10 of the best foundations for sensitive skin
Emma-Jade Stoddart
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 5 minutes
From how to choose one to the best bases on the block, here’s all you need to know
Finding the right foundation for your skin type can be a tricky task, especially if you have sensitive skin. Prone to irritation, the key is to seek out skin-friendly formulas that provide your desired coverage without causing a reaction.
"Sensitive skin can encompass myriad of different concerns and skin conditions, but I would describe it as skin that’s reactive and easily irritated by environmental factors or things we apply to it," explains Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinics. "Several foundations can contain irritants that can spark flare ups in sensitive skin types."
On a mission to find the skin-friendlist formulas out there? We ask the experts to share their sensitive skin foundation criteria – plus, we round-up 10 of the best foundations for sensitive skin that you can get at Boots.com.
What type of foundation is best for sensitive skin?
"Sensitive skin requires products that are gentle, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic," says Aimee Connolly, make-up artist and founder of Sculpted by Aimee. Both Aimee and Dr Shotter agree that mineral foundations can be a good option. "A mineral foundation formula is a safer choice as it’s less likely to contain harmful ingredients that may cause irritation or a flare-up," says Aimee.
Of course, every skin type is different. "Some ingredients that may cause a flare-up on one type of sensitive skin may work effectively for another," points out Aimee. "It’s easy and safe to avoid well-known irritants in your beauty products, but those with very reactive skin may need to go one step further and really understand their own personal skin likes and dislikes."
Which ingredients should sensitive skin try to avoid?
Depending on how sensitive your skin is, Dr Shotter recommends trying to avoid ingredients like fragrance, "which can also be listed as parfum on your ingredients label". Always opt for fragrance-free rather than unscented, as the former can mean the fragrance is masked rather than absent. Other no-nos are essential oils and salicylic acid, which can irritate.
And when it comes to choosing ingredients that do help? Dr Shotter advises "looking for calming and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera" to help soothe and nourish.
How can you avoid a flare-up?
"If you’re prone to sensitive skin, you probably already know the importance of a patch test when trying a new product," says Aimee.
How do you do a patch test? "Ensure skin is clean and swatch a small amount of the foundation onto the jawline. A 24-hour period is the recommended wait time before you can tell if skin has had a reaction or not."
Want to try before you buy? Drop by one of our Boots counters to see if samples are available. One of our of friendly advisers will be able to help you find your perfect match.
10 of the best foundations for sensitive skin available at Boots
Whether you’re looking for a foundation for dry, sensitive skin, a lightweight base that’s easy to remove (to spare scrubbing delicate skin) or the best foundation for a matte or dewy finish, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 of Team Health & Beauty’s favourites for all budgets and skin tones.
Shop more great foundations for sensitive skin types in our full range.
Best foundation for dry, sensitive skin
Try: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
• Buildable coverage
• Contains vitamin C
• 25 shades
Say buh-bye to dull skin with this luminising, hydrating base that helps a lacklustre complexion look lit-from-within. Light-reflective and lightweight, it conceals and evens skin tone without ever feeling too heavy or caked on. Our top tip? Build it up in thin layers until you reach your desired coverage.
Best mineral foundation
Try: bareMinerals Original Loose Mineral Foundation SPF15
• Size: 8g
• Non-comedogenic
• Dermatologist tested
• Hypoallergenic
• Sheer-to-full coverage
• 30 shades
This lightweight loose powder foundation contains just five ingredients and provides sheer, buildable coverage with a luminous finish. It’s also free from talc and has added UV protection with SPF15. Tick, tick, tick!
Best budget foundation
Try: Rimmel London Kind & Free Moisturising Skin Tint Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Fragrance-free
• Mineral oil-free
• Light-to-medium coverage
• 12 shades
With a lightweight, moisturising formula that’s jam-packed with hydrating heroes (think aloe vera, vitamin E and B5), this skin tint could be a great choice for sensitive skin types. Expect a glowy, natural finish that looks radiant and healthy.
Best long-wear foundation
Try: M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• SPF15
• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Buildable coverage
• 67 shades
Loved by make-up artists and beauty editors alike, M.A.C Studio Fix Foundation creates a soft matte, smooth finish that has great staying power! Suitable for most sensitive skin types, the breathable formula is hydrating, comfortable and can be built up from light-to-full coverage with a brush or fingertips.
Best cream foundation
Try: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50
• Size: 32ml
• SPF50
• Hydrating ingredients
• 14 shades
For a full coverage foundation the serves the redness-prone that doesn’t crease or crack, give this beauty fan favourite a whirl. The moisturising formula, brimming with hydrating hyaluronic acid and collagen, blends in like butter to deliver a smooth, even base. We recommend using a dense, bristled brush to buff this in.
Best foundation for a matte finish
Try: Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15
• Size: 30ml
• SPF15
• Long-wearing formula
• Matte finish
• Oil-free
• 43 shades
If your skin is prone to oil, you'll adore this long-wearing foundation from Bobbi Brown. Laced with humectants and marine sugarcane algae extract, the moisturising formula supports the skin’s barrier, while mineral powders help keep shine in check. Choose between 43 shades, spanning warm and cool undertones, to find your perfect match.
Best foundation for hydration
Try: No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• Medium coverage
• 19 shades
If you’re after a moisturising foundation that delivers breathable, lightweight coverage, then turn your attention to this top-rated pick from No7. Loaded with hydrating grapeseed oil and an active blend of skin goodies (think vitamins A, C and E), the skin-friendly formula delivers a fresh-faced finish and radiant results.
Best foundation for a dewy finish
Try: Sculpted By Aimee Connolly Second Skin Foundation
• Size: 32ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Mineral foundation
• Medium, buildable coverage
• Suitable for vegans
• 30 shades
Enriched with aloe vera oil, lavender and hyaluronic acid, Aimee Connolly’s Second Skin Foundation hydrates and soothes skin while delivering a dewy veil – making it ideal for the sensitivity-prone. Easy to build, it makes customising your coverage supremely simple.
Best foundation for shade range
Try: Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
• Size: 9.1g
• Buildable coverage
• Powder, lightweight formula
• Light to full coverage
• Suitable for all skin types
• Humidity and sweat-resistant
• 50 shades
Ultra-lightweight with buildable coverage, Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation is the perfect matte base for those with sensitive complexions. Three years in the making, the creamy pigments blend in seamlessly without settling into fine lines or pores. Available in 50 shades, there’s a match for everyone.
