As someone with sensitive skin, I am always on the lookout for makeup that calms and improves my skin, rather than aggravating it. Rosacea can be challenging to manage, and sometimes trying to cover it with makeup feels useless. The good news is, with the right skincare and makeup products, rosacea can be easier to deal with.
If you’re trying to find the best makeup for rosacea, my top pick is It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Correcting Cream. It provides full coverage in a moisturizing and cooling cream.
Of course, there are many styles of makeup, and with sensitive skin, there are some things you should consider beyond coverage to select the right makeup for rosacea. Those might include: what triggers your rosacea, what ingredients are in the makeup, your overall skin type, how much coverage you need, and more.
Below, I’ve included my favorite makeup products for rosacea, and included a detailed guide so you understand all these factors and how they might affect your skin.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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Runner-Up  |
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What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition wherein the affected person can blush or flush more than others. The condition often appears as redness and visible blood vessels on the face and on the affected areas. Small bumps can also show up on skin in some cases. The condition can also cause pores to be larger than normal. In some cases, one may also experience a stinging and brushing sensation and even patches of rough and dry skin.
Symptoms vary from one person to another. It’s very important that you keep an eye out for these symptoms and can even opt to consult with a professional to determine whether the redness you experience is indeed rosacea or just your skin being prone to redness as a common reaction.
Rosacea-prone skin and acne can often be hard to distinguish as both skin issues present several similar symptoms. If you aren’t entirely sure which it is you’re suffering from, you should look closely at the symptoms you’re experiencing and even consult with an expert to help you determine which it is and what courses of action you should take.
Causes
Rosacea can affect just about anyone, though it can often appear and develop on middle-aged white women. The skin condition is not only limited to the said group though, so if you don’t belong to the specific group but are suspecting that you might have it, remember to closely check your symptoms.
As for the causes of rosacea, it’s still unknown what exactly causes the skin condition to develop. Though it may not be certain for now, a few things and factors may have an effect on it.
Your genes may be a contributing factor for your rosacea and this can often run in the family. Some environmental factors can also cause it to develop. A mite that lives on our skin is usually harmless, however, when people have more sensitivities than others, it can irritate the skin and cause rosacea.
Treatment and caring
Rosacea is a long-term condition, and sadly, no cures have been found yet. There are, however, ways to cope and care for it so it doesn’t get as bad. There are a number of treatments available to minimize and lessen symptoms like redness and bumps. Some calming products also offer relief from the burning or stinging sensation the condition comes with.
Rosacea can be inactive or flare-up anytime for different reasons and due to many different triggers. It’s very important for someone with rosacea to know what triggers their condition and to develop a skincare routine that can help their skin cope with the symptoms.
If you want to learn more about rosacea and your condition, you can visit the National Rosacea Society at their website here.
Pretty much everyone I know has some form of insecurity one way or another. Skin imperfections and blemishes, though completely natural and normal, can cause insecurity. I have had multiple dark spots, hyperpigmentation, rashes, and scars throughout the years. On my worst days, I sometimes feel like I just want to hide out at home, even if they are just part of life.
Makeup can be a great way to cover up those imperfections and blemishes and feel great. While the changes brought by makeup may not be magic or permanent, they can at least help make quick improvements even if it is temporary.
Plus, makeup for many is fun and part of a hobby that lets them unleash their creativity. And those of us who are dealing with Rosacea definitely shouldn’t be left out of the fun!
The Best Makeup for Rosacea
1. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Correcting Cream – Our Pick!
Our number one favorite makeup for rosacea is the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Correcting Cream! It’s the best rosacea concealer that we’ve come across. With a neutralizing color correcting cream, it helps camouflage any red-toned discoloration that can be caused by rosacea. This also targets discoloration and hyperpigmentation caused by blemishes, irritation, sun damage, age spots, and scars. With this in your routine every time you do your makeup, you are sure to achieve a reduced and lessened appearance of redness and rosacea.
On top of reducing the appearance of redness symptoms brought about by rosacea, this It Cosmetic cream also hydrates and soothes skin affected by symptoms of the condition. With peptides, oatmeal, collagen, aloe, and avoda in its pool of skin-loving ingredients, this works to even out your skin tone and calm skin so that you are more comfortable as you go about your day. This also boasts to be both a full coverage concealer and color-corrector to reduce and lessen multiple and various symptoms.
Users have also lauded this makeup cream for its super blendable formula that provides users with amazing coverage while preventing creasing or cracking throughout the day. This offers a long-lasting finish that is sure to last and maintain its coverage until you say it’s time to go. The color-correcting cream has a thick consistency that allows you not to use too much of the product to achieve great coverage, And although it’s considered thick in consistency, it doesn’t look too thick once worn and isn’t too fake-looking at all.
