bareminerals hydrating gel review

THE BEST MAKEUP FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Your face is the canvas for your beauty, but for those with sensitive skin, finding the right makeup can feel like a challenge. The delicate nature of facial skin demands extra care. That’s why choosing gentle, non-comedogenic products is essential. Let’s dive into some makeup must-haves for sensitive skin.

WHAT IS SENSITIVE SKIN?

Sensitive skin is a condition in which the skin becomes itchy, stinging, burning, red, and tight after contact with skin care products, food, dirt, or other environmental factors. Because there are many factors that can cause skin sensitivity, sometimes it is impossible to determine which specific factor causes skin sensitivity and discomfort.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A REACTION TO MAKEUP?

If you experience a negative reaction to makeup, promptly discontinue use and gently cleanse your face. To pinpoint the culprit, try an elimination diet with your products. Remember, finding the perfect makeup routine requires experimentation. To assist you, we’ve curated a list of dermatologist and makeup artist-approved gentle makeup options, formulated with nourishing ingredients to soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive skin, allowing you to look and feel confident.

BEST MASCARA FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

CLINIQUE HIGH-IMPACT ZERO-GRAVITY MASCARA

Celebrity makeup artist Billie Gene swears by an ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free tubing mascara for her clients with sensitive skin and eyes. The gentle, tubing formula is easily removed and the curved brush not only builds length but also lifts and enhances the lashes’ curl.

THRIVE CAUSEMETICS LIQUID LASH EXTENSIONS MASCARA

Finding a mascara that both pampers sensitive skin and delivers dramatic lashes can be a daunting task. However, Yadav raves about Thrive Causemetics as a hidden gem for those with skin sensitivities. Designed for individuals with compromised immune systems, this mascara boasts a tubing formula that creates bold, long-lasting lashes without the risk of irritation or smudging, making it a standout choice for sensitive eyes.

TOWER 28 MAKEWAVES MASCARA

This clean mascara defies expectations. Instead of subtle definition, it delivers dramatic, false-lash-like volume. Infused with lash-loving castor oil and equipped with curl-holding Aquaflex technology, this formula has people doing double-takes. It’s a rare find in the clean beauty world, especially in a coveted brown shade, and has earned the seal of approval from celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell.

ALMAY THICKENING MASCARA

Say goodbye to flaky, clumpy lashes with Almay’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free mascara. Its specially designed wand coats each lash evenly, extending them from root to tip for a fuller look. Infused with hydrating aloe and vitamin B5, this mascara not only defines but also nourishes your lashes.

BEST EYESHADOW FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

TWENTY/TWENTY BEAUTY VISIONARY EYE SHADOW STICK

Twenty/Twenty Beauty offers creamy eye shadow sticks designed specifically for sensitive eyes. Created by an ophthalmologist, these sticks glide on smoothly without tugging, delivering rich pigment without irritating fallout. The hydrating formula ensures a comfortable wear, while the range of matte and shimmer shades caters to diverse preferences.

NATASHA DENONA BRONZE EYE SHADOW PALETTE

This eyeshadow palette boasts a perfect score on SkinSafe’s wellness marker search engine, indicating it’s free from common allergens, fragrance, and parabens. While on the pricier end, users often rave about its exceptional pigment and long-lasting wear.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA CREAM EYESHADOW

Elevate your eye makeup with these dazzling liquid shadows. Featuring a mesmerizing blend of metallic shine and vibrant colors, these versatile gems are perfect for creating dramatic looks. The unique liquid-jelly formula is infused with mineral water and vitamin E to hydrate the delicate eye area, while providing long-lasting wear without creasing or fading.

MOB BEAUTY CREAM CLAY EYE SHADOW

Mob Beauty’s Cream Clay Eye Shadow is a rare find for those with sensitive skin. Unlike many bright, bold eyeshadows, this product uses gentle clays for pigmentation without irritating the eyes. It boasts a surprising range of vibrant shades, including uncommon hues like turquoise, green, and yellow, making it a standout option for those seeking high-quality, hypoallergenic makeup. The biodegradable compact is an added eco-friendly bonus.

