Makeup for Sensitive Skin

If your skin is naturally reactive, unpredictable and flares up easily, leading to symptoms like redness, dryness, irritation, and a burning or stinging sensation, you might have sensitive skin. The key to caring for sensitive skin is finding gentle, non-irritating skincare and makeup products that soothe and strengthen the skin barrier while enhancing your natural beauty and avoiding discomfort (and don’t forget to swatch test your products first!).

Here, we've covered the main steps you can take with your makeup, including recommendations for the best cosmetics for sensitive skin:

Step 1 – Skin Prep

For sensitive skin, proper skincare is crucial. Start with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and follow with a soothing moisturizer, ideally with ingredients like Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and Cica to calm irritation. Allow a couple of minutes for your moisturiser to fully absorb before applying makeup.

A non-irritating primer (ideally containing hydrating, protecting or soothing ingredients, like antioxidants and Niacinamide) can create a protective barrier between your skin and makeup, reducing any risk of irritation. It will also help with the longevity of your makeup, meaning fewer reapplications and touch ups. Apply a small amount gently over your face, using circular motions. Focus on areas where makeup tends to wear off quickly, or you have visible pores or blemishes.

On the eyes, use a gentle primer designed especially for the delicate skin of the area to prevent irritation while keeping eyeshadow from creasing. Just tap a few small dots onto your eyelid.

The Best Primer for Sensitive Skin

4.5

(666)

Wonderfilter

Brightening Primer for all skin tones

4.5

(176)

Wonderfilter

Blurring Skin Primer & Setting Spray

4.2

(355)

Flawless

Eyeshadow Primer

4.5

(666)

Wonderfilter

Brightening Primer for all skin tones

4.5

(176)

Wonderfilter

Blurring Skin Primer & Setting Spray

4.2

(355)

Flawless

Eyeshadow Primer

Step 2 – Foundation and Concealer

When choosing foundation and concealer for sensitive skin, opt for products that are free from common irritants like fragrance and alcohol, which can dry skin out, and include hydrating and soothing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba, Vitamin E, and Liquorice Extract. Lighter more breathable products like tinted moisturizers or tinted SPFs can also help give a natural, fresh look without feeling too heavy.

Apply foundation using clean fingers or a soft, synthetic brush to minimize irritation. Start with a small amount and build coverage gradually as needed. For concealer, use a gentle patting motion to apply, rather than rubbing or dragging the product on your skin.

The Best Concealers and Foundation for Sensitive Skin

Everyday Great Skin Hyaluronic Blur Concealer

4.4

(1123)

Everyday Great Skin

Hyaluronic Blur Concealer 25 Porcelain (Cool/Pink Undertone)

4.4

(1123)

Everyday Great Skin

Hyaluronic Blur Concealer 25 Porcelain (Cool/Pink Undertone)

Step 3 - Powder

For sensitive skin, a light dusting of setting powder can help your makeup last longer without causing irritation. Choose a finely milled, talc-free powder that won't clog pores or exacerbate dryness. Apply powder sparingly with a clean, soft brush, focusing on areas where makeup tends to wear off first, like the T-zone (chin, nose and forehead).

This can easily be reapplied throughout the day if you feel you need touch ups, so you can freshen up your look.

The Best Powder for Sensitive Skin

Wonderfilter Magic Blurring Loose Powder

4.5

(164)

Wonderfilter

Magic Blurring Loose Powder

4.8

(323)

Large All-over Face Powder Brush

4.5

(164)

Wonderfilter

Magic Blurring Loose Powder

4.8

(323)

Large All-over Face Powder Brush

Step 4 – Bronzer and Blush

When it comes to blush and bronzer, the best formulas (like the Beauty Pie Supercheek Vitamin Powder Blush and Awesome Bronze Powder Bronzer) contain additional beneficial ingredients with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, and Ceramides to support the skin while delivering beautiful color.

Lightly apply bronzer in a ‘C’ shape along your cheekbones, using a clean, fluffy brush. Sweep from the apples of your cheeks up towards your temples and blend out using small circular motions. You can add a dusting along your hairline, jaw and across the bridge of your nose and chin – anywhere the sun would naturally hit your face.

After bronzing, you can use a brush to apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks, again in gentle small circular motions. Make sure both your bronzer and blusher are blended well, with no harsh lines.

