15 Foundations That Immaculately Cover Acne Scars

Best Overall

Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation

$42 at Amazon $38 at Dermstore $42 at Macy's

In terms of covering acne scars, it doesn’t get any better than Dermablend. This creamy multitasking formula provides seamless, buildable coverage and leaves a natural-looking finish on the skin. It also helps create an even complexion and hides any traces of dark spots, redness, or uneven texture. 

If your skin tends to be dry, you're in luck—the formula contains glycerin for 24-hour hydration, ensuring that your skin is nourished and moisturized all day long. It’s also fortified with SPF 25 to protect you from sun damage, as well as prevent UV light from exacerbating skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation. 

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 15 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Editor’s Favorite

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

$32 at Ulta $32 at Target $32 at Tartecosmetics.com

This concealer from Tarte has been a trusty standby of Byrdie Associate Editor, Ali Webb’s. “I've kept Tarte's Shape Tape Concealer in my makeup bag for years to help during times when I'm breaking out or have leftover scarring,” she says. She likes how it provides reliable, all-over coverage but is small enough to take with you wherever you go. 

We love that the formula includes clay to help conceal blemishes and neutralize skin tone, plus peptides to keep your complexion looking smooth and even. “It also has great staying power, which is helpful if you're like me and usually forget to use setting spray,” continues Webb. “While my skin has changed in recent years and I now gravitate more towards dewy skin tints and hydrating concealers, this foundation got me through a time when my skin type was a more traditionally combination—and I wouldn't hesitate to turn to it again for tried-and-true coverage.” 

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 36 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.33 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Best Budget

Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

$10 at Amazon $10 at Catricecosmetics.com

Looking for a foundation that’s a little bit more budget-friendly but doesn’t skimp on coverage? Catrice’s HD Liquid Coverage Foundation has you (literally) covered for 24 hours. Not only will this formula blur imperfections but you can also rely on it to refine your skin’s texture over time using niacinamide, a brightening, acne-fighting ingredient.

We love that this foundation comes with a unique dropper applicator that dispenses the perfect amount of product, leaving your skin with a natural soft-matte finish that lasts all day. Just remember to blend quickly, as this formula dries fast. 

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 26 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.01 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation

$10 at Amazon $14 at Ulta $10 at Target

Next time you’re browsing the makeup aisle of your local drugstore, check out L’Oreal Paris’ True Match foundation—you’ll be amazed by how many shades it offers (47!). Formulated with a moisturizing blend of vitamins A, C, and E, the foundation keeps your skin hydrated while also providing lightweight to medium coverage that evens out discoloration and brightens the skin. Translation: It gives you the same gorgeous glow as a high-end foundation—just without breaking the bank. We do wish the coverage lasted a bit longer though.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 45 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation

$66 at Amazon $66 at Dermstore View on Oxygenetix.com

Reach for this Oxygenetix foundation if you’re in the mood to treat yourself to the silkiest coverage. Designed to be a breathable alternative to cakey foundations, this formula caters to all skin types and concerns with its hydrating and nourishing blend of aloe vera and vitamin E.

The coverage is buildable, long-wearing, and conceals everything from acne scars and dark spots to redness and even skin conditions like rosacea, making it ideal for anyone looking to even out their texture and tone. We only wish the bottle was larger. 

Coverage: Sheer, buildable | Shade Range: 14 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Matte Finish

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

$18 at Sephora $42 at Ulta View on Dermstore

It’s no secret that clay boasts several acne-fighting and skin-purifying benefits. In this formula, the popular skincare ingredient is used to impart a smooth, matte finish on the skin, leaving your complexion noticeably more even and illuminated. 

Amazonian clay is joined by vitamin E, which acts as a soothing emollient and also provides antioxidant protection for healthier skin in the long run. Together, these powerful ingredients deliver the coverage needed to hide acne scars, as well as other sources of discoloration like dark spots and redness. However, because it’s so mattifying, this one does tend to settle into fine lines. We suggest wearing a gentle hydrating serum underneath to keep your skin looking smooth. 

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 23 | Finish: Natural matte | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Dewy Finish

BECCA Skin Love Weightless Blur Foundation

View on Probeautyonline.com

This foundation is all you need to get your skin glowing—trust us. BECCA’s skincare-makeup hybrid formula is designed to diffuse the look of imperfections by acting like a soft-focus filter to even the complexion. It’s all thanks to the inclusion of ginger to brighten the skin and a blend of cold-pressed avocado and melon extract for hydration.

The result is the perfect dewy no-makeup-makeup look that lasts all day. Some reviewers complain that this product is prone to oxidation (reacting to exposure to air and your skin’s natural oils, often turning darker), so be sure to take some precautions, like only applying with a clean makeup brush.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 22 | Finish: Dewy | Size: 1.23 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Long-Wearing

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation

$35 at Nordstrom $38 at Saks Fifth Avenue View on Belk.com

Just as its name suggests, this foundation provides long-wear, medium-to-full coverage that doesn’t budge. The transfer-resistant, waterproof formula can handle all the sweat and humidity you throw at it—plus, it promises to stay put for up to 36 hours, which is why it’s a favorite of some of the industry’s most trusted names. It’s so effective, it can even be used as a concealer to cover acne scars where needed. The one downside is that it can settle into fine lines. 