BEST EYELINER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY SATIN KAJAL EYELINER

Whether you’re aiming for a classic cat eye or a bold, rock-and-roll look, this eyeliner is your go-to. Renowned for its high performance, this versatile liner offers 16 stunning shades in matte, shimmer, and jewel finishes. Create endless eye looks with this must-have product.

ILIA CLEAN LINE GEL LINER

Ilia’s long-wearing eyeliner effortlessly glides on with the rich color and smooth finish of a gel liner, but in the convenient pencil form. Its staying power is impressive, and it’s gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive waterline.

BEST FOUNDATION FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

BAREMINERALS BAREPRO PERFORMANCE WEAR LIQUID FOUNDATION SPF 20

BareMinerals is dedicated to merging makeup and skincare, creating minimalist formulas that benefit your skin. Their mineral-based products are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. While their loose powder foundation enjoys a cult-like following, the brand’s liquid foundation is a particular favorite, praised for its non-comedogenic, vegan formula and flawless, full-coverage finish.

COLORESCIENCE TINT DU SOLEIL WHIPPED FOUNDATION SPF 30

When choosing makeup for sensitive skin, opt for gentle formulas that feel more like skincare. Look for foundations packed with nourishing ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and vitamins, similar to the Colorscience pick recommended by Dr. Yadav. This foundation not only provides coverage but also helps firm, rejuvenate, and protect your skin with its gentle, non-pore-clogging formula and built-in sunscreen.

TOWER 28 SUNNYDAYS SPF 30 TINTED SUNSCREEN FOUNDATION

Our top foundation picks for sensitive skin often double as skincare, offering both coverage and soothing benefits. Tower28’s foundation is a prime example, boasting 100% mineral sunscreen and the coveted National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. This noncomedogenic SPF 30 formula provides light-to-medium buildable coverage, effectively evening out redness and discoloration while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish.

JANE IREDALE AMAZING BASE LOOSE MINERAL POWDER FOUNDATION SPF 20

Achieving a sheer base requires a powder foundation, and Jane Iredale’s loose mineral powder is a top choice for Yadav. She praises the brand’s clean, hypoallergenic formula and the powder’s buildable coverage. Plus, with SPF 20, it offers added sun protection, making it a versatile option for a flawless complexion.

BEST CONCEALER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

ALMAY AGELESS HYDRATING CONCEALER

Concealers have evolved beyond simple coverage. Almay’s formula boasts impressive hydration benefits, rivaling some moisturizers. Packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, it offers full coverage while being gentle on the skin. Its affordable price point makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin seeking both coverage and skincare benefits.

KOSAS REVEALER SUPER-CREAMY AND BRIGHTENING CONCEALER

Kosas was born from the founder’s personal struggle to find makeup that wouldn’t irritate sensitive skin. The brand has since garnered a massive following, including from Yadav and Sewell, who appreciate the concealer’s skin-loving ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and arnica. With a comprehensive 38-shade range, Kosas empowers people to embrace their natural complexion while enjoying flawless coverage.

BEST FACE POWDER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

NEUTROGENA SHINE CONTROL MATTIFYING FACE POWDER

Say goodbye to shiny skin without sacrificing your skin’s health. This innovative powder harnesses the power of rice protein technology to absorb excess oil, leaving a soft, matte finish. Unlike traditional talc-based powders, this formula is gentle on the skin, won’t clog pores, and keeps you shine-free all day long. Gene swears by it for quick touch-ups, making it an essential for on-the-go beauty routines.

RMS BEAUTY UNPOWDER

This setting powder is a makeup artist favorite for its talc-free formula. The Untinted shade boasts a clean ingredient list, containing only silica and mica. This means you can confidently apply it to your skin knowing exactly what you’re using.

