Sensitive Skin Makeup

What makes makeup suitable for sensitive skin?

Usually what has been left out rather than added. Fragrance-free formulas, shorter ingredient lists, and the absence of common irritants such as essential oils and drying alcohols. Look for products described as suitable for sensitive skin or dermatologically tested, and treat that as a starting point rather than a guarantee.

Should I patch test makeup?

It is worth it if you react easily. 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 staying on all day and for anything applied near the eyes.

Which products cause the most trouble?

Anything that stays put. Long-wear foundations and liquid lipsticks use film formers and higher solvent content that some sensitive skin finds drying. Heavily fragranced products and glitter-containing formulas are also common culprits. Powders are generally among the better tolerated.

Does natural mean gentler?

No. Plant extracts and essential oils are among the more common causes of contact reactions, and fragrance derived from natural sources is still fragrance. Judge by the ingredient list rather than front-of-pack positioning.

What else should I look at?

Browse fragrance-free foundation, the full face makeup range, or products grouped by skin concern.