15 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Makeup Products For Sensitive Skin (2024)
No more inflammation, swelling, or irritation every time you get ready to head out.
Makeup offers exceptional results that make your features look elegant. But if you have sensitive skin, there are high chances that makeup makes your skin inflamed and easily irritated. This is why you need the best makeup for sensitive skin to get flawless makeup without showing any side effects on the skin. Ideally, these makeup products are made with the choicest ingredients that are natural, clean, and chemical-free. In addition, the minerals used in these makeup products are also gentle on the skin. These products are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Most of them are also dermatologist-tested.
The right combination of products for sensitive skin helps cover common skin concerns, such as blemishes and dark circles, and even out the skin tone. People with sensitive skin types must carefully pick their products, keeping several factors in mind. To save you the trouble of examining an unending list of products, in this article, we have curated a list of the 15 best makeup products that go well for sensitive skin. We have selected them after going through the honest reviews from users online. Scroll down and check them out!
In This Article
Doll Up With The 15 Best Makeup Products For Sensitive Skin That Won’t Cause A Reaction
1.Best Luminous Finish:Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer – Deep Bronzer
For a goddess-like glow, look no further than the Murumuru Butter Bronzer by Physicians Formula. This beauty product is used and recommended by many makeup artists along with celebrities like Sofia Richie. It’s packed with everything your skin is going to love and glides on creamily. You’ll find that the blend of murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters from the Amazon make your dry skin mochi-like soft. The powder-to-cream formula of this makeup artist-approved bronzer features essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins that restore skin health. The silky bronzer for sensitive skin applies easily and it seals in moisture to keep your skin hydrated and plump. The ultra-refined pearls and soft-focus pigments smooth down skin texture, brighten complexion, and offer a luminous bronze finish. Among the makeup brands for sensitive skin, you can’t miss out on this celebrity-favorite product from Physicians Formula! Check out a tester’s experience of using this skin care product and a detailed review in this video.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Blends easily
Cons
- Some may find it to be lightly pigmented.
2.Best Voluminous:Honest Beauty Extreme Length 2-In-1 Mascara + Lash Primer
Honest Beauty’s eye makeup for sensitive skin is going to be a gamechanger for your lashes! It is a 2-in-1 dermatologist-tested mascara and eyelash primer that team up to dramatically increase lash volume, length, and definition. The primer evenly coats all the lashes and gives the mascara a longer staying power so you can create a lasting impression, an excellent feature that makes it one of our favorite makeup products. Molded bristles allow the flexible mascara brush to grab even the tiniest of lashes and cover them with a deep black pigment. A generous dose of this hypoallergenic, silicone-free makeup for sensitive eyes is all you need before heading out the door! For more information, watch this video of the eye makeup product featuring the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
- 2-in-1 primer and mascara
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Long staying power
- Cruelty-free
- Free of paraffin and mineral oils
- Free of parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances
Cons
- Might not be clump-free
3.Best Multi-Reflective:Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush – Natural
For a soft blushed look, try the Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush by Physicians Formula. Its silky and blendable powder contains a mix of blush tones with a pop of color for the ultimate glow. With multi-reflective pearls and a soft iridescence, highlight, contour, and add a dose of radiance to your cheeks. This dermatologist-tested makeup for very sensitive skin is enriched with a unique Happy Booster Blend containing happy skin and euphoryl. These are plant extracts that mimic the effect of endorphins and boost mood while also safeguarding the skin from environmental stressors. Every time you brush this blush on, a pleasant scent of violet greets you for a happy experience.
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Pleasant scent
- Easy blendability
- Soft and smooth texture
Cons
- Some may find it too shimmery.
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer - Deep Bronzer Best Luminous Finish | Honest Beauty Extreme Length 2-In-1 Mascara + Lash Primer Best Voluminous | Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush - Natural Best Multi-Reflective | |
---|---|---|---|
Color | Deep Bronzer | Black | Natural |
Dimensions | 1.18 x 2.88 x 3.63 inches | 0.8 x 0.8 x 5.6 inches | 0.96 x 2.98 x 3.63 inches |
Weight | 2.47 Ounces | 0.25 Ounces | 1.92 Ounces |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 33,443 | 2,771 | 6,801 |
Price | $9.73 | $19.99 | $10.98 |
4.Best Lightweight Gel Formula:bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream – Natural 05
On days you can’t be bothered to put on a full face of makeup but still want to look your best, turn to this multitasker by bareMinerals. It combines a moisturizer with skin tint and sun protection to make your job easier. The lightweight gel formula of this sunscreen-infused makeup contains hyaluronic acid for a burst of hydration and is known to even out skin tone and blur out skin imperfections. With a water-infused oil-free formula, this product comes in handy in case of sensitive skin makeup and provides a natural-looking glow. Buildable with sheer-to-light coverage, you can find this formula for almost every skin tone out there. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product through a tester’s experience of using it.
