Rufus R. Noble When you have sensitive hair it can be difficult to choose the right makeup. We were very careful in our testing of makeup products for sensitive skin for the Healthy Beauty Awards.
Our panel of dermatologists and an eye doctor recommended that you look for makeup products that are not clogging your pores and paraben- or fragrance-free. Side note: Paraben science is more complex than “Avoid them at all cost no matter what,” so read what we know about it. The ophthalmologist we consulted also suggested avoiding waterproof formulas–which can be loaded with drying preservatives–around your sensitive eye area. These guidelines are what each of our winners adheres to. However, not all of them do. We’ve identified which ones do. They have also received gold stars from our discerning testers, so we feel confident in standing behind them. Below are our top 10 makeup products for sensitive skin.
Ciate London Extraordinary Foundation is the best foundation for sensitive skin
We tried a lot of foundations for sensitive skin types (more than any other skin type), as any fragrance or preservative can cause a skin reaction. It was really difficult to find foundations that met our requirements and worked well for people with sensitive skin. However, this Ciate London foundation won our hearts for its non-cakey, poreless finish and for not triggering any skin alarms. It contains hydrators like hyaluronic acids, which give it that soft finish. View the complete ingredient list.
Bonus points, Per the Experts If you have sensitive skin, this product is not suitable for you. Our dermatologists recommended that you use squalane and hyaluronic acids in your makeup.
One Tester said: “This provided really smooth, buildable coverage. It was easy to apply using a makeup sponge, and it felt good on my skin. You can give your skin a dewy appearance by using it with a makeup sponge, or you can use powder to make it matte. It doesn’t irritate my very sensitive skin. The best part? It didn’t irritate any of my sensitive skin.”
Best Concealer for Sensitive Skin: Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer
The new matte concealer from Rimmel London comes in 20 shades. It is designed to last even during the most humid and sweaty months of the year. It doesn’t make you look shiny, even when you sweat. View the complete ingredient list. Visit their website.
Just so you know This product contains parabens. The derms recommended that you avoid them. SELF previously reported on the science behind parabens. You can find that report here. (TL;DR) The research does not suggest that you should avoid parabens. However, if parabens cause irritation to your skin or you simply don’t want them in your products, you can read the science here.
One Tester said: “This concealer is matte and lasts throughout the day. To cover dark circles under my eyes, I use concealers. I also use an undereye cream throughout the day. It applied nicely over creams without any pilling and covered a few red areas. After a few use, I didn’t feel any irritation.
Lancome Mineral Cream CC Cream with SPF50 is the best CC cream for sensitive skin
This CC cream is a great choice if you’re looking for a color-correcting foundation. Our testers loved it for its high SPF, as well as how well it covered up redness around your nose and cheeks. It is a mineral sunscreen, so be careful to only use a small amount and blend the product into your skin. View the complete ingredient list.
Bonus points, Per Experts: This product contains a mineral sunscreen (titanium dioxide), that our dermatologists suggest might be less irritating than other chemical sunscreens. It’s also non-oily.
Just so you know This product has fragrance. Our derms suggested that it could cause irritation to some.
One Tester Said “Wow! I really liked it!” It is thick for a CC Cream, but it has a massive 50 SPF! It covered my redness. It almost feels like a foundation to my skin. However, it did make my skin a bit greasy/shiny and not ‘glowy’. It didn’t irritate or irritate my skin. It felt very moisturizing. It was a little too sticky, especially after I used my phone.
