Worried how applying make-up will affect your sensitive skin? Here we reveal our top tips for safely applying make-up to delicate complexions.
The sensitive skin make-up kit
Shopping for make-up for sensitive skin can be daunting. The following are our favourite picks for a make-up kit for sensitive skin:
Make-up tips for sensitive skin
1) CLEANSE YOUR COMPLEXION
Make-up should only be applied to clean skin. Soothe the skin by applying our scent and ethyl alcohol-free cleanser to the skin using small circular motions. Remove the cleanser with warm water or cotton wool and then prime the skin for make-up with our unscented face cream.
Try to avoid using face wipes. Whilst convenient to use, these can contain skin-drying alcohol which can have a drying effect, and also acts as a solvent, enabling otherwise inactive substances to cross the skin/blood barrier and enter the body.
2) TEST FOR ALLERGY TRIGGERS
Cosmetics can contain a concoction of synthetic chemicals that may trigger an allergy in sensitive skin. If you know you have an allergy to an ingredient be sure to carefully read the label to check for allergens such as artificial fragrances, bismuth oxychloride, ethyl alcohol, silicone and parabens.
Our skin changes with age and with the seasons so new allergies may develop when you least expect it. To help avoid an unexpected reaction, opt for organic mineral make-up for sensitive skin and always patch test new products before applying them to the skin.
If your skin experiences a reaction to a cosmetic you should stop using the product immediately. For further advice on what to do if your skin experiences a reaction be sure to read our guide to managing allergies in sensitive skin.
3) PROTECT YOUR PORES
It can be tempting to cover red and inflamed skin with heavy, pore-clogging foundations but, if you have sensitive skin, it’s important that you don’t block your pores and risk further irritation.
Before applying a foundation cover any imperfections with an antibacterial concealer. Look for products packed with Omega-3&6 as these will encourage a clear complexion.
When choosing a foundation opt for a colour corrector made without pore-clogging silicones, such as an Age Defy+ Tinted ‘DD’ Moisturiser. Gently blend this into the skin then, for a flawless finish, dust a pressed mineral powder over the T-zone.
For best results use a cruelty-free kabuki brush which feels super soft on skin. Swirl brush head twice around outer edge of the powder, buffing up the minerals, and tap off any excess powder before applying your powder.
4) DON’T SPARE YOUR BLUSHES
Whilst applying bold rouge blushers to the cheeks can exacerbate redness on the skin, applying a small amount of well-blended blusher to your cheeks can prevent the skin looking dull.
5) SOOTHE SENSITIVE EYES
Our eyelashes help prevent toxins from entering the eye but did you know that some mascaras can contain synthetic ingredients that flake off and irritate the eyes?
Waterproof mascaras can be particularly bad for sensitive eyes. This is because they require more effort to remove and this can cause damage to delicate lashes.
To avoid this, use our natural, non-irritating water-resistant mascara. Made with vitamin E and plant oils this gentle mascara nourishes lashes from the root and gives long-lasting definition.
Avoid applying eyeliner as lining the rim of your eyes with make-up can cause them to feel sore and irritated. Instead achieve a smokey eye look by sweeping a talc-free, non-irritating eyeshadow over the eyelids.
Apply the lightest colour first, ensuring you cover the whole lid up to the eyebrow. Then apply the darker colour to the outer corner of your eye and blend the two tones.
Volumising Mascara - Black 7ml
Get gorgeous lashes day or night with this natural mascara in black. Great for sensitive eyes!
WHAT’S YOUR TOP MAKE-UP TIP FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? Join the conversation at @GreenPeopleUK.