BEST BLUSH FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

JANE IREDALE PUREPRESSED BLUSH

This silky powder blush defies expectations. It starts as a powder but transforms into a creamy, natural flush thanks to hydrating ingredients like shea butter, pomegranate extract, and jojoba seed oil. With 14 buildable shades, there’s a perfect hue for every skin tone, delivering a lit-from-within glow that’s both buildable and beautiful.

SAIE DEW BLUSH

This dewy blush delivers flawless color without any patchiness or streaks. Its buildable formula allows for customizable intensity, melting into the skin for a natural flush. Packed with hydrating glycerin and antioxidant-rich elderberry extract, this blush not only enhances your complexion but also nourishes and protects it. For a rosy glow, try Chilly; for a warmer tone, opt for Spicy.

BEST LIPSTICK FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

ILIA COLOR BLOCK HIGH-IMPACT LIPSTICK

Ilia’s botanical-infused lipstick offers a perfect blend of skincare and color. Packed with nourishing seed oils and butters, this clean beauty formula delivers all-day hydration while providing a vibrant, long-lasting pigment. Gene praises the lipstick’s gorgeous color payoff and its ability to keep lips soft and comfortable.

BURT’S BEES GLOSSY LIQUID LIPSTICK

While Burt’s Bees is renowned for its lip balms, the brand also offers a standout liquid lipstick. This often-overlooked product boasts a completely natural formula enriched with nourishing plant oils, providing impressive coverage without drying out lips. With its 18 vibrant shades and long-lasting glossy finish, it’s no wonder Burt’s Bees remains a trusted name in natural beauty.

BEST LIP BALMS AND LIP GLOSSES FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

HONEST BEAUTY TINTED LIP BALM

This tinted lip balm is a lifesaver for dry, cracked lips. Packed with hydrating avocado oil, it locks in moisture for a full eight hours. Lin loves that it’s vegan, clean, and affordable. Perfect for those days when you want a hint of color without the full commitment of lipstick, this balm is a must-have for your purse.

TOWER 28 SHINEON LIP JELLY NONSTICKY GLOSS

Sticky glosses have the tendency to clog pores and don’t actually boost lips’ moisture retention. This buttery gloss from Tower 28 is an enigma and feels more like a balm that just so happens to have a high-shine finish. Yadav appreciates that it combines a blend of nourishing, plant-based ingredients like apricot kernel oil, raspberry seed oil and rose hip oil to heal lips and give them a “juicy shine.”

KOSAS WET LIP OIL GLOSS

Think twice before opting for lip plumpers that tingle and burn. These irritating formulas can actually damage your lips. Instead, Gene recommends a hydrating lip oil enriched with hyaluronic acid and peptides. This gentle approach not only plumps your lips but also keeps them moisturized for hours. Enjoy a fuller pout without the discomfort.

THE PERFECT MAKEUP ROUTINE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Discover our 10-step makeup routine designed to pamper sensitive skin:

ALWAYS START BY CLEANSING YOUR SKIN

Daily cleansing removes dirt, grime, and impurities, preventing irritation and allowing your skin to breathe. Opt for a gentle cleanser formulated for sensitive skin, using it both morning and evening. For a deeper clean, incorporate a gentle exfoliator once a week to smooth and purify your skin.

MOISTURISE BEFORE APPLYING MAKEUP

Proper cleansing and moisturizing prepare your skin for an even, luminous finish. For sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer tailored to your specific needs: opt for TOLERIANE Sensitive for general sensitivity, TOLERIANE Ultra for allergies, ROSALIAC for redness, EFFACLAR for oily and blemish-prone skin, NUTRIC for dryness, or REDERMIC/HYALU B5 for anti-aging concerns.

CORRECT WITH A CONCEALER

Tinted concealers can effectively target specific skin concerns. Green concealer neutralizes redness, while yellow corrects under-eye circles. Beige concealers offer broader coverage for imperfections. For a quick and natural look, BB creams provide light coverage and even skin tone, perfect for minimal makeup days.