Having been developed with the clinical insights of plastic surgeons and the expertise of dermatologists, you are sure to get quality results from this makeup cream without sacrificing unwarranted skin reactions and irritations. This tinted cream comes to a natural finish once set and is currently available in 3 shades. Now, if you find a shade that fits your skin tone among the 3 offered, good for you! The shade range, however, has definitely become a con for many looking for more available shades in the range.
With this in your hands as you do your makeup routine, you can rest assured that you are getting your hands on a gentle and calming formula that wouldn’t cause your skin any flare ups or irritations. Though offering a full coverage, this goes on light and is never greasy throughout the day. This can easily be used alone on your bare skin or blended with the rest of your makeup.
Some users noted that this can be quite expensive for a small tub you get for your purchase. But with the fact that you would only need a small amount of product, this can still last you for quite a while. There is also no SPF in its formula so make sure you apply your favorite sunscreen or have your next step in your makeup routine be infused with a good level of SPF to ensure maximum protection from the sun.
Pros:
- Neutralizing color correcting cream
- Visibly reduces red-toned skin discoloration and other skin blemishes
- Hydrates and soothes irritated and sensitive skin
- Full coverage concealer and color correcting cream
- Blendable formula is never cracking or creasing
- Natural finish and long-lasting wear
- Thick consistency overs well without looking and feeling thick
- Formulated with the expertise of dermatologists and plastic surgeons
- Gentle and calming formula is good for sensitive skin
- Goes on light and never greasy
- A little goes a long way
Cons:
- Quite expensive for small tub
- No SPF
2. Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation – Best Full Coverage!
The next item on our list of the best makeups for rosacea and our top choice for the best full coverage is the Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation from beauty brand Dermablend! If what you’re looking for is a makeup that can effectively cover up and camouflage rosacea with its full coverage formula, be sure to check this one out. Having been formulated with high-performance pigments, this allows you to build your desired coverage from medium to full to effectively cover various skin conditions like redness, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and more.
Though offering an impressive buildable full coverage formula, this Dermablend foundation has a flexible liquid texture that never leaves your skin looking cakey or masky. This instead gives your skin a much smoother finish for seamless and easy makeup application. This also boasts of a 16 hour smudge and transfer-resistant wear that is sure to withstand whatever you have ahead of your day. This promises to stay on all day as well so you can end the day with the same quality of foundation you started it with.
Specially formulated for those with dry skin, this provides users with 24 hour hydration for skin-smoothing and comfortable coverage that is sure to last all day. This applies smoothly on skin thanks to its creamy texture for an even and natural-looking finish. Formulated with broad spectrum SPF 25 as well, this ensures that you don’t only cover up any skin imperfections and blemishes but also keep your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays. For people suffering with rosacea, no need to worry as this doesn’t aggravate your symptoms any further.
This Dermablend liquid foundation is currently available in a variety of 15 shades so you can find one that fits your unique skin tone. This has been dermatologist, allergy, and sensitive skin-tested to assure its safety of use even on sensitive skin. The is free from fragrance, SLS, phthalates, and other toxic ingredients as well. The brand itself and the products they put out are proudly PETA-certified cruelty-free and free from any animal-derived ingredients as well. If these things are important factors for you, be sure to check this one out.
Though providing a full coverage formula, you would only need a very little amount of the product and it is sure to spread easily and smoothly. Because this is our pick for the best full coverage foundation for rosacea, some who would prefer a thinner and sheer coverage might find this to be a little too thick, especially if they’re not used to this kind of consistency, so just keep that in mind.
Pros:
- Ideal for full coverage
- Buildable coverage from medium to full
- Skin is not cakey or masky
- Offers a smooth finish for seamless makeup application
- 16 hour smudge and transfer-resistant wear
- Stays on face all day
- Ideal for dry skin
- Provides 24 hour hydration
- Infused with SPF 25 for sun protection
- Doesn’t aggravate rosacea and symptoms
- Available in 15 shades with a natural finish
- No toxic chemicals
- Cruelty-free and no animal-derived ingredients
Cons:
- May be too thick for some
3. PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup – Best Light Coverage!
Our next favorite makeup for rosacea and our number one pick for the best light coverage is the PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup! If what you would prefer is a foundation that offers a light coverage but is still able to cover and camouflage rosacea, you might want to check this one out. A powder foundation, this provides a lightweight wear and promises a no mess application that will not settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Though a powder foundation and with a light coverage, this assures you it will cover rosacea with minimal amount of the product.
With this PÜR powder foundation in your makeup routine, you can rest assured that your skin will end up looking flawless and blended without any signs of redness caused by rosacea. This also works to even out your complexion, camouflaging other signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. If what you’re going for is a ‘no makeup’ makeup while still covering up red-toned redness, go on right ahead with this choice. For anyone worrying for their rosacea symptoms, this is sure to not cause issues or breakouts at all.
