The best makeup for sensitive skin: Your ultimate guide to tips & products

There’s nothing like the misery of close friends to spur you into action. And when two of my closest gal pals mentioned the same problem—the difficulty of finding makeup for sensitive skin—it was time to look for solutions.

Sensitive skin can react to even the mildest beauty products, which means they have almost given up on makeup. When the lightest application of mascara or foundation brings up rashes, redness, and horrible itching, that seems like the only solution.

Or not.

Delving into the world of makeup for skin that’s so hyper-reactive and speaking to dermatologists and makeup experts made me realize the problem is real but manageable.

With many brands focusing on creating makeup for reactive skin, there are so many options that nobody needs to feel deprived of choices.

Because remember what I always say? The best beauty is one that’s democratic. So, sensitive skin or not, everyone gets their best choices.

All you need is to make a few tweaks to your beauty routine.

And you’ve come to the right place if you or someone you know experiences sensitive skin. Read on for the best makeup products and tips for irritable skin.

In This Article

The best makeup products for sensitive skin

Let’s jump into the best makeup options ideal for hyper-reactive skin—though, I strongly suggest you don’t stop with the products. Keep going for an in-depth overview of what works for sensitive skin, including specific ingredients and brands.

Best primer for sensitive skin

Look for a silicone-free primer, which can help create a smooth canvas for makeup application without irritating.

Best primers for sensitive skin (click to buy): IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Primer+, First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer, Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

Best foundations for sensitive skin

To find the best foundation for sensitive skin, opt for a mineral-based, liquid, or powder formula that is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. A stick foundation tends to create too much friction on the complexion, which can result in irritation.

Best foundation for sensitive skin (click to buy): BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15, Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 Foundation, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15, Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Best setting powders for sensitive skin

If you need a setting powder to blur the pores, stop greasiness, create a matte finish, prevent makeup from sliding off, or just because you like the feel of one, look for products free of talc, parabens, and fragrance.

Best setting powders for sensitive skin (click to buy): IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder, Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder, BareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Finishing Powder, Dermablend Loose Setting Powder, Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Pressed Powder, Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder

Best concealer for sensitive skin

Choose a creamy, hydrating formula that will cover dark spots and under-eye circles without settling into fine lines or causing skin irritation.

Best concealers for sensitive skin (click to buy): BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Concealer, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Best blush and bronzer for sensitive skin

Go for mineral-based, pressed powder products that are easy to blend and gentle on the skin.

Best blush for sensitive skin (click to buy): BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush, Clinique Cheek Pop, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, Burt’s Bees Color Nurture Moisturizing Cream Blush, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush, Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush

Best bronzer for sensitive skin (click to buy): Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer, Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer, BareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color, Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer

Best lip products for sensitive skin

Stick with hydrating, fragrance-free lipsticks and lip balms with natural ingredients like shea butter and beeswax.

Best lipsticks for sensitive skin (click to buy): Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipstick, BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick, Tarte Juicy Lip Creme, Clinique Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour+Primer Lipstick

Best lip liners for sensitive skin (click to buy): Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Liner, Clinique Quickliner for Lips

Best lip glosses for sensitive skin (click to buy): Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss, BareMinerals Mineralise Lip Balm Gloss, IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips Solid Serum Gloss, Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Shine

Best eye makeup for sensitive skin

The eye area tends to be the most fragile and is, therefore, more reactive than anywhere else on the face. So, it pays to go the extra mile and search for ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows specifically formulated for sensitive eyes.

Best eyeliners for sensitive skin that are ophthalmologist tested (click to buy): Almay Intense i-Color Gel Smooth Liner, Clinique Quickliner for Eyes, Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner

Best eye shadows for sensitive skin that are ophthalmologist tested (click to buy): Merit Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow, BareMinerals Mineralist Eyeshadow Palette, Westman Atelier Eye Pods Cream Eyeshadows, Almay Shadow Squad

Best mascara for sensitive skin that are ophthalmologist tested (click to buy): Clinique High Impact Mascara, Almay Thickening Mascara, Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara, Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

What’s the best type of makeup for sensitive skin?

When searching for makeup products suitable for sensitive skin, it’s crucial to pay attention to the labels and check out the list of ingredients. Opt for products that are free from irritants and packed with skin-soothing ingredients.

Here’s a list of what to look for and what to avoid.

Look for the following ingredients

Hypoallergenic brands and non-comedogenic formulations
Fragrance-free formulas (whether it’s natural or synthetic fragrance)
Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, plant-based squalene, and calendula
Nourishing oils such as jojoba, almond, or argan oil
Antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea and vitamin E

Avoid these ingredients at all costs!

