physicians formula foundation 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!

Best Bronzer for Acne-Prone Skin: Achieve a Sun-Kissed Glow Without Aggravating Your Acne

If you’re looking to add a natural-looking tan to your skin, bronzer is the perfect cosmetic product for you! It’s specifically designed to give you a sun-kissed glow that looks amazing all year round. It is applied to create the appearance of a natural-looking tan, enhance facial features, add warmth to the complexion, and create the illusion of a slimmer face or body. It is often applied to areas where the sun would naturally hit the skin, such as the forehead, cheekbones, nose, and jawline.

When it comes to makeup, bronzer is always a must-have even when you want to go for a soft natural or a full glam look. However, like other cosmetic products, bronzer might aggravate people with sensitive, acne-prone skin. If you’re worried about your skin getting worse after applying makeup, let us help you find the best bronzer for acne-prone skin.

Top 10 Best Bronzers for Acne Prone Skin

e.l.f. Putty Bronzer: bronzer is one of the most affordable items on the market. It is infused with hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil, making it a great option for those with acne-prone skin. There are many e.l.f. putty bronzer review on social media and shopping websites, many consumers love its highly pigmented formula, which they say provides a natural-looking tan without appearing orange or muddy. Another major selling point of the L.F. Bronzer appears to be its long-lasting effect. Numerous customers have noted that the bronzer lasts for several hours without fading or smudging, making it an ideal option for those who want a long-wearing cosmetic product. However, a minority of people experienced oily products and patchy finish, which we think the transportation might affect the bronzer’s quality.

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Bronze Stick: This is one of the high-end products on our list that will definitely satisfy you. It’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic so consumers with acne or acne-prone skin won’t have to worry about getting their acne aggravated. According to customer reviews, the product lives up to its claims, with many users praising its smooth and easy application. Many customers have used the bronzer stick not only for contouring and adding definition to the face but also as an eyeshadow and lipstick and surprisingly it works perfectly. The price of this product might upset many potential customers as this is a high-end product and a lot of consumers are not willing to spend that much money on a bronze. You can find Rare Beauty bronzer stick swatches on its official website for the most accurate swatches of each product,

Charlotte Tilbury Cream Bronzer: Another bronzing product on our list is from Charlotte Tilbury. This is a bronzer that has a silky, lightweight formula that blends easily and gives skin a luminous, sculpted look with parabens and sulfates. Like other high-end products, this bronzer gives users a flawless, natural, subtle yet radiant look. However, many people complained that this product is not pigmented enough and is way too expensive and overpriced.

Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer: This long-wear bronzer has a soft-matte finish that helps to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. Like most products in this list, it’s also non-comedogenic and free of oils and fragrances which works well on customers with acne. People compliment this product for its inclusiveness as well as the lightweight, smooth finish on their skin. And of course, this high-end product is not for those who are on a budget.

Huda Beauty Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream: This product has everything an acne-prone skin wants, vitamin E and argan oil. Huda bronzer is available in 5 shades with cream formula which is perfect for people with dry skin. Many people love how this is a vegan product and its long-lasting effect on their makeup. However, it is claimed that the amount of product in each item is not enough and not worth the consumers’ money.

Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer: Here is another vegan, cruelty-free bronzer that is lightweight, blendable and gives skin a natural-looking matte finish with 0 parabens and sulfates in the ingredients. Milk bronzer is liked by many customers thanks to its blendable and smooth texture that doesn’t smudge everywhere or is transferable. There is a problem with the packaging as there are people who have experienced damaged twisting mechanisms.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer: This talc-free bronzer has a silky texture that helps to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines. It’s also non-comedogenic with no oils and fragrances which is perfect for skin with acne problems. A lot of people love how this product does not have heavy pigment which makes it a perfect product to be able to put on your face and just get that sun-kissed look. But there are also customers who found IT bronzer too orange and didn’t look natural on them.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder: Last but not least, it’s an item from Laura Mercier. Laura Mercier declared on their website that this product is non-dusting and non-drying with no fragrance and it has been approved by dermatologists. If you’re into a subtle, natural look you might like this as this product does not have any glitter in it. However, Laura Mercier bronzer is claimed to be dry and chalky on some consumers’ skins, which is understandable since this bronzer is in powder form.

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer – This bronzer is highly recommended by many beauty enthusiasts and is known for its lightweight, non-greasy formula that is gentle on the skin. Many customers claim that this product smells really good, easy to apply and long-lasting. But many consumers experienced damaged products which we can blame on the transportation, and others said that this bronzer was too orange.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer – Clay bronzer by Tarte contains Amazonian clay, which helps to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores, making it a great option for those with acne-prone skin. Customers love how this product’s finish looks so natural on their skin as well as its pigmentation. But there are people who have used this product and said that this bronzer was not water-proof and easily transferred to their clothing.

How to Use Bronzer

If you are into makeup, you must have at least a bronzer in your makeup kit. But do you know how to use bronzer correctly so you can achieve that tanned, sun-kissed look, we don’t think so. If you’re struggling with it, here’s a tutorial for you.

Choose the right shade: You should always go for a bronzer that complements your skin as well as gives your face a warmer shade. For a natural-looking glow, choose one that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin.

Prep your skin: Remember to clean and moisturize your skin before applying makeup. You can use micellar water as a gentle cleanser and then put on moisturizer and primer for a smoother makeup look.

Apply foundation: After using primer, you can put on your foundation now. You can add a little bit of toner into your foundation for a lighter, more natural base.

Apply bronzer: Using a bronzer brush, apply the bronzer to the areas of your face where the sun would naturally hit, such as your forehead, cheeks, and nose. Start with a light application and build up the color as desired.

Blend: Blending is super important so you should be patient with this step as there are many bronzers that are hard to blend. 

Finish with powder: Set your makeup with a translucent powder to ensure it stays in place all day. We highly recommend you try out the baking technique if you want your base to stay still all day on oily skin.

Where to Put Bronzer and Highlight

If you have already added definition to your face, there should be highlights as well. Highlight is probably one of the most underrated steps ever so people usually skip it when they do makeup. But if you want a cohesive, natural, bright look, bronzer and highlight are the combo that you must have.

Bronzer: Apply bronzer to the areas of your face like your forehead, temples, cheekbones, and jawline since those are places where the sun hits. You can also apply it lightly to the bridge of your nose and chin for a more defined, natural face. Don’t forget to blend it into your skin.

Highlight: Apply highlight to the high points of your face where light would naturally hit or areas that you want to draw attention to, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and the inner corners of your eyes. You can also apply it lightly to the bridge of your nose and chin to add extra glow. 

Bronzers have always been a must in every girl’s bag for years as they can pull off any style or makeup look that you want. From a subtle, natural, radiant style to a full glamor, bronzers always successfully bring warmth and definition to your face. If you haven’t got yourself any or you’re planning on buying some more bronzers, check out our list, we’re pretty sure that you can find one that you like.