Struggling to uncover the best foundation for sensitive skin?
After 26 hours of intense research, I’ve got your back with our list of the top 5 foundations for sensitive skin.
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Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Choosing a foundation that won’t irritate or cause allergic reactions is crucial for sensitive skin.
- Our top 10 picks for the best foundation for sensitive skin are all hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and designed to provide coverage without causing any skin issues.
- By following our in-depth review and comparison guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect foundation for your sensitive skin that will leave you feeling comfortable and looking flawless.
Don’t have time to check the complete list? Here’s a quick comparison of our top favorites:
Table could not be displayed.5 Best Foundations for Sensitive Skin You Can Count On!
 1♥ Best For Dry Skin: Hourglass Veil Foundation
No products found.- 1 fl oz
- 11 shades
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Parabens, sulfates, and phthalates free | Poor shade range Claims it’s without fragrance, but the sunscreen ingredient has a scent Doesn’t cover pores well |
| Oil-free | |
| Vegan | |
| Anti-aging ingredients | |
| The lightest shades are good for pale skin |
Designed for aging, dry skin – the ingredients make it great for sensitive skin
Jenna Igneri, fashion and beauty expert, reveals the good news about moisturizers and dry skin: “Thankfully, oil-free moisturizers exist—trust us when we say they’re a godsend.” (1)
Thankfully, you’ve got THIS oil-free foundation.
This foundation is specially designed for dry, mature skin. It also works great for sensitive skin with rosacea, blemishes, and redness because of the ingredients.
The formula is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, oil, and fragrance. It’s vegan-friendly.
Great for mature ladies, the added skincare ‘Matrix Regeneration Complex’ (Matrrixyl Synthe’6) helps minimize wrinkles’ appearance.
Hourglass Veil leaves a natural-looking, radiant finish on dry skin.
There are only 11 shades in the range. A little goes a long way – you only need to use a pump or so per application. It looks better when applied with a brush than a beauty blender.
Most customers like the foundation, with very high reviews online.
One customer with susceptible and very dry skin says it’s the only one that’s worked for her so far.
Another with rosacea and eczema says her skin doesn’t get irritated or burn with this foundation, but it does with most others.
Generally, reviews say they like the high coverage, hydrating, lightweight feel, and smooth application. It doesn’t feel cakey on the skin.
Customers like that you only need one pump per use – it’s an expensive product, and you don’t want it to waste fast. It also lasts a long time on the skin for many.
Although buildable, the coverage doesn’t cover up pores well enough.
The foundation is only available in 11 shades – not much, considering it’s a luxury brand.
A lot of customers have trouble finding the right shade for them. You may need to buy a couple of shades and mix them (which is quite expensive).
The deeper shades work well for darker-skinned ladies, but it can make some look ashy—the lightest color suits very pale skin.
The undertones are very yellow, so it’s not the best for cooler undertoned customers.
Do you have dry, sensitive skin? Hourglass Veil is a good option for you. It’s free from many harmful ingredients that can irritate the skin, and it’s oil-free and vegan.
It’s a good option for mature skin – the foundation is packed with anti-aging ingredients.
However, a luxury brand foundation’s shade range is poor, and many customers say it doesn’t cover pores well.
No products found.
Whether you prefer a powder or liquid foundation, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive reviews of the best options out there. Check out our articles on the best mineral powder foundations and Korean liquid foundations today!
2♥ Best For Oily Skin: Vichy Dermafinish Liquid Foundation
No products found.- 4 shades
- 1 fl oz
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| SPF 30 | Only 4 shades, can be too orange for some |
| Allergy tested, tested on sensitive skin, sensitive eyes, and contact lens wearers | While the SPF 30 does protect from the sun, if you’re sensitive to SPF, it may react with your skin |
| Non-comedogenic, oil and fragrance-free | |
| Full coverage without caking |
Tested on sensitive skin and sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
A blendable, weightless foundation ideal for sensitive, oily skin. Vichy claims the Dermafinish provides high coverage, a natural finish with twice the coverage of a traditional foundation.
It’s a long-wear foundation – with up to 12 hours of wear on its own and 16 hours when worn with a setting powder.
No need to worry about it reacting with your skin – it’s allergy tested, tested on sensitive skin, those with sensitive eyes, and on contact lens wearers. It’s also non-comedogenic, oil and fragrance-free.