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 32 | Finish: Satin | Size: 0.85 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Dry Skin

Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover Adjustable Foundation & Concealer

$22 at Sephora $30 at Beautybay.com View on Danessamyricksbeauty.com

Nothing is worse than a cakey foundation that clings to dry spots. If your skin is particularly dry you should take a careful look at the ingredients list before choosing a foundation. This one is formulated with a skin-quenching blend of squalene vitamin E so you know your dry skin will stay hydrated. It also offers medium-to-full coverage that perfectly masks blemishes, discoloration, and unwanted texture without feeling heavy or cakey. Reviewers say this one is prone to oxidation though, so prepare accordingly. 

Coverage: Sheer to buildable full | Shade Range: 23 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.53 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation

$39 at Ulta View on Uomabeauty.com View on Shopbop.com

Oily skin types thrive with matte formulas, but the finish tends to leave the skin looking cakey and feeling overly dry. Enter UOMA Beauty’s Say What?! Foundation. Formulated with oily and combination skin in mind, the award-winning foundation features a blend of tomato extract (for added radiance) and berry extract (for hydration and antioxidant protection). Not only does the formula soak up excess shine for a velvety matte finish, but it also offers long-lasting, buildable coverage and comes in an amazing 51 shades.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 51 | Finish: Vibrant matte | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Combination Skin

Beauty Bakerie InstaBake Aqua Glass Foundation

View on Beautybakerie.com

Those with combination skin need a foundation with a versatile formula (covers and controls oil) that also provides flawless long-wear coverage. Beauty Bakerie describes its InstaBake Aqua Glass Foundation as frosting for your skin, and we're inclined to agree—the full-coverage formula applies smoothly and effortlessly for creamy, comfortable wear that leaves a dewy glow. Plus, it has color-correcting benefits and is available in 30 shades, which makes finding your match a breeze. This formula can oxidize, so be aware during application. 

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 25 | Finish: Dewy | Size: 0.9 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

$11 at Ulta $9 at Target $8 at Walmart

If you are still dealing with active acne breakouts, reach for this oil-free foundation, which covers unwanted acne scars and spots without clogging pores. Featuring blurring micro-powders including clay that refines pores and absorbs shine, this formula works to even skin tone while delivering a smooth, flawless complexion. The buildable, long-wear formula hides discoloration and stays in place, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying throughout the day. It may settle into fine lines a bit though.

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Sensitive Skin

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation SPF 20

$15 at Amazon View on Physiciansformula.com

When you have sensitive skin and acne scars, the last thing you want is a foundation that irritates your skin. Thankfully, you don't have to worry about that with this foundation, which is hypoallergenic and packed with nourishing ingredients that help keep skin healthy and happy, like hyaluronic acid (for a hydrating boost) and as well as vitamins A, C, and E to keep the skin protected and radiant. Some reviewers noted that this one has a strong scent, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance this might not be for you. 

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 18 | Finish: Satin | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Shade Range

PÜR Cosmetics 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Foundation

$36 at Ulta $26 at Skinstore.com $36 at Macy's

Today, more and more brands are expanding the number of foundation shades they have on offer, but PÜR Cosmetics goes above and beyond. With an impressive 100 hues available, the brand makes shade matching easier than most foundation brands we’ve tried. 

Where coverage is concerned, this foundation-concealer hybrid is the best of both worlds—its formula is designed to harness the full-coverage, long-wear properties of a foundation and the color-correcting, brightening goodness of a concealer. It even offers protection from daily blue light exposure, which has been found to cause signs of premature aging in the skin, with Lingonberry Extract. I can settle into fine lines though, so use a good, plumping moisturizer before applying.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 100 | Finish: Natural matte | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best SPF

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+

$47 at Amazon $22 at Sephora $33 at Ulta

When treating acne scars, it’s important to keep your skin protected from UV rays—which is where your sunscreen comes into play. IT Cosmetics’ CC+ Cream doubles as a broad-spectrum SPF 50 mineral sunscreen, but since it’s also a color-corrector, it evens out the complexion and masks any discoloration. It’s particularly great for acne scars because its hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and peptides) prevent caking and pilling around any uneven texture. It’s worth noting that some reviewers think this formula appears warmer than the pictured shade once applied.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 12 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.406, 1.08 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Creme

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer

$34 at Nordstrom $39 at Neiman Marcus View on Harveynichols.com

This isn’t a foundation per se, but fans of this makeup artist-favorite concealer swear by its skin-perfecting abilities and say that it works better than any other foundation they’ve tried. The secret lies in the product’s dual-shade system, which is formulated to match your skin’s depth of color and undertone to deliver a custom blend that helps you achieve the perfect coverage. 

Using this innovative approach and a high level of pigment, this formula completely covers any signs of discoloration or unwanted texture, camouflaging everything from acne scars and breakouts to dark circles and spots. It takes some effort to blend, but we think the results are worth it.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 8 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.207 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes