The 15 Best Foundations For Sensitive Skin, As Per A Makeup Artist – 2024
Say bye to rashes and inflammation, and keep your makeup looking perfect all day.
Lucy is a seasoned makeup artist with eight years of experience. Her creative background includes a foundation in Fine Art from Central St Martins University of the Arts, London. After completing her formal education, she furthered her skills by studying makeup for TV and Film at CBMA.
Read full bio of Lucy Dare
Experience: 3 yearsEsha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 2.5 yearsShatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you have sensitive skin, finding the right foundation might be challenging. This is because sensitive skin can often have breakouts, redness, and acne that might get triggered if you use the wrong foundation. The best foundation for sensitive skin should have an advanced formula with enhanced features to protect your skin from breakouts, redness, and irritation. We have curated a list of the 15 impressive foundations for sensitive skin in this article. Whether you are looking for a light, medium, or full-coverage formulas, there is a choice for you. Keep scrolling through to explore our top picks!
In This Article
Best Selling Foundations For Sensitive Skin
Liquid Foundations
- Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
- Dermacia Pro Breathable Foundation
- M.A.C Next To Nothing Face Color Foundation
- The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation
- Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup
Powder Foundations
- M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
- Glo Skin Beauty Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation
- Clinique Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer
- Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation
- The Balm PhotoBalm Powder Foundation
Cream Foundations
- Deborah BB Cream 5 In 1 Foundation
- Rimmel Match Perfect Cream Compact Foundation
- Inglot Cream Foundation
- Honest Beauty Everything Cream Foundation
- L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation
Liquid Foundations For Sensitive Skin
1. Best Non-Comedogenic:Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist and allergy tested
Cons
- It does not come with a pump dispenser
"I included this foundation in my routine and like how well it blends and covers the little skin imperfections. It's good at controlling shine and giving that natural skin look. Overall, it provides a good balance between quality and value."
Pro TipMaybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation Review
If you’re looking for a matte finish foundation that is incredibly weightless and easy to use – Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation is a wonderful option. It minimizes the appearance of pores and contains blurring micro-powders that blur out imperfections and help absorb oil all day long. It applies smoothly and evenly and has decent staying power. It does not dry too fast so you can take your time to achieve that seamless blend. The coverage is buildable, ranging from sheer to medium. Also, if you have a combination to oily skin, this dermatologist-tested foundation would work very well. It comes in 14 different shades to match your skin tone. If you want a natural and light coverage foundation this is for you. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to gain insight into the reviewer’s experience and know more about the results after using this product.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 13,560 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Hypoallergenic:Dermacia Pro Breathable Foundation
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Breathable formula
- Non-cakey
Cons
- Limited shades
"This new foundation is gentle on my sensitive skin. The light-to-medium coverage seamlessly blends and gives me a natural feel. It tackles my concerns like rosacea and eczema and gives a breathable and smooth finish year-round."
Dermacia Pro Breathable Foundation Review
If you’re looking for a foundation that not only provides brilliant coverage but also heals your skin then, Dermacia Pro Breathable Foundation is the one for you. The brand claims the product is highly recommended by doctors and is often demanded by celebrities. It is an oxygenating foundation with a triple silica gel-based formula that diffuses fine lines, discoloration, and problem areas with full coverage, creating a perfect base for makeup application. This celebrity-favorite foundation is a hypoallergenic formula that is suitable even for the most sensitive skin types. The breathable formula allows air and moisture to pass through the skin, making it ideal for people who have undergone aesthetic or surgical treatments recently. It provides a smooth, polished look.
3. Best Full Coverage:Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Cream Foundation
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy tested
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
"This one's a real MVP for full coverage! I like its thick consistency which blends well. I use a simple makeup brush to apply it all over my face. It gives me a matte finish that stays up to 12 hours or so."
Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Cream Foundation Review
The Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Cream Foundation is a smudge and transfer-resistant foundation that gives optimal moisturizing coverage for up to 16 hours. This dermatologist-tested foundation, created by a physician and a makeup artist, moisturizes and improves skin barrier repair function while concealing birthmarks, wounds, marks, discoloration, lupus, eczema, and other skin imperfections. It keeps the skin moisturized all day, leaving it feeling fresh, silky, and smooth. It has garnered positive online reviews for its coverage potential and the power to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It offers a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ that protects the skin from UVA/UVB radiation and aids in the defense against free radicals. It is dermatologically tested and is safe for all skin types.
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation Best Non-Comedogenic | Dermacia Pro Breathable Foundation Best Hypoallergenic | Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Cream Foundation Best Full Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal; Oily | All, Regular, SensitiveColor | SensitiveColor |
| Color | 115 Ivory | - | - |
| Dimensions | 1.14 x 1.14 x 4.45 inches | - | 2.31 x 2.31 x 1.31 inches |
| Weight | 0.8 Ounces | - | 1 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 13,560 | 57 | 1,889 |
| Price | $7.49 | $39.95 | $42 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free:The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Infused with aloe vera and English rose water
- Highly hydrating
- Comes with SPF 15
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Limited shade range available
"I like the skin-matching ability of this foundation. It gave me a natural finish with its buildable and lightweight coverage. It is slightly greasy for washes off easily. It does not make my skin appear tacky. This is a great option for people like me, who love clean makeup products."
The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation Review
As its name suggests, the Fresh Nude Foundation from The Body Shop is formulated to leave your skin feeling fresh and comfortable all day long. This one gives you the most natural and dewy finish. Besides, it comes with added sun protection. Its texture is slightly runny, yet it’s easy to blend into the skin. If you’re prone to acne and breakouts – this one is a safe option as it does not clog pores or feel heavy on the skin. If you’re prone to acne and breakouts – this one is a safe option as it does not clog pores or feel heavy on the skin. Like it claims, this foundation gives you a velvety demi-matte finish.
This is available in five shades and is perfect for normal to combination skin. If you have mature, aging skin – you must try this formula as it does not settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Best Lightweight:Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-tested
- Smooth, matte texture
- Looks very natural
- A little goes a long way
- Travel-friendly packaging
Cons
- Poor oil control
"This foundation gives me good coverage and is great for my acne-prone skin. It feels relatively light and blends seamlessly. It has a thick texture but it does not make my skin feel heavy. It does not feel tacky after application."
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup Review
If your skin is prone to acne and redness – this ‘anti-blemish’ liquid makeup from Clinique contains medicated ingredients that help treat existing breakouts and keep them from coming back. Its non-irritating matte foundation formula helps blur out blemishes and also aids to neutralize redness. This dermatologist-tested, anti-blemish liquid makeup blends easily and provides sheer to moderate coverage. It keeps skin looking fresh all day long and is perfect for normal to dry and combination skin types. If you have oily skin, you might want to use a primer before you go in with this product. It’s available in eight shades.
Powder Foundations For Sensitive Skin
6. Best Long-Wearing:M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Pros
- Easy to use
- Buildable coverage
- Does not clog pores
- Long-wearing
- Lightweight and velvety texture
Cons
- Price is on the higher side
Quick TipM.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation Review
The Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is your one-stop tool to give you that smooth, all-matte, and flawless finish. Professional makeup artists swear by this one! Even if you’re completely new to makeup, you’ll still find this easy to work with. It allows your skin to breathe and does not feel like you’re wearing anything heavy on your skin. The coverage it provides is stunning. If you want to go in with the ‘my skin, but better’ look, simply moisturize well, use a primer with this makeup artist-approved foundation, and you’re good to go!
This comes in 40 shades and is most suitable for normal to combination and oily skin.
7. Best Talc-Free:Glo Skin Beauty Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Non-comedogenic
- Talc-free
- Wide shade range
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
Glo Skin Beauty Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation Review
The Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation from Glo Beauty provides a flawless coverage and finish that is suitable for all skin types. The powder foundation is non-comedogenic and formulated without talc, making it safe for acne-prone skin. It contains anti-aging ingredients like green tea and vitamins C and E to protect the skin from free radical damage. It offers buildable yet breathable coverage and nourishes the skin with antioxidants and nutrients that boost health and improve radiance. Find your perfect match from 21 shades. It is best suited for oily skin.
8. Best Oil-Free:Clinique Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer
Pros
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Skin breathes comfortably
- True to color
- Does not clog pores
- Long-wearing
Cons
- Poor value for money
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer Review
This powder foundation, like it, claims, lasts all day through sweat and humidity without clogging your pores. Its coverage is buildable, and it can be built up to medium coverage. It comes with a sponge that can be used to apply and blend out the product for a smooth finish. If you’re on the hunt for an all-in-one makeup product for your sensitive skin – this dermatologist-tested foundation is quite handy and efficient.
It comes in four shades and is ideal for normal to combination and oily skin types.
9. Best Matt Look:Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation
Pros
- Finely-milled and smooth texture
- Lightweight
- Mattifies the skin without looking cakey
- Functional packaging
- Does not sink into fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Price is on the higher side
"This fine-milled texture of this Bobbo Brown foundation has enhanced my skin without filling into my fine lines. The included sponge made it easy to apply. It has a range of colors, especially for paler complexions. I liked the natural finish it gave my skin with a medium coverage."
Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation Review
This powder foundation from Bobbi Brown comes in fuss-free, straightforward packaging with a decent-sized mirror. Its texture is super smooth, and it’s oil-free. You get sheer coverage, and it helps give you a smooth canvas to work on. This foundation powder would work well even on dry-skinned women as long as they ensure to properly moisturize before going in with this. Reviewers noted that it leaves you with a natural, matte finish and also stays on for long hours. It can be worn alone or over liquid foundation or primer.
This comes in 20 different shades, so it’s easier to find a match for your skin tone.
10. Best Moisturizing Formula:Colorescience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation
Pros
- Broad Spectrum SPF 20
- Water-resistant (80 minutes)
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
"This powder foundation is suitable for my sensitive skin and provides good sun protection. I use it as a light cover and also as a setting powder. It is blendable and helps even my skin tone. Overall, I am happy to include this in my daily routine."
Colorescience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation Review
The Colorescience Pressed Mineral Foundation is a lightweight, moisturizing pressed foundation with SPF 20 that gives a buildable, medium to full coverage while feeling weightless and non-drying on the skin. It has a balmy and fluid-like consistency. Without the use of pressed powder foundation, it produces the appearance of perfection. The pure mineral pigments protect your skin while also allowing the cream to slide on gently, resulting in a smooth, bright complexion. It contains active ingredients like vitamin E and carrot seed oil, both potent antioxidants that help to protect the skin from free radical damage while rejuvenating, nourishing, and protecting it. The combination of botanical extracts aids in the formation of a moisture barrier on the skin’s surface that also balances the skin’s natural moisture barrier, resulting in a more hydrated and youthful appearance.
Cream Foundations For Sensitive Skin
11. Best Travel-Friendly:Deborah BB Cream 5 In 1 Foundation
Pros
- Easy to blend
- Dermatologist-tested
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Evens out skin tone
- Travel-friendly
- Comes with SPF 20
Cons
- The ingredient list isn’t mentioned
"This foundation offers excellent coverage while maintaining a smooth finish, which is a rare balance. Its liquid consistency does not cake or make my skin appear tacky. I really like how glowy it makes my skin."
Pro TipDeborah BB Cream 5 In 1 Foundation Review
If you’re into foundations with a creamy consistency for uneven skin tone, this one by Deborah is a 5-in-1 BB and foundation that gives you that flawless yet natural-looking coverage. It does a good job of blurring out pores and neutralizing redness without feeling heavy on the skin. This is also hypoallergenic and claims to moisturize and nourish your skin while protecting it from UV rays and pollution.
It’s suitable for all skin types and is available in five shades. It is important to moisturize before using. Lucy Dare, a professional makeup artist says, “Although the BB Cream is a 2-in-1 product, don’t skip your regular moisturizer beforehand as this will act as a good base and barrier so that the pigment of the product can be blended in seamlessly.”
12. Best Anti-Aging Formula:Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age Defying Makeup
Pros
- Lightweight
- Contains SPF 10
- Anti-aging formula
- Easy pump dispenser
Cons
- None
"This foundation is lightweight and applies smoothly. It effectively covers my fine lines and wrinkles and gives me a natural look that lasts all day. It also remains intact during the hot climate. I try to blend it perfectly. It gives me medium coverage."
Quick TipCovergirl Advanced Radiance Age Defying Makeup Review
This anti-aging foundation is one of the top drugstore options that offers a broad spectrum of SPF 10. It smooths fine lines and wrinkles, with its exclusive Amino-Peptide Complex, to give your skin a youthful look with a glowy finish. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into the skin, giving a natural-looking finish and a radiant coverage. The buildable coverage lasts all day, making you look your best self. It is available in ten shades to complement different skin tones.
13. Best Natural Finish:Inglot Cream Foundation
Pros
- Long-staying
- Paraben-free
- Conceals dark spots
- Natural finish
Cons
- Does not have a nozzle, making it hard to dispense the product
Inglot Cream Foundation Review
This foundation by Inglot has a very smooth and creamy consistency, and it glides onto the skin easily without feeling cakey. It leaves you with a semi-dewy finish, and its coverage falls between light to medium. It’s got an impressive staying power and does not require a lot of touch-ups. It also photographs well and does not cause your skin to break out.
This is great for normal to combination and dry skin. It’s available in a total of eight different shades.
14. Best For Acne:Almay Clear Complexion Acne Foundation
Cover the toughest acne spots and redness with the Almay Clear Complexion Makeup and give your skin a smooth canvas. This dermatologist-tested foundation is specially made for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin. It is a lightweight formula that gives your skin a seamless look and natural appearance without any cakey finish. It is infused with 1% salicylic acid, prebiotics, and aloe vera to give you makeup and skin care benefits. It curbs acne breakouts without drying the skin while maintaining a healthy skin barrier for exceptional results. The formula’s creamy texture blends easily on your skin and diminishes fine lines and pores. It has buildable medium coverage and long wear with a soft matte finish.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight
- Soft matte finish
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- DMDM hydantoin-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Triclosan-free
- Palm oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- None
"This foundation gives me good coverage and moisturizes my skin pretty well. It is highly blendable and gives a natural finish without being heavy on my skin or causing irritation. I found my perfect shade match but mix it with a moisturizer when I am not too tanned. I also prep my skin well before applying this foundation to ensure smooth application on the drier areas of the skin."