Pros
- SPF 30
- Hydrates skin
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Provides a dewy finish
- Offers sheer-to-light buildable coverage
- Free of talc, SLS, gluten, parabens, fragrance, and PEG
Cons
- Those with oily skin may find the formula to be greasy.
5.Best Ultra-Pigmented Formula:Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Pigments Foundation – For Light Skin With Neutral Undertones
One of the best face makeup for sensitive skin comes from Dermablend in the form of their lightweight foundation that graces your face with full coverage. As the ultra-pigmented formula is weightless, there is no chance of caking, which makes it ideal for mature skin types. For a second-skin feel, Dermablend’s sensitive skin foundation is both oil-free and water-free, lasting for up to 16 hours. As this natural, oil-free makeup formula for sensitive skin is made with only 10 ingredients, it is suitable for normal, oily, and combination skin types. And what’s more, you can use this dermatologist-tested liquid foundation to cover up hyperpigmentation, rosacea, redness, and acne scars for a flawless complexion.
Pros
- Buildable formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Offers lightweight full coverage
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Might settle into fine lines
6.Best Universally-Flattering:Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Eyeshadow Palette – Tropical Days
The best eyeshadow for sensitive eyelids comes from Physicians Formula and it vows to make your eyes the center of attention! In 12 universally-flattering shimmery and matte shades, the Murumuru Butter Eyeshadow Palette features soft and creamy shadows that go on both wet and dry. A blend of murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters intensely moisturizes your eyelids so that the pigments go on easily and stay on for longer. There are a few neutrals in this paraben-free makeup, with some vibrant shades thrown in so you can level up for special occasions. We think this is a must-have eye makeup for sensitive eyelids, so you can dress up your eyes anywhere! Reviewers also mention this one’s great for contact lens wearers.
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved and clinically tested
- Ophthalmologist-approved
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Comes with a dual-ended brush for easy application
Cons
- The shimmer shades might be a bit difficult to blend.
7.Best For No Makeup:Dermablend Professional Quick Fix Concealer – 40N Caramel
Dermablend’s got the best cover-up for sensitive skin in the form of this stick concealer which glides on smoothly for a natural coverage. Allowing up to 16 hours of wear that is resistant to smudging and transferring, this concealer stick remains with you through thick and thin. With high-performance pigments, you can easily conceal dark circles, spots, wrinkles, and lines to even out skin texture. The creamy formula goes on easily and is a dream to blend to achieve a full-coverage look and the appearance of a naturally healthy skin. Wear it over your foundation or simply cover up some skin irregularities on the go for a ‘no makeup-makeup’ look. The beauty product is ideal for most skin types, from sensitive, oily, to normal skin.
Pros
- Can also be used to contour
- Free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, and triclosan
- Ideal for on-the-go fix-ups
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Smudge and transfer-resistant
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Might not be crease-proof
8.Best For Sensitive Skin:Dermablend Professional Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer – Deep Skin With Neutral Undertones
All our sensitive skin beauties that can’t make do without a liquid concealer— don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, too! A single coat of Dermablend’s corrector stays on for 24 hours and hydrates skin that is dry and parched. The weightless and creamy liquid of this dermatologist-tested and allergy-friendly cosmetic product effectively conceals spots, lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation while keeping your skin soft and supple. For a soft matte finish, vegetable glycerin takes the credit. You’re now so much closer to a flawless complexion!
Pros
- Non-comedogenic and suited to acne-prone skin
- Waterproof
- Transfer-resistant
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Allergy-tested and fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might settle into creases
9.Best Sun-Kissed Glow:TULA Skincare Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer
TULA’s sheer and buildable tint is all you need to instantly prime and smooth down skin for a filter-like finish. This formula is enriched with natural ingredients and superfoods like licorice that helps even out skin tone, turmeric to fight redness and inflammation, chia seeds to increase luminosity, along with probiotic extracts to retain skin moisture. Skincare-infused-makeup is all the rage right now, and TULA’s radiant primer moisturizes skin and is also easy to blend. As you rub it in, ‘glow particles’ are released to give you a sun-kissed glow without any time spent outside! Use this anti-redness makeup before applying your base to prep your skin and add a natural glow to your skin!