A 4-in-1 cosmetic product – foundation, concealer, setting powder, and SPF all in one – this is sure to do wonders for your skin. Infused with SPF 15, you can wear this with an assurance that you are well-protected every time you get out of the house. Also designed with a skincare-infused formula, this is sure to help improve the health of your skin on top of covering and camouflaging. Powered by a mixture of retinol, lactic acid, shea butter, and ceramide, you can rest assured that your skin will be improved from the inside out.
A hypoallergenic and clean powder foundation free from toxic chemicals, you are sure you are only getting the best of the best with this one. This is also free from fragrance, mineral oil, silicones, sulfates, and others for your peace of mind. The brand and its products are also proud to be cruelty-free and have not tested on animals at any production and manufacturing stage. If these are important things for you to consider, you might want to check this out.
This is currency available in a variety of 26 shades to cater to different skin tones. Each offers a natural finish for that subtle finish that is never chalky and obvious. The only downside to this one is that because this is a powder foundation, some might need to reapply more throughout the day more than others to ensure that amazing coverage. There is also no powder applicator or puff included in this package so make sure you get yourself one of those as well.
Pros:
- Ideal for light coverage
- Effectively covers redness and rosacea
- Lightweight and no mess application
- Great for ‘no makeup’ makeup
- SPF 15 for adequate protection
- No aggravated symptoms for rosacea
- Foundation, concealer, setting powder, and SPF all in one
- Improves skin’s health at the same time
- Hypoallergenic and clean makeup
- Free from toxic chemicals
- Cruelty-free brand and makeup
- Available in 26 shades
Cons:
- Some might need reapplication throughout the day
- No powder applicator included
4. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation
The next item on our list of the best makeup for rosacea is the Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation! A healthy and breathable foundation formula, this is sure to cover up and camouflage any redness from rosacea while allowing your skin to breathe underneath all those makeup layers. This formula is also buildable to allow you to build as much as you want to reach your desired coverage to cover blemishes, redness, and other skin imperfections. With this in your makeup routine, you are sure your skin will feel good under the makeup.
Infused with a unique aloe vera base, this has both antibacterial and soothing properties on top of providing amazing coverage. This also works to calm and heal irritated skin, a great choice for those who suffer from rosacea. Having been formulated with SPF 30, you can trust this liquid foundation to protect your skin every day as you step out of the house. Anyone who has been loyal to this foundation can attest that this is very light to wear yet lasts all day long so you wouldn’t have to worry about melting, caking, or fading at all.
With a unique, super-charged oxygen complex, this Oxygenetix foundation stimulates the skin cells to produce and help build collagen and elastin to allow your skin to grow healthier with the healing process sped up as well. This promises to be water and transfer-resistant so it stays on skin all day without any worry. The fresh and light formula of the foundation ensures that your skin not only looks good but also feels good throughout the day. Though light and breathable, this provides great coverage for anyone suffering with rosacea.
This liquid foundation is currently available in 12 shades to fit a variety of skin tones. Each dries to a dewy finish that goes well with all skin types, even sensitive skin. This is formulated free from paraben and fragrance and is certified clean cosmetics. The formula is proudly hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, vegan, and cruelty-free for peace of mind every time you whip this one out for use. If these are important factors for you, make sure to check this one out.
This is on the expensive side though, so make sure you are ready to spend and splurge if you decide to go with this one.
Pros:
- Healthy and breathable foundation
- Covers up redness from rosacea and other skin blemishes
- Aloe vera base provides antibacterial and soothing properties
- Calms and keeps skin healthy
- SPF 30-infused for maximum protection from the sun
- Stimulates skin cell, collagen, and elastin production
- Water and transfer-resistant
- Available in 12 shades
- Dewy finish so skin feels good and comfortable
- Free from paraben and fragrance
- Hypoallergenic, clean, and non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base
Our last favorite makeup item for rosacea is the Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base! A green-tinted oil-free makeup primer, this works to visually correct both reactive redness and rosacea redness. By applying this as your base before the rest of your makeup, redness will be instantly reduced. This goes on tinted green but eventually fades to a transparent finish, and along with it is the red-toned hyperpigmentation you’d want to get rid of. This goes on evenly on skin and you’re sure to look and feel good throughout the day.
Infused with SPF 15, you can trust this Clinique makeup primer to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays on top of color correcting your redness. This is sure to wear long and camouflage your redness throughout the day without any signs of fading or melting. Because this is formulated to be oil-free this never applies heavy or greasy on skin and instead blends with skin and the rest of your makeup effortlessly. For someone suffering with rosacea, you wouldn’t have to worry about this primer aggravating symptoms at all.