Synthetic fragrances and dyes
Harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
Alcohol-based products
Comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores
Abrasive physical exfoliants
Essential oils
Chemical sunscreens (often included in foundations); opt for mineral-based SPF instead

Is hypoallergenic makeup good for sensitive skin?

Hypoallergenic products are formulated without ingredients that cause allergies or irritation—such as essential oils, fragrances, and certain preservatives.

However, the myth that hypoallergenic products will solve all your sensitive skin problems is invalid. That’s because the label “hypoallergenic” is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This means that brands can call their products hypoallergenic when they see fit. They are not bound by any FDA regulation or approvals.

Hence, a ” hypoallergenic ” makeup product may still contain ingredients that can trigger skin sensitivity.

Is mineral makeup good for sensitive skin?

While products comprising finely milled minerals such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides may sound scary, mineral makeup is actually one of the best options for reactive skin.

Unlike traditional makeup, it is free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and synthetic dyes, which can aggravate skin and exacerbate existing conditions.

Bare Minerals Loose Powder Mineral Foundation is the OG choice for sensitive skin because it contains pure, finely milled minerals that give a smooth, flawless finish to even the more overreactive complexions.

The 16 best makeup brands for sensitive skin

Many beauty brands have recognized the need for sensitive skin makeup. Here are the best options to explore.

Clinique

A dermatologist-developed brand with fragrance-free and allergy-tested products, Clinique offers a wide range of options for sensitive skin.

Bare Minerals

Bare Minerals is known for mineral-based makeup, free from common irritants like harsh chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances. Bare Minerals has one of the best and most pioneering foundations for even the most sensitive skin. Plus, they cater to a variety of skin tones.

IT Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics has been developed with plastic surgeons and dermatologists, focusing on skin-friendly formulations.

Neutrogena

Neutrogena offers dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic makeup products suitable for hyper-reactive skin.

Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees makeup products are derived from natural ingredients and are free from parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, talc, synthetic fragrances, or silicones.

Almay

As a hypoallergenic, skin-friendly brand, Almay offers a variety of makeup options that are gentle on the complexion.

Tarte

Tarte’s products are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, and other potentially irritating ingredients, making them suitable for sensitive skin types.

La Roche-Posay

Known for its skincare products, La Roche-Posay also offers a makeup line designed for easily irritated skin. Their products are allergy-tested and formulated in collaboration with board-certified dermatologists.

Tower 28 Beauty

A clean, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup brand designed for sensitive skin, following the National Eczema Association’s guidelines.

RMS Beauty

RMS Beauty focuses on organic ingredients, with makeup products formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin.

100% Pure

This brand offers makeup colored from fruit, vegetable, tea, and other plant pigments packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other healthy nutrients.

Avene

Avene’s makeup line is specially formulated for sensitive skin, using thermal spring water to soothe and soften the skin.

Cover FX

Cover FX products are free from the ‘Inflammatory 5’: mineral oil, fragrance, gluten, parabens, and talc.

Dermablend

Dermablend offers high-coverage makeup suitable for sensitive skin and is dermatologist recommended.

Physicians Formula

Known for its gentle and safe products, Physicians Formula creates makeup for delicate skin and eyes.

Jane Iredale

This mineral makeup brand focuses on clean, natural ingredients and offers an extensive range of products designed for sensitive skin.

mineral makeup for sensitive skin — Mineral makeup works brilliantly for sensitive skin!

FAQs: Makeup for sensitive skin

These are the most frequently asked questions about makeup for sensitive skin.

Can I wear makeup with sensitive skin?

You can wear makeup even with sensitive skin, but choosing products carefully is essential. Opt for hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free makeup that is less likely to trigger an adverse reaction. Conducting a patch test before applying a new product to your face is also advisable.

How do you prepare sensitive skin before makeup?

Start by cleansing gently with a hypoallergenic cleanser, then apply a moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin. My favorite? The Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream — it’s instant comfort in a tube! Consider using a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic primer to create a smooth base for your makeup.

Is powder foundation better for sensitive skin?

In general, mineral powder foundations can be a good idea for sensitive skin as they tend to be free from potentially irritating additives and fragrances. They also provide a light, breathable coverage that doesn’t clog pores, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

What ingredients should I avoid in makeup products if I have sensitive skin?

Avoid makeup with fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and certain alcohols, as these can be irritating for a delicate complexion. Instead, opt for products with simple, hypoallergenic ingredients.

How can I remove makeup without irritating my sensitive skin?

A: Use a gentle, fragrance-free makeup remover or micellar water. Avoid scrubbing the skin; instead, softly wipe or pat away makeup. Always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer.

Is it safe to use organic or natural makeup on sensitive skin?

While organic or natural makeup can be less irritating for some, it’s not always the case. Certain natural ingredients, like essential oils and witch hazel, can still cause reactions in sensitive skin. Always do a patch test first.

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