Makeup for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin does not mean settling for makeup that looks like nothing.

Everything here is made without talc, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic fragrance, parabens or fillers, which between them cause most of the reactions people write to me about. Samples are $3 if you would rather try before you commit, and there is more below on how to choose.

Choosing well

What actually makes makeup gentle

It is mostly about what is left out

1 of 3

It is mostly about what is left out

Talc, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic fragrance, parabens and fillers account for the overwhelming majority of the reactions people write to me about. None of them are in anything here. Synthetic fragrance in particular is the single most common irritant in cosmetics, and it sits in almost every mainstream foundation on the shelf, usually listed as one word covering dozens of undeclared compounds.

Why mineral pigment behaves differently on reactive skin

2 of 3

Why mineral pigment behaves differently on reactive skin

Conventional foundation forms a film across the surface, which is why so many people find it suits them for an hour and then does not. Finely milled mineral pigment sits with the skin rather than sealing it, so coverage builds gently and your barrier carries on doing its job underneath. The zinc and titanium doing the covering are the same minerals used in calming products, which is why redness tends to settle rather than flare.

Patch test, and start with a sample

3 of 3

Patch test, and start with a sample

If your skin has reacted before it will react to something again eventually, and no range can honestly promise otherwise. What I can do is make it cheap to find out. Samples are $3, and a couple of days on your inner arm or jawline tells you more than any ingredient list will. If you would rather just ask, send me a selfie in daylight and I will match your shade myself.

Good to know

More on sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is not a personality flaw and it does not mean settling for makeup that looks like nothing. It usually means your skin has told you, loudly, which ingredients it will not tolerate, and that most ranges were never formulated with you in mind.

Everything here is made without talc, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic fragrance, parabens and fillers, which between them account for most of the reactions people describe to us. The pigments are finely milled minerals, so coverage builds gently rather than sitting heavily, and the whole range is non comedogenic and vegan.

If you are starting from scratch, the Liquid Mineral Foundation suits drier and easily upset skin, and the Mineral Foundation Powder has SPF 20+ built in and is lovely on warmer days. Both build from sheer to full.

Cher formulates this range because her own skin reacts to almost everything, and every order is packed and posted from the Sunshine Coast. If you are mid flare, patch test first, as you would with anything new.

For a gentle routine underneath, see the Natural Skincare collection, or read the full guide to choosing a foundation for sensitive skin.

Frequently asked

What makes makeup suitable for sensitive skin? Mostly what is left out. Synthetic fragrance is the single most common irritant, followed by talc, bismuth oxychloride and certain preservatives. Short ingredient lists and finely milled mineral pigments are far easier for reactive skin to tolerate than heavily fragranced conventional formulas.

Can mineral makeup still irritate sensitive skin? Any product can, which is why we recommend patch testing on your inner arm or jawline for a couple of days before wearing anything new on a full face. Bismuth oxychloride is the mineral ingredient most often blamed for itching, and there is none in this range.

Is mineral foundation good for rosacea and redness? Generally yes, because there is no fragrance or alcohol to aggravate flushing, and the zinc and titanium in mineral formulas are naturally calming. Have a look at the rosacea and redness edit.

Should I try a sample first? Please do. Samples are $3, which is a much easier way to find out how your skin feels about something than committing to a full size. Free shade matching is also there if you would rather ask.

Is this makeup fragrance free? Yes. No synthetic fragrance is added to any product in the range.

Recently Viewed