It’s often said that you can’t fully comprehend anything until you’ve gone through it yourself, and I can attest to that. Only recently, after writing about beauty for almost ten years, have I realized how difficult it may be to locate cosmetics that won’t aggravate sensitive skin.
I had to deal with eczema for the first time in my life earlier this summer. My dermatologist recently determined that I have seborrheic dermatitis, which is the cause of the persistent, flaky areas around my forehead and the abrupt, elevated, rough patches on my cheeks and eyelids. Enjoyable.
I switched from using a variety of serums and creams to a very simple routine that is so uninteresting that it fits in with my white medicine cabinet. This also applies to my makeup and hair products, which we will discuss next.
I got the opportunity to talk to Allan Avendaño, a celebrity makeup artist who works with Addison Rae, Vanessa Hudgens, and Sarah Hyland, among others, after another flare-up. Allan is also very familiar with the challenges of navigating the beauty aisles with a skin condition; he has had plaque psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease that manifests on the skin’s surface as raised, red, itchy patches, since he was a child. This is why I was particularly excited to speak with him, even though I have long admired his work on Instagram.
Here are some of the key takeaways I learned from our convo.
Look out for fragrances
Fragrances are among the worst offenders when it comes to irritating people. (You should also be on the lookout for alcohol, formaldehydes, and parabens.) The majority of cosmetic products contain fragrance, therefore you should carefully check the ingredient lists to make sure it’s not hiding there.
Moisture is good
Conversely, you want to include ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid in your products. Because dry skin is more prone to inflammation, these hydrating substances help attract and retain moisture.
So, before you proceed with any makeup, always make sure to gently cleanse (never scrub) your face and follow up with a layer of moisturizer to prep your skin.
Do a patch test
Finally, patch testing new products before committing to a whole face is always a smart idea if you have sensitive skin or skin disorders like psoriasis or eczema.
Try a tiny bit of your new foundation or blush on the inside of your wrist to see how your skin responds to the mixture. Your face will probably become irritated if it irritates your wrist in any way. You can move forward if there is no response.
1. Eltamd Uv Glow Tinted Broad-spectrum Spf 36
Okay, so this isn’t makeup per se, but sunscreen is essential, and this dermatologist-recommended solution contains enough hue to even out your skin’s reddest spots. It also leaves a faint sheen and is incredibly hydrating. Most significantly, because of its zinc oxide-based and fragrance-free nature, it doesn’t cause a reaction. (Note: For those of us with sensitive skin, physical sunscreens usually work better.)
2. Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
I’ll dab a tiny bit of this creamy stick wherever it’s needed on days when I want a bit additional coverage, whether it’s under my eyes or over any splotches. Blending the mixture is simple, and it quickly covers discolored spots to give the appearance of a more equal finish. It is currently offered in 20 hues and is made in accordance with the strictest EU standards, removing any chemicals like artificial smell that could cause inflammation.
3. Tower28 Beauty Beachplease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush
I hoped this would be safe for me to use because of the motto, “Designed for sensitive skin, made for all.” Fortunately, it passed the patch test, so I’ve had no problems using this buttery blush. The results are always natural-looking, and the six shades can be built up or sheered out to your preferred degree of color.
4. Rms Living Luminizer
Because of the subtle, never-sparkly shine it gives your skin, this highlighter has garnered numerous accolades over the years and gained a following among celebrities. Castor seed and coconut oil make up the majority of the product’s simplified ingredient list, so you may apply it to your skin without worrying about irritating it.
5. Tarte Tartelette 2 In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette
I was thrilled when this palette passed my patch test because I have eyelid dermatitis, which makes it difficult to use most eyeshadows. It turns out that Tarte offers a lot of mineral-based cosmetics, which are frequently suggested for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, Amazonian clay is added to each of the palette’s 12 tones to improve their color payoff and give them a creamier consistency. You may effortlessly create diverse looks to meet every event with colors ranging from warm taupe to chestnut brown (and many shades of bronze, tan, and peach in between).
6. Minori Lip Gloss
Additionally, I’ve been using Minori’s buttery lip gloss as a final touch. I find that I wear “Juneberry,” a cool pink with a hint of sparkle, the most out of the four universally flattering tints. The gloss itself doesn’t leave any flake behind and feels smooth and nourishing on your lips.
