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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!

DISCOVER 14 BEST MASCARA FOR SHORT LASHES

One can spend a lifetime searching for the perfect mascara. Finding a product that works ideally for your lashes requires some experimentation because there are so many options available on the market, from the finest volumizing mascaras to the best tubing mascaras. For lashes that are short, the secret to getting that long-lasting, fluttery effect is to get the best mascara. We have the greatest mascaras for short lashes, hands down. Whether you’re looking for something to completely change the way your lashes look or something that will give you a subtle yet improved look, we’ve got you covered with 14 best mascaras for short lashes.

TOO FACED BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA

There’s a reason this mascara is among the most widely used cosmetics in the United States. It lengthens and volumizes your lashes. The hourglass brush separates and combs through eyelashes without clumping, making it ideal for short lashes. It applies and grips quite well. It maintains its natural appearance while being worn and doesn’t flake or smudge. It makes your lashes appear thicker and more multidimensional while highlighting your natural lashes without being overly dramatic. Without any doubt, this is definitely the best mascara for short lashes.

COVERGIRL EXHIBITIONIST UNCENSORED MASCARA

 Exhibitionist Uncensored Mascara, Covergirl offers users an economical and potent mascara. Applying this mascara to the upper and lower lashes is made easy by the brush’s design, which also makes it incredibly user-friendly. Even after wearing it for hours, it doesn’t have that crunchy feeling or smudge, flake, or transfer onto your skin. The deep shade of black defines the individual lashes. It feels good to wear and provides them with lots of volume, lift, and curl. It also removes easily with a makeup wipe without leaving any stinging or smudging. That’s a significant victory, particularly for contact lens wearers. However, it has a paint-like smell which might be unpleasant to certain users.

COVERGIRL LASH BLAST MASCARA

You’re sure to come across a display of this well-liked mascara if you browse the beauty section of any pharmacy. It’s been praised for years as a top-tier volumizing mascara, and even with all the different versions that have been released, people still love it. It claims to thicken and define each lash without smudging or clumping.  Because its consistency isn’t unduly thick or goopy, it works well for defining lower lashes and those with shorter lashes while living up to its clump-free promise and giving lashes a full, voluminous, yet natural look.

TARTE TARTE TARTELETTE TUBING MASCARA

Longer lashes can be achieved with tubing mascaras, and this one does just that. In order to lengthen, define, and divide each lash, the formula forms “tubes” that encircle them. It has some volume and curling action as well, but the main advantage is the lengthening effect. The slender plastic wand is highly appreciated as it facilitates the application of mascara in difficult-to-reach areas, such as the inner corners. We also adore how easy it is to remove, how long-lasting it is, and how little smudging there is throughout the day with this mascara. 

CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOW TALK PUSH-UP LASHES MASCARA

Britney Spears chose this mascara on her wedding day for a reason: the special wand and formula give her the most beautiful, fluttery lashes ever. The dual-sided brush on the mascara allows you to apply product to your lashes and then smoothly comb it through, even the inner corners of your eyes. Although it may require some time to get used to, the program is worth it once you get the hang of it. To get the desired effect, you might have to put in some work learning how to use this mascara.

UOMA BEAUTY DRAMA BOMB MASCARA

You’ll be shocked at how much length your lashes get with this product, even though the label “volume” suggests otherwise. It gives the eye area a more youthful appearance by making the lashes appear longer and more distinctive. The hourglass-shaped bristles of the wand easily reach all angles, and they spread out both small and long lashes. Rich in nourishing oils, the vegan formula repels water to a certain extent without being waterproof, so you can still remove it with makeup remover with ease. If you’re looking for the best mascara for length and curl, this is the one.

IT COSMETICS VOLUMIZING MASCARA

We don’t want a mascara if it doesn’t make someone question whether your lashes are real. Thank goodness, this mascara from IT Cosmetics recognized the task. The Drybar brush technology served as inspiration for the wand’s microsphere technology, which captures all of your lashes for maximum volume and definition. Biotin is added to the highly pigmented black tint for added nourishment and drama. This volumizing mascara doesn’t smear on the top or bottom lashes like some do, even though some volumizing mascaras require a sloppy application. But the tube is difficult to handle and a little hefty.