15. Best Buildable Coverage:L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation
Pros
- Buildable and customizable coverage
- Leaves you with a fresh finish
- Goes on smoothly
- Lightweight
Cons
- Very little product
L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation Review
This cushion foundation comes in a range of shades in a classy, compact, vintage-style packaging with a convenient built-in mirror and an applicator sponge. However, it’s easier to apply this using a damp beauty sponge. The coverage is buildable from sheer to medium and buffs effortlessly onto the face. It leaves you with a radiant, healthy, and dewy finish and makes for a great everyday wear foundation. If you have oily skin, you can use a primer before going in with this product. It’s most suitable for normal to combination and dry skin and is available in six shades.
*Subject to Availability
Quick Tips To Choose The Perfect Foundation For Your Delicate Skin
Now that you have some amazing formulas to choose from – here’s a quick guide to choosing one that would work for your sensitive skin type – be it dry, oily, or a combination.
Oily Skin
If you’re someone with oily skin, it tends to have an overall shine accompanied by breakouts and acne scars. We recommend using either a mineral powder foundation or a water-based liquid foundation. Also, make sure that the foundation label reads non-comedogenic.
Dry Skin
Dry skin, on the other hand, tends to feel tight. A cream-based liquid to stick foundation will work best for you and will also help in keeping your skin hydrated.
Combination Skin
Cream-to-powder foundations or mineral powder foundations work well for combination skin.
Mature Skin
If you have mature, aging skin – you need to give it some extra care. Choose a formula that fits your skin type and look out for ones that come with anti-aging properties and SPF.
Infographic:Tips To Apply A Foundation For A Flawless Base
Foundations are makeup must-haves for both regular days and special occasions. The cosmetic world has come a long way and now offers various formulas suitable for sensitive skin types too. But, not just the formulation, applying the foundation correctly makes all the difference to your makeup. Check out the infographic below for some quick tips to nail the flawless base using the best foundations for sensitive skin.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Sensitive skin is like baby skin – delicate. It needs lots of care and attention. Irritation, redness, and acne breakouts are common concerns of sensitive skin. Such easily irritated skin needs products that are specially formulated with gentle and safe ingredients to prevent unwanted allergies. If makeup is an integral part of your daily routine and you have sensitive skin, you must mindfully pick the foundation you use, as it is the base of your makeup that comes directly in contact with the skin. The Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is perfect for those with oily and combination skin, while the Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Cream Foundation provides UV protection and is perfect for all skin types. But if you are looking for something light and gentle for acne-prone skin, try the Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation. Also, considering a non-comedogenic foundation with a breathable formula would be ideal. Restrain greasy and cakey foundations. Cruelty-free and long-lasting foundations are always a win-win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is foundation good for sensitive skin?
Yes, a foundation with the right ingredients and formulation can be good for sensitive skin. Try foundations made without parabens, silicone, artificial fragrances, alcohol, and other toxins.
How can I protect my sensitive skin from makeup?
Keep in mind the pointers given below to protect your sensitive skin from any side effects of makeup:
• Always begin with a patch test.
• Use lightweight, hypoallergenic products.
• Clean your sponges and brushes regularly.
• Always use an appropriate cleanser and makeup remover to remove the products.
• Maintain a clean skin. Do not sleep with your makeup on.
What ingredients should not be used on sensitive skin?
Avoid using ingredients like alcohols, sulfates, artificial fragrances, essential oils, strong chemicals, and harsh skin actives on your sensitive skin.
How can I moisturize my sensitive skin naturally?
You can moisturize your sensitive skin naturally by using ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, honey, olive oils, etc. Flower waters such as rose are really great at hydrating sensitive skin when used as a toner or facial mist.
Is foundation good for daily use?
Yes, a lightweight foundation with a non-comedogenic, hydrating formula is good for daily use. It helps offer good coverage and also looks after the skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Author Esha Saxena is a makeup expert and enthusiast. Her makeup suggestions are to-the-point, well-researched, and carefully thought out so that people with different skin tones and types can use them. This list of foundations for sensitive skin was created by considering the reviews by users on trusted online platforms. From drugstore to high-end, light coverage to full, there’s a foundation for every user.
Read full bio of Lucy Dare
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.