Makeup for Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Eyes
Makeup for sensitive skin is defined by what has been left out rather than what has been added. Shorter ingredient lists, no added fragrance, and no essential oils. If your skin reacts easily, working out which ingredient is causing it matters more than finding a product marketed as gentle.
Fragrance is the most common culprit
Added fragrance is the single most frequent cause of contact reactions in cosmetics, and a foundation sits on your whole face all day. Fragrance-free means no fragrance materials were added. Unscented can mean masking fragrances were used to neutralise the smell of the other ingredients. If you are avoiding fragrance for skin reasons, check the ingredient list for parfum rather than trusting the front of the pack.
Natural does not mean gentle
Plant extracts and essential oils cause more contact reactions than many synthetic ingredients, despite the positioning. Judge a product by its ingredient list, not by whether it describes itself as natural.
Patch test properly
Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear and leave it 24 to 48 hours before using it on your face. This matters most for products that stay on all day and for anything applied near the eyes. It is a slow step, but it is far quicker than working out what caused a reaction after the fact.
Which products cause the most trouble
- Long-wear foundations and liquid lipsticks use higher solvent content and can feel drying.
- Heavily fragranced and glitter-containing products are frequent triggers.
- Powders are generally among the best tolerated formats.
- For eyes, look for ophthalmologically tested on the pack, and replace mascara every three months regardless of how much is left.
Where to start
Browse sensitive skin makeup, the wider face makeup range, or the skincare section for gentle cleansers and moisturisers to pair with it.