Formulated with a blend of antioxidants and anti-irritants in its pool of ingredients, this promises to soothe, calm, and comfort your irritated and sensitive skin. The locabacllus probiotic in its formula also works to support and boost your skin’s natural barrier for better defense against external irritants that may affect your skin and your symptoms. There is a calming herbal scent to this that most users had no problem with as it doesn’t linger on skin for too long.
As our favorite makeup item before this, this Clinique green makeup primer is on the more expensive side as well. But if you’re ready to splurge on your new color correcting primer to visibly lessen the appearance of rosacea-caused redness, go on right ahead with this last item on our list of the best.
Pros:
- Oil-free green makeup primer
- Visibly reduces the appearance of redness
- Goes evenly on skin and sin feels good throughout the day
- SPF 15 for adequate sun protection
- Long-wearing formula that covers redness throughout the day
- Never applies heavy or greasy
- Doesn’t aggravate skin and symptoms
- Sooths, calms, and comforts irritated and sensitive skin
- Boost skin’s natural barrier for better defense
Cons:
- A bit expensive
Makeup Tips for Rosacea-Prone Skin
When it comes to covering rosacea-prone skin with makeup, it’s not only important that you choose the right products. The application process and the steps you take should also be carefully considered.
Skincare first
Before you proceed with applying your makeup, it’s very important that you go through your skincare routine first. This will make sure that your skin is prepped for the rest of your makeup application and that you aren’t trapping any dirt, dryness, or oil underneath layers and layers of makeup.
Calming and soothing
When it comes to makeup products for rosacea, it’s very important that you only choose products that help calm and soothe skin and your rosacea symptoms. Make sure you avoid ones that can aggravate and worsen your condition. Choose only safe and clean products without ingredients that act as irritants for your condition.
Primer and SPF
If you’re dealing with rosacea and the redness caused by the condition, green tinted makeup primers are the way to go. The shade of green works to neutralize the redness and helps them become less visible underneath your makeup.
Though everyone should make SPS a major part of their everydays, it is a more important factor for those with rosacea. SPF helps minimize, lessen, and control rosacea flare-ups caused by sun exposure. Make sure you use a sunscreen with a high enough SPF level to ensure adequate sun protection.
How to Choose the Best Makeup for Rosacea
With so many makeup options to choose from, it can be understood that you are sometimes confused to determine which ones will do your skin and skin condition best. But fear not, we have below some very important things to consider when looking to purchase new makeup for your rosacea-prone skin.
Type of makeup
When looking for new makeup products to add in your routine, it’s very important that you ask yourself the type of makeup you’re looking for. Are you looking for a neutralizing cream or a makeup primer? There are also a vast and variety of options to choose from when you’re looking for concealers, foundations, or pressed powders. Ask yourself what exactly it is you’re looking for and make sure to get the best one in the department.
Skin type
Another important thing you need to keep in mind when looking for your next go-to makeup product is your skin type. Remember, makeup products are formulated to cater to specific skin types. Not everything will work the same for different skin types. If you know what your skin type is, make sure that what you pick is formulated to work best on yours to ensure the best results possible.
Coverage
Different makeup products offer a variety of coverage levels. If what you’re looking to cover is the redness, make sure you get a product that has enough coverage to be able to hide that well. If it’s bumps you’re worried about, make sure to get a makeup product that can even those out for a smoother finish. Consider asking yourself whether you’d want a full coverage or a more light and medium one and make sure you get one along your preference.
Shade
Different makeup products also come in a variety of shades and tones. This is especially important when you’re looking to add a concealer, foundation, or powder. You don’t want to be getting something that’s either too light or too dark for you. And when you’re eyeing a specific product, make sure it’s being offered in a variety of shade options.
Calming and soothing
When you suffer from rosacea, your skin can often feel sensitive or irritated. When choosing your new rosacea makeup products, it’s very important that you choose ones that have amazing calming and soothing properties. This will be comfortable to wear for your skin for however long you need to.
It’s also important that you stay away from products with ingredients that can aggravate and worsen your condition. Always keep in mind to read through the product’s ingredients list to ensure everything is safe for your skin.
Conclusion
Makeup is a great way to camouflage multiple signs of rosacea. By choosing the right products for you and your skin, you are not far away from completely hiding them under makeup.
My number one makeup choice for rosacea is the neutralizing redness color corrector cream – It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Correcting Cream. This also works to hydrate and soothe irritated and sensitive skin as it visibly reduces the appearance of red-toned hyperpigmentation.
PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup is my top pick for someone hoping to achieve a ‘no makeup’ makeup look, due to its lightweight formula that can still cover redness and rosacea!
I hope you found your way to your new favorite rosacea makeup product from our list of favorites and guide above. Be sure to check out our skincare guide, to pair a great skincare regimen with your makeup. To happier and healthier skin!