The formula contains SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful sun rays. It only comes in 4 shades.
Vichy promises full coverage without caking, making the skin greasy, or drying out the skin.
It conceals redness, acne scars, and pigmentation while still looking natural. It’s formulated with Vichy’s Thermal Spa Water to keep the skin hydrated.
For best results, apply with fingers or a sponge.
Overall most customers like it; it has high-average reviews online.
Most reviewers who say they have oily skin say it works well for them, even those with extremely oily skin.
Look no further than the review from Elizabeth Kennedy, Celebrity Esthetician:
“Dermafinish’s lasting power and comfortable feel are truly impressive. As a celebrity esthetician, I’m constantly on the lookout for high-performing products, and this one has exceeded my expectations.“
Multiple customers with sensitive skin said this foundation didn’t irritate them. A reviewer said she was about to give up on makeup for her sensitive skin before she found this product.
However, one customer is sensitive to SPF and therefore didn’t like this one – that’s something to bear in mind before purchasing this. If you’re sensitive to SPF, try a different foundation instead.
Overall, reviews said it provides excellent coverage and doesn’t look any cakier than other foundations.
Even though it’s non-comedogenic, it can clog pores for some. Some customers said it didn’t blend well on their skin.
The shade range is minimal. The colors are too orange for multiple customers.
If you have oily, sensitive skin, this is a good option. It’s safe for sensitive skin, eyes, and contact lens wearers.
It contains SPF 30, so it’s not a good option for you if you’re sensitive to SPF. The shade range (just four shades available) is very limited.
No products found.
3♥ Best Cream Formula: COVER FX Total Cover Cream Foundation
No products found.- 40 shades
- 0.42 oz
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Great shade range – 40 shades with undertone options | Less product than most the liquid foundations |
| Free from mineral oils, fragrance, talc, parabens, gluten | Pricey |
| Free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates | |
| Full of emollients and antioxidants like vitamins E and C to protect from free radicals | |
| Can also be used as a concealer or contour |
A full-coverage cream foundation that can be used as a concealer or contour
It’s free from mineral oils, fragrance, talc, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and gluten – so you don’t have to worry about irritated skin.
“If full coverage is the name of your foundation game, then this oil-free cream foundation deserves your attention.” writes Dacy Knight, Byrdie Beauty Editor (2).
The ingredients include emollients and antioxidants like vitamins E and C to protect from free radicals.
If you like to cover all imperfections on the skin, this full coverage (32% pigment) foundation is a good option for you. Cover FX claims it’s for all skin types and has a long-wearing natural, radiant finish.
Accidentally buy it in the wrong shade? It can be used for contouring if it’s too dark, and a lighter shade works well as a concealer.
The foundation comes in 40 shades, and you can pick your undertone (pink, neutral, golden, golden plus), so you don’t have to worry about not finding one that matches you.
Overall, customers like the cream, with high-average reviews online.
Many reviewers liked the full coverage; one review said it’s one of the highest coverage foundations they’ve ever used.
Reviewers that mentioned sensitive skin said it works well. One with susceptible skin was impressed that it didn’t break her out.
A lot said it didn’t clog their pores or break them out. However, others did find it clogged their pores. It’s not for everyone.
Unsurprisingly because it comes in 40 shades, most reviews said the color matches their skin well.
Even those with very pale skin said they could find a match. Customers with oily skin said the cream doesn’t grease up on oily skin.
A lot say it feels light even though it’s such high coverage. You can use it as a spot concealer if you find it cakes on you.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a full-coverage cream foundation that will work well on sensitive skin.
It can be used as a concealer or contour if you buy the wrong shade.
It comes in 40 shades, with different undertone options – if you usually find it challenging to find something that matches you, try it.
However, it is expensive and contains half the product in a typical liquid foundation.
No products found.
4♥ Best Budget: Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation
No products found.- 1 fl oz
- 12 colors
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| SPF | SPF, if sensitive, has an SPF-like scent |
| Vegan-friendly ingredients | Many don’t like the unhygienic doe foot applicator |
| Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic | Could have more shades |
| Inexpensive |
An affordable foundation suitable for all skin types with sensitive skin
A drugstore foundation for buildable coverage, it’s cheaper than the other foundations on the list.
