The Best Makeup for Sensitive Skin

Do you consider your skin sensitive? You’re not alone—in a 2019 clinical report, 60 percent of women reported having sensitive skin. Experiencing skin sensitivity can be frustrating, especially finding a daily skincare ritual that doesn’t irritate your skin. But did you know your makeup routine should also be sensitive skin-friendly? Keep reading to uncover the reason you should be using makeup designed for sensitive skin, ingredients to avoid, and the best tips to keep discomfort at bay.

Sensitive Skin-Approved Makeup Terms

While few phrases are regulated, it’s helpful to be on the lookout for a handful of terms.

• Hypoallergenic 

You’ll see the word “hypoallergenic” frequently on makeup geared toward sensitive skin. While the term isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is a good starting point. It’s not a guarantee that the formula is safe for sensitive skin, but it likely doesn’t include common irritants, like fragrances, dyes, and alcohol. Many traditional formulas are packed with these irritating ingredients that can cause painful flare-ups or unpleasant sensations or reactiveness, like redness, itching, discomfort, burning, and swelling for sensitive skin.

• Dermatologist Tested 

Another term to seek out on makeup packaging is dermatologist tested, which (just like hypoallergenic) is not a regulated term, but means it’s been tested by a dermatologist for tolerance and possible irritation.

• Ophthalmologist Tested

For products that surround the eyes, like eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadow, ensure that the packaging specifies it’s ophthalmologist tested. This classification means it has been tested and approved by a professional eye doctor.

• Fragrance Free

Lastly, fragrance free is another tag that’s helpful for sensitive skin. Fragrances are one of the most common irritants so a product that proudly states it’s free from fragrances is a great starting point.

Sensitive Skin Makeup Safety Tips

The first tip for discovering the best makeup for sensitive skin is choosing products that are specifically formulated with sensitivity in mind. But there are a few other things to keep in mind when preparing sensitive skin for makeup.

• Start Clean 

Those with sensitive skin have to take additional precautions when it comes to makeup application. It’s always a good idea to start with clean skin, clean hands, and clean makeup brushes. The American Association of Dermatology (AAD) says dirty makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, which cause acne, rashes, and even fungal infections in extreme cases. They recommend washing brushes every seven to 10 days. Also, ensure makeup products are not expired.

Additionally, makeup is ideally applied over SPF (bonus points if you apply a primer for sensitive skin after SPF and before makeup, too), which should be used every day.

• Remove Safely 

Sometimes the most irritating aspect of makeup is the removal process. Look for makeup removers that are formulated with gentle ingredients. Or opt for an oil cleanser, which can be a more gentle process, as part of a double cleanse. The AAD recommends washing your face with a gentle cleanser after makeup removal, so a double cleanse is not only effective but also dermatologist-approved.

• Reassess

If acne or tiny bumps (which the AAD notes could be acne cosmetica caused by certain ingredients or formulations in cosmetics) it’s worth reassessing your makeup and considering which products could be irritating. The AAD says certain makeup products, particularly foundations and concealers, can worsen acne or cause new breakouts with sensitive skin. Consider testing out a fragrance-free, oil-free, and even mineral formula. They advise to look out for labels that say "oil-free," "won't clog pores," or "non-comedogenic."

Best Makeup for Sensitive Skin

Makeup primers are not only helpful to keep makeup in place, but they can also act as a shield between your delicate skin and irritating makeup. Here are a few makeup essentials that leave skin smooth, protected, and primed for your next steps.

Best Makeup Primer for Oily, Sensitive Skin

Try: The Silk Canvas

A makeup primer can be endlessly beneficial for oily skin, while also helping to shield sensitive skin from pollutants and allowing makeup to apply better and last longer. The Silk Canvas is a rich balm with a velvety soft feel on skin and if you love richer, creamier textures, the original Silk Canvas is the one for you.

Best Makeup Primer for Dry, Sensitive Skin 

Try: The Liquid Silk Canvas

This fluid formula feels weightless on the skin, while also creating a skin-benefiting barrier on the skin. The inclusion of silk powder helps to minimize excessive shine, too. The oil-free formula is the best primer for dry and combination skin, too.

Best Setting Powder for Sensitive Skin 

Try: The Silk Powder

This talc-free, protective setting powder helps makeup last longer, blurs pores, cocoons skin against blue light and pollution, and provides a translucent, soft-radiant finish. The powder has been clinically shown to help makeup last eight hours, while also helping to instantly improve the appearance of pores, fine lines, and texture.

While it might take extra steps and time to perfect your ideal, sensitive-skin friendly makeup routine, it’s worth the effort to ensure you’re putting the ‘care’ back into your ‘skincare’ and makeup ritual.