EVEN OUT THE COMPLEXION WITH A FOUNDATION FORMULATED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Start by placing five dots of foundation on your forehead, both cheekbones, nose, and chin. Gently blend the product outward using a brush and finish with a sponge or your fingertips for a natural, seamless look. This application technique works for cream, fluid, or compact foundations.

SET YOUR MAKEUP WITH MATTIFYING POWDER

To lock your foundation and concealer in place and control shine, dust a mattifying powder over your entire face. Focus on areas prone to oiliness, such as the forehead, chin, and sides of the nose, for a longer-lasting, shine-free complexion.

SCULPT YOUR FACE WITH BLUSH

A touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks can instantly brighten your complexion and create a healthy glow. 

GLORIFY YOUR EYES WITH SENSITIVE EYE MAKEUP

Given the delicate nature of the eyelid skin and its susceptibility to allergies, it’s crucial to select eye makeup products that have undergone dermatological testing and are free from allergens. Such choices not only benefit those with sensitive skin but also offer comfort and safety for contact lens wearers.

ENHANCE YOUR SMILE

To achieve a polished lip look, begin by outlining your lips with a lip liner that closely matches your lipstick shade. This step defines your lip shape, prevents lipstick from feathering, and significantly enhances its staying power. Once the outline is complete, fill in your lips with the lipstick, starting from the center and working your way outwards to the corners for a seamless application.

PERFECT YOUR MAKEUP AND PROTECT YOUR SKIN WITH THERMAL SPRING WATER

Refresh and protect your makeup with a spritz of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. Enriched with soothing minerals and antioxidants, this unique water hydrates, softens, and supports sensitive skin health. Its prebiotic properties help balance skin’s natural microbiome, ensuring a longer-lasting, flawless finish.

USE A MAKEUP REMOVER FORMULATED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN AND EYES

Thorough nightly cleansing is paramount for maintaining healthy skin. Removing dirt, allergens, and impurities is crucial to prevent irritation and allow your skin to breathe. Neglecting this essential step can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and other skin issues.

CONCLUSION

Makeup for sensitive skin requires patience and careful selection to avoid skin irritation. However, with the right products and gentle makeup techniques, you can absolutely have beautiful and radiant makeup. Always listen to your body and pay attention to how your skin feels to adjust your makeup accordingly. Wishing you always have healthy, beautiful skin and radiant makeup!

18 BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATIONS  

Skin tones and thin foundations have undoubtedly won over makeup enthusiasts’ hearts in recent years. Even if these complexion formulas are popular right now, we shouldn’t undervalue the importance of a good full-coverage foundation. A foundation that delivers more coverage may be preferable if you like to hide redness, hyperpigmentation, acne, or if a full-glam look better suits your aesthetic. If you’re on your way finding the best full coverage foundation, you are at the right place.

MAKEUP FOREVER HD FOUNDATION 

It can be challenging to wear makeup since you want to appear to have a matte, even complexion without having a thick layer of it on your face. However, it’s difficult to even notice that you’re wearing foundation thanks to this liquid formula’s subtle yet effective application. Even though it has modest coverage, you can build it up to achieve even greater blurring. Its non-comedogenic, sweatproof, waterproof, and vegan properties ensure that it won’t induce breakouts, and its coverage lasts for up to 24 hours. This foundation is ideal for people with oily skin, although normal skin types may find it a little too dry. 

L’ORÉAL INFALLIBLE FRESH WEAR FOUNDATION 

Because it softens wrinkles and gives skin a smooth finish that lasts all day, this L’Oréal foundation is often featured on lists of the best. Because of its oil absorbers, which include silica and perlite, it won’t transfer makeup or perspiration, so you won’t have to deal with makeup stains when doing laundry. According to reviews, it doesn’t require regular touch-ups and doesn’t settle into creases. 

