Since the age of 12 years old, I have been so fascinated with makeup. Once I discovered how to use it, I was so excited to use foundation and concealer to give myself that flawless, airbrushed look. However, after about a month, I realized that I have super sensitive skin — skin that burned and swelled up anytime I put anything on top of it. I had to learn which foundations worked, and which ones didn’t, pretty quickly. To this day, I still test out foundations to see if they’re good for sensitive skin or not. If you want my full list of foundations that are great for sensitive skin, keep scrolling!

First and foremost, it’s important to note that sensitivity differs greatly from acne-prone skin. Sensitivity is identified as causing rashes, blisters, or extreme redness. Although the two are typically confused for one another, many of the ingredients that cause them are not the same. Typically, sensitive skin is made worse with two major ingredients: fragrance and alcohol. Foundations with heavy amounts of either of those ingredients will oftentimes harm the skin by leaving behind rashes and redness. However, it’s still important to note whether or not there are specific ingredients that cause your skin to be sensitive.

Another important thing to factor in is skincare. If you aren’t prepping and preparing your skin for foundation, it can cause more sensitivity than usual. Make sure you are exfoliating with gentle exfoliators that help with sensitive skin. Adding moisturizers and oils to your routine can help cut down on redness as well. One of the biggest tips I tell my clients is to always prime your skin. Not only do primers help keep your makeup on all day, but they also act as a barrier between your skin and the makeup you are putting on top of it. If you have sensitive skin, this is especially vital, as having foundation sit directly on top of the face can cause rashes and redness.

THE BEST FOUNDATIONS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

1. Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation

This foundation has been in rotation for me for years! Amazonian clay is a natural ingredient that helps balance the skin. This means that no matter what type of skin you have, this foundation will be perfect for you. If you’re like me and have combination skin, it’s a win-win. It balances out the skin by hydrating dry spots and mattifying oily spots. Plus, the ingredients help to nourish even the most sensitive of skins. If you want a gorgeous base that blurs out pores and imperfections, this is a great option!

2. Cover Fx Natural Finish Foundation

If you want to look absolutely flawless without putting a ton of harmful chemicals on your face, Cover FX is the way to go. Cover FX was created by a former chemist from one of the top brands in the world, but couldn’t stand by all of the scary ingredients they put in their products. So, he started Cover FX to help take care of those with sensitivities. Cover FX is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, harmful alcohols, fragrance, and so many other ingredients that cause redness and irritation. This foundation gives you the most natural, airbrushed skin. I love to apply it with a beauty sponge for a poreless, uber-natural look. It’s super buildable, and truly looks like skin. Added bonus, there’s a shade for literally everyone! You cannot go wrong with any Cover Fx product!

3. Bare Minerals Original Foundation

If powder is more your style, Bare Minerals has you covered! Bare Minerals offers a nice, natural coverage that isn’t overly cakey or powdery. I love popping this on when I run errands, because it covers my redness, but takes little to no effort to put on. It has SPF, so it’s perfect for wearing throughout the day, and it’s staying powder is great! It’s such a classic in the makeup world, and one of the first foundations that was marketed for sensitive skin. They also have a matte formula if that’s more your speed. Easy, perfect for on the go, and a great option for a more natural gal.

4. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizers are great for hydrating the skin while also giving a bit of coverage. Laura Mercier definitely knocks it out of the park with her oil free version! It gives a nice soft glow without being overly dewy. If you want more of a natural, easy look, Laura Mercier is a great option. Her primers pair wonderfully with this tinted moisturizer, and there’s something for every skin concern. She also offers a more hydrating tinted moisturizer if you need a little extra moisturizing! Tinted moisturizer is such a simple, but effective way to cover up any skin concerns you have.

5. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

A tried and true for rosacea! It Cosmetics was created for those with extreme redness and skin sensitivities, so I of course had to add it to the list. In fact, the owner herself constantly posts pictures of herself before and after she uses the products, as she suffers from rosacea. If you want a natural look, with the coverage between a super full coverage foundation and a tinted moisturizer, you’re going to want to add this to your kit. What I personally love about this CC cream is that it gives you a flawless look, but the ingredients help with redness. A must have if you suffer from rosacea.

6. Physician’s Formula Healthy Foundation

I love a foundation that gives me a natural glow, and this is definitely a foundation that does that! Physician’s Formula is known for being a great drugstore option for sensitive skin. All of their products are geared toward being safer alternatives to bad ingredient-filled products that cause sensitivity. I love to apply this foundation on days where I want a “my skin, but better” type of look. Oily girls — don’t be scared! Although this foundation gives off a glowy look, it’s not overly dewy! There you have it, there are my toop foundations for sensitive skin!

What are some of your favorite products for sensitivity? Let me know in the comments below. Make sure to check out my blog Mally Elizabeth.

Thank you so much to Megan for letting me guest post and share some of my favorites with you!