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!

11 BEST HAIR BRUSHES FOR THIN HAIR

Whether your hair is straight or curly, preventing needless damage to it is likely your top hair-related worry. Fine hair is especially vulnerable to damage. While sulfate-free shampoos and heat-styling equipment are well-known causes of breakage, poor-quality hair brushes are also to blame. The best brushes for thin hair are kind to the hair, won’t pull on strands or tangles, and aid in distributing the natural oils from your scalp throughout the shaft of the hair.

CROWN AFFAIR THE BRUSH NO. 003

Crown Affair’s The Brush No. 003 is a delight for delicate hair. It is manufactured by hand in Italy with pure boar bristles, which gently work on hair, enveloping every strand in the natural oils of the scalp from root to tip. Every stroke gives the scalp a pleasant massage as well as preventing dry, brittle hair. With each application, those with fine or thinning hair will feel an increase in volume and luster, making it one of the best hair brushes for thin hair.

The flexible, cushioned pad with a breathing hole that holds the boar bristles lessen pressure on the scalp. The ergonomic handle made of natural beechwood offers a comfortable and solid grip. Utilize it just on dry hair to avoid any harm. If you want to detangle and restore shine to your hair, brush it from the scalp to the roots.

BLACK EGG WOODEN BOAR BRISTLE BRUSH

The lightweight beechwood handle of this oval brush is pleasant to hold. The adult boar hair used to manufacture the soft bristles is put through a thorough screening procedure, which leaves the hair silky and full of natural shine. In actuality, this procedure eliminates a significant portion of the oil from those natural bristles, leaving just enough behind to aid in balancing the oil in your own hair and scalp with each brushing. 

Together with a wide-tooth mahogany comb that’s great for detangling and distributing product throughout wet hair, the soft bristles help to gently eliminate frizz. In fact, the company suggests using the comb to untangle and defrizz your hair before using the boar brush on a regular basis if you’re new to utilizing natural brushes. 

TANGLE TEEZER THE ULTIMATE DETANGLER FINE & FRAGILE

Whatever the hair type, wet hair has to be properly cared for, but fine and delicate hair especially needs to be treated gently. If you’re familiar with Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler, you should know that this model is much softer than the original and is designed for delicate hair.

This oblong brush has flexible, soft bristles despite being made of plastic. They also don’t have any points that might break off and grip your hair. Wet hair is easily detangled by the widely spaced bristles, and the thin handle offers an ergonomic grip. The long and short teeth work in tandem to remove knots and smooth hair, reducing breakage and frizz. There are many more cool colors of this brush, such as Lilac/Mint and Hypnotic Heather.

SISLEY-PARIS THE RADIANCE BRUSH

An excellent paddle brush is a fantastic tool for scalp stimulation and hair smoothing. Soft, supple bristles of the Sisley-Paris Radiance Brush gently work on both types of hair, making it easier to untangle hair and prevent frizz. This works on all hair types, both wet and dry, and with continued application, you should see shinier, more voluminous hair. It seems sense that you would be a little shocked by the sticker price, but the investment is worthwhile. 

DYSON DYSON DESIGNED PADDLE BRUSH

This paddle brush would be a terrific addition to your haircare collection whether you’re seeking a new brush to pair with your Dyson Supersonic hair dryer or if you’re finally saving up for one. Because the flexible bristles are arranged in an oval shape on a padded base, the scalp is not as stressed. When styling, the weighted grip makes the tool seem balanced in the hand. 

This brush is quite robust and mild enough for all hair types. When it’s time for a blowout at home, this brush is ideal since it can withstand temperatures as high as 302°F. We also appreciate that this brush is available in five distinct colors: Prussian blue, black, rosé, fuchsia, and purple.

BELULA BOAR BRISTLE ROUND BRUSH FOR BLOW DRYING SET

For sensitive hair, a circular brush might be problematic, however, this one seems to be soothing. Its nylon and boar blend of bristles is gentle on delicate strands. Because of its size, the 2.7-inch barrel is ideal for blowouts since you don’t have to worry about it being tangled. This round brush distributes the natural oils from your scalp into your hair strands, making your hair seem smooth and shining, in contrast to other brushes with harsher bristles.  

Three crocodile hair clips are provided with this brush to assist divide your hair for effortless style, and a hair cleaner tool makes cleaning the bristles between usage simple.

SHASH BOAR BRISTLE CLASSIC HAIR BRUSH

We chose a brush from Shash, a firm that has been producing boar bristle brushes since 1869 since natural boar bristles work best on hair that needs some TLC. Hundreds of natural bristles on this German-made brush are ready to transfer the natural oils from your scalp through your hair in a gentle and equal manner. 

This brush not only reduces dandruff and other irritations of the scalp, but also encourages healthy hair development. Every time you apply it, it’s like giving your scalp a little exfoliation. When brushing or styling, the ergonomically designed smooth handle feels good in your hand. 

WET BRUSH ORIGINAL DETANGLER

In addition to being excellent for detangling wet hair, the appropriately called Wet Brush is also terrific for removing knots from dry hair. Without worrying about snagging delicate or brittle hair, the IntelliFlex bristles are tucked into a cushioned base that eases tension as it runs through your hair, wet or dry.

For a pleasant detangling experience, the bristles are robust but flexible enough to go through all types of hair. In fact, you’ll need to work 55% less to get your hair silky and have 45% less breakage. Although the fact that it comes in a range of colors is appealing, the performance of this brush is actually what makes it worthwhile. 

AVEDA WOODEN PADDLE BRUSH

The flexible, cushioned base of the Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush eases the strain on your scalp as it works through your hair. This rectangular paddle’s long bristles stimulate and massage the scalp gently to encourage healthy hair growth. Because of their broad spacing, knots in all types of hair may be easily and swiftly removed. While you brush and style your hair, you won’t experience hand tiredness thanks to the long wooden handle’s comfortable grip and the lightweight design of the entire item. Smooth, straight styles can be achieved with this brush rather well.

PAUL MITCHELL PRO TOOLS 413 SCULPTING BRUSH

Paul Mitchell’s compact yet effective fine-hair hair brush is an affordable way to up your hair care game. Its flexible, widely spread bristles softly smooth and untangle hair, whether it’s damp or dry. It’s ideal for adding the final touches to any hairstyle or blow-drying hair. 

To lessen hand strain when brushing and styling, the design is lightweight and thin. It’s ideal for travel as well because of its small size, which makes it fit in most cosmetic bags. For home use, this Paul Mitchell brush should be used in addition to your collection of hair tools rather than as your only choice, but considering the price, it’s an easy choice.

TANGLE TEEZER BRUSH

Any hair type can experience breakage from knots and snarls, but fine hair is particularly vulnerable to their destructive effects. For this reason, it’s critical to invest in a high-quality detangling brush, such as this Tangle Teezer brush that has won several awards. This brush works well on both wet and dry hair because of its memory-flex bristles, which are tough but kind to delicate hair strands. Its design combines long and short teeth, the former for smoothing and the latter for detangling hair. The brush is mild enough, according to the makers, to be used on wigs, weaves, and hair extensions. Overall, this is the best brush for fine thin hair.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

If you know where to search, you may find the best brush for thin hair, which can create volume and make hair care a thousand times simpler and more effective. If you belong to the fine hair family, you are certainly well aware of the advantages and disadvantages that come with this type of hair. It may be styled using a wash-and-go method, making it potentially less upkeep than other hair types. However, you may have limp, oily roots and hair that is too obstinate to curl. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to obtain the sort of hairstyle you like; you simply need to know what you’re working with.