DIOR FOREVER MATTE FOUNDATION 

Having a foundation that absorbs excess oil is helpful if you’re trying to regulate (and distract from) a greasy face. That’s what this smooth product accomplishes, plus more. Alongside skincare elements like iris, wild pansy, rose, and nasturtium extracts, it evens and mattifies your face, giving you visible pore tightening and smoothing effects in addition to coverage. It can be very expensive because it’s a high-end product, but without a doubt, this is the best full coverage foundation for oily skin. 

NARS SOFT MATTE LONG-LASTING FOUNDATION 

If you have oily skin, your objectives probably include hiding blemishes, reducing the visibility of pores, and avoiding an intense glare from your shiny face. This full-coverage product is meant to last up to 16 hours a day and doesn’t rub off on garments. Hyaluronic acid and microalgae are its main components; they work together to absorb extra sebum. 

BAREMINERALS BAREPRO PERFECTING POWDER FOUNDATION 

The velvety texture of this talc-free formula, which contains peony extract and sugarcane-derived squalene, not only absorbs oil but also works to smooth and even tone over time. It can be applied wet or dry, and it feels nice on your skin l and mess-free application makes it easier to apply than liquid formulas. However, compared to most foundations on the market, it’s pretty pricey. Powder foundations are great for controlling shine while leaving a breathable feel, which is especially nice in warmer months. 

KOSAS REVEALER FOUNDATION SPF 25 

There’s a strong probability that if you have oily skin, you’re also obsessed with making your pores look smaller and shining less. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalene are just a few of the many skin-improving elements in this industrious mix that not only smooth skin but also brighten, balance, moisturize, and firm it. Because of its oil-absorbing components, your coverage will remain intact in any humidity. However, this product should be used with caution if you have sensitive skin since it may irritate your skin or potentially create breakouts. 

COVERGIRL+OLAY SIMPLY AGELESS 3-IN-1 FOUNDATION 

This multitasking pro provides a youthful glow without being greasy while providing long-lasting coverage. In order to moisturize and improve tone, it contains a hyaluronic complex, vitamin C, and niacinamide. Although the shade range is much too little in comparison to most foundations, it is still a great foundation that performs exceptionally well on oily skin. 

ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR STAY-IN-PLACE FOUNDATION 

Writing a foundation guide would be nearly difficult without including a mention of Estée Lauder Double Wear. This well-known product consistently appears on lists for a reason. The company promotes a smooth, mattified finish and is buildable from medium to full coverage. This foundation is ideal for oily skin that requires a bit more control over shine. It resists water, perspiration, heat, and humidity while maintaining color accuracy and an airbrushed appearance. 

YSL ALL HOURS LUMINOUS MATTE FOUNDATION 

Beyond just evening out your skin tone, Yves Saint Laurent’s All Hours Luminous Matte Foundation does a little more. Thanks to a powerful combination of ingredients, this long-wearing foundation goes above and beyond to maintain the skin’s appearance and health. Even on oily skin, this feather-light formula gives a barely-there, second-skin feel while seamlessly covering blemishes. Hyaluronic acid is used in its 77% skincare-based recipe to provide all-day hydration and significantly smoother results. Its SPF 39 PA+++ rating provides additional protection from the sun. 

CHARLOTTE TILBURY CHARLOTTE’S BEAUTIFUL SKIN FOUNDATION 

When it comes to immaculate makeup, it’s difficult to surpass Charlotte Tilbury, and the company’s Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation is no different. This solution, which is fueled by moisturizing hyaluronic acid (a humectant that draws moisture into skin) and a brightening combination of chemicals derived from roses, not only makes skin seem better immediately but also becomes better over time. With medium to full coverage, it helps plump and smooth skin and is cruelty-free and vegan. 

