If you have sensitive skin, chances are you're on a first-name basis with the ingredient label of just about every beauty product you own, making sure all your daily go-tos are free of any irritants that could set off your sensitivities.
When it comes to foundation, this particular skin type may sometimes struggle to find a formula that plays nice with their complexion. The good news is, there are many foundation formulas out there that are designed specifically for sensitive skin types. As you review potential new formulas, be sure to keep an eye out for common irritants like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. If a foundation is labeled as hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, or dermatologist-tested, it may also be an indication that it's a good pick.
Ready to discover a few of the best foundations for sensitive skin? We've highlighted 10 of our top picks below—seven of which have rave reviews from Ipsters who received them in past Glam Bags.
1. Best for Oily Skin:
TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
In this oil-free formula, Amazonian clay expertly helps to balance out the complexion and absorb excess oil production for up to 12 hours. This key ingredient also gives the full-coverage formula a super creamy texture as well as a matte finish that quickly evens out skin tone, conceals large pores, and minimizes redness and irritation.
"Excellent coverage, and great feel on my skin," writes Ipster goofyleen. Another adds, "Great foundation. Goes on smooth, looks natural, lasts all day!"
2. Best Foundation for Glowy Skin:
IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer™ with SPF 50+
This versatile foundation will be the hardest working product in your makeup kit. The innovative formula features both the lightweight texture and breathability of a tinted moisturizer while also offering coverage high enough to fully conceal redness, large pores, dark spots, and fine lines. It even includes SPF 50+ sunscreen, special technology that helps the pigments glide over fine lines without creasing, and diamond powder to give the complexion an effortless glow.
One Ipster says, “This was one of my favorite products. It’s very lightweight, a little goes a long way….It lasted throughout the day and it made my skin look clean. This is a must-have.”
3. Best Mineral Foundation:
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
For those with sensitive skin, a foundation made using natural mineral-based pigments is often a good way to steer clear of potential irritations. This clean formula from ILIA fuses skincare, mineral-based makeup, and sun protection into one easy step. While the natural pigments subtly smooth and even out the skin tone, a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide hydrate the skin and help to soften fine lines and imperfections. With a soft dewy finish, this mineral foundation is proof that a clean formula really can do it all.
4. Best for Dry Skin:
JOSIE MARAN Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid
For those with skin that's both sensitive dryness prone, products that feature argan oil can often be a great fit for your skin type. The non-comedogenic oil is moisturizing, balancing, and includes both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe a number of different inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. This liquid foundation uses the versatile oil as its base, pairing it with sheer pigments for light, glowing coverage that's perfect for days when you're looking for a subtle smoothing boost and a whole lot of nourishment.
Ipster emily9392 says, “My favorite foundation I have ever experienced! I have bought it again and again! Great coverage and dewiness,” Another Ipster says, “Loved this foundation. It was a perfect match to my skin tone and didn't dry out my skin.”
5. Best for Mature Skin:
YENSA Skin on Skin BC Foundation
This buildable, age-defying formula features a unique, antioxidant blend that combines eight natural ingredients which work together to promote a brighter, more even skin tone while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines. To further protect the skin from signs of premature aging, this foundation also offers your daily dose of SPF 40. With its delightfully creamy texture and quick full coverage, this multitasker offers an anti-aging skincare treatment and everyday makeup all in one.
"Everything about this has been perfect. It's very blendable and light and stays on all day long, even without primer. I love how my skin feels like it can still breathe," one Ipster says.
6. Best Drugstore Foundation for Sensitive Skin:
NEUTROGENA Mineral Sheers Compact Powder Foundation
This convenient, oil-free pressed powder contains a combination of dermatologist-approved gentle minerals and antioxidants perfect for sensitive skin types. It's fragrance-free, talc-free, and features a super soft blendable texture that buffs out to create a soft, smooth, radiant complexion. Use this during the summer when your go-to liquid formulas might melt right off or if you have oil-prone skin that tends to prefer absorbent, powder-based formulas.
7. Best Longwear Foundation:
SMASHBOX COSMETICS Studio Skin 24 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
Looking for a foundation that can stay locked in place all day long without clogging pores or causing irritation? This 24-hour non-comedogenic full-coverage foundation was designed to do just that. Kaolin clay and bamboo powder gently control oil and shine while hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and light-scattering spheres smooth and refine skin. The formula also features flexible, breathable polymers that move with your skin throughout the day so it always feels super comfortable to wear.
For one Ipster, this foundation ticked all the boxes. She writes, "Provides a lot of coverage with a small amount and helped even out my skin tone. It felt lightweight and not greasy."
8. Best Foundation for Buildable Coverage:
TOUCH IN SOL Advanced Real Moisture Liquid Foundation SPF 30 PA ++
If you tend to switch up how much coverage you apply from day to day, this buildable foundation allows you to easily toggle between full coverage, medium coverage, and something more on the sheer side. Packed with hydration, your daily dose of sun protection, and a super blendable texture, it truly hits all the marks for a gentle, trusty formula you can use every day with ease.
"This foundation is perfect. Just enough coverage without applying a lot of product. Good for my sensitive skin," says one Ipster.
9. Best Natural Finish Foundation:
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Liquid Foundation
Performance meets subtlety in this bestselling formula. With a weightless texture and adaptive pigments that expertly adjust to your unique skin tone, it quickly and effectively provides just the right amount of customizable coverage. However, it also manages to leave behind a finish so natural you may mistake it for your natural skin. If you tend to prefer a polished no-makeup makeup look, it'll be hard to find a foundation that suits the look better than this trusted formula.
Ipster nerds8500 says it “requires so little product to cover my entire face and matches my skin tone perfectly. I can hardly even tell when I'm wearing it, my skin just looks like better skin. Another Ipster agrees: “So light and looks really natural on my face.”
10. Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
BAREMINERALS Blemish Rescue™ Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation
If you have sensitive acne-prone skin, keeping your skin clear while also using foundation regularly can be a double-edged sword. This mineral powder from BAREMINERALS is a great option if you're looking to actively fight breakouts while also concealing them with makeup. The loose powder comes infused with a touch of salicylic acid, a BHA that unclogs pores and tame irritation. It also features oat protein, to keep the skin soothed and nourished.
Want to discover all the best beauty products for your skin type? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
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