Makeup Routine For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs extra care, especially when it comes to makeup. The wrong products or application steps can cause redness, irritation, dryness, breakouts or a burning sensation on the skin. 

A good makeup routine for sensitive skin focuses on preparing the skin properly, choosing lightweight and non-irritating products and removing makeup carefully at the end of the day. With the right steps and suitable formulas, you can enjoy a smooth and fresh makeup look without compromising your skin’s comfort.  

For optimal dry skin care, choose moisturizing non-comedogenic products that won't clog your pores - such as cleansers that also moisturize or cleansing balms. Avoid harsh cleansers that may leave your face irritated and take extra care when exfoliating to not rub too aggressively against it - too much scrubbing can damage lashes and skin alike, potentially weakening them further.

Skin Preparation

Though it can be tempting to cover texture and redness with heavy makeup layers, doing so only magnifies existing breakouts or scarring. Instead, try starting with a gentle cleansing formula like balm cleanser, oil based cleanser or cream based cleansers intended for sensitive skin as a first step. Opt for a mineral based primer that won't clog pores. Finally, use only a thin layer of foundation to even out your skin tone and cover any breakouts effectively. 

Remember to always remove makeup thoroughly before sleeping, any residue left can trap oil, bacteria and dead skin cells overnight that lead to acne outbreaks.

Gentle Cleanser

As frequent face washing can damage the protective barrier of your skin, choose gentle cleansers that do not contain harsh rubbing, natural oil stripping or drying ingredients. These hydrating cleansers gently remove makeup, dirt and impurities without producing an aggressive lather and are packed with ceramides, soothing agents and green tea extract for extra radiance and health benefits. Cleanse your face with water, then apply cleansing cream or gel. Gently massage into the skin until complete cleansing has occurred, then rinse well to complete this step.

Moisturizer

 Moisturizer helps restore moisture back into your dry skin and can make makeup applications smooth. Look for moisturizers containing humectants such as glycerin to absorb and retain moisture for an aesthetically pleasing smooth surface. Ointments offer the maximum in terms of moisture-locking protection for dry skin types. Look for fragrance-free formulas with soothing ingredients for optimal hydration and protection. For oily or acne-prone skin, select lightweight gels with non-comedogenic formulations that won't clog your pores, such as those containing humectants like hyaluronic acid and oil-free ceramides.

Sunscreen Protection

Be sure to protect your face with a broad spectrum sunscreen that is designed specifically for face use, which offers a natural looking yet lightweight feel, without clogging pores. There are quality brands in the market designed to offer just this level of coverage. 

A sunscreen should contain both chemical and mineral filters for maximum effectiveness. Chemical sun filters typically include ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate and octocrylene while physical (also referred to as mineral) sunscreens typically include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Always use the 2 finger method in applying sunscreen and it is highly recommended to find a foundation product with sun protection already in it much like Radiance MD Serum Foundation which includes SPF 30 PA++

Primer

Face primer provides a smooth surface for makeup to adhere to and can also even out skin tone, conceal blemishes and pores, prolong its wear time and help avoid fading or smudging during the day. Choose a primer formulated with skincare ingredients, such as Beauty blender’s Firming & Smoothing Peptide + Ceramide Primer which features skin-nourishing peptides and ceramides or check out No7's Very Glowy or Very Mattifying Primer which are both packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid for moisture and shine controlling niacinamide to keep excessive oily shine at bay. Some primers offer additional glow-enhancing benefits or cover imperfections to create an elegantly natural radiant skin complexion. Just be sure to apply your primer after finishing up with the skincare routine and before applying other makeup products.

Foundation

Natural makeup looks are achieved by not covering too much of the skin; this doesn't mean forgoing foundation altogether, however instead you can choose products to help even out skin tone and texture of your facial features while maintaining an effortless, natural clean aesthetic. 

Foundation can cling to dry spots so first moisturize your face to ensure an even surface before applying foundation. Ideally opt for formulas with tone-adaptive iron oxide pigments that bloom into bloom with every touch such as Dior Hydra Life Pro Youth Skin Tint SPF 20! You can also try our RadianceMD Serum Foundation which is very lightweight, suitable for sensitive and acne prone skin and includes SPF 30 PA++.

Concealer

Select a lightweight and easily blendable concealer to help achieve a natural-looking complexion which does not crease under the eyes. Apply over blemishes, redness and dark spots using a soft dotting motion. Avoid patting hard as this will only draw attention to the area and make it seem even more apparent. 

Colour correcting with concealer before foundation can help even out skin tone and reduce dark spots. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your natural skin tone to brighten, or one or two darker for highlighting, then blend using either a brush, sponge or your fingers to complete. You can try out our RadianceMD coverup concealer which includes SPF 30 and peptides.

Lip makeup

Gently exfoliate dry lips and apply a hydrating lip balm or chapstick. Let it absorb before outlining your lip shape with a lip liner. Lightly fill in the lips to help the colour last long. Apply lipstick and clean the edges with a concealer, blot excess product and finish with lip gloss or lip oil for shine. Avoid applying makeup on cracked or irritated lips. You can check out our RadianceMD Lip colors that offer a glossy non-sticky finish, infused with nourishing lip oils for hydration and also includes additional SPF.

Makeup Removal

Relying solely on makeup wipes to remove makeup can be a serious mistake, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. For optimal skin health, try switching up your routine with cleansing balm to gently and thoroughly cleanse skin before bed.

Shop dermatologist-formulated and tested makeup products made for sensitive skin by RadianceMD who has direct oversight by Dr Shumaila khan over its formulations and let your glow feel as good as it looks!