In a user review of The Healthy Foundation SPF 20 by Physicians Formula, Megan92 shares her positive experience with the product:
“I got this foundation and it’s really nice and very matte I love the matte foundation I just like how it looks on my skin and how it wears.“
Physicians Formula claims it works for all skin types and provides ultra-blendable, lightweight, breathable coverage.
The Healthy Foundation is vegan, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. Although it’s marketed as ideal for sensitive skin, it does include SPF and has an SPF-like scent.
Even though it’s affordable, it’s still enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. The foundation is infused with Chinese Wu-Zhu-Yu Extract and Hyaluronic Acid to brighten hydrate and even the skin tone.
No products found.Overall most customers seem to like it, with high-average reviews online.
Most customers mentioned they have sensitive skin like it. One customer said it’s their all-time favorite, holy grail foundation.
Many reviews say it works well for their mature skin. Customers of all skin types like it, even those with dry or oily skin.
Even though it’s non-comedogenic, a few customers said it settles into their pores.
In terms of coverage, generally, reviews say it provides good coverage but is not as natural looking as they suggest.
A common complaint is the packaging – the doe foot applicator is not the most hygienic for a foundation. Others don’t like the SPF smell.
If you’re on a budget, this is a good option for sensitive skin of all skin types. If you react to SPF or SPF fragrance, give this one a miss.
The foundation is vegan-friendly, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, and hypoallergenic. The doe foot applicator isn’t the most hygienic.
No products found.
5♥ Best Airbrush: TRU Airbrush Makeup Kit
No products found.- Inventory: 3-speed Airbrush compressor with AC adapter, single action stainless steel stylus, 3 mineral foundations (1/2 ounce each), 1 mineral blush (1/2 ounce), carrying case.
- Available in fair, light/medium, and dark.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Mineral and water-based | The kit only comes with 3 foundation colors |
| Made in the USA | Doesn’t have as high reviews as others on this list |
| Paraben, silicone, talc, oil, alcohol, gluten, and fragrance-free. | |
| The natural ingredients are suitable for sensitive skin | |
| Long-wearing due to added soy protein | |
| It’s possible to mix different colors of the foundation | |
| TRU has a color-match guarantee | |
| One-year warranty on compressor and airbrush stylus |
An airbrush system kit specially designed for sensitive skin
Because you have sensitive skin, it doesn’t mean you must stick to a standard foundation. An airbrush foundation is a great way to go if you want to try something new.
A pharmacist formulated TRU with the explicit intention of developing an airbrush kit suitable for sensitive skin.
The founder wanted to provide airbrush makeup that wouldn’t cause breakouts or flare-ups for those that suffer from sensitive skin.
It’s a relatively basic airbrush system kit. It doesn’t include much (only 3 foundations and one blush) but is less expensive than other airbrush system kits.
With a matte finish, the high-quality ingredient formula covers imperfections
The foundation is made from high-quality ingredients, including natural preservatives and minerals. The matte finish works well with any skin type.
Just because it’s designed for sensitive skin doesn’t mean they’ve skimped on the coverage.
Tru claims the mineral foundation can cover acne, redness, large pores, birthmarks, scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin.
Ideal for mature skin, too – the foundation conceals wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Formulated in the US, without harsh ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin
The airbrush makeup is free from fragrance, alcohol, oil, talc, silicone, and paraben – ingredients that can commonly irritate sensitive skin.
The formula contains soy protein that helps the makeup wear longer on the skin – up to 18 hours.
Although set-up times and cleaning can take longer with airbrush makeup, the application only takes 2 minutes – good if you’re in a hurry in the morning.
Worried about getting the right shade? Tru provides a color match guarantee for peace of mind. No more orange face, white neck, or looking like a ghost!
The reviews aren’t as good as others on this list, but the reviews are still relatively good for an airbrush kit.
Here is a review from user Megan Urban that summarizes the product well:
“I have been using TRU makeup now for a little over 2 months now. I will be honest – at first, there was a learning curve. But, after several attempts, I now have a great routine and truly love how great my skin looks after using it.”
Great for sensitive skin, but contains some unnatural ingredients
Multiple customers with sensitive skin said they didn’t experience any irritation.
Although the ingredients are advertised as natural, one customer said she was unimpressed that the ingredients list includes propylene glycol and acrylates copolymer.