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Blurs, smooths, and primes skin
- Increases hydration
- Cruelty-free
- Made with clean ingredients
- Gives a healthy glow
Cons
- Might oxidize easily
10.Best Non-Cakey:Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation – No. 51 Vanille Clair
Among our favorite foundations for sensitive skin, not mentioning Bourjois must be a crime! Giving you 16 hours of wear, the Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation provides a light and natural-looking coverage. The radiant finish conceals skin irregularities and any signs of fatigue. For an instant revival of your complexion, this formula is infused with vitamin-rich litchi, pomegranate, and goji extracts. The gel texture makes it super easy for you to blend this makeup foundation for sensitive skin so that the end result isn’t chalky. We have a true winner on our hands, folks, as this serum-infused foundation will earn you many compliments.
Pros
- Contains a vitamin-rich blend
- Easy to blend
- Conceals skin irregularities
- 16-hour wear
- Gives a radiant finish
- Ideal for natural and light coverage
Cons
- Contains fragrance
11.Best For Wide-Eyed Look:Fifth & Skin NaturLash Mineral Mascara – Black
Don’t worry about watching tear-jerking movies anymore as Fifth & Skin’s formula is tear-resistant! Without clumping your lashes together or causing any smudging, this mascara for sensitive skin stays put all day long. The smooth and silky pigment coats lashes to lengthen and thicken them for a wide-eyed look. This natural and organic cosmetic is made with completely safe ingredients, so you can also use it as an eyeliner! Build up the volume for statement-making eyelashes and we guarantee that you won’t look back. What’s more? The product is easy to remove as well, a single wipe with a cotton pad, and you are good to go!
Pros
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Made with botanical ingredients
- Doubles as an eyeliner
- Easy to remove
- Suitable for contact lens users
- Formulated without dyes, lead, gluten, preservatives, petroleum, or mercury
Cons
- Some may find the formula a little heavy.
12.Best Dermatologist-Tested:First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
Coconut water doesn’t just taste refreshing, but it’s great for your skin too! First Aid Beauty offers a moisturizer that enhances complexion by brightening, smoothing, and hydrating it in a single step. This 2-in-1 dermatologist-tested moisturizer-meets-primer is all you need to prep your skin before makeup. The coconut water delivers exceptional results with its skin-loving electrolytes, protein, and minerals for a healthy radiance. This mineral makeup for sensitive skin also contains quinoa protein to strengthen skin barrier and a blend of zinc, silica, copper, magnesium, and iron to support skin health. As a bonus, the superfood-rich formula contains light-reflecting micro-pearls for a subtle dewy glow. You will also notice that your fine lines and pores are blurred out, setting your skin on its way to a flawless finish with a pleasant coconut scent.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Free of nuts, oils, soy, gluten, and nano
- Doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
- Contains hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Might take a while to absorb into the skin
13.Best Mineral-Based Formula:Jane Iredale PurePressed Eyeshadow – Dawn
Jane Iredale’s eyeshadow for sensitive skin is a dusty rose pink that enhances your eyes’ color and shape. Infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as pine bark extracts and pomegranate extracts, it protects, calms, and conditions the skin. The rich pigment of this skin-soothing makeup product is resistant to creasing and stays put on your eyelids all day long. As the mineral-based formula is easy to blend, you can use it both wet and dry. Use the single shade as is or with another for an eyeshadow look that is full of dimension. Worn on a date night, we’re sure that it will lend your eyes a soft and delicate look. You can also dab a little on your cheeks for a flushed look or use it as a lip stain.
Pros
- Can be used wet and dry
- Contains calming ingredients
- Crease-resistant
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Richly pigmented
- Long staying power
Cons
- Some may not like the shimmery finish.
14.Best Hydrating Formula:Colorescience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation – Light Beige
Colorescience’s powder foundation for sensitive skin gives the ultimate second-skin feel with this lightweight and hydrating formula. Breathable, this fragrance-free makeup for sensitive skin doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and you can build it for the desired coverage. It is enriched with a vegetal extract complex that forms a moisture barrier on the skin’s surface to promote a youthful appearance. Additionally, carrot seed oil nourishes skin with the help of omega fatty acids and vitamin E protects skin from free-radical damage. The lightweight coverage of this alcohol-free makeup product gives your skin a smoother feel and enhances radiance for a head-turning look.
