The Best Foundation For Sensitive Skin. 2017 Reviews & Top Picks!

When you’ve got sensitive skin, it can be tough to find good makeup. You want to look your best, but you don’t want to end up with a dry, itchy, or inflamed complexion at the end of the day. The good news is that cosmetics brands are getting smarter about what they put in their products. There are more hypoallergenic foundations on the market than ever before, so you don’t have to compromise the health of your skin to get that supermodel glow.

We’ve compiled this list of the best foundations for sensitive skin. Pick your favorite and keep your face happy no matter what the occasion.

Reviews of The Best Foundation For Sensitive Skin

Ranking

Company

Organic?

Composition

Our Rating

#1

Yes

Powder

#2

Yes

Liquid

#3

Yes

Liquid

#4

No

Liquid

#5

Yes

Liquid

Au Naturale - Best Foundation For Sensitive SkinAu Naturale is very proud of its organic, paraben free cosmetics. It is particularly fond of its foundations, because they contain no harsh chemicals or animal substances. For a lot of ladies, oxychloride causes acne and inflammation, so it is a relief to know that you won’t find it any Au Naturale product.

This powder foundation is a great choice for those with sensitive skin, contact allergies, and underlying conditions (like autoimmune disorders) which cause the body to react strongly to chemical formulas. It provides smooth, even coverage without leaving a ‘cakey’ surface and it lasts all day, so there’s no need to reapply.

When it comes to makeup for sensitive skin, Au Naturale produces some of the best. The formula is light and allows the skin to breathe. If you’re using this foundation to conceal acne, you don’t have to worry about the powder overloading your pores. These foundations are great value for money too. Au Naturale powder foundation is easily the best foundation for acne coverage.

What We Liked

  • Smooth, even coverage with no heaviness
  • No harsh chemicals, parabens, or gluten
  • Completely cruelty free (no animal testing)

Not Crazy About

  • Shades are lighter than they look
  • Does not come with an applicator brush

Best makeup for very sensitive skinThis gorgeous Ecco Bella Foundation for sensitive skin is cruelty, vegan, and paraben free. It is produced using organic ingredients and it is designed for ladies with stubborn skin. The lightweight, breathable formula is super tough, but you’d never know it from the way it feels when you apply it to a picky complexion.

Like all of the best hypoallergenic makeup, this foundation nurtures skin, while providing flawless coverage. It is UV resistant, contains rich moisturizing compounds, and it is packed with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. If you’ve always had a tough time with regular foundations, try Ecco Bella for some much needed relief.

It is a liquid foundation, not a powder, so do be aware of this when buying. Everybody has their own preference and many people favor liquid foundations because they’re easier to blend. While the formula feels a little thin at first, it can be easily applied with the fingertips or a sponge applicator. Plus, you can combine it with the Ecco Bella Pressed Powder if you need to build up the coverage.

What We Liked

  • Paraben, gluten, cruelty free
  • Contains Vitamin E and Aloe Vera
  • Provides protection from the sun

Not Crazy About

  • Formula can feel a little thin/watery
  • Not really suitable for darker skin tones

Evxo Liquid Mineral Foundation MakeupEVXO Liquid Mineral Foundation is a superb foundation for sensitive skin. It was created by a dedicated team of vegan activists who believe that natural is always better. The lightweight formula is particularly suited to fair complexions which need even coverage without streaky lines around the neck or jawline. It is silky and rich, but it does not dry out the skin.

If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic foundation, either because you’re prone to acne or mainstream products cause redness, EVXO could be the right choice. Apply it once in the morning and it will stay in place all day, so you don’t have to worry about touch ups. The smell is pretty delicious too, with a creamy cocoa butter scent.

If you prefer not to smell like a cupcake, the odor of this foundation might put you off. It is quite strong compared to similar products. Also, the pump applicator is a little imprecise and you have to be careful not to dispense too much when applying.

What We Liked

  • 90% organic ingredients
  • Contains chamomile and Vitamin E
  • Stays flawless all day long

Not Crazy About

  • Smells strongly of vanilla/cocoa butter
  • Limited range of shades

Liquid Mineral FoundationJolie considers its foundation to be some of the best makeup for sensitive skin, because it is so lightweight that you can barely feel it. The formula is designed to provide a matte finish that is breathable and kind to pores. It is a great choice for those who struggle with acne, because it conceals breakouts and actively prevents inflammation.

