eyeshadow for sensitive eyes

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!

Fool-Proof Makeup with 16 Best Eyeshadow Sticks in 2023

Isn’t doing eye makeups fun? You get to choose the colors, style, design for your eye areas with no restriction. The only thing that stops you from the perfect eyes look is obviously your skill. Even with makeup experts, eyeshadow in pressed powder form is still hard to use, that’s why eyeshadow sticks are created. With our list of the 16 best eyeshadow sticks, we can assist you if you’re a newbie or just lack the time to consider color options for makeup.

Best Versatile Eyeshadow Stick – Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour

Contour Clair, a gorgeous matte-brown eye makeup stick from Chanel, is marketed as “a fabulous, go-to shade for day-to-day looks.” It’s the type of neutral, casually stylish shadow we see on a model on vacation. Even though the formula is long-lasting, use an eyeshadow primer in conjunction with it for further assurance that your color won’t fade.

Best Neutral Eyeshadow Stick – Bobbi Brown Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

With carefully selected color duos for double the enjoyment, Bobbi Brown’s Best of Beauty-winning Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick is now offered in a dual-ended style. Be prepared to use it every day if you want effortless looks that just require a few seconds to apply and mix. For no-makeup makeup looks, use Golden Pink/Taupe to give your eyes a hint of depth. Remember to work fast with it as this item dries pretty fast, making it hard to get your desired looks.

Most Drugstore Eyeshadow Stick – Nyx Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil

You’re in luck if you’re looking for a significant bargain. You may choose from 16 exquisite colors in the Nyx Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil line for a very reasonable price. It couldn’t be simpler to use these ultra-creamy crayons as a basis for priming (neutrals), an all-over shadow (brights), or a liner (deeps). With Milk, an opaque white that is surprising but timeless, you may channel your inner “Rain on Me” diva look, and you can use it as a highlighter. However, the packaging is a pretty huge con of this product. You will have to purchase a pencil sharpener in order to utilize the item.

Best Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow – Revlon ColorStay Creme Eyeshadow

These Revlon eye shadows provide 24-hour wear so you can transition from one occasion to the next with your look intact, whether you want something matte or a little bit of sparkle. You may apply them using the included “pro-inspired” built-in brush in the cap or with your fingertips if you prefer. Flaking off is quite inevitable after applying it because when it dires, it gets flaky.

Best Glitter Eyeshadow Stick – Jason Wu Beauty Celestial Lust Glitter Cream Shadow

This glitter cream shadow, which the brand promises to give a highly-pigmented color that is rapid drying and lasts all day, will elevate your appearance. The application of this cream eye makeup is quite simple, making it the ideal finishing touch for your night-out look. Work fast if you don’t want you eye look to be clumpy and unblended.

Best 2 in 1 Eyeshadow Stick – Smashbox Always On Cream Shadow

Play around with your appearance by using hues like guava, sienna, and ultramarine. With this choice, there is no need for a separate eye makeup primer because it is already included in the recipe, eliminating a step and simplifying your beauty routine while also saving you some money. Those who have used it complained that the colors don’t really show up but these items can work very well as eye primer.

Best Budget Eyeshadow Stick – e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick

This affordable eye makeup stick is well worth a try because it has a highly pigmented color, a buildable consistency, and all-day wear. You won’t ever have to worry about working with a dull tip thanks to its twist-up construction, and its pointed form makes it simple to use as eyeliner. However, applying multiple time is essential to get the swatched colors that you see on their pictures but compared to the price, it’s still a good stick eyeshadow.

Best Quick-Application Eyeshadow Stick – Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes

This Clinique Chubby Stick is a safe place to start if you’re a newbie. You won’t have to worry about using anything overly pigmented for your first attempt at eye makeup because it emits a sheer, lightweight hue. Simply dab some color on your lids, mix it out with your finger till you have the look you want, and then go! You don’t even need to be very delicate with it.

