We’ve got good news. Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean missing out on foundation. It just means looking for foundations for sensitive skin that skip unnecessary fragrance and oils. And you don’t have to look very hard.
The quest for a luminous, even-toned complexion is actually possible thanks to today’s easy-on-the-face formulas. Their ultra gentle recipes rely on moisturizing and soothing ingredients like aloe, shea butter and supercharged water to prevent your skin from freaking out. They cover imperfections just like other foundations. But they do so without irritation or redness, which tend to draw even more attention to those problem areas. Which kind of defeats the whole purpose of foundation in the first place. Plus, they’re lightweight so you can start wearing them right now.
All you delicate-faced folks can rejoice because we did the work for you. We went ahead and rounded up the five best foundations for sensitive skin. (We’re pretty picky so you know we only selected the finest options out there.) From a spray-on option to a serum featuring pigment plus skin-loving ingredients, these foundations won’t upset your delicate complexion. And you’ll clearly notice a difference. We promise. See which ones made the cut in the slideshow below.
best foundations for sensitive skin
-
Chantecaille
Future Skin Gel Foundation, $78 at Nordstrom
This gel foundation boasts 60 percent charged water along with aloe, chamomile and arnica. So it not only covers imperfections, it actually calms and soothes even the most sensitive skin.
-
Dior
Airflash Spray Foundation, $62 at Sephora
This ultra light formula delivers a flawless airbrush effect without the heaviness. It's also made with light-diffusing pigments for a lit-from-within glow.
-
Dior
Airflash Spray Foundation, $62 at Sephora
This ultra light formula delivers a flawless airbrush effect without the heaviness. It's also made with light-diffusing pigments for a lit-from-within glow.
-
Jane Iredale
Liquid Minerals A Foundation, $55 at Ulta Beauty
This pick is technically a tinted serum so it’s kinder to easily irritated complexions. On top of its sheer to medium coverage, it hydrates, minimizes the appearance of everything from pores to fine lines and wrinkles as well as evens out skin tone.
-
RMS Beauty
"Un" Cover-Up, $36 at RMS Beauty
This certified organic formula is packed with the simplest and most straightforward ingredients, making it the perfect cover-up for those with extremely sensitive skin.
-
Koh Gen Do
Aqua Foundation, $77 at Sephora
A featherweight formula that really lasts? Yes, please. It’s also sweat- and oil-resistant plus provides a natural-looking, luminous finish.
-
best foundations for sensitive skin #7
This oil, paraben and fragrance-free foundation is packed with botanical properties like vitamin A and olive leaf extract to nourish sensitive skin types.
LORAC Natural Performance Foundation, $36 at LORAC Cosmetics
-
Bourjois
Fond de Teint Healthy Mix Extension Serum Foundation, $14.95 at Amazon
This product is a cult favorite thanks to its light, noncomedogenic, serum-like formulation that won't set into wrinkles or fine lines.
-
best foundations for sensitive skin #9
This 70 percent organic formula (the other 30 percent is natural mineral pigments) is made with an infusion of frankincense, tulsi and lotus to soothe, provide antioxidant benefits and calm, respectively.
Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Luminous Foundation, $42 at DermStore
