- Smooth and buildable formula.
- Velvety and pearly finish.
- Beautiful shades that adjust to your skin tone.
- Safe for fungal acne.
Chantecaille Cheek Gelee Hydrating Gel-Cream Blush Cons:
- Pricey.
- Contains alcohol.
Best Powder Blush for Fungal Acne:
Hourglass – Ambient Lighting Blush
But after a long search, I found the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush, a beautiful compact blush that comes in seven flattering shades. The best part about it is that it doesn’t contain any oils, waxes, or butters and is completely non-comedogenic. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush also contains light-reflecting pigments, which give the skin a natural glow and also help blur imperfections.
GoodGlow Score
Groundbreaking Hybrid
Combines the customized lighting effects of Ambient Lighting Powder or Strobe Powder with a spectrum of breathtakingly modern hues
Manipulates and refracts favorable light
Resulting in skin that looks smooth, even, and enhanced—not masked
Soft-focus technology
helps to minimize the look of wrinkles and imperfections, neutralize discoloration, and emulate the appearance of young, healthy skin
Formulated Without:
Parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspoly-Mer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Sorbic Acid, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Laureth-7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Diamond Powder, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopherol, Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Ultramarines (Ci 77007).
Similar to setting powders, I was surprised at how difficult it was to find a powder blush that doesn’t contain ingredients that could exacerbate fungal acne.
Additionally, to create the finish of the handmade powders, Hourglass used their Photoluminescent Technology, which exhibits depth and dimension with seamless blending.
This means is that once applied to the cheeks, the blush won’t look like any regular powder blush; instead, it will give the appearance of light hitting the areas of your face where the blush sits.
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is definitely on the pricier side, but it’s worth the investment. If anything, the thousands of 5-star reviews across many online stores certainly paint a good picture of the quality of this product.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Pros:
- Non-clogging and acne-safe.
- Delivers a beautiful, light-kissed finish.
- Excellent for all skin types.
- Flattering shades complement every skin tone.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Cons:
- Pricey.
Best Fungal Acne Safe Lipstick:
Fenty Beauty – Stunna Lip Paint
As long as you don’t use lipstick as a blush on your cheeks or anywhere else where you tend to get fungal acne, you will be fine when it comes to this category of products.But just in case, I listed the Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint, which is a quality lipstick/paint combo that can also be used as a blush, as it doesn’t contain ingredients that could trigger fungal acne.
GoodGlow Score
Weightless and long-wearing
Soft-matte finish—born in a range of head-turning shades that look incredible on all skin tones
No immediate feathering
Lip-defining precision wand makes it easy to define and fill your pout in one stroke
One-stroke intensity
Six high-impact shades
Ingredient Callout
Vegan, cruelty free, no phthalates, and no parabens,
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propylene Carbonate, Red 7 (Ci 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985).
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint has a rich, creamy consistency and an intense pigment that makes the formula highly buildable. It comes in nine flattering shades that complement every skin tone.
It also has a matte finish and provides ultra-long wear throughout the day.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color Pros:
- Can be used as a blush.
- Ultra-long wear.
- Matte finish.
- Safe for fungal acne.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color Cons:
- None.
Best Cream Highlighter for Fungal Acne:
Covergirl – Clean Fresh Cooling Highlighter Stick
The formula is creamy and emollient, and the initially intense color sheers down when blended in with fingers to make the skin appear naturally glowy and not glittery, which is the case with some highlighters.
GoodGlow Score
Express Yourself
High-pigment shades allow you to transform your look anytime you want
Glowing Effect
Highlights skin and gives it a subtle, yet luminous glow
Instant cool down
Swipe this cooling highlighter stick onto eyelids or cheeks to refresh and rejuvenate skin anytime
Ingredient Callout
Formulated without formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, sulfates and talc
Water, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Stearate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Alumina, Glycerin
Covergirl’s Clean Fresh Cooling Highlighter Stick comes in a twist-up stick form, is easy to apply and blend, and has a luminous finish that gives the skin a natural glow.
Additionally, besides being creamy and rather emollient, the Clean Fresh Cooling Glow Highlighter Stick doesn’t contain ingredients that could exacerbate fungal acne, which makes it an excellent option for those looking for a cream highlighter but are also dealing with this condition.
Covergirl Clean Fresh Cooling Glow Highlighter Stick Pros:
- Creamy and emollient consistency.
- Gives a natural glow rather than glitter.
Covergirl Clean Fresh Cooling Glow Highlighter Stick Cons:
- None.
Best Powder Highlighter for Fungal Acne:
Fenty Beauty – Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter doesn’t contain any ingredients that could worsen fungal acne, which is why it’s one of the best highlighters for those who are dealing with this skin condition.
GoodGlow Score
Lightweight, longwear cream-powder hybrid
Ranges from subtle dayglow to insanely supercharged in solos and expertly paired duos
Cream to powder formula
That instantly melts into skin and blends with almost zero effort
Loaded with superfine shimmer
For an ultra-smooth, creamy texture, it’s your go-to for highlighting your face, eyes, and collarbone
Formulated Without:
Phthalates and parabens
Dimethicone, Talc, Isododecane, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyethylene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Cetyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Tin Oxide, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492), Carmine (CI 75470).
Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter is a favorite for many reasons, but one of them is the impressive range of colors that are all extremely flattering on all skin tones, as well as its buttery formula that makes it last for 5-6 hours straight without budging.
The pigmentation of the Killawatt Highlighter is also very intense, which means the highlighting effect is going to be strong and noticeable, especially the shimmer side of the duo, which is more suitable for an evening look, while the left side of the package is a toned-down version of the same color, and thus more suitable for a more natural, day look.
Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Pros:
- Excellent payoff and long-wear formula.
- Range of colors to suit all skin tones.
- Intense pigmentation.
- Safe for fungal acne.
Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Cons:
- Pricey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When dealing with fungal acne breakouts, you should limit makeup usage to only what is absolutely necessary. If you do use makeup products while dealing with a fungal acne breakout, try to avoid products with comedogenic ingredients and make sure the products are resistant to humidity.
The Ordinary’s concealer is oil-free, affordable, and comes in 36 shades, making it perfect for anyone dealing with fungal acne.