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I am one of nearly 32 million people in the United States who live with eczema, otherwise known as those blotchy, red, dry patches that typically flare up in between seasons or for no reason at all. Most of the Internet’s advice for treating it is relegated to the skincare realm; more specifically, the rich, creamy hydrators that soothe cracked skin and inflammation without causing even more damage. What we don’t talk about enough is the best makeup for eczema, which also has to be moisture-rich and non-irritating.
In other words, I want to cover my blemishes, but not at the expense of creating new ones or a greasy complexion, courtesy of foundation that’s just a smidge too rich. Thankfully, some of today’s best-selling brands are paying attention to the unique needs of those with eczema-prone skin and most of them are even doctor-approved. Keep scrolling to see mostly affordable finds that dermatologists and beauty pros wouldn’t want to confiscate from your vanity.
Clove + Hallow.
Clove + Hallow Pressed Mineral Foundation
“This finely-milled foundation fuses talc-free powders, minerals, and antioxidants together which is safe for those with sensitive skin. The antioxidant complex contains rosemary, rice bran, and sunflower extracts to hydrate, blur imperfections, and neutralize redness.” – Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD
BBB London.
BBB London Clear Brow Gloss
“For people with eczema, the issue is a compromised moisture barrier and inability to properly shed skin cells which can cause flaky, dry, irritated skin. This can even accumulate around the hairline or eyebrows. I like this brow gloss because it has hydrating properties in addition to being long-wear. It boasts a 14-hour hold for keeping brows in place and has rosemary leaf oil, vitamin E and jojoba oil to nourish the skin underneath the brow hairs.” – Jeannel Astarita, Founder of Just Ageless Body Sculpting & Beauty Lab.
Neutrogena.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
“This foundation make up has a base rich in hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes and smoothes the skin. [This is] especially important in eczema, [when] the skin barrier is disrupted and often dry.” – Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD
Perricone MD.
Perricone MD No Makeup Foundation Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 20
There’s nothing worse than cakey base makeup, especially when you’re attempting to cover imperfections like eczema flare-ups. This lightweight foundation serum gives skin a dose of hydration while giving an all-over flush of color that says I woke up like this.
ILIA.
ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer with Vitamin C
This lightweight, fragrance-free concealer is a favorite of those with especially sensitive and rash-prone skin.
BareMinerals.
BareMinerals Glimmer Eyeshadow
Dry skin shouldn’t keep you from wearing your favorite eyeshadows. This is an editor favorite because of its velvety-smooth texture and rich pigment. Layer for sheer to full color.
Avene.
Avène Mineral Tinted Compact
“This compact foundation has chemical-free sun protection, is fragrance-free, and has emollients to seal in moisture without being greasy, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.” – Dr. Jessie Cheung, MD
LaRoche-Posay.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra
So you’ve picked your go-to formulas, but now you need to get it all off before your snooze. Enter micellar water. We love this formula because it’s super gentle on sensitive skin and doesn’t irritate or leave skin with that undesirable dry feeling.
Physicians Formula.
Physicians Formula Super CC Color-Correction + Care Cream
“This tinted moisturizer with sun protection has only mineral sunscreen ingredients to provide broad, yet non-irritating, coverage.” -Dr. Rachel Cayce, M.D.
Clinique.
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight
You’ll love the way this oil-free highlighter glides on your cheekbones. And the best thing about this creamy formula is that it’s free of irritants, allergens and fragrances so unwanted flare-ups aren’t a concern.
Jane Iredale.
Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush
Don’t sacrifice on flushed cheeks when you can swirl on this mineral-based formula. Not to mention, it comes in five super-flattering shades from petal pink to auburn red.
Isdin.
ISDIN Skin Drops
“One single drop can be mixed with the client’s normal moisturizer to provide incredible coverage. When trying to hide a blemish or discoloration, let the area dry and then reapply as needed to provide excellent coverage.” – Dr. Suneel Chilukuri, MD