ESSENCE LASH PRINCESS FALSE LASH EFFECT MASCARA

This mascara is going to cut your lash regimen and mascara price in half, regardless of whether you’re a die-hard fan of magnetic or artificial eyelashes or just want to skip all the bother. It has a conic fiber brush that builds up to a high volume without clumping. Though Essence’s Lash Princess collection has multiple versions, the ultra-dark black False Lash Effect mascara is devoid of silicones, parabens, and smell, making it the best drugstore mascara you can wear from day to night.

L’OREAL PARIS VOLUMINOUS ORIGINAL MASCARA

Very few mascaras are as current today as the L’Oreal Paris mascara. This matte gray container has been a fixture in the makeup bags of high-profile artists since its 1991 introduction. Its traditional wand design effortlessly stretches lashes to a falsies-level length while gently tapering to a point to coat the lash line evenly with the product. The Voluminous Original Mascara is not only among the greatest volumizing mascaras available at drugstores, but it also has conditioning components like ceramides and panthenol. The product not only produces fluttering, silky lashes but also works overtime to maintain the health of natural lashes.

MAYBELLINE LASH SENSATIONAL MASCARA

This mascara’s wand, which is curved and has 10 layers of lash-separating bristles for a fanned-out effect, is what makes it so magical. It has rich pigment coloring that precisely defines and shapes the lash line, and it is blended with nourishing rosehip oil for comfortable wear. After a long day of usage, the liquid composition of this mascara not only provides for regulated volume, but it also melts away quite easily. It has been happy-tear tested, ophthalmologist-approved, and contact lens safe.

COLOURPOP BFF MASCARA 

Colourpop is a reasonably priced cosmetics brand that, depending on where you live, can be found at various drugstores. It is most recognized for its vibrant color cosmetics, which include statement lipsticks and technicolor eyeshadow, and which have strong pigmentation and an opulent appearance. BFF Mascara is no different, providing a rainbow of colors to liven up your everyday look. Made of nylon fiber, this wand has a comb-like shape and is twisted to reinforce a curl with each application. Upon application, the mascara instantly adds defined length and noticeable volume, leaving all control in your hands and preventing thick product deposits that would otherwise overpower the lash line.

LANCOME HYPNOSE MASCARA

This mascara really lives up to its moniker as a waterproof mascara because it never smudges or flakes even after coming into contact with water and eye drops. The S-shaped brush is popular among users because it easily reaches every lash, giving the appearance of thicker, more voluminous lashes. We eventually decided that it was well worth every penny, despite being on the more expensive side. The sole negative aspect? It takes a lot of elbow grease to remove this one as well.

REVOLUTION 5D WHIP LIFT MASCARA

Revolution consistently achieves the ideal ratio between cost and value. The ‘vortex’ shaped brush effectively captured each lash for a perfectly elongated appearance.  If you’re quite picky about mascara consistency, this one will satisfy you. It adheres to lashes smoothly without being runny—not too wet, not too dry. We also adore how the volume this mascara adds at the roots allows it to be built up to resemble even thicker lashes.

CLINIQUE HIGH IMPACT ZERO GRAVITY MASCARA

We have the best mascara for length if you’re seeking that lash extension look. With just a few swipes, your lashes will be dramatically extended and curled thanks to the narrow, curved wand of this mascara. With no clumps or smudge, the High Impact Zero Gravity formula is one of the drier consistencies. A fanned-out appearance is achieved by the formula spreading evenly throughout each lash, as reported by many users. This results in a thinner, more natural finish that emphasizes curl and length over thickness and volume. 

FINAL TAKEAWAY

We’re searching for major lift, volume, and overall va va voom in the greatest mascaras available. Ultimately, if you don’t have naturally thick, curly lashes due to genetics, you may have noticed that applying a few coats of the incorrect recipe causes clumping and a depressing look. Look no further than our list of top picks.