The Best Bronzer and Blush for Sensitive Skin

Keep This Compact & Awesome Bronze Powder Bronzer

4.7

(490)

Keep This

Compact & Awesome Bronze Powder Bronzer Goldielux (Warm/Yellow light bronze)

4.7

(490)

Keep This

Compact & Awesome Bronze Powder Bronzer Goldielux (Warm/Yellow light bronze)

Step 5 – Eye Makeup

Eye makeup can be particularly tricky for those with sensitive skin, as the eye area is delicate. Choose eyeshadows with creamy formulas that are easy to blend and apply gently, using soft, patting motions rather than dragging across the lid.

For mascara, look for gentle, fragrance-free formulas. It may be best to avoid waterproof mascaras, as these often require a more vigorous removal process, which can irritate sensitive skin. Tubing mascaras can be a good option, as the product coats each lash and can easily be removed with just warm water, minimizing the need for stripping cleansers.

Eye Makeup for Sensitive Eyelids

Wondercolour Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

4.3

(63)

Wondercolour

Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick Beige Bombshell (Warm Ivory - Shimmer)

Beauty Pie X Pati Dubroff Pro Blend & Smudge Eyeshadow Brush

4.6

(78)

Beauty Pie X Pati Dubroff

Pro Blend & Smudge Eyeshadow Brush

4.3

(2191)

Wrap Star

Tubing Mascara Classic Black (Carbon Black)

Über Volume Boost Boost Velvet Formula Mascara

3.9

(1289)

Über Volume Boost

Boost Velvet Formula Mascara Super Black (Carbon Black)

4.3

(63)

Wondercolour

Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick Beige Bombshell (Warm Ivory - Shimmer)

4.6

(78)

Beauty Pie X Pati Dubroff

Pro Blend & Smudge Eyeshadow Brush

4.3

(2191)

Wrap Star

Tubing Mascara Classic Black (Carbon Black)

3.9

(1289)

Über Volume Boost

Boost Velvet Formula Mascara Super Black (Carbon Black)

Step 6 – Lips

For those with sensitive skin, even your lips can be affected by the wrong products, so make sure to perform a patch test first to check for any kind of reaction.

Start by gently exfoliating your lips once a week using a soft, damp washcloth or a mild, natural lip scrub made with ingredients like honey and sugar. This will remove dead skin cells without irritating your sensitive skin. Then, use a gentle fragrance-free lip balm to hydrate and protect your lips.

As sensitive skin can be prone to irritation around the mouth, line your lips with a smooth lip liner to prevent any potential irritants from spreading beyond your lip line.

For lipstick and lip crayons, look for hydrating ingredients to combat dryness, and check that they’re free from common irritants and allergens. Apply your chosen lip color carefully, starting from the centre of your lips and working outwards. If you experience any tingling or discomfort, remove the product immediately and cleanse your lips.

Finally, you can add a touch of fragrance-free lip gloss if you prefer a shiny finish. Apply this sparingly to the centre of your lips to minimize potential irritation.

Best Lip Makeup for Sensitive Skin

4.4

(656)

Smooth Ahead

Nourishing Lip Scrub

4.6

(1826)

Shine Up Luxe

Lip Colour Balm Stick West Coast Nude (Neutral Toned Brown Nude)

4.6

(3267)

Wondergloss

Collagen Lip Oil + Spicy Pink (Warm Toned Peach Pink)

4.4

(656)

Smooth Ahead

Nourishing Lip Scrub

4.6

(1826)

Shine Up Luxe

Lip Colour Balm Stick West Coast Nude (Neutral Toned Brown Nude)

4.6

(3267)

Wondergloss

Collagen Lip Oil + Spicy Pink (Warm Toned Peach Pink)

Step 6 – Freshening Up

Consider using a gentle face mist to refresh your skin throughout the day. Look for mists with ingredients like protecting antioxidants and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid. Spray the mist about 20cm away from your face, allowing it to settle naturally. This can help refresh your makeup while providing a hit of soothing hydration for sensitive skin.

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Makeup for Sensitive Skin

Step 1 – Skin Prep

The Best Primer for Sensitive Skin

Step 2 – Foundation and Concealer

The Best Concealers and Foundation for Sensitive Skin

Step 3 - Powder

The Best Powder for Sensitive Skin

Step 4 – Bronzer and Blush

The Best Bronzer and Blush for Sensitive Skin

Step 5 – Eye Makeup

Eye Makeup for Sensitive Eyelids

Step 6 – Lips

Best Lip Makeup for Sensitive Skin

Step 6 – Freshening Up

The Best Setting Spray for Sensitive Skin

Step 1 – Skin Prep

Step 2 – Foundation and Concealer

Step 3 - Powder

Step 4 – Bronzer and Blush

Step 5 – Eye Makeup

Step 6 – Lips

Step 6 – Freshening Up