Makeup
Foundations for Sensitive Skin

The Best Foundations for Sensitive Skin

By Rebecca Jenkinson - 3 years ago | Updated 1 month ago

Finding the best foundation is hard enough, let alone when you struggle with sensitive, red or irritated skin. This throws everything else up in the air and can be a downright pain when searching for makeup bag essentials.

However, never fear as the Cosmetify beauty queens are here to save the day. We’ve rounded up all our favourite formulas for sensitive complexions. Plus, we’ve categorised them so you can find the best coverage and price point, as well search by specific skin concerns.

A few top tips before we start:

What works for one person may not work for you, so it’s all about trial and error
Look out for hypoallergenic formulas as these have as little allergens as possible
Dermatologically tested foundations are also a good choice as these have undergone tolerance trials to make sure they are kind to the skin
ALWAYS patch test any new products before you use them to check they are compatible with your specific skin type

Now, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the best foundations for your sensitive skin.

Best powder foundation for sensitive skin

bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15

£16.93 £29.00 (42% off)

This skin-loving formula from bareMinerals is a great powder option for sensitive skin types. It easily buffs into the skin with a kabuki brush and gives you a sheer wash of colour with a luminous, soft-focus finish that reduces the appearance of blemishes. You could even fall asleep in this foundation without causing a breakout, though for your pillowcase's sake we wouldn't recommend it.

Best full coverage foundations for sensitive skin

Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Satin Silk Longwear Foundation

£28.27

Build this comfy and lightweight foundation up to full coverage, infusing your skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide and centella asiatica for a whole host of benefits, from antioxidant protection to collagen production. It's also sweat-resistant with a soft matte finish that looks flawless and airbrushed without feeling heavy.

Best sheer coverage foundation for sensitive skin

Kevyn Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint

£38.01

Want something a little lighter? Take a look at this sheer foundation, which not only gives you natural-looking coverage and the youthful glow of light-diffusing particles, but nourishes the skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, butterfly bush extract and wu-zhu-yu fruit extract.

Best luxury foundation for sensitive skin

Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation

£48.63 £57.60 (16% off)

We love splurging on makeup essentials that will stand the test of time, especially when it comes to finding the perfect foundation for our sensitive complexions. This luxury option from Kevyn Aucoin boasts a dermatologically tested formula enriched with vitamin E, jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid to give you a youthful, plump look. Plus, the medium-to-full coverage formula gives you a healthy glow with pearlescent pigments, hiding dark spots and other imperfections at the same time.

Best affordable foundation for sensitive skin

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

£7.04

But you don’t always have to break the bank to find a fabulous formula. This purse-friendly, cult-favourite option from The Ordinary is an ideal solution for beauty lovers who want a semi-matte finish. It’s suitable for all skin types and has a diverse array of shades from fair to deep. Plus, it’s free from parabens, alcohol, and gluten.

Best foundation for rosacea

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

£23.60 £41.81 (44% off)

Infused in this matte, weightless foundation is a range of ground-breaking skincare tech great for your sensitive skin: Magic Mosscelltec provides intense hydration, AirCool cools the skin and C.T. Defence protects the skin from pollutants.

Best foundation for acne

Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF 15

£22.30 £34.50 (36% off)

Blemishes can be a pain, especially when paired with sensitivities. However, thisnon-acnegenic, dermatologist-developed foundation won't cause breakouts, and even has vitamin C to heal blemishes and hyperpigmentation for glowing results. The addition of SPF15 also adds extra protection from dark spots caused by sun damage!

Best foundation for dry sensitive skin

Dr Hauschka Foundation

£16.99 £23.85 (29% off)

Sensitivities and dryness combined is a big no go. But this hydrating skin tint is a great way to soothe dryness with its mixture of coconut oil and botanical extracts. Blend across the skin with a beauty sponge for a natural, radiant coverage.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation

£6.64

The The Ordinary Serum Foundation is a classic formula everyone knows and loves. It has a serum-based formulation which feels super lightweight on the skin and blends effortlessly for a buildable coverage. It’s also oil-free so we know it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

Best foundation for oily sensitive skin

Bobbi Brown Skin Long Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15

£28.75 £42.00 (32% off)

This Bobbi Brown dermatologically tested formula has a natural matte finish that feels super comfortable on oily skin, minimising oil with sugar cane and mineral powders while also concealing redness and discolouration.

Best foundation for sensitive combination skin

NARS Cosmetics Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

£37.25 £39.00 (5% off)

Combination skin is a tricky one, but NARS' long-wearing foundation juggles a lightweight, breathable formula for your oilier areas and a nourishing blend of raspberry, apple and watermelon for blemish-prone areas or uneven texture.

Best foundation for dull sensitive skin

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer

£23.62 £37.50 (38% off)

Tired, lacklustre and sensitive complexion? No problem, the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer is exactly what you need. Again, it’s dermatologically tested and is free from fragrances which may irritate your skin. It also contains light-reflecting particles which helps perk up your skin and gives you a radiant glow all day long.

There you have it – all the best foundations for sensitive skin. Have you added any to your wish list yet? Why not also take a look at our face powders, primers and setting sprays while you're here?

For more makeup tips for sensitive-prone skin take a look at The Best Hypoallergenic Makeup for Hay Fever Sufferers, and The Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes.

Written by Rebecca Jenkinson

Rebecca is a content writer with over three years’ experience and a keen interest in cosmetics. Cosmetify allows her to combine her blogging skills with her passion for beauty.