ILLAMASQUA BEYOND FOUNDATION

The newest product in the brand’s Beyond complexion line, Illamasqua Beyond Foundation, was created to provide a dewy finish. Its formula never fades, so even with oily skin, it works wonders for maintaining your best-looking complexion for hours on end. It will make you glow. Vitamin E aids in maintaining a complexion that looks healthy, while hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the skin’s surface. It earns extra points for being cruelty-free and vegan.

TWO-FACED BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION

Too Faced’s Born This Way Foundation is another oil-friendly foundation that comes in a fantastic array of hues and provides medium-to-full, barely noticeable coverage that has earned its reputation. Beautiful, skin-loving components improve its silky, liquid formula: hyaluronic acid gives skin long-lasting hydration for a more youthful appearance, alpine rose brightens and encourages elasticity, and coconut water helps to replace skin’s moisture levels without overdoing it.

NO7 STAY PERFECT FOUNDATION

All day long, this medium coverage, soft foundation leaves the skin feeling light and breathable while providing a gorgeously balanced complexion. This composition is as long-lasting as its name implies, with up to 24 hours of super-staying strength; the brand even refers to it as “life-proof.” This product, which comes in 36 hues, is designed to blend perfectly into a variety of skin tones because of its medium-to-full-coverage formulation.

MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION

Trust us when we say Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation skillfully refines the face in one step as a cosmetic base. The powder foundation applies smoothly and settles into fine wrinkles without caking. It offers medium coverage, which minimizes the visibility of pores, blemishes, and skin imperfections. Although it claims to last up to eight hours, we would recommend a little more time. It also aids in absorbing extra oil to reduce shine without dehydrating the skin, leaving you feeling adequately hydrated throughout the day.

NYX TOTAL CONTROL PRO DROP FOUNDATION

Given that it’s the biggest bottle of liquid full coverage foundation on this list, NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation is not only an excellent choice when considering budget, but also a great value. Although you might assume that a drugstore foundation wouldn’t be as good as a high-end formula, our tester tells us it’s really good. The texture is incredibly smooth and shiny, without appearing greasy; rather, it exudes health. Its availability in a wide range of colors contributes to its amazing appearance, making it simple to get the ideal shade match.

IT COSMETICS CC+ CREAM OIL-FREE MATTE WITH SPF 40+

This CC cream is the perfect addition to your skincare, sun protection, and cosmetics regimens if you’re searching for a product. The pigmented fluid can be used as a mineral sunscreen, concealer, full-coverage matte foundation, skin-smoothing serum (hi, peptides, niacinamide, tea tree extract, and collagen), mattifying moisturizer (hyaluronic acid, charcoal, Canadian colloidal clay, and Moroccan lava clay), and skin-smoothing serum. Still, it can be challenging to choose a tone that is suitable.

CATRICE COSMETICS HD COVERAGE FOUNDATION

This full-coverage fluid has earned the reputation of being a go-to and being on par with more expensive options for a reason. It truly has everything an oily skin person could want—it is waterproof, sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and incredibly lightweight. The long-wear formula contains niacinamide to calm and smooth the complexion and helps users achieve a gorgeous matte finish that controls undesired shine. However, a lot of customers have complained about how dirty the dropper dispenser is, which is related to the packing.

CLINIQUE STAY-MATTE OIL-FREE FOUNDATION

For those of us who wear foundation throughout the summer and require it to manage oil, absorb shine, and withstand perspiration, this incredibly lightweight composition is ideal. Because of its buildable coverage and long-wearing matte finish, the majority of users adore this oil-free liquid foundation. Although sixteen hues is not a lot for a foundation, this formula is particularly unsatisfactory for tanned to deep skin tones.

FINAL TAKEAWAY 

A full-coverage foundation can help you reach your beauty objectives whether you’re working towards a special date, have an impending picture shoot months in advance, or just like a more impenetrable makeup finish. Naturally, not every full coverage foundation is made equal, and a lot of them can result in more caking than coverage. Make sure to review the contents and formula of each product before making a purchase to ensure that it suits both your needs and your budget.