Pros
- Contains skin-nourishing ingredients
- Broad-spectrum SPF 20
- Water-resistant
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Lightweight and breathable formula
- Free of alcohol, talc, phthalates, parabens, fragrances, and mineral oils
Cons
- Might settle into fine lines and wrinkles
15.Best Chemical-Free:Epilynx Glitter Eyeliner – 8
Nothing like a bright glitter eyeliner to spice up your eye makeup, correct? We absolutely love Epilynx’s long-lasting eyeliner as it comes richly pigmented for a striking impact. Both waterproof and smudge-proof, you can decorate your eyes with a simple line or go all-out with a graphic design for a clubbing night. The holographic color effects and metal pearlescent formula gives this liquid an eye-catching shimmer. Epilynx’s precise applicator and chemical-free formula makes this one of the best cosmetics for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Free from 14 common allergens
- Free of gluten and parabens
- Available in 10 shades
- Waterproof and smudge-resistant
- Richly pigmented
Cons
- Might not be transfer-proof
Now that we’ve looked at the best makeup products for sensitive skin, let’s talk about what you should keep in mind while out shopping for new makeup.
Things To Consider When Buying Makeup Products For Sensitive Skin
- Ingredients
Ensure that the formula you’re opting for doesn’t contain any active ingredients, fragrances, or irritants that can flare-up skin sensitivities. Carefully check the list of ingredients and stay away from formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, triclosan, gluten, nuts, lead, alcohol, and any other chemical that your skin has reacted to in the past. Look for nourishing elements like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin as they help retain moisture and don’t allow flaky skin to dry out further. Hypoallergenic products that use natural and vegan ingredients and have non-comedogenic formulas are generally safe for sensitive and irritated skin.
- Patch testing
No matter what makeup product you’re about to purchase, don’t forget to do a patch test on your arm to determine how your skin reacts. This is a crucial step for those with sensitive skin, as some products can easily cause flare-ups, inflammation, itching, and redness. Also keep in mind to not do this test right before an important event. It is ideal to do a patch-test 48 hours prior, but always stick to products you know your skin won’t react badly to or opt for those recommended by your dermatologist.
- Expiry dates
We’re constantly checking the expiry dates on bread and milk but our makeup should also be checked for the same. Look at the label of the makeup product you want to use and if it mentions when it was manufactured and when you must discard it. This is indicated on a tiny jar at the bottom of the label. If a product has reached or passed the date or time of expiry, simply toss it out as it can release some chemicals or oils that can irritate your skin.
Infographic: Makeup Tips for People With Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you may know how even the simplest of things can leave it irritated. However, these occasional flare-ups and redness should not stop you from having fun with makeup. The infographic below contains the best tips that you can follow to wear makeup without irritating your skin. Check it out!
The Bottom Line
Sensitive skin needs special attention. It is an absolute necessity to consider the ingredients used to formulate makeup products and ensure they are hypoallergenic and free of chemicals. This is because chemical-based makeup products might trigger skin irritation and redness to sensitive skin. So, you must rely on expert-recommended makeup products free from paraben, formaldehyde, mineral oil, phthalates, and other nasty chemicals. The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer provides plump and hydrated skin, while the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream offers sun protection. If you are looking for a long-lasting eye makeup product, try the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Eyeshadow Palette in “Tropical Days”. Also, delicate skin types need to consider products that are dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic. Smudge-resistant makeup products add a great addition to your makeup bag as they prevent staining. However, steer clear of products that transfer the product on the skin or clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people with sensitive skin wear makeup?
Yes, people with sensitive skin can opt for gentle makeup products and formulations made for sensitive skin. They must give a little extra care and avoid aggressive procedures and products to prevent irritating their skin. They should also use SPF protection daily.
How do you treat an allergic reaction to makeup?
• Soothe your skin with a good skincare routine.
• Consume antihistamines.
• Switch to gentler makeup formulas.
How can I protect my face before applying makeup?
To maintain sensitive skin health and protect your skin from the harshness of makeup, try these steps:
• Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser.
• Apply toner or serum.
• Apply eye cream.
• Hydrate your skin with moisturizer.
• Cover your face with a primer.
Is there makeup for people who are prone to allergies?
Yes, hypoallergenic makeup made from minerals is gentler on the skin and doesn’t lead to more allergic skin reactions.
Is there such a thing as hypoallergenic makeup?
Yes. For example, the Honest Beauty Extreme Length 2-In-1 Mascara + Lash Primer is a hypoallergenic formula that provides a dramatic finish to your eyes.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast, and she loves to experiment with various makeup products that are reliable and safe on skin. She believes that sensitive skin needs special attention and should use makeup products specially crafted for their skin type. Thus, she browsed online to check the products in detail and read the hundreds of reviews to provide the best makeup products for sensitive skin. The products listed above are non-comedogenic and cruelty-free.
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