7 Makeup Hacks and Products for Sensitive Skin (According to Pros)
Nailing a picture-perfect glam goes beyond a few quick taps of foundation and swipes of mascara. Much like skin care application, there are tips and tricks to mastering the art of an #motd—especially if your skin errs on the side of sensitive or redness-prone. Thanks to easy irritation, applying makeup over sensitive or redness-prone skin requires a certain level of technique to help neutralize some of the discolorations for a more even-looking complexion.
To find out how to solve these makeup woes, we went to the experts for tried-and-true makeup hacks and products for sensitive and redness-prone skin types. But, first, let’s brush up on our sensitive-skin knowledge.
What Is Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is caused by a multitude of factors. From dehydration—which causes the skin to feel ultra-dry and itchy—to ingredient irritation to skin conditions (think: psoriasis flare-ups, breakouts and eczema) that cause the complexion to feel uncomfortable, as even the most normal of skin types can experience a bout of sensitivity from time to time. That said, sensitive skin is not just a side effect, it’s also considered a skin type, as many men and women experience some form of skin sensitivity on the regular.
Choosing the Right Formulas
One of the biggest things to consider when using products on sensitive skin—whether that be skin care or makeup—is formulation. Because of the sensitive sensations experienced among this skin type, using harsh formulas with certain active ingredients, fragrances and other potential irritants can wreak havoc on the complexion and cause sensitive skin to worsen and may even result in visible irritation via redness, rashes and breakouts.
“Skin sensitivities are often caused by products that people use,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “People with sensitive and redness-prone skin need ingredients that won’t irritate or aggravate their skin,” she adds. With that in mind, she suggests keeping an eye on both skin care and makeup labels and looking out for the most common skin irritants, which include fragrance, parabens and formaldehyde. “Fragrances are sometimes hidden in face creams and detergents and this can be very irritating to people with sensitive skin,” notes Jaliman. In addition, she explains that formaldehyde is sometimes used in formulas and “can cause an allergic reaction in the skin, especially in those with sensitive skin,” she says.
As for what ingredients to look out for, Dr. Jaliman says it’s all about hydration. “Dehydrated skin can lead to issues like inflammation, especially for those with sensitive skin,” she notes. Some ingredients she suggests adding into your routine include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter and ceramides. All four of these ingredients help draw in moisture, nourish the skin and lock in hydration to prevent further drying.
Makeup Tips for Sensitive and Redness-Prone Skin
Before you go full glam—especially with a product you’ve never used before—be sure to patch test. Applying a small amount to the inside of the wrist can hint at how the complexion might react to the formula. If the makeup (or skin care) product causes any kind of irritation on the wrist, it’s likely going to disturb your complexion, too.
Once you’re confident in your formulas—i.e. you select products that are safe to use on sensitive skin—it’s time to get down to business. When applying makeup to sensitive skin (especially those who experience redness in addition to sensitivities), prepping the skin is one of the most important steps.