Best Color Eyeshadow Stick – about-face Shadowstick

This eye makeup stick from about-face has a lasting power of 10 hours or more and may give you all the color you require in a single application. blend easily if you smudge them out right away but if you’re going for more of a precise look they will definitely stay where you put them.

Best Metalic Eyeshadow Stick – ColourPop Colour Stix Eyeshadow

This eye makeup stick has whatever color you need, whether you’re planning on going to the office or the runway, with dazzling metallics and traditional mattes. The product boasts an all-day wearable, water-resistant composition, according to the company.

Best Shimmer Eyeshadow Stick – Charlotte Tilbury Color Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil

Although Charlotte Tilbury is most known for her Flawless Filter and Contour Wand, she also creates an eyeshadow stick that is deserving of internet fame. Some of the most beautiful colors I’ve ever seen may be found in Her Colour Chameleon eyeshadow pencils. Each hue was created with a particular eye color in mind; for instance, Amethyst Aphrodisiac makes green eyes stand out from a distance. These pencils have a creamy texture and are also easily blended, just be sure to move fast because they dry down to a durable finish. 

Best Matte Eyeshadow Stick – Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color 

Without the original, also known as Nudestix’s Magnetic Eye Color, no list of the finest eyeshadow sticks would be complete. We couldn’t be happier that the company that essentially invented portable stick cosmetics has expanded its portfolio to include eyeshadow. If neutral colors suit you more, you may choose from more than 30 hues in both matte and satin finishes. Additionally, they are very long-lasting, staying in for up to 24 hours, making them perfect for oily lids.  Those with sensitive eyes should be careful with this because there are complaints about eyes’ irritation after using it.

Best Pigmented Eyeshadow Stick – Iconic London Glaze Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Crayon

This dual-purpose makeup stick must be tried by everyone who likes shimmer. A creamy, pearlescent hue on one side glides on effortlessly and provides high-impact color. The liquid glitter glaze on the opposite side matches the crayon color. Both may be worn separately; choose the crayon side for a strong metallic hue or the glaze side for a delicate glitter wash. However, when used in tandem, these two solutions work to provide a glamorous, long-lasting “wet” look.

Best Water-Proof Eyeshadow Stick – Sephora Collection Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick

Because of their great hue selection, Sephora’s in-house cosmetics line should not be overlooked. This Sephora stick is available in most hues you could imagine, from terracotta red to khaki green. Although they may be used as eyeliner, their enormous size makes them particularly useful for eyeshadow. You just need one sweep for vibrant color, but you may overlay your own tones to enhance depth. Just mix quickly since these pencils can dry out rapidly. You might find it too expensive compared to the amount of product in this stick. There is even a customer said that the product was just enough for a week.

Best Formulated Eyeshadow Stick – Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eye Color Eyeshadow Stick

These creamy eyeshadow sticks, which come in 39 colors and five distinct formula categories, are really simple to use. The eyeshadow sticks may be built up and blended easily at first, but after they are set, even without an eyeshadow primer, you don’t have to worry about them moving. These sticks are simple to use to create a defined liner or a smokey eyeshadow appearance. However, the packaging is not the best for the product because they get broker pretty easily.

Best Gentle Eyeshadow Stick – Superhero No-Tug Longwear Eyeshadow Stick

IT Cosmetics, which was founded by plastic surgeons, has always excelled in creating cosmetics that give our skin a little more tender loving care and gradually enhance each region with usage. You won’t find a smoother, easier-to-glide eyeshadow stick than the Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick. The It Cosmetics Super Blendable Stick has No-Tug Technology, which guarantees that the stick won’t pull too hard and won’t irritate your eyes while still offering even pigmentation throughout your eyelid.

Sticks for applying eyeshadow are helpful for everyone, but novices especially. It’s a straightforward tool that enables you to apply eye makeup quickly and easily while producing the most breathtaking results. An eyeshadow stick is always a must-have, even if you are a makeup pro.