Celebs With Sensitive Skin Love These Foundations, According to Makeup Artists

If you, like me, have always wondered how to select makeup products that don't result in irritation or breakouts, all you need to do is look to the experts. Why put yourself through discomfort to pull off your favorite makeup looks? Whether you opt for a full-beat face or quick-and-easy everyday makeup, knowing the best foundations and how to use them can completely transform your approach to makeup.

Makeup artist and KVD Beauty global artistry ambassador Sandra Saenz shares how she navigates the expansive (and sometimes confusing) world of foundations. For Saenz, determining which product to use on clients with sensitive skin begins with a basic understanding of skin types: dry, normal, combination, sensitive, and oily. Read on to learn everything you need to know about foundations for sensitive skin.

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(Image credit: @mishti.rahman)

Here's What to Look for In Foundations

Like any makeup product, the way a foundation looks and feels depends on your skin's characteristics. "Certain people have specific sensitivities to ingredients, so I recommend keeping an eye out for any ingredients that may trigger a reaction," explains Saenz. One quick and easy way to determine your skin type involves looking at your skin after washing it with a mild foaming cleanser and noting any excessive shine, tightness, dryness, or sensitivity. If you have sensitive skin, there are many foundations on the market with formulas chock-full of ingredients you can trust to keep your skin looking and feeling its healthiest.

However, before using any new foundation, it's always good practice to do a patch test on clean skin (take it from a beauty editor whose job often involves testing and reviewing). "If there is no redness, burning, or itching experienced after 24 hours, it should be a good fit," Saenz says. She also recommends opting for samples you can try before deciding to purchase full-sized products. It's a great way to minimize the risk of a reaction while saving money on products that should otherwise be avoided.

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(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

Foundation Formulas Matter

For Saenz, there's one standout product she's used time and time again on clients with sensitive skin: KVD Beauty's Good Apple Full-Coverage Transfer-Proof Vegan Serum Foundation. "Unlike many long-wear foundations, this is formulated without alcohol, which can trigger skin sensitivity," explains Saenz. "It is formulated with nourishing ingredients that help keep skin looking fresh and shine in check, as well as glycerin and vitamin E, which can help sensitive skin." In addition to the aforementioned skin-loving ingredients, it should be noted this foundation's formula also contains a blend of vegan ingredients that deliver full coverage with a lightweight feel.

To upgrade your sensitive-skin makeup routine even more, consider adding a serum for an even more seamless application without causing discomfort to the skin. Ready to learn more? Keep scrolling to discover more about Saenz's favorite foundations and see others I love.

According to Saenz, this KVD Beauty serum foundation works well on anyone with combination or oily skin. It offers full coverage with a natural, skin-like finish and is available in an inclusive range of shades. It also does a great job covering everything from acne scars to hyperpigmentation and provides a smooth, even palette to work with when doing a full-glam look.

Those with sensitive skin or balanced-to-dry skin might prefer a foundation that's more like a creamy balm than a serum. KVD Beauty's Lightweight Full-Cover Cream Foundation Balm provides lightweight and full coverage with key ingredients like apple extract to nourish the skin and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate it.

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(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

More Foundations For Sensitive Skin

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Next up, Makeup Artists Say This Concealer Presses the Delete Button on Dark Circles

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Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.