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!

THE 15 BEST TONERS FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN IN 2024

If you suffer from acne, it may be time to incorporate a toner into your daily skincare routine. However, before settling on any recipe, it’s critical to evaluate your specific skin type to choose the best toner for you. We spent hours investigating the most popular alternatives on the market to locate the finest toners for acne-prone skin. We trimmed the list by taking into account criteria such as components, advantages, and overall value. It’s now time to select the best lotion for acne-prone skin.

Ole Henrikson Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

Considered as one of the best toners for oily skin, this toner contains three hydroxy acids, which pack a powerful punch against oil and acne. They act together to “exfoliate the skin, clear pores, and reduce sebum production, while witch hazel tightens pores and reduces oil further.” But don’t be concerned about it drying out your skin—botanical oils like green tea, eucalyptus, algae, and Irish moss work to moisturize, soothe inflammation, and deliver an antioxidant boost.

Paula’s Choice CLEAR Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution

This toner is excellent for acne-prone skin. It does assist with redness, oily skin, and acne-prone skin. This gentle leave-on exfoliator clears breakouts, unclogs and reduces pores, and fades red stains from previous breakouts. With ingredients like salicylic acid and BHA to treat blemishes and green tea to soothe redness, it’s no surprise that this toner is an acne-fighting workhorse. It is said to prevent breakouts, said many reviewers who have used it for a while. Yet, there are a few people expressing their disappointment towards this product, saying they have found no difference before and after using it. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner

This clarifying toner from La Roche-Posay prevents acne while also brightening your complexion. The oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free liquid product is ideal for individuals with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. It has 0.5% salicylic acid and 0.5% glycolic acid. This exfoliating pair works tirelessly to improve the appearance and feel of your skin. This toner is recommended for people with oily and acne prone skin (that’s why it is called the best toners for acne) as well as those who have frequent breakouts on their face. 

Murad Clarifying Toner

Murad’s Clarifying Face Toner is a refreshing product that eliminates oil and pollutants while refreshing skin. The product is designed to address skin issues such as breakouts, acne scars, and redness and is aimed at people who have oily skin. The bottle is simple to use and delivers the exact amount of product required. Because of the witch hazel and algae extract, the clear liquid does not feel oily. The toner is intended to provide an additional wash when needed, and it does so with a delightful cooling sensation that leaves the skin firmer but not dry.

VICHY Purete Thermale Perfecting Toner

Pureté Thermale Toner is an alcohol-free, ultra-gentle toner that cleanses and hydrates skin for a clean, rejuvenated appearance. After using, the skin is left soft, vibrant, and pleasant. This is one of the best toners for dry skin, and it contains glycerin to moisturize as well as mineral-rich volcanic water to reinforce the skin. This product is alcohol-free and paraben-free, ensuring it is safe for sensitive skin. Furthermore, this toner is really different from other products as it can remove makeup residue and impurities. 

Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner

To purify, exfoliate, and visibly decongest acne-prone skin, use this oil-absorbing, mattifying, and pore-minimizing salicylic acid toner with soothing grape and rose water. Natural salicylic acid and botanicals are used to visibly reduce oil on the skin and lessen the appearance of pores and blackheads. This non-comedogenic salicylic acid toner visibly tightens pores and mattifies skin while diminishing facial flaws. This Caudalie toner works like a vacuum for your pores, and it has proven its effectiveness. Many customers have reported their skin being clearer after using the product. Because of the additional grape seed water and rosewater, the formula is non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin, and it will reduce inflammation and enhance your glow.

Charlotte Tilbury Daily Glow Toner

If you’re not a fan of acids, try this brightening toner. This high-performance ACID-FREE toner is enriched with high-performance ingredients, including the balancing, smoothing, and pore-refining properties of Niacinamide, resurfacing acid-alternatives Super Peptide Royalepigen P5, and plant-derived, pore-minimizing. Prickly pear extract is used to gently resurface skin, and red clover extract is used to decrease the appearance of pores. At the same time, it provides peptides and niacinamide to the skin, giving it a beautiful gleam.

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Tower28 is well-known for its sensitive skin-friendly makeup and skincare formulations, but this toner—which comes in a firetruck red spray bottle—is well-known for its magical ability to soothe, purify, and restore stressed-out skin. It carries the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been shown to help with eczema flare-ups, but it also helps with inflammatory acne and perioral dermatitis. This purifying face spray is pH adjusted to assist soothe and is suitable for all skin types. It is designed for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, and can be applied anywhere on your body.

Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner

Pixi’s cult-classic exfoliating toner has become a favorite among many influencers. This is because this all-in-one choice addresses several skin conditions, making it ideal for persons with combination skin. It contains oil-removing astringents, soothing aloe, exfoliating glycolic acid, and hydrating humectants, all of which are powerful toner components. It is highly recommended to use in the morning or evening, as needed. Directions: Wash your face. Using a cotton pad, apply Glow Tonic to your face, neck, and decolletage (avoiding the eye area). After that, apply a serum or moisturizer.

Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion

Originally developed in 1964, there’s a reason why this toner has remained a staple among Kiehl’s broad array of skincare products ever since. It regulates and calms greasy skin, while camphor and menthol provide cooling and refreshing sensations. It can be used all over, but it also works well as a spot treatment if you only have a few oily spots to tackle, such as your T-zone. To use the product, wet a sterile cotton pad with the oily skin toner, and then apply to affected regions of skin without making eye contact with the said product to avoid any harm. This product effectively works on oily skin and acne prone skin. 

COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

This alcohol-free Korean toner from cult favorite brand COSRX is created with soothing Centella water that glides on gently – ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin. It’s also cruelty- and paraben-free, as well as hypoallergenic. The Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner contains centella asiatica leaf water, which helps to calm irritated red skin, and Jeju Island mineral water, which leaves skin glowing, smooth, and hydrated. The toner is ideal for nourishing irritable and sensitive skin and has a relaxing effect. While this toner lacks the exfoliating power of some of the others on our list, it is a perfect way for anyone with sensitive skin that is easily irritated to balance the pH of their skin without any redness or inflammation.

Buttah Skin AHA/BHA Rosewater Toner

Buttah Rosewater Toner contains calming rose water that acts to reduce redness and inflammation. Being one of the toners with rosewater, it effectively balances the pH of skin and reduces oily residue as well as soothing redness and irritated skin.  It also contains chemicals that act as a buffer to offset the low concentration of exfoliating acids delivered to the skin. Most importantly, aloe vera prevents those acids from stripping or irritating the skin by restoring water. Customers like how quickly the toner sank into our skin, leaving no tightness or sticky residue. 

SK-II Clear Lotion Skin Toner

The moisturizing toner contains PITERATM, which is a trademark ingredient comprising 50 micronutrients and is the star of the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner, and AHA, which exfoliate and remove pollutants and dead skin surface cells. The micronutrients, along with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), work to improve your skin’s overall appearance, beginning with uneven skin texture. It prepares the skin for the rest of your skincare routine by conditioning the skin’s surface for a velvety finish. Upon use, the toner felt moisturizing and relaxing, and it immediately helped to improve dullness and texture. Due to the high price, it can be hard to get for many people, yet the quality is worth the price, said many customers.

Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent

This oil-control astringent for acne-prone skin is used on a regular basis to treat acne and prevent future breakouts and blackheads. It’s also soft enough to apply in the morning, noon, and night because it won’t bother or dry out your skin. The acne-fighting toner, made with witch hazel and 2% salicylic acid, is strong enough to deep clean pores and remove dirt, oil, and makeup that could otherwise cause outbreaks, yet gentle enough to use morning, afternoon, and night. While the widespread ideal of decreasing pores remains a pipe dream, Neutrogena’s astringent will help de-clog your pores, making them appear smaller.

Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

Dickinson’s toner is a drugstore bargain at only 49 cents per ounce, making it a GH Beauty Lab expert pick as well as a consumer favorite. This astringent, which contains only one ingredient, distilled witch hazel, has been a part of people’s beauty routine, thanks to its purifying and pore-minimizing advantages for their oily complexion. However, because it contains witch hazel, it may not provide enough moisturizing and softening properties for dry skin.

CONCLUSION 

To summarize, the best toner for acne-prone skin can transform your skincare routine. It treats acne, decreases inflammation, and diminishes the appearance of pores with its gentle yet effective mix. Say good-bye to acne and welcome to a cleaner, smoother complexion. With this amazing toner, you may embrace confidence and glowing skin.