This Jolie foundation is suitable for all skin types, but large pores and oily T-Zones benefit the most from a liquid application which sets like a powder. It is quite unusual actually, but it does work really effectively. You can smooth the liquid on with your fingertips or a sponge and finish it off with a soft, broad brush. The micro diffusers in the formula help it to stay light, clean, and youthful all day long.

Sensitive skin thrives when foundation has a light touch, so this product ticks all the right boxes. It contains nourishing ingredients, but it is careful not to pack too much into one formula as this can leave the complexion feeling greasy. Instead, it strikes the right balance between richness and matte perfection.

What We Liked

  • SPF 15 UV protection
  • Extremely lightweight formula
  • Applies as liquid, sets as powder

Not Crazy About

  • May need to use sponge and brush applicators
  • Applies thick so takes longer to blend

INIKA hypoallergenic foundationGive innovative brand Inika a try if you’re desperate to find a high quality foundation for sensitive skin. It is certified cruelty free, contains no animal products, and all of the ingredients are halal so it is a truly inclusive product. We’re not the only ones who love it, because this liquid foundation has already won a number of awards.

With Vitamin E, rosehip oils, Aloe Vera, and Jojoba oils, you’ll be hard pressed to find a foundation more natural than this. In the words of Inika itself, the idea is to combine aspects of a foundation with a moisturizer. So, it covers and conceals while also nourishing the skin with rich, organic ingredients.

The coverage is very good, but it is best suited to casual daytime wear. It isn’t designed to sit heavy on the skin, so those looking for thick applications might be left frustrated. In our opinion, the Inika Organic Foundation is perfect for use as a regular everyday product, which you can swap out for a more glamorous, heavy duty foundation on special occasions.

What We Liked

  • Combines coverage and moisturizer
  • Contains Vitamin E, jojoba oils, and more
  • Cruelty free, halal, and organic

Not Crazy About

  • Might not be suitable for all occasions
  • Limited range of shades

Side by Side Comparison

Category

Our Top Pick

Best Value
For The Price

Best Wall Mounted
Makeup Mirror

Best Portable
Makeup Mirror

Best Magnifying
Makeup Mirror

Top Rated
Foundations
For Sensitive Skin

Brand

Composition

Powder

Liquid

Liquid

Liquid

Liquid

Qauntity

2.4 oz

1 oz

2.4 oz

0.8 oz

1.01 oz

Colors/Shades
Available

12 colors

Black + Chrome

Nickel / Chrome
or Bronze

Ivory + Chrome

4 colors

Learn More

Different Types of Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is more common than you might think. It isn’t something that women talk about very often, because they don’t always realize that it’s a problem. They agonize over flaky patches and pesky breakouts in front of the mirror, but they may not make the link between problem skin and the chemicals contained in mainstream cosmetics.

The first thing to understand is that sensitive skin is a very broad term. It can be caused by many different things. For example, rosacea is a condition which causes the face to flush and become inflamed at the slightest irritation. Aside from ruddy cheeks, it leads to a flaky complexion and soreness. Eczema is another extremely common skin disorder.

Like rosacea, it causes blistering and cracking. The skin loses its protective barrier and dries out. If you suffer with eczema, using non-hypoallergenic foundation is strongly discouraged. You may even be suffering with dry skin purely because the products that you’re using are too harsh. Switch to foundations designed for sensitive skin and you’ll likely find relief.

Why Hypoallergenic Foundations Are Perfect For Sensitive Skin

When shopping for makeup for sensitive skin, keep an eye out for two key words – hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. The first (hypoallergenic) describes a formula or product which is significantly less likely to trigger an adverse reaction.

While this doesn’t mean that non-hypoallergenic cosmetics aren’t safe for use, hypoallergenic foundations are the best choice if your complexion is picky about certain ingredients. The second (non-comedogenic) describes a formula which maximizes breath-ability.

These products are specifically designed to keep pores healthy and prevent blackheads. They are suitable for use on all skin types, but oily complexions are in greater need of non-comedogenic cosmetics.

When you combine the two features in one foundation, you get a product which is lightweight, kind to the skin, and free of harsh chemicals. The good news is that the market is really opening up at the moment, with new hypoallergenic brands appearing every month.

Conclusion

We understand that sensitive skin be a real frustration and it can stop you from wearing the cosmetics that you’d like to sometimes. The constant itching, redness, and sore pores are enough to turn the mirror into an arch nemesis.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. By choosing your makeup and foundation carefully, you can enjoy flawless coverage and bring out the best in your skin. With hypoallergenic products for sensitive complexions, you don’t have to worry about breakouts or discomfort.

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