Even though it’s advertised as long-wearing (with added soy protein), some customers said it could sweat off easily or wipe away in the rain.
The airbrush system is surprisingly easy to use
Some reviewers said they put other airbrush makeup in the gun, which worked well (this can void the warranty – be aware!).
Many, even beginners, said it was surprisingly easy to use the airbrush system. Others noted they liked that the videos provided detailed instructions.
The airbrush gun can be faulty, but there’s a warranty, and customers are impressed with the excellent customer service.
This is a good option if you’re interested in trying airbrush makeup. The airbrush makeup is formulated for sensitive skin, and the kit contains blush – so it’s not just the foundation.
It doesn’t come in many colors, so matching your shade may be difficult. The reviews aren’t as high as the other products on this list, but it’s still highly reviewed for an airbrush kit.
No products found.
3 Helpful Tips for Taking Care of your Sensitive Skin
Finding the best foundation for sensitive skin can be tricky. But consulting experts make this a walk in the park:
“Nothing against eye shadow or lipstick, but it’s really foundation that is the backbone of any makeup look—whether you’re going for subtle and natural or for high-impact drama” writes Byrdie’s Beauty writer and expert Melanie Rudd [3].
If you have sensitive skin, it’s crucial to take extra care when applying makeup, especially regarding the foundation.
Here are some tips to help you achieve a flawless makeup look while caring for sensitive skin.
Tip 1: Prepping the skin before applying foundation
Prepping your skin is essential to create a smooth, even base for your foundation.
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritation. Follow up with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin.
Applying a primer can also help create a smooth base for your foundation, extending the wear time of your makeup.
Tip 2: Choosing the right tools and techniques for the application
Choosing the right tools and techniques for foundation application can significantly affect the outcome.
Use a brush or sponge to apply foundation, and avoid using your fingers to prevent bacteria from transferring to your face.
Look for a medium-coverage foundation with clean ingredients that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic to avoid irritation or breakouts.
If you have mature skin, choose a dewy finish foundation to give your skin a youthful glow.
Tip 3: Post-foundation care and maintenance
After applying foundation, it’s important to take care of your skin to prevent any irritation or breakouts.
Use a clean makeup brush or sponge to remove any excess product, and avoid touching your face throughout the day to prevent the transfer of bacteria and contamination [4].
Choose a powder foundation if you have acne-prone skin to prevent any further breakouts.
If you’re a makeup artist or are looking for recommendations, consider checking out reviews and comparisons by celebrity makeup artists to find the perfect match for your skin.
For a more visual look into treating sensitive skin, you can consult this informative video:
♥ Which Foundation Is Best For Me?
- Suppose you have dry, sensitive skin HourglassVeil Foundation is a good option. It’s oil-free, vegan, and parabens, sulfates, and phthalates-free. It also contains anti-aging ingredients.
- The shade range is poor, though, and it doesn’t cover pores.
- Oily, sensitive skin? Check out Vichy Dermafinish Liquid Foundation
- Maybe you’re after a full coverage formula?COVER FXTotal Cover Cream Foundation provides high coverage on sensitive skin. It can also multitask as a concealer or contour (in a darker shade).
- The shade range is broad – 40 shades and various undertone options. It is expensive and contains half the foundation in a normal liquid foundation.
- If you’re on a budget, check out physicians Formula‘s The Healthy Foundation
- Looking to try something new? Airbrush makeup is a great way to inject fun into your makeup routine.is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It comes with not just foundation, but also a blush. However, the shade ranges are limited, so you may not be able to get a match. TRU AirbrushMakeup Kit
FAQs
1. How do I know if a foundation suits my sensitive skin?
2. Are these foundations long-wearing?
3. Can these foundations cover up blemishes and redness?
The foundations provide varying degrees of coverage, from sheer to medium, to conceal blemishes and redness without irritating sensitive skin.
Conclusion
finding the best foundation for sensitive skin can be a daunting task.
It’s important to consider your skin’s unique needs and preferences, such as the level of coverage, finish, and ingredients.
By researching, reading reviews, and testing different products, you can find the perfect foundation that provides flawless coverage and cares for your skin’s health.
Remember to look for products with clean ingredients and hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formulas.
Also, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist or makeup artist for recommendations.
With the proper foundation, you can achieve a